The coastal city of Barcelona is a true masterpiece. With its effortless mix of breathtaking architecture, cuisine, and streets filled with a pleasant chaos, the capital of Catalonia is more than a cosmopolitan metropolis – it's a work of art.
Barcelona blends timeless architecture that traverses all eras of the city’s 2 000-year history. Architect Antoni Gaudí’s avant-garde flair highlights the Catalan region’s unique culture with eccentric buildings that can’t be found elsewhere. His major works lie within walking distance of the city centre, including the Basílica de la Sagrada Família – Barcelona’s crown jewel. The foundation stone of this church was laid in 1882. Gaudí worked on the basilica until his death in 1926, but the project is still ongoing today, exceeding the length of time it took to build the Egyptian pyramids.
After viewing Barcelona’s elegant modernism, breathe in the fresh air at the Parc de la Ciutadella, an 18-hectare oasis. This 19th-century park is home to the Parliament of Catalonia and the Barcelona Zoo. Gaudí designed the hydraulics of the impressive two-tier Cascada Monumental found in this revitalising green space.
Barcelona restricts traffic with the use of superblocks. These are areas where cars cannot travel, allowing nature to thrive and people to roam. Stay on foot to explore La Rambla, once a river canal and now Barcelona’s most famous boulevard. It extends for over one kilometre through the city centre and is lined with an exciting host of tapas bars and trinket boutiques. La Rambla is the place of movie sets, street performers, and the La Boqueria Market where you can find an abundance of locally-produced fresh food.
Barcelona is an ornate fantasy of beguiling architecture and artistic history. Walk through this ancient city with its kaleidoscopic facades and breezy atmosphere. It’s nothing if not a feast for the eyes.
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