Some of the Major Sites of Barcelona

Without a doubt, my most favorite site in all of Barcelona is the magnificent Sagrada Familia. More formally called the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família, or "Expiatory Temple of the Holy Family", this is a mind-boggling structure that is one of kind in all the world. Still under construction, the lifts and cranes have become part of the site itself and add to the amazing history of the church.

Originally begun in 1882 by architect Villar, the very next year it was handed over to Barcelona's pride, designer and architect Antoni Gaudi. Still unfinished, the Sagrada Familia is not set to be completed until at least 2026. As it is a privately funded Catholic church, completion depends on numerous factors, namely the money raised to finish it. Gaudi spent the last years of his life on the site working at pain-staking measures to translate the designs in his head to paper and finally to the actual building. He lost his life in an unfortunate accident in 1926 as he was hit by a tram in the city, now buried in the Sagrada Familia, architects to this day are still sorting through his designs to try and complete his dream.

One is immediately struck at the size and just plain weird exterior. Almost looking like dripping, dirty stone, some people are completely turned off by this building. I heard many passer-byers say something like "that's the ugliest thing I've ever seen"...but not me. I was completely enthralled and couldn't wait to see more. Athough I could have examined the outside for hours, I paid the entrance fee, rented an audio guide (highly recommended), and continued inside.

What I saw then, took my breath away. Enormous pillars of different stones raising the ceiling like giant tree trunks, a branching-out effect at the top of the pillars which expanded into a canopy of sunburst designs. Still very neutral in color in the interior, bursts of amazingly, whimsical shaped stained glass windows surprised me as I turned corners or peeked out behind a pillar. Even the stacks of building materials and the whir of machinery added to the atmosphere...the knowledge that we were there during the making of this masterpiece.

The attached museum shows much about the history of the temple, plus hold models of some of Gaudi's designs. (Entrance is included with the church ticket). Gaudi was very much influenced by nature, and this becomes plainly obvious walking through the museum and church. Even the tops of the towers of the exterior hold piles of colorful fruit sculptures.

One can spend hours here and never see it all, or find all the fun little details on the walls, towers, doors, and ceiling...but however long you can spare during your trip to Barcelona, plan on spending a bit of time at the Sagrada Familia. Whether or not you find it beautiful or ugly, you won't deny it's grandeur and genius design.

• http://www.sagradafamilia.cat/
• Open 9am - 6pm (Oct - Mar), 9am - 8pm (Apr - Sept)
• General admission : 11euro, Elevator ride to upper levels 2euro, Audio guide 4euro, Guided tours available at varying fees
• Entrance on Passion Facade side, C. Sardenya
• Metro stops L2, L5 : Sagrada Família

A show that has been entertaining specators since 1929, the Magic Fountains of Montjuic is a great ting to witness during a visit to Barcelona...not to mention, it's free! This was our very first stop the evening we arrived in the city, and after taking the metro to the large Placa d'Espanya, we walked towards the glowing fountains with great anticipation.

Designed for the Great Universal Exhibition in 1929 by Carles Buigas, these fountains still are a grand display that people of all ages enjoy to watch. One will find just as many locals out enjoying the show as tourists, as it's such a beautiful way to spend an evening in this Spanish town. Located between the Placa d'Espanya and the regal National Museum of Art of Catalunya, the fountains line the Avinguda de la Reina to the bottom of the hill called Montjuic.

Combining lights, water, music, and motion in a highly entertaining and choreographed show, the Magic Fountains are a sight to behold. The musical accompaniment which are blasted through speakers around the area ranges from classical to modern, soundtracks to rock opera. As we approached the show we heard the themesong to E.T. accompanying the dancing water and light show. The next musical selection was the Star Wars theme and we watched the finale with a song about Barcelona sung by none other than the lead singer of Queen, Freddie Mercury.

Occurring in the weekend evenings of the winter, and later into the night during summer, this show lasts about 30 minutes and is repeated throughout the showtimes. So if you happen to be in Barcelona during the days that the Magic Fountains display their glory, be sure to make a stop! You won't regret it.


• Between National Museum of Art of Catalunya and Placa d' Espanya
• Metro stops Green Line, L3 and Red Line, L1: Placa Espanya
• Performances 7pm-10:30pm (Fri, Sat during Oct - Apr), 9pm - 11pm (Thu - Sun during May - Sept)
• Free admission

Located on the Carmel hill in the northwestern part of the city, Park Guell is a stunning example of architecture and gardens intertwined. It's one of the must-see visits during a stay in Barcelona, and one can easily spend a day here among all the creative components of this park. Free admission is a plus - so get ready, pack a picnic, and head up to the hill overlooking the city.

Commissioned by Eusebi Guell who was deemed a "Count", this park was originally intended to be a type of housing development for the upper class. Barcelona's famed architect and designer, Antoni Gaudi was hired to put this magic touch on the vision for the plans, and he ended up working on it from 1900 - 1914. But out of the initial 60 house sites planned, only 2 were ever built. After a complete real estate failure, the city of Barcelona bought the property in 1922 to turn it into a public park instead. (Lucky for us!)

Although entrance is free, there are a few tours offered for a fee, and also a ticket is required to visit one of the houses on the property, which is where Gaudi lived for a while. When we visited, we didn't go inside the house, but instead found plenty to do around the outside paths throughout the park. The design is one that is unlike anyother park in the world. Almost invoking a sense of whimsy and fantasyland, the wavy, colorful shapes throughout the park make one feel like a child.

Colorful dragon sculptures, tiled frogs, wavy mosaic benches, and organic stone pillars resembling tree trunks all are part of the creation of Guell Park. The view over the city is unparalleled from the open terrace of the park, and although hundreds of visitors may be in the area at one time, it's so spacious that it never feels too crowded.

For those looking for a nature getaway from the city streets, those interested in interesting architecture, art-lovers, or just tourists wanting to check out the popular sites, Park Guell is one of Barcelona's must-see spots!

• Metro stop Green Line, L3: Lesseps, then 200m walk uphill
• Open daily 10am - 7pm
• Free admission

Probably the best example of Catalan Gothic style architecture, the Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar, or "Saint Mary of the Sea" is a beautiful church and worth a visit. Located in the Barri Gotic quarter of the center of Barcelona, this church must be experienced from the inside to appreciate it's splendor.

Building began in 1324 over an old Roman cemetery which was in the 14th century, buried and unknown. Taking over 55 years to complete, it was finally named after its proximity to the sea and the patrons which included many merchants and sailors. Still a popular place of worship today with many classes of people, one will see many parishioners praying and lighting candles during a visit inside.

Some say that Anton Gaudi, Barcelona's most famous modern architect, was inspired by the extremely tall pillars inside the basilica and used the idea in his still unfinished Sagrada Familia. Besides the towering ceiling once you step inside, you'll probably notice the starkness of not much color. The neutral, barren stone work of most of the interior arches and naves induces a sense of simplicity of worship here. Just a few colorful stained glass windows add anything to the contrary.

Before visiting this church, we'd heard that it was one of the very popular places for weddings, and true to form, there was a wedding in progress when we entered. Because the space is so large, private wedding parties can be held towards the front, while visitors mingle around the outskirts. The ceremony was nearing and end and we were excited to witness the recessional and gathering outside and the guests threw confetti and bits of colorful pieces of paper were launched into the air while a band played celebratory music.

Definitely worth a visit, Santa Maria del Mar is a gem of gothic architecture in the heart of this Barcelonian gothic district.

• Montcada, Barri Gotic
• Free admission
• Open daily 9am-1:30pm, 4:30pm-8pm
• Service on Sun 1pm

Two buildings by Barcelona's famed architect and designer, Antoni Gaudi lie within blocks of each other and are noted stops for visitors of all ages while in the city. The Casa Batilo and Casa Mila (La Pedrera) are both located on Passeig de Gracia and are two of the most noted pieces of Gaudi's work besides the Sagrada Familia and Park Guell.

This section of the boulevard Passeig de Gracia which contains both buildings is known as the Mancana de la Discòrdia, or "Block of Discord". Named for the discourse of several modern buildings, both with each other and with the buildings around them. Visitors can enjoy the large sidewalks along the avenue with the decorative street lights and tree-line paths, while passing the works of three noted architects including Gaudi, Cadafalch, and Montaner.

Casa Batilo was build in 1877, but restored by Gaudi in 1905. The exterior resembles bones and skeletal forms to many, and even if this wouldn't be the description you'd choose, it definitely is a unique facade by any means. As in true Gaudi form, nature remained his primary influence, as he chose colors from the sea and coral for the mosaic like exterior. Designed for a wealthy aristocrat, it now is a public museum, and is highly praised by architects worldwide for the attention to detail, unique forms, and strange usages of organic shapes.

Casa Mila, is also known as La Pedrera (meaning "quarry") because of the stone-like and rocky form. Originally built as apartments between 1906-1910, now this unique building is a public museum. The exterior is one of Gaudi's most recognized piece of work, and although plain in colors and adornments, is rich with strange wavy shapes and whimsical rooftop chimneys. Located on a corner, this building is shaped so that each space during the day gets at least a little bit of sunlight. Supposedly though, one of the reasons it didn't work as an apartment building, was because renters couldn't place their furniture because of each room's odd shape.

Just a walk along the Block of Discourse to view the exteriors of these buildings in an experience in itself, but if you've save up enough euros for the entrance fees, then by all means, take the trips inside...another world awaits you there.

CASA BATLLO
• http://www.casabatllo.es/
• Casa Batlló, No.43 Passeig de Gràcia
• Metro stop Green Line, L3: Passeig de Gràcia
• Admission fee: 17.50euros
• Open daily 9am - 8pm

CASA MILA (La Pedrera)
• http://www.lapedreraeducacio.org/flash.htm
• Passeig de Gràcia, No.92
• Metro stop Green Line, L3: Diagonal
• Admission fee: 9.50euros
• Open daily 9am - 6:30pm (winter), 9am - 8pm (summer)