Many visitors head straight for
the Barri Gòtic, or Gothic Quarter, the center of the old city. Many of the
buildings date from the medieval era; there are even some remnants of Barcelona’s
days as a Roman military camp. Outside
the Gothic Quarter, the city has many more architectural landmarks. Some of the
best-known, such as the Casa Mila and the Sagrada Familia, were designed by architect
Antoni Gaudi, famed for his quirky, organic style. Barcelona has walkable
neighborhoods that contain lovely examples of Art Nouveau and Modernist
architecture as well.
Some of the city’s beautiful
works of architecture contain many more pieces of art. The National Museum of
Art is noted for its Romanesque works; the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art
has post-World War II works by Catalan and Spanish artists. There are also
museums dedicated to the work of iconic artists like Miró and Picasso.
Barcelona has marvelous parks,
including Montjuïc, the central location for the 1992 Summer Olympic Games;
Park Guell, with fanciful architectural features designed by Gaudi; and Parc
del Laberint, where you can find your way through a hedge maze. For some time
in the sun, you can also visit one of the seven beaches located in the city.
For inspiring views, visit
Montserrat and its monastery, established in 1592. This is still a working
monastery, but the Benedictine monks welcome visitors and you may be lucky
enough to hear the choir. The Montserrat complex includes shops and cafes, too.
If you do just one thing while
in the city of Barcelona, make it a stroll along Las Ramblas, the city’s famous
and fabulous promenade. Watch street performers, browse unique shops, breathe
the perfume of the flower stalls and enjoy the colorful people you’ll
encounter. Las Ramblas ends in the Placa de Catalunya, a wonderful place to
enjoy a beverage and watch Barcelona go by.
To find out more about
Mediterranean cruises that include a call in the memorable city of Barcelona,
talk with Anita, your Cruise Holidays personal cruise expert.
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