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Saturday, 19 January 2008 00:00 |
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There are lots of things to say about Barcelona and one could suggest never ending reasons why this cosmopolitan city is worth a visit. Whether it’s the architect and artist Gaudi’s world famous Sagrada Familia
, its ideal location on the Mediterranean, the distinct nightlife or a simple stroll along the promenade Las Ramblas.
The streets of Las Ramblas start at Placa de Catalunya and lead directly to the harbour. The streets are lined with cafes, a great opportunity for a short rest. The people watching, the goings on in the busy streets all add to the wonderful and unparalleled atmosphere. The many street artists and small shops contribute and offer plenty of variety and things to see. Even the buildings around Las Ramblas are impressive, and amongst them the Palau Guell, which was personally constructed by Gaudi.
Continuing further along Las Ramblas one reaches the harbour. Here one can walk along the harbour promenade. The Mediterranean flair of the city is brought to life via the sea air.
The harbour was thoroughly restored and rebuilt in 1992 for the Olympic games which took place in Barcelona, so that today it has a sparkling appearance. At night the area is transformed into another world, as it is here where the Casinos and clubs are located that attract all kinds of night owls into the late hours.
Whoever comes to Barcelona should not deprive themselves of Gaudi’s architecture and his buildings which are scattered across the whole city. Probably the most famous landmark in Barcelona was also created by him: The Sagrada Familia. The gigantic building is unfinished today, its still missing most of its towers, which reach up to heaven. One of the towers can be climbed. The reason construction work has not yet been completed is that it has been financed by donations and is still being financed. Construction began at the end of the 19th Century, the intended completion date of the church is the year 2026, the hundred year anniversary of Gaudi's death.
For arts lovers the city offers a trip into the extensive art scene. The options are diverse, from street artists to unmissable buildings to the many different museums that the city has to offer.
To start off with the National Art Museum of Catalonia is recommended. It embraces different types of art from drawings, engravings, paintings, sculptures, to photography and coins, exhibits from the Roman era to the middle of the 20th Century are all to be seen here. Therefore a longer stop is recommended. The art museum is located in Palau Nacional, in the Parc de Montjuic.
Also worth seeing is the Picasso Museum, where the works of the world famous artist and painter are exhibited. The extensive collection was partly left to the museum by Picasso himself in 1970. It displays valuable work by the master. The Picasso Museum is located in the Motcada Road 15-23. It is well worth a visit.
The Museum of Modern Art has put its focus elsewhere. It holds a collection of contemporary art that begins in about the year 1950. It is situated in the Plaça dels Angels 1 and combines well with a trip to the previously mentioned promenade Las Ramblas. Have fun!
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