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Barcelona is the second
largest city in Spain and the heart of Catalonia. It
is one of the most visited cities in Europe, mostly
due to its eclectic architecture and art. We have
visited 3 times and find new delights each time.
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The heart of the city is Plaça
Catalunya, where the old city and the 19th century Eixample
meet.
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A
mosaic by Joan Miro decorates Las
Ramblas, the popular pedestrian street that runs from Plaça
Catalunya to Port Vell.
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The Catalonian Art Museum (MNAC) has a
marvellous collection of art dating from the Roman period up
to Impressionism.
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The MNAC patio affords
a view towards the Plaça d'Espanya
and the bullfighting ring which has been converted to a
shopping mall.
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The Arc de Triumph and nearby Parc
de la Ciutadella were developed for the Universal Exhibition
of 1888.
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Wandering the streets
of the historic Gothic quarter reveals delightful sights.
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The Picasso Museum in El Born has more
than 4000 pieces from his formative years.
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Santa Maria del Mar church in the
Ribera district was built during the Aragon kingdom in the
mid-1300s.
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The Barcelona Cathedral was built
between the 13th to 15th centuries. The square in front is a
gathering place for festivals.
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You can climb to the cathedral roof
for a view of the old and new cityscape.
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There are 1800 public fountains in
Barcelona. Originally a water source, they are now
decorative.
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Many works of beautiful public art can
be found throughout Barcelona.
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Along Las Ramblas are fascinating
store fronts such as this one for a former umbrella shop.
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A vibrant waterfront
runs from Port Olímpic to Parc
del Fòrum.
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Located in a
traditional fishing village, Barceloneta Beach is
Barcelona's oldest public beach.
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The Olympic Stadium was built for
the 1936 Olympics which were cancelled due to the Civil War.
It was renovated for the 1992 Games.
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Atop Montjuïc
Hill lie Olympic Plaza and Montjuïc
Communication Tower.
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