We have noted some of Europe’s more reputable museums, located right here in Barcelona. We would be remiss if we did not mention one of the more interesting, exotic museums Spain has to offer, the Dali museum, one of a few tremendous sites offered in this next installment of day trips. This day trip includes a journey up the Costa Brava to the historic city Girona, followed by a visit to the city of Figueres, the hometown of renowned Surrealist artist Salvador Dali and location of his museum.   

Girona, capital of the Catalonian province by the same name, is an ancient city predating Roman times. The first inhabitants were the Iberians, but it was the Roman settlers who really established the city. Some sites to see are the towering Roman walls, which extend along a large part of the city, looping behind the city’s cathedral. Tradition dictates that as you stand at the bottom of the many steps that lead to the cathedral, you have to count each step as you begin your ascent and state the correct number when you reach the top. If incorrect, you have to go all the way back down and begin anew! Other sites include the Arab baths and one of Spain’s best preserved Jewish quarters.  

Staying in the same province of Girona, you next travel to a different city, Figueres. Widely known as Dali’s place of origin, it is justifiable that the city’s largest attraction is the museum designed by Dali that houses one of the largest collection of his works. From the structure of the building to the courtyard to the art itself, this museum is an incredible all around experience, one that makes Figueres and this day trip a must see destination. 

So make sure to reserve your Barcelona apartment today so that you can see all that the city and surrounding area has to offer!

The Museu Marítim de Barcelona is located in the building of the royal shipyards, on the city's waterfront and at the foot of the Montjuïc mountain. The shipyards were built to serve as a military dockyard for the galleys commanded by the Crown of Aragon.

With a history stretching back more than 700 years, the complex is a zone about which little is yet known from a historical perspective. However, given the research projects that are currently underway and the archaeological excavations due to take place in the near future, we will soon have a greater knowledge of the complex and its significance.

The collections of the Museu Marítim de Barcelona comprise tangible testimonies to a long-standing cultural tradition linked to the sea and which have survived throughout our history. The museum’s collections have been built up over the course of the institution’s existence, a period that began in 1929 with the establishment of a small museum that was part of the Institut Nàutic de la Mediterrània (Mediterranean Nautical Institute). The collections have grown as a result of the acquisitions made by the museum and thanks to the generosity of the many organisations and people who have made donations to the institution.

The model ships that make up the museum’s main collection can be divided into different classes, namely shipyard models, half-hull models, models from nautical schools, ex-voto models, models corresponding to shipping companies from the 19th and 20th centuries, and others built in the museum’s own modelling workshops. Made on the same premises on which the ships themselves were built, shipyard models are prototypes, i.e. reduced-scale study projects undertaken prior to the full-scale construction of the corresponding vessel. The accuracy of their design and the painstaking way in which they were produced give such models intrinsic historical and documentary value that elevates them to the status of authentic works of art.

The Museum is open from 10 am until 8 pm everyday of the week, but if you go on Sundays after 3pm the museum is free! Allow us to help you find an apartment close to the museum and Barceloneta!

Opened on April 4, 1847, the Gran Teatre del Liceu is one of the most storied buildings in Barcelona. Located in the middle of Las Ramblas, the theatre was funded by private donors, a sharp contrast to other opera houses in Europe which relied on funding from the monarchy. Reflective of this is the lack of a royal box in the theatre. Host to a diverse array of opera, orchestra and ballet performances throughout the years, this opera house has an even richer history.  

The first of two major fires that struck the opera house occurred in 1861, destroying the stage and hall. Repairs were finished one year later, only to again be needed when an anarchist attacked in 1893, again damaging the building. During the 1930s, there was a brief nationalization of the opera house during the economic crises. Finally, the second major fire occurred in 1994 that eventually led to its rebuilding with more modern equipment, yet still fashioned to stay in keeping with the original designs.

As one of the largest opera houses in Europe with 2,292 seats, the time in October when opera season begins is one of the most anticipated times of the year. Opera enthusiasts can look forward this year to performances of works by Verdi, Wagner and Tchaikovsky.

Give us a visit at ComeToBarcelona and reserve your today!

Written by Benjamin Palmer

This Wednesday, November 18th, two up-and-coming bands will be at the Miscelanea.  Both bands, Ghost to Falco (Portland, Oregon) and Narwhal (Barcelona, España) are unique in their style and personality.

Ghost to Falco:

The music of this American band combines poetic lyrics and the experimentation of original style.  The band´s inspiration comes from various and diverse sources such as: Neil Young, Leonard Cohen, and Steve Reich.  Although the band is the creation of a single man, Eric Crespo, he ofetn collaborates with other artists on his CDs and at live shows.  Two artists that Erc recently collaborated with are Nick Bindeman(Jackie O Motherfucker) o Rachael Jensen (Parenthetical Girls).  Eric is now on tour is Europe in order to present his third CD, Exotic Believers, which was recorded in a warehouse in Portland.  On this occasion he will be accompanied by Bud Wilson who will assist him on the drums and percussion.

Narwhal:

Narwhal is a band formed by two local musicians, Simon Williams (Jahbitat) and Cristian Subirá (Summer Recreation Camp).  Their music falls under the electronica category and is sure to please.

Más Info:
El concierto empieza a las 20h y cuesta 5 euros o 4 euros para los
socios de Miscelanea.

Miscelanea
C/Guardia 10,
Barcelona

Rent a nice flat with ComeToBarcelona!

While difficult to fathom, sometimes it is nice to get outside of Barcelona, even just for a little bit, and enjoy the serenity and natural beauty of Catalonia. In this day trip, we offer just that: a pleasant afternoon of hiking and a tour.

Located about 40 kilometers outside of Barcelona, San Miquel del Fai is an incredible area full of small lakes, waterfalls, caverns and trees, all surrounding a mountain that is perfect for hiking. In addition to the scenery, one can see examples of Catalonian medieval architecture in the buildings there.  

Visit us at ComeToBarcelona so that after a great trip, you can return to one of our Barcelona apartments and enjoy the night!

One of the most amazing things about Barcelona is the way that magnificent structures seemingly blend in to the city. A true testament to the fantastic city planning, sometimes it takes a helping hand to point out specific structures, despite how large they may be!

Santa María del Mar is a perfect example. Tucked back in La Ribera, this cathedral was built in the 14^th Century. Built in the Catalan Gothic style, this towering church is in juxtaposition with the narrow streets surrounding it. The exterior, large and dark, give way to an expansive and light interior. The wonderful ambience of the interior has made it a very popular locale for concerts.

Santa María del Mar was built in celebration of the Catalan conquest of Sardinia. Amazingly, at the time of its construction, its name was very appropriate, as the Spanish `mar´ means `ocean.´ When constructed, Barcelona´s coastline was more inland—the Cathedral was on the ocean! However, as time passed, the coast shifted outwards, and the only reminder of this time long ago is in the church´s name.

Prior to her burial in the Cathedral of Barcelona, the patron saint of the city, Saint Eulalia was buried here, in Santa María del Mar. Legend has it that as two men were moving her casket to its new resting place, one of the men took part of her hand as a relic. The casket became unbearably heavy and they could make no further progress. Then an angel appeared to them, admonishing the man for what he had done, and instructing him to return the relic. The man obeyed, and once again they were able to carry the casket to its new place. Where the angel is said to have appeared is forever memorialized, as that place is now known as Plaza del Angel. 

So visit us at ComeToBarcelona and rent an apartment today, so that you may be on your way to discovering Barcelona.

Think we´re finished with potential day trips for you? Think again.  We mentioned the beautiful Tarragona, yet we only gave the basics of the region.  Now we offer some more details about the most fun area of the Costa Daurada region, PortAventura. 

PortAventura is a theme park located within the PortAventura Resort.  The park opened, an hour south of Barcelona, in 1995.  The location offers options for planes, trains, and cars, with easy access from whichever mode of transportation you choose. 

PortAventura Park boasts five distinct sections all based on foreign cultures.  The sections are as follows: Mediterránia, Far West, Mexico, China, & Polynesia.  Rides provide the most fulfilling aspect of the park to many visitors, yet the park also consists of shops, restaurants, and seasonal attractions.  Some of the most popular rides are Hurakan Condor, a drop tower ride, and Dragon Khan, a roller coaster consisting of 8 inversions.  Hurakan Condor towers over the park, standing an amazing 330 ft!  Likewise, Dragon Khan is quite high, and for some time held the world record for highest vertical loop on a roller coaster. 

The summer enables the Aquatic Park at PortAventura to thrive, and the seasons surrounding Halloween and Christmas enable visitors to see a different side of the park as well.  Rates continually change throughout the year as discounts are enacted, yet entrance is always  less than 50euros.  Currently there is a two for one deal.  One ticket enables access to the park for two days in a row. 

Get an apartment through ComeToBarcelona,and make a day trip to check out the seasonal events happening this fall at PortAventura!

The National Museum of Catalan Art has the goal of educating the viewer on Catalan art from the Romanesque Period all the way to current times with special emphasis placed on the Catalan variations of Romanesque and Gothic. Currently, it is home to an exhibition of rare Iberian coins, some of which are from as long ago as the 2^nd Century BC!

Perhaps most striking about the Museum is the building itself. The Palau Nacional, built for the 1929 International Exhibition, has been the museum´s home since 1934. Located on top of the mountain Montjuic, many things are afforded to the viewer in addition to the incredible art housed inside. From the outside premises, one can see straight down la Avenida de la Reina Maria Cristina, which is home to many large expo buildings and ends in Plaza España, the Magic Fountain and draws an arrow straight to Mount Tibidabo in the distance. In addition, Barcelona´s famed Olympic Stadium is right nearby in Montjuic.

What makes this the place to see? It is a terrific way to achieve a heightened appreciation of a foreign culture by viewing their art. Also, Friday and Saturday nights you can see the Magic Fountain and its incredible display of lights and music. As typical of the museums in Barcelona, it is free on the first Sunday of each month. You can also use your Connect Club Discount Card for a discount on admission. With its close proximity to other great landmarks in Barcelona, this museum is definitely a must see! 

Make sure to visit us at ComeToBarcelona and reserve your apartment today!

We continue our blog on the benefits of booking an apartment with ComeToBarcelona and receiving a free Connect Club Discount Card.  Where can you use your card?  We mentioned the opportunity to visit the Chocolate Museum of Barcelona  and the Barcelona Zoo with a discount, and now we will highlight a few nightclubs that accept the card.  Our focus will be on the Villa Olímpica area of Barcelona which is located alongside the water.   

The card enables free entrance or discounts at four of the best clubs within Barcelona: Opium Mar, CDLC, Catwalk, & Shoko.  Each club has its own feel, so it shouldn´t be difficult to find one that suits your tastes.  These clubs are four of the most fashionable and modern clubs within Barcelona.  In addition to the nightclub, each has its own restaurant with CDLC specializing in sushi and Shoko in Japanese Cuisine. 

Allow us to help you find an apartment in the Villa Olímpica area today so you can have easy access to all four of these clubs and even more places where the Connect Club Discount Card is accepted. 

Looking for something to do with the kids while in Barcelona? Or trying to find that inner-child within yourself?  Why not save 10% with your Connect Club Discount Card while you´re at it!

Barcelona Zoo offers a wide array of animals (many of which are being preserved to avoid extinction).  There are over 7,500 different animals belonging to over 400 species within this fantastic zoo.  Barcelona Zoo opened its doors on La Mercé in the year 1892, and has continued to expand with each year.  The most famous resident of the zoo was the albino gorilla named Snowflake who died in 2003, yet the workers continue to preserve rare animals and educate the public about the importance of preservation and research.  The zoo collaborates on different international and European programs for breeding and preserving species such as: EEPs (European programs for breeding in captivity) and ESBs (European programs for recording captive populations).  In addition, the zoo offers guided tours and workshops to school children as well as courses for adults. 

Check out prices, times, and transportation possibilities at their website, and contact us  at ComeToBarcelona to find an apartment close to Parc de la Ciutadella.