Nestled on the northeast Mediterranean Sea coast of Spain, lies the ancient and great city of Barcelona. Although born of the Roman Empire, and not really blossoming until the mid nineteenth century, Barcelona has managed to retain its old world charm while seamlessly integrating many exciting elements of the modern age.
Remnants of the old Roman architecture are still in evidence. Part of an aqueduct in the Barri Gotic or gothic quarter is still standing, as are some of the streets. However, unlike Rome itself, the majority of the older buildings date back to the time that gives the area its name. Many of the famed churches in Barcelona, such as the world famous La Seu, were born in the medieval years.
Parc Guell Barcelona
The late nineteenth and early twentieth century is very much alive and well in this artistic city, thanks to Antonio Gaudi and his patrons. Park Guell and the Sagrada Familia are two notable examples, although there are numerous others including the Casa Milà. Even the lampposts outside the Pla de Palau show the characteristic touch of this unique artist.
Arc De Triomf Barcelona
However, Gaudi has hardly been alone in forming the great buildings and monuments of Barcelona. The Arc de Triomf, built for the 1888 Universal Exhibition, is an outstanding case in point. Although not as famous as the Parisian structure of that name, it is no less a thing of beauty. The numerous sights of Cituadella Park, Montjuic, and other areas of the city offer still more examples of the great things to see here.
The whole range of art throughout these centuries is on display at the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya or MNAC. Here, visitors can find examples of objects from the Romanesque period (early 11th century) and continuing through the turn of the century, works drawn from all over Catalonia.
Barcelona is a city of modern as well as old, with the Poble Espanyol and numerous other famed structures, being built for the International Exhibition in 1929. This collection of over one hundred buildings was drawn from every style in Spain. Besides being able to see the complete range of Spanish residential architecture in a single location, you can shop, dine and dance to your hearts content.
La Boqueria - Mercat de Sant Josep
If you are seeking a fine combination of food and civic art, you could do no better than a visit to La Boqueria, the Mercat de Sant Josep, or St. Joseph's Market. Housed in a stellar 19th century structure, there are literally dozens of produce stalls offering every variety of native fruit and vegetable you can imagine. Then when it is time for a rest, why not sample one of the several superb tapas bars, such as Pinotxo.
Once you are refreshed and recharged, head out to the Barcelona Zoo or the Aquarium at Port Vell. Alternatively, if you want a stunning and unforgettable view of the entire city of Barcelona, head to the top of Montjuic. No matter where you go in this excellent city, you will be presented with some of the finest things to see and do anywhere in Europe.
