Excursion vacation in Spain. Barcelona - Catalonia Pearl

What to see in Barcelona? Where to start, how to catch everything and how not to get lost in this huge beautiful city?

Where to begin? Catalonia area

If you do not know where to start examination of Barcelona, \u200b\u200bfeel free to go to the Catalonia Square (Placa de Catalunya). In the architectural and historical sense, the Catalonia area is not the most outstanding place in Barcelona. But it can rightfully be considered the main area of \u200b\u200bthe capital of Catalonia.

The most popular tourist routes begin from here, the most famous historical streets diverge from the squares, the largest number of shops and souvenir shops are located here, intercity buses often arrive here, and the Passeig de Gracia station is located very close.

Previously, the Catalonia Square was noteworthy of huge flocks of manual pigeons, which flown here to feed from all over Barcelona. But recently, the Barcelona city hall considered that the pigeons have too spoil the aesthetic appearance of the architectural ensemble of the square, in addition, they are unsafe for people's health, so recently there are few pigeons in the square.

Home Street Barcelona Rambla

Rambla (Rambla) is the most famous Barcelona Street. It stretched from Catalonia Square to the monument to Columbus. The street is a pedestrian area along which there are many souvenir shops, flower shops and cafes. In the evenings there are many street artists, musicians and artists.

In the Middle Ages, Rambla was a trading street adjacent to the city where the inhabitants of the surrounding villages were traded. Rambla consists of five sites, each of which has its own history and sights.

The site, closest to the Catalonia area, is called Rambla Canaletes (germs Boulevard), and is notable for the fact that the old fountain with drinking water has been preserved here. He enjoys great success among tourists. There is a sign on the fountain, promising everyone who tries this water, eternal love for Barcelona and an indispensable repeated trip here.

Followed by Rambla Dels Estudis.. In the Middle Ages, there was a local university here, which in the XVIII century was transferred to another place, and the name was assigned to the boulevard. Now the Boulevard has the current Church and the Polyarama Theater, which is a world -class scene.

Rambla de Les Flors (Flower Boulevard) It is known for the fact that the famous Boker market, which has existed since the 13th century, is the main market of Barcelona, \u200b\u200bworthy of a separate excursion. The market is named after the old city gates of Bokers, near which the main fair of medieval Barcelona unfolded.

The next site - Rambla Dels Caputxins (Rambla Capucinov) - Named after the monastic order of the branch of the Franciscans. On this segment you will find the Grand Prix of Liseo, in which opera singers and symphonic groups of the world level often perform. Also here is the oldest Principal Theater in Spain, in which you can listen to a concert of chamber music or watch the performances of local artists.

Rambla de Santa Mònica (St. Monica Boulevard) - The last part of the medieval ramp, adjacent to Portal de la Pau (Gates of the World), on which the monument to Columbus stands. It was on this square that the kings of Aragon took Columbus after the first legendary discovery of America.

Gothic quarter of Barcelona

This is the oldest part of Barcelona. Within the borders of the Gothic quarter of Barcelona, \u200b\u200bit developed from the moment of founding in the 1st century BC until 1860. All this time, citizens were officially forbidden to build houses outside the fortress wall, and in the old borders everything was built up in the Middle Ages, so the architecture of the Gothic quarter is so significantly different from the surrounding areas.

People of medium and low prosperity live here, in some corners of the quarter you should not appear at night, and the main attractions are concentrated within 3-4 streets in the center of the district.

What should you see in the Gothic quarter?

Santa Maria del Pi

The Church of Santa Maria De Santa María del Pí). It is quite easy to find if you go to the Gothic quarter along the Carrer del Cardenal Casanas Street (it begins near the "House of Umbrellas" opposite the exit from the Liceu metro station).

This is a typical temple of the era of the early Middle Ages, although it was rebuilt several times due to damage received during wars and earthquakes

New Square (PLACA NOVA)

The next point - New Square (PLACA NOVA). From the church, Carre de la Palla leads to it. Placa Nova is the main square of the old Barcelona. The new square was named back in 1358, when residents began development around the ancient Roman settlement of Barsino.

On PLACA NOVA there was the central market of medieval Barcelona, \u200b\u200bon which everything was sold, including slaves. Plass Nueva is notable for the fact that on the small in size of the area, different historical eras literally grown into each other.

Here you can see the remains of Roman fortress towers - the northern gates of Barsino and a fragment of aqueduct, according to which water was supplied to the city. Very interesting Archdikon House (Casa de L‘ Ardiaca) - Behind the outwardly unremarkable wall lurks the courtyard, which amazes with its beauty and an abundance of interesting historical details.

Here on Pla de la Seu there is the main Catholic temple of Barcelona - The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and St. Elalia (La Catedral de la Santa Cruz Y Santa Earlia)named after a 14-year-old local Christian girl who martyrs martyr at the hands of the Romans during the time of Barcino.

The Square of St. Felip Neri

Another interesting place nearby is square Felipe Neri (Plaça de Sant Felip Neri). It is easy to find if you move from the new square along the Carrer del Bisbe street (the street begins right between the two old Roman towers).

After 50 meters there will be a small area of \u200b\u200bthe heroes of the war of 1811. In the square, you need to turn right into the allery of Carrer de Montjuic del Bisbe, which will lead you to Felipe Neri Square. This is a typical medieval area not touched by time. There is also a very interesting museum of medieval shoes.

King Square (Placa del Rei)

Be sure to look at King Square (Placa del Rei)Where the residence of the kings of Aragon is located (the so-called Catalonia and the regions of Spain and France adjacent to it in 1035-1707). Many local residents consider the king's area one of the most beautiful places in the Gothic quarter. The area is easy to find if you walk along the Carrer Dels Comtes street from the main entrance to the Cathedral of St. Elalia (the street begins to the left of the main entrance) to its end and turn left.

Square Yakov (Placa Sant Jaum)

Not far from the King Square is another old square - square Yakov (Placa Sant Jaum). It was the center of the ancient Roman city of Barcelo, here was the forum and the residence of the Roman governor. Now the City Hall of Barcelona and the Palace of the Government of Catalonia are located on the square. From St. Yakov Square, you can return to Rambla along Carrer de Ferran Street.

Museum of wax figures of Barcelona

Museum of wax figures (Museu de Cera) - These are not only wax copies of the eternal characters of our time and recent history. The museum exposition has unique installations, recreating the life and appearance of the inhabitants of the bygone eras - from Cro -Magnons to the present day.

A team of the most serious historians worked on the museum’s exposition, so all the details to the smallest details are precisely in accordance with historical documents. The museum also has a medieval torture camera, the banking department of the 1930s, a gallery of the greatest criminals of history and fictional characters from mermaids to Master Yoda from Star Wars.

At the museum there is a very unusual cafe, the interiors of which recreate a real fairy -tale forest, and the noise of foliage, birds singing and very realistic figures of gnomes and mermaids make the place simply fantastic.
The museum is located at the end of Rambla St. Monica at Passadge de la Blanca 7

Old port and Barcelonet

The old port begins with the Square of the World (Portal de la Pau)On which the monument to Christopher Columbus is erected, and the old port exchange building is located. On this square, the rulers and the nobility of Aragon triumphantly met a sailor after the opening of the New World.

Port Vell (Old Port) - the area located between the Statue of Columbus and the small Rybatsky district of Barcelonet. DRASSANES - the nearest metro station to the Port Vel district. From Rambla to the old port leads a small bridge of an unusual curved shape Rambla del Mar.

The main tourist facilities of the old port - maremagnum shopping complex (Maremagnum) and Aquarium Barcelona (L’Aquàrium de Barcelona) - One of the largest aquariums in Europe, in the exposition of which all the aquatic ecosystems of the planet are represented - from Arctic to equatorial latitudes.

Maremagnum is a convenient place to relax after a walk on the ramp, there are many small cafes and restaurants for every taste, there is McDonald's, a children's play area inside the complex, IMAX cinema.

Barceloneta (Barceloneta) - A very beautiful and calm residential area, popular among tourists in the summer. Many students and young families live in Barcelonet. The most popular mode of transport here is bicycles that can be rented right on the street.

Here it is worth visiting the Museum of the History of Catalonia, in which there are unique interactive exhibits of the Middle Ages: you can crush the grain in the old wooden mortar or take up the signs. Also in Barcelonet are excellent beaches and embankments, in the summer it is quite crowded.

From the Tower of St. Sebastian (San Sebastian), you can ride a funicular to Mount Montjuik (Telefèric de Montjuïc). Absolutely amazing views of the city and the old port are opened from the funicular cab.

Football stadium Camp-NOU

In no case can fans of football bypass the visit to the football stadium of the Camp Nou. This is one of the most grandiose stadiums in Europe and the home platform of the Barcelona football team. Here is the Museum of the Barcelona football club - one of the most visited by Barcelona museums. The nearest metro stations to the stadium: Palau Reial and Badal

The area of \u200b\u200bEshample

L’Example area First of all, it is famous for its architecture. This is a residential area, the development of which began only 150 years ago, when the Barcelona authorities finally decided to demolish the old city walls and allow citizens to build houses outside the Gothic quarter (old borders of Barcelona).

Eshample is a real exhibition of vanity of rich citizens of the 19th century. After the stuffy and tight streets of the Gothic quarter, the wealthy families of Barcelona finally got the opportunity to realize all their architectural fantasies and quirks. Often fabulous amounts were spent on the construction of the house, the best architects were hired, and the materials for decoration were brought from all over the world. The main street of the district - passeig de Gracia Avenue

Famous houses of Barcelona on Passeig de Gracia Avenue

House of Leo Sebre (Casa Lleó Morera) In the Art Nouveau style in the quarter of disagreement near Catalonia Square, Art. Passeig de Gracia. The building is in private possession, so the review is possible only outside.

House Amaller. Located through the building from the House of Swor. The decoration of the House of Amalier is made in Moorish motives, which gives it a very unusual look. From the inside, the house of Amalier can be examined in the redistribution of the lower two floors.

Neighboring building - Ballo House (Casa Batlló) “The creation of the great Gaudi.” Ballo's house in the common people is called a “house on the bones” due to the bizarre shape of the columns and the balconies of the building. In addition to unusual lines, the facade of the building is decorated with a signature technique of a great master - a multi -colored mosaic. Ballo's house is available for inspection from the inside, where the design of the rooms and the shape of the walls affect no less than the outer side of the building.

Three quarters from Ballo's house is another famous house built by Antonio Gaudi - House Mila (Casa Mila). They live a Barcelona for the appearance call him a pedrer (la pedrera), which means "quarry". This is perhaps the most unusual house of Barcelona, \u200b\u200bin which many brilliant ideas are collected, such as moving walls that allow you to change the internal layout of the rooms.

Even chimneys and shafts of elevators on the roof are made in the form of sculptural figures. Partially the house of Mila is available for examination by tourists. The nearby Mila metro station is Diagonal.

Another famous house is located somewhat away from Passeig de Gracia, at a distance of one metro stop from Mila House. House Vicens (Casa Vicens) Gaudi was built by order of the famous industrialist Barcelona Manuel Vicens. The house is located near the Fontana metro station.

Sagrada surname

The Church of the Sagrada (La Sagrada Família) - the temple of the Holy Family - is considered the most famous creation of Antonio Gaudi. Sagrada surname was conceived as the architectural embodiment of the Gospel. Construction was carried out very slowly, as the temple was built exclusively on donations from citizens.

During the life of Antonio Gaudi, from the four facades of the Church, only the Christmas facade was completed. The remaining facades were designed and built by other famous architects. The final completion of construction is planned by 2026.

Park Guell

Park Guell (Parque Güell) - Barcelona's business card. Initially, the park was conceived as a residential park area for wealthy citizens. However, the site allotted for the construction of cottages was, according to citizens, too far from the center. In addition, it was located on a rather hilly area, which also did not seem very convenient.

As a result, Gaudi's creation was just a park.
The park laid many walking alleys and roads, which are equipped with signs and signs with a description of attractions.

An amazing panorama of the city opens from the upper terrace of the park against the background of the sea. The finish of the park is amazing at the abundance of unusual details and shapes, which in some places make a walk in the park simply fabulous.

Palace of Catalan music

The Palace of Catalan Music (Palau de La Moughica Catalana) is a magnificent building in the Arab-Spanish style. Even if you are not a big fan of classical music, you should come here at the station. Urquinaona, in order to personally see the whole splendor of Catalan architecture at the beginning of the 19th century. The interior decoration of the palace is also struck by its splendor.

Tower of Bellessguard

Torre BELESGUARD is another amazing creation of Antonio Gaudi. From the usual order for the construction of a suburban residence for one of the Catalan families Antonio Gaudi created a real medieval tower worthy of the most demanding aristocrats. The Belessgard Tower is 15 minutes of walking from the Av.Tibidabo metro station.

Tibidabo Park

The most picturesque way to get to the top of Mount Tibidabo, where the park is located is the oldest tramvia Blau Barcelona tram line. Blue trams of the beginning of the 20th century go along it, the route runs through a very picturesque residential area of \u200b\u200bthe Catalan aristocracy, so the road to Tibidabo can be considered a separate adventure.

The TRAMVIA BLAU stop is located near the Av.Tibidabo metro station. On the tram you need to get to the end station, from which the same old and authentic funicular goes to the top of the mountain.

Tibidabo Park It is considered the oldest moon park in Europe. Some of the attractions have retained its authentic appearance, they can still ride, for example, a real plywood airplane of the beginning of the 20th century or the carousel of our great-grandmothers. There are modern attractions in the park, but the entrance to this area of \u200b\u200bthe park is paid.

The museum of mechanical toys of the beginning of the last century also deserves attention ( Museo Automatas Tibidabo), the exhibits of which will surprise both children and adults. Walt Disney persuaded the owners of the park for a long time to sell him the exhibits of this museum, but was refused.

At the top of Tibidabo built The Catholic Church of the Holy Heart (Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor). The dome of the temple is crowned by the statue of Christ, embracing the world (a copy of this statue of incredible sizes is set in Rio de Janeiro and is the hallmark of the city). The temple is visible from anywhere in Barcelona, \u200b\u200bso to Tibidabo is the highest mountain in the city.

Fortress and Mount Montzhuik

The fortress of Montjuïc is located on the top of the mountain of the same name, which opens a very beautiful view of the city’s water harbor. In the XVII-XIX centuries, the fortress was used as a defensive structure. During the Franco regime in the 1940-1960s, it was used as a prison for especially dangerous criminals and political prisoners.

Currently, a military museum has been opened in the fortress, which presents weapons of different eras and countries of the world. In addition to the fortress on Mount Montzhuik, various objects of the 1992 Olympics and the 1929 World Exhibition, as well as several parks are located. You can get to the top of the mountain on a funicular from a barcelonete or from Spanish Square, which is located at the foot of the mountain.

Spanish area and singing fountains

PLASA D’Espanya Square) - This is perhaps the largest area in Barcelona. Three metro branches pass through it, 5 streets intersects, the final stops of excursion routes and the air expression are located here. There is also an arena of Barcelona (a shopping center, a former venue of Corrida), many restaurants, large and small stores, a large fountain is installed in the center of the square.

One of the main attractions near the Square of Spain is Museum of National Art of Catalonia (MNAC). Here are collected samples of ancient coinage, medals of various eras, unique examples of medieval church art collected according to the Catholic temples of the entire region, samples of wall romance painting and artistic canvases of various directions from the 11th to the 19th century.

Opposite the Museum of National Art is the famous singing Barcelona fountain. It would be open to the beginning of the World Trade Exhibition in 1929 and so impressed the first visitors that from those Paul the nickname "Magic Fountain" received.

The show of singing fountains begins with the onset of twilight. In addition to classical works, modern hits also act as an accompaniment for a fountain. The show ends with the invariable performance of the Barcelona anthem performed by Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Kabalier.

Spanish village (Poble Espanyol) - Another building built for the 1929 World Trade Exhibition. This is a complex of 117 exact copies of historical buildings from different cities of Spain. In addition to Spanish architecture, you can try yourself as a medieval artisan on one of the streets of the village: pottery, glass -blowing workshop, and others.

Zoo Barcelona

Zoo Barcelona (Zoo Barcelona) is located near Barcelonete in the area of \u200b\u200bthe Ciutadella metro station | Vila Olímpica. The zoo collection has more than 7.5 thousand species of animals, including:

• A large group of primates from gorillas to dwarf mangabei
• Botylkonosny dolphins
• Elephants, giraffes, family of hippotams, rhino
• Hyenas, buffalo, all types of large cats from tigers to snow leopards
• Rare birds, including gray heron and pink flamingos

• Terrarium with a large collection of reptiles, including rare types of crocodiles and poisonous lizards
• A huge Sumatran turtle, a family of meerkats and a kangaroo lives in the park
• There is a large open aviary with penguins, the main entertainment in which is the feeding of the penguins fish
• There are playing zones of the smallest evil, their own dolphinarium, where a show, several cafes and restaurants are held daily. A small train drives through the territory of the zoo for the convenience of movement.

The surroundings of Barcelona

Colonia Guell (Col.

The colony of Guell was conceived at the end of the 19th century as a village for employees of the local factory. It was a whole town with houses for workers, a school, a shop, a church, its own theater and a hospital.

Since eminent architects of that time took part in the construction, and the owner of the construction was the richest industrialist of Barcelona Eusebio Guell, who did not yawn money for construction, the colony turned out to be not just a working village, but a real completed architectural monument. Now, a protected rumm-museum is opened on the territory of the colony, which allows you to see the characteristic life of workers in the era of industrialization.

Moncerrat Monastery

Montserrat monastery is the current male monastery of the Franciscans, which is located on the territory of the Catalonia National Park, on the top of the mountain of the same name. The famous statue of the Black Madonna (Madonna Nero), attracting pilgrims and tourists from around the world, is stored here.

The first references to the monastic settlement in this place are dated 880. In the XII century, stone buildings of the monastery, which existed to this day, were rebuilt. Only part of the buildings survived to our time, so the monastery suffered greatly during the war with Napoleon.

A school for boys has been opened under the monastery since the 13th century Escolania de Montserrat, training in which is still considered very prestigious among local wealthy families. Every day (with the exception of the school holidays) at 13:00, the Choir of the School boys performs at the local cathedral during the day of the day. Places should be taken in 30-40 minutes, since so many people are going to listen to this choir that before the start of the mass in the temple there is literally an apple to fall.

Black Madonna It is considered a miraculous statue. The queue for it is stretched by many hundreds of meters. It is believed that she fulfills the desires of anyone who touches her if the request comes from a pure heart and does not contain bad intent. At the monastery there is a special room where believers bring evidence of the fulfillment of desires - photographs of newborn, wedding dresses, unnecessary crutches and much more. Judging by the abundance of the collection in this room, desires are really fulfilled, so do not miss your chance.

You can get to the monastery from Spain Square. There is a special tourist train Monserrat Express. The train delivers tourists not to the monastery itself, but to the lower point of Montserrat Mountain, where it is necessary to transfer to a special toothed mountain train, which goes to the very top of the mountain. The fare on the gear train is already included in the ticket price on Monserrat Express.

The main attractions of Barcelona: how to catch everything?

In order not to get confused in the numerous attractions of Barcelona and not spend too much time moving from one end of the city to another, we advise you to group excursions as follows:

• Catalonia Square + Rambla + Gothic quarter + museum of wax figures
• Old port + aquarium + Barceloneta + Zoo Barcelona
• Mount Montzhuik + Museum of National Art of Catalonia + Spanish Village + Singing Fountains + Square of Spain
• Catalonia Square + Passeig de Gracia + famous houses Gaudi (House of Leo Sebore, House of Amalier, Ballo House, then Mila House) + House Vysissance + Sagrada Surname + District Eshample
• Tower Bellessguard + Tibidabo Park and the Church of the Holy Heart
• Gaudi Park

In this order, you can inspect the sights of each group per day, since they are located within walking distance, or at a distance of 1-2 metro stops from each other.

Read more about the transport of Barcelona here

Video: All Barcelona in 3 minutes

Video: Montserrat Kabalier and Freddie Mercury. Barcelona

Video: Barcelona City Official Promo

Video: MontSerrat: Ave Maria (Official Video)