People travel to Barcelona for many different reasons. Some go for the food and culture; others go for the beaches and nightlife. However, if you have even a small interest in architecture, then Barcelona is the ideal vacation destination for you. With literally hundreds of examples of different styles of architecture dotted all over the city, you will often find that you completely miss what is happening at ground level as you spend all of your time looking upwards. If you have never thought of visiting this great city before, read on for a list of the best architecture spots in Barcelona.
No visit to Barcelona would be complete without a visit to the most famous architecture spot La Sagrada Familia. Known worldwide as Gaudi’s most famous work, it is breathtaking to behold as it towers up into view. This basilica is still unfinished to this day and it has to be said that it is not to everyone’s taste. But even if you are one of those that don’t like it, you cannot help but marvel at the work that has gone into it.
The Casa Lleo Morera was designed by Lluis Domenech i Montaner and is a fantastic example of the architecture from that period. This block is actually one of three that make up the Block of Discord or the Illa de la Discordia. Make sure that you walk the whole way around it to get a real picture of how stunning the building actually is. While at the Block of Discord make sure that you check out the Casa Amatller, which is the second of the three and was designed by Catalan architect Josep Puig Cadafalch. This will give you a chance to see a real contrast.
The Santa Maria Del Mar Church is located in the heart of the city’s most attractive pedestrian area and is a delight to visit on a sunny day. The building has some beautiful stained glass windows that draw in the light from the sun and create amazing shapes and colours on the vaulted ceiling of the church, which create a feeling of peace and tranquility. The outside of the building is also very beautiful and a definite photo opportunity.
Another building that is famous for its stained glass is the Paulau de la Musica Catalana. This time the building has a stained glass cupola that tends to cause visitors to stop and gaze upwards at the magnificent glass work. The building itself was created with many busts of sculptors as part of the walls. See how many composers you can name as you wander round.
Josep Puig i Cadafelch was responsible for many of the great architecture spots in Barcelona and the Caixa Forum is quite possibly one of the greatest. Originally a textile factory, the building has been preserved and is now home to a superb art gallery that houses some wonderful examples of Art Nouveau. Inside the gallery there is also an exhibition dedicated to the building itself and the other works of this very clever Catalan Architect.
So, there you have some of the best architecture spots in Barcelona. These are some of the more famous, although there really are too many to list here. The great thing about Barcelona though is that no matter where you are, you will find plenty of examples of great architecture through the ages. So, don’t hesitate but book your hotel Barcelona now and have the trip of your life.