It's no wonder why so many people are drawn to Barcelona. The city's stunning architecture, delicious
food, and
vibrant culture make it a truly unique and special place. Whether you're strolling along the sandy beaches,
exploring the museums, or admiring the historic landmarks, there's something for everyone in this beautiful
corner of Spain. It's easy to see why Barcelona has become such a popular tourist destination, attracting
visitors from all over the world, including us.
Having only four days to our disposition, and that included
one day for meeting our friends in Tarragona, we spent hours walking the streets of Barcelona, trying to absorb
as much of the city as possible. Fortunately, we were able to secure a lovely apartment near the Sagrada Familia
and Las Ramblas boulevard. This allowed us to walk around the city independently from the public transport
system and become familiar with the local grocery and fruit shops.
Day 01
The first day in Barcelona had to be all about Antoni Gaudi, a renowned Catalan architect known for his
distinctive and highly imaginative architectural style. Gaudí's work is characterized by its organic
and
nature-inspired designs, the extensive use of curves and hyperbolic shapes, and the innovative application
of materials. His most famous work is the Sagrada Família, a massive basilica in Barcelona that remains
unfinished but is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an iconic symbol of the city. Gaudí dedicated a
significant portion of his life to this project, and his unique architectural vision is evident in every
aspect of the building's design. Some other notable works by Gaudí include Park Güell, Casa Milà (La
Pedrera), Casa Batlló, and Casa Vicens.
Despite the fact that we booked our entrance tickets to Sagrada
Familia on line for the first morning session, we still had to stand in the queue for a long time before we
were able to enter the cathedral. But once we got inside, it was worth the wait. The architecture and design
of the cathedral are truly breathtaking. The allocated four hours is probably enough for a day visit. Who
knows how many visits are required to truly see the Sagrada Familia?
Fortunately getting into La
Pedrera-Casa Milà was much easier. This iconic building, designed by the Antoni Gaudí, is
a masterpiece of modernist architecture. It's often called La Pedrera, which means "the quarry" in Catalan,
due to its unique stone facade. We were captivated by its unique and wavy facade, as well as the fascinating
rooftop with its surreal sculptures and breathtaking views of the city.
Day 02
We haven't finished with Antonio Gaudi yet. A long walk took us to Park Güell, a public park known for
its colorful and whimsical architectural elements, including mosaics, sculptures, and unique buildings. We
spent a few hours in the park, taking photos and absorbing its unusual character.
In the afternoon we
have arranged for a walking tour of the Gothic Quarter, one of the most historic and atmospheric
neighborhoods in Barcelona. It is situated in the heart of the city and is known for its narrow,
winding streets, historic architecture, and a rich cultural and historical heritage. The Gothic
Quarter's
labyrinthine streets and historic ambiance make it a great place for wandering and exploring. You can get
lost in its charming alleyways and discover hidden gems.
Today, we had our first Spanish paella at some
place on La Rambla. We probably grossly overpaid for it, but sitting at one of the street tables, enjoying
the meal, and passing crowds fully compensated for the expense.
Day 03
Early in the morning, we rode on the metro to the Barcelona Sants Train Station and trained from there to
Tarragona, a city known for its rich history and beautiful Mediterranean coastline. It was originally
founded by the Romans in the 3rd century BC and was known as Tarraco. The city served as the capital of the
Roman province of Hispania Citerior and was an important administrative and economic center. It boasts
numerous well-preserved Roman ruins and monuments, including a Roman amphitheater, aqueduct, and city
walls.
We have arranged to meet our good friends from New Zealand in Tarragona. Jacek and Jola moved to
Spain some years ago, and we haven't seen them in a long time. We spent a very pleasant day together,
enjoying the city and recollecting the 'Old Good Days'. We were a little saddened when the time
came to go back to Barcelona. It was the last time we saw Jacek, who has since passed away.
Day 04
Catalonia was in full preparation for the 2017 Catalan independence referendum. Extra police forces were
deployed to the streets of Barcelona. Ordinary Catalans express their opinions by banging on cooking pots in
the residential parts of the city.
All those activities made us a bit uneasy, but could not stop us from
spending our last day from continuing with our side seeing. We haven't seen Barcelona port yet, and the
best way to see it is from the The Barcelona Port Cable Car. The cable car runs from the Port Vell area
near Barceloneta Beach to the summit of Montjuïc Hill. During the approximately 10-minute ride, we enjoyed
breathtaking views of Barcelona, the sea, and the lush Montjuïc Park. One of the main attractions of the
park is Montjuïc Castle, a historic fortress that has a rich and varied history, with its origins dating
back to the 17th century. Throughout its history, Montjuïc Castle has been used for various military
purposes, including as a garrison and a military prison. It played a significant role during the Spanish
Civil War (1936-1939), serving as a Republican stronghold.
Once back in the old city, we had our last paella, visited for the last time our favorite fruit shop, and
switched our minds to awaiting a long flight back home.
