What to see in Barcelona
Inside this area there are typical examples of ornate gothic designs and architecture from the 14th and 15th Centuries such as the Palau Real , built on the ruins of the Roman settlement of Barcino. The Museu d'Historia de la Ciutat contains artefacts and excavations of Roman streets found in 1931 beneath the palace. The Catedral de la Seu was built between the 13th and 15th Centuries, expanding on the design set by the French. The intricate carvings and detailing both inside and outside add to the impressive character. Plaça Sant Jaume is the political heart with the Palau de la Generalitat facing the Catalan government building, both Modernista style buildings.
This is the name given to the wide pedestrian strip leading down from Plaça de Catalyuna to the water front and the statue of Columbus. Rather than have the cars drive down the centre they are relegated to the edges and the public get to walk among the many flower stalls, pet stalls, newsagents, cafes and restaurants. Locals still take their 'promenade' in the early evening and during the summer months world class street performers entertain local and tourist alike.
The entrance to the city food market is capped by an ornate modernista stained glass design, matched only in colour by the dazzling array of produce inside. Fresh fish, fruits, vegetables, meats, confectionary and bread cascade across the interior adding to the heady mix of flavours and scents. Open Monday-Saturday 8am-8pm.
Plaça Reial is known as the melting pot of the city where tourists, locals, street performers all gather to people watch, eat, drink and talk. The square is decorated with a fountain and Anton Gaudi's first public commissions of two lampposts made in 1878 , typical examples of the Art Nouveau movement and its aim to subvert all pre-existing ideas by using curves, colour and odd angles.
Another attractive wide square that attracts various groups including the children's dancing lessons on Saturday morning, the retired gents solving the problems of the world and of course the pigeons. The square represents the centre of the Catalyuna state, with its own language (Catalan) and self governance, but not independent of the rest of Spain.
Three distinct designs by three of Barcelona's founding fathers of 19th C Modernista architecture. Casa Amatller (#41) was designed by Puig I Cadafalch and shows Islamic influences from Spain's Moorish past while Casa Batlló (#43) reflects Gaudi's desire to portray nature in form, there are virtually no straight lines and the house takes on a dragon like shape with the roof imitating scales. Montaner's Lleo Morera at #35 combines elements of renaissance styling partnered with Gothic and Greek decoration, adding to the architectural confusion - hence the name 'Apple' (Block) of Discord. Sadly they are not open to the public but worth a look anyway.
The Quarry (La Pedrera) is the common nickname gifted to this apartment building but the inspiration comes from the sea. Once again Gaudi has dispensed with straight lines and let the flow of nature take over, giving the overall impression of sand, seaweed and wind. There are guided tours (€7) of the building including museum rooms about Gaudi's life and occasionally there are free temporary art exhibitions to allow closer examination of the interior.
Gaudi dedicated the latter half of his life to the design and creation of this church dedicated to the Holy Family, even living and sleeping on site. After his tragic death in 1926 the public donations continued to fund the epic construction creating controversy over whether to follow his organic vision to completion. The building still continues today funded by the thousands of visitors that come every year. Original plans lost during the Civil War have resulted in additional architects adding their own interpretations to the overall design presenting an eclectic architectural array. Open daily 9am-6pm (Oct-Mar), 9am-8pm (Apr-Sep), admission €8. lift €2
Another popular attraction is this Museum dedicated to the unique works of Picasso. The collections include sketches and early works from childhood right through to his Blue and Rose periods, and some examples of his move into Cubism. Open 10am-8pm Tuesday-Sunday, admission Museum €6, temporary exhibition €5 or combined €8.50.