Architecture
The Barri Gotic ("Gothic Quarter" in Catalan) is the centre of the old city of Barcelona. Many of the buildings date from medieval times, some from as far back as the Roman settlement of Barcelona. Catalan modernisme architecture (often known as Art Nouveau in the rest of Europe), developed between 1885 and 1950 and left an important legacy in Barcelona
Gaudi architecture, including the Parc Güell, the still unfinished Sagrada Família and the houses; La Pedrera/Casa Milà and La Casa Batllo.
The Ruta del Modernisme. Takes you round all the best Modernisme (art nouveau) buildings in Barcelona. The main part of the route can be walked in a couple of hours, providing you don't stray too far from the main routes.
La Pedrera (Casa Mila), Hosts a large exposition of Gaudi works, covering Sagrada Familia and Casa Batlio, not only La Pedrera itself.
Güell Park (Parc Güell). This is on a hill overlooking Barcelona, so expect a relatively steep walk to the top (Lesseps metro station, then follow arrows which are met every 300 m); you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of the whole city.
Sagrada Família, most impressive thing is to see Sagrada Família at night with lights on, this is the time when you understand why people say that it is built of bones
La Casa Batllo is equally as stunning with its unique architecture and infamous two ornamental pillars in the entrance to the terrace.
Non-Gaudi modernisme:
Casa Amatller,by Puig i Cadafalch, is a fine work of Modernisme
The Barri Gotic ("Gothic Quarter" in Catalan) is the centre of the old city of Barcelona. Many of the buildings date from medieval times, some from as far back as the Roman settlement of Barcelona. Catalan modernisme architecture (often known as Art Nouveau in the rest of Europe), developed between 1885 and 1950 and left an important legacy in BarcelonaGaudi architecture, including the Parc Güell, the still unfinished Sagrada Família and the houses; La Pedrera/Casa Milà and La Casa Batllo.
The Ruta del Modernisme. Takes you round all the best Modernisme (art nouveau) buildings in Barcelona. The main part of the route can be walked in a couple of hours, providing you don't stray too far from the main routes.
La Pedrera (Casa Mila), Hosts a large exposition of Gaudi works, covering Sagrada Familia and Casa Batlio, not only La Pedrera itself.
Güell Park (Parc Güell). This is on a hill overlooking Barcelona, so expect a relatively steep walk to the top (Lesseps metro station, then follow arrows which are met every 300 m); you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of the whole city.
Sagrada Família, most impressive thing is to see Sagrada Família at night with lights on, this is the time when you understand why people say that it is built of bones
La Casa Batllo is equally as stunning with its unique architecture and infamous two ornamental pillars in the entrance to the terrace.
Non-Gaudi modernisme:
Casa Amatller,by Puig i Cadafalch, is a fine work of Modernisme