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Blog ComeToBarcelona | Architecture

The greatest things to do in Barcelona

clock July 22, 2010 12:37 by author david_admin

The Sagrada Familia

We don’t have to remind you how beautiful and well-known Gaudi’s work is. Initiated in 1882, and nature themed, this cathedral is still to this day in construction. You will be able to visit it for 10€. It opens at 9 am and closes at 2 pm. 

Montjuïc Hill

This vast park possesses many touristic places and activities, some of these including the castle, the Olympic stadium, the old Spanish village (that you can visit for 6- 9 euros), Miro’s foundation, the Greek theatre and many others. This is a nice hill pleasant for long strolls under a fresh marine wind during a hot summer´s day.

The Ramblas

Barcelona’s Champs Elysées, this avenue is a central place for touristic shops. The statues (human disguised) most definitely animate this street situated close to the Gothic areas.

The “Paseo de Gracia” 

Take a walk down this road where, in the olden times, rich and famous Spanish people went to walk at the weekend to boast. It is now still a famous passage where you will be able to find the Pedrera House (entry costs 11 Euros), the Battló house (between 15 and 18 Euros for a visit) and various luxury shops such as Chanel, Burberry, Yves Saint Laurent…

The Picasso museum

Although much of his work is kept for private collections, this museum displays numerous paintings of this famous painter. Located in calle Montcada, between Jaume I and Arc de Triumf metro stations, this museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am till 8 pm.

The Gothic area

It is a small pedestrian area and this part of Barcelona is very typical and home to many small bars, and restaurants. There you will find Barcelona´s cathedral and the Pie’s church which possesses the largest European rosette. 

The park Güell

Known worldwide, this park was created by the famous Barcelonese architect Gaudí. Initially built as a luxury park which would have regrouped beautiful properties, it was finally turned into a gorgeous park where you can admire Gaudi’s work (mosaic sculptures, aqueducts…).You will be able to visit the Gaudí museum located in the park Güell. The entry is free; it opens at 10 am and closes at 9 pm.

The Spanish village

Testimonial of the architectural history from all Spanish regions, this small village located in Montjuïc Park, near the national museum of Catalan Art, was built in 1929, for the international exposition. It opens Monday to Sunday, from 10 am till 6 pm.

The National Museum of Catalan Art

You can get to thismuseum via the Montjuïc Park or the “plaza de España”. Its slogan, which resumes the entire museum, is “one museum, 1000 years of art”. Come to admire paintings and sculptures by the best Catalan artists. The price of the visit is 8.5€; the museum opens at 10 am and closes at 7 pm between Tuesday and Saturday. It opens from 10 am to 2.30 pm on Sunday.

El Camp Nou

On November 29, 1899, Hans Gamper founded Futbol Club Barcelona, along with eleven other football enthusiasts, a sport that was still largely unknown in this part of the world. With a capacity of 98,800 seats, Camp Nou has the largest seat capacity in Europe!  It is located in western of Barcelona, approximately 5km from the city centre, in Arístides Maillol Avenue, in the Les Corts district of Barcelona. You are sure to enjoy a true Camp Nou experience when you go there: it opens at 10 am and closes at 5.30 pm. The price is 18.10€ per person.  

 El Born area 

El Born is a small, fashionable, but also very authentic village. Glassmakers and designers are located everywhere. Feel free to engage in dark alleys to discover the old Barcelona. It grew in the 13th Century due to a commercial prosperity, El Born (The Ribera) along with the old Gothic Area makes up the old of Barcelona.

Come to see this cultural city and book your apartment with ComeToBarcelona.



The Neighborhoods of Barcelona

clock March 18, 2010 13:01 by author david_admin


As you may know, Barcelona is divided into multiple different neighborhoods or "barrios", each with its' own vibe and defining characteristics. Depending on what you're looking to experience, a certain neighborhood is sure to provide just that.

L'Eixample is a pleasant, upscale neighborhood just outside of the middle of the city. The name means "extension" in Catalan and was originally created as a place to live for those who could not afford to live in the center of Barcelona. However, almost the opposite had happened by the end of its' creation and it is now one of the posh, wealthy areas of Barcelona. Streets are lined with stores of international designers such as Armani, Chanel, and Burberry, but there is much more to see than just these high-end shops.
Passeig de Gracia is home to two of Antonio Gaudí's works of art, Casa Batlló and Casa Mila. Also, a couple blocks further down the road is one of Gaudi's unfinished masterpieces, The Sagrada Familia. The unfinished church has been worked on by various architects throughout the years and has come to be known as one of the important symbols of Barcelona. If you're looking to experience some brilliant architecture and do some shopping, this is the place for you.

Near L'Eixample is the neighborhood Gracia, which begins at the intersection of Avingunda Diagonal and Passeig de Gracia and goes north. It was originally a village of its' own but was connected to the rest of Barcelona when L'Eixample was created. However, it has a different feel than L'Eixample, with an active community that has a more relaxed attitude.Various different plazas throughout the neighborhood help provide a sense of authenticity that the neighborhood maintains. The gem of Gracia is Park Güell, a must-see for anyone visiting Barcelona. The elaborate park features various creations of Gaudi and an experience of art unlike any other. Gracia is the place to go to experience the real sense of neighborhood here in Barcelona.

Heading in the other direction, el Born is one of the more modern neighborhoods in Barcelona. What began as a settlement for medeival fairs and celebrations has become a haven for small boutiques and excellent tapas bars. The different cafes and stores provide a relaxing way to spend the day as well as good places to go at night. El Born is also home to the Picasso Museum and the Textile Museum, as the original textile mills were located here. One of the most fascinating pieces of el Born is the church of Santa Maria del Mar, an elegant church showcasing some of the gothic architecture seen throughout the city. El Born also provides the ideal location for those looking to experience cultural aspects of the city as well as the beach. A ten minute walk to the city center and a ten minute walk to the beach make it one of the ideal places to stay in Barcelona.

For those looking to experience the beach and an exciting night scene, Barceloneta is the place to be. One of the largest beaches in Barcelona, it has over 1,000 meters of beach for one to enjoy. Frequented by tourists, Barceloneta is the perfect place to spend the day lying in the sun and eating at one of the many restaurants located on the boardwalk. The boardwalk is also home to many extravagant bars and nightclubs, with stellar views of the beach. Barceloneta provides both fun and sun.

No matter what it is you're looking for, Barcelona is bound to offer it. Pick your favorite barrio and book your apartment there now!

 



Salvador Dali Museum and House - A Must-See Place!

clock February 22, 2010 13:01 by author david_admin

With the weather warming up in Barcelona and along the coast of Spain, it´s the perfect time to take a day trip and see the fantasy Dali-land in Figueres, a small town about two-hours from Barcelona. The museu Dali is filled with some of Dali´s most famous works of art, and the renovated theatre is personally decorated and designed by Salvador Dali himself.  The museum is a surrealistic portrayal of Dali´s life, everything with no logical order and without any sort of audio guide, a request by Dali himself. You´ll be able to look closely into Dali´s personal life, specifically the boat hanging above the tire tower representing his soul mate Gala and the tears representing her death. Look next at the homage Dali paid to Mae West, a room where her face can be seen in the furniture only from a certain vantage point. You can spend hours in the surrealistic museum, looking at how Dali portrayed famous works of art in the most peculiar ways. 

If you haven´t had enough of Salvador Dali yet, take a trip from Figueres to Cadaques, about a 45 minute drive, to see the Dali House, his home where he created most of his bizarre artwork. His home, which he shared with Gala, proves how a person´s creativity can be expressed through all types of medium. His front door, a work of abstract art, was created when he asked the local fishermen to wipe their brushes on it when they finished painting their boats. The house is left almost exactly as it was when Dali moved out in 1982, after the death of Gala.

Salvador Dali_Figueres_Come2BCN

Dali´s house and museum are both reflections of Dali´s personality, fun and a little bit provocative. Before you leave Barcelona make sure a trip to Figueres or Cadaques is on your list of things to do, and don´t forget to book your Barcelona apartment today!


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Day Trip: Hiking in San Miquel del Fai

clock November 16, 2009 11:26 by author editor

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!



Santa María del Mar

clock November 11, 2009 11:21 by author editor

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 14th 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.



Museu Nacional d´Art de Catalunya

clock November 9, 2009 11:08 by author editor

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 2nd 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!



Tarragona

clock November 3, 2009 12:37 by author editor

Barcelona, as we have chronicled, still exhibits characteristics resultant from its time as a Roman colony. For evidence, one needs to look no further than the remains of the Roman walls still present. For today’s extraordinary excursion, we take you south down the coast to a town with an even heavier Roman history, Tarragona.

Formerly known as Tarraco, Tarragona was founded in 218 BC as a prominent Roman military base. It later became a Roman colony, and astonishingly enough it was even capital of the entire Roman Empire when the Emperor Augustus lived in the city for two years. It was a stop along the famed Via Augusta, which ran from Rome to present day Cadiz.

Today, much of Tarragona´s allure lies in its history. Following in the steps of Romans long ago is a breathtaking adventure, as you can still see the aqueducts and the remains of the amphitheatre, and begin to form a picture of what life in that distant time may have been like. For example, make sure to stop and check out the old Roman circus where they held chariot races. Located on the Mediterranean coast, another great appeal are the beaches, some of which have even received awards for their purity.

So for lovers of history and those who want to see more of the Spanish coast alike, this is a great destination, one we are sure you will enjoy to the fullest. Visit us at ComeToBarcelona and reserve a Barcelona apartment to start your journey!



Barcelona Cathedral

clock November 2, 2009 11:30 by author editor

Prominently located in the Gothic Neighborhood, the Cathedral of Barcelona is one of the standout sights in the entire city. Generally referred to as `La Seu´, the cathedral receives its name from Saint Eulalia, the co-patron saint of Barcelona.

The history of the site occupied by the cathedral dates back to Roman times, when an ancient basilica resided there. In the 10th century this basilica was destroyed at the hands of Moor invaders,  Construction of the cathedral began in earnest in 1298, and it was not until 1913 that it had finally come to completion. The cathedral is an example of Gothic architecture, a style characterized by pointed arches, tall spires and large windows allowing cascades of light.

As the cathedral was named after Saint Eulalia, the Christian martyr who died at age 13, it has special significance tied to her life. For example, in the cloister, one can always find 13 geese, one for each year of her life. As typical of a patron saint, her remains can be found in a crypt beneath the altar.  

 

With this as one of many great sights to see, we hope that you reserve your Barcelona apartment today!



Magic Fountain of Montjuic

clock October 29, 2009 15:05 by author editor

Looking for a nice way to start your Friday or Saturday night in Barcelona? Why not head to Montjuic to watch the light show at the Magic Fountain?  Every Friday and Saturday night, from 7:00-9:00 pm, the fountain hosts a terrific light and music show that continues to awe spectators who have already seen it dozens of times! 

The fountain´s first show took place on May 29, 1929 during the Great Universal Exhibition.  The designer was architect Carlos Buigas who set out to awe the visitors of the Exhibition.  With the creation of this amazing fountain, he accomplished his goal. 

Spend a day at Montjuic visiting El Pueblo Español, the Olympic Stadium, and Palau Nacional and finish off with this spectacular show!  Let us help you find an apartment near Montjuic so you can see all these amazing sites. 



Plaça Sant Jaume

clock October 27, 2009 12:32 by author editor

Plaza de Sant Jaume has been located at the civic heart of Barcelona even before the city was known by that name. Dating back to the period of Roman occupation, this area was the Roman forum, the square center where the two main roads of the city intersected where one could find all commercial and political activity. Traces of the Roman history still lay nearby in Plaza del Angel where the ruins of the walls stand as a vestige of a time long ago.  

Today, Plaza de Sant Jaume is home to Barcelona´s political institutions. Two magnificent buildings stand directly across the square facing one another, the town hall and the autonomous government palace (Palau de la Generalitat).  Here at the palace, the seat of the Government of Catalonia and the Presidency of the Generalitat can be found.

What can one expect in this civic square? It is located right in the middle of the Gothic Neighborhood and there are always people there. During national holidays and celebrations, this area remains a focal point of activities. This is a must see area, as the entire city seems to radiate out from this plaza.

So visit us at ComeToBarcelona and make sure to reserve an apartment now!



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