Tourists visiting Spain, sooner or later, end up in Barcelona. Along with luxury hotels, five-star restaurants, and exclusive boutiques, Barcelona is a dream-come-true for history buffs. Dating back to the 1st Century B.C., the city is full of wonders. Let us have a look at Barcelona’s top travel secrets:
Sagrada Familia
Barcelona’s top tourist attraction is Sagrada Familia, an unfinished Roman Catholic church, designed by Antoni Gaudi. Over three million people visit the church each year and marvel at its unusual façade and soaring spheres.
Sagrada Familia Crypt
While visiting the church, be sure to take a peek at the Sagrada Familia crypt. While the church is a popular tourist attraction, less than 1% of them decent into the bowels of the church, where Gaudi’s tomb can be found to the left of the altar. The entrance of the crypt is located on the corner of Provenca and Sardenya streets.
Casa Calvet
Yet another architectural design by Gaudi is Casa Calvet, a building with such an unusual architecture it won Gaudi an award for his neo-baroque style. If you are nice to the doorman he might let you in so you can have a look at the original lift and the hand-painted prayers to the Virgin Mary. If you want to dine in the restaurant next door, better book ahead.
The Rooftop of Palau Guell
On the roof of Palau Guell, a magical sight awaits you. No less than twenty chimneys fight for attention with their unusual shapes and colorful stone design. Perhaps the most eye-catching is the central spire, which is 15 meters tall and decorated in original recycles stone.
Tuberculosis Clinic By Josep Lluis Sert
The tuberculosis clinic is perhaps not the most beautiful building in Barcelona, but it is an example of rationalist architecture. The clinic consists of three four-story buildings with an elevated floor in the form of an L. Most noticeable is the extensive green corner of frosted glass.
Monastir de Pedralbes
If you have had enough of the city, take a trip to Monastir de Pedralbes, founded by Queen Elisenda de Montcada. Not only is this one of the most beautiful buildings in Barcelona, the garden is a jewel of peace of quiet. In the building, you will find displays of the everyday life of the nuns of the Order of Saint Clare. Be sure to visit the St. Michael’s chapel, holding frescoes of the life of the Virgin Mary and the Passion of Christ.
Jardins de Rubio i Lluch
The gardens of Rubio i Lluch can be found in the old hospital of Santa Creu, dating back to the 14th Century. It was in this garden that Gaudi passed away in 1926, after being hit by a tram. Today it is a place where people seek peace and quiet, where art students get together and families hold picnics.
Museo Nacional de Arte de Catalunya
After a day in the country, return to Barcelona and visit the Museo Nacional de Arte de Catalunya. The building itself is so beautiful it will leave you speechless. Inside a wealth of art awaits you, including works of Rubens, Velazquez, Zurbaran, and El Greco. Even the cafeteria is worth seeing with a display of silver murals by Josep M Sert, originally painted for Sir Philip Sassoon London’s ballroom.
There is something for everyone in Barcelona; churches, museums, historical buildings, parks, not to mention endless shopping possibilities. And after a long day of shopping or sightseeing, get a fortifying meal in one of the many restaurants or a refreshing drink or ice cream in a café.
Do not forget to book your airport transfer with Holiday Transfers when you visit!
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