Barcelona, I wanted to visit for such long time for a number of reasons - Antoni Gaudi the one of the greatest exponent of Catalan modernism and his creation Sagrada Familia and other unique structures, vibrant city life and mouth watering Spanish foods and beverages. Next 3 days I have to see as much as I can which is quite a daunting task.
If you are a first time traveller to Barcelona then please note that with the single journey ticket you can continue your multiline metro and your ticket is invalidated once you leave the metro station. I took a single journey metro ticket from Airport to city ( cost 4.5 EUR ) and took the line 9 metro to Torrassa, changed to line 1 to Catalunya and finally changed to line 3 to Liceu. Airport to city takes around 30 minutes by metro. Careful about your belongings while in public transport or roaming around the city due to pick pocket. Barcelona has excellent public transportation system operates almost through out day and night. Buy a 3 / 4 / 5 days BCN ticket from metro station and enjoy unlimited number of ride within city.
Many people preferred to stay at the costal area to enjoy the see view. I preferred to stay at the heart of the city - La Rambla, the most happening street in Barcelona. Depending on your budget you can also book cheap hostel. That was absolutely fine for me as luxury was not in my priority list. I stayed in Hostel Parisien. The staff of the hostel are extremely helpful and they will keep your luggage for 5-6 hours after you checkout.
You need little bit pre planning for your tour in Barcelona. Unlike other city here you need to pre book most of the tourist attractions for a particular time slot. Otherwise you are unlikely to get any spot ticket for the popular attractions like Sagrada Familia, La Pedera, Parc Guell, Barcelona football club museum and Nou camp tour. For some of the less popular places you may get a spot ticket but you will waste your time in queue.
I pre booked my Sagrada Familia 3:15 PM entry ticket along with audio guide and 4:00 PM Nativity tower ticket. It cost around 32 EUR. Check Sagrada Familia official ticket site for different combinations. Also some of the tour plan have options for Sagrada familia pass with hop-on hop-off bus for a day. You can also availability of the tickets in Tourism office.
CASA BATLLO. One of the Antoni Gaudi’s landmark private home architecture and one of the landmark tourist destination. It is one of the three unusual buildings along Passing de Gracia along with Casa Amatller and Lleo-Morera which make up the ‘Block of Discord‘. This house was refurbished by Gaudi for a middle class family in 1904. This building is a reflection of Gaudi’s playful side and fantastic style he is known for.
CASA AMATLLER. This house was bought by Antoni Amatller in 1898 and redesigned by Josep Puig i Cadafalch.
CASA BATLLO. Gaudi reconstructed the facade with glass and stone. The facade was made to curve and bend like a wave. Then it was plastered with mosaic of coloured glass and ceramic fragments.
CASA BATTLO inside. It reflects Gaudi’s modern architecture sense. Colour and mosaic in the wall is gradually lighter and windows are bigger in the lower floors to distribute natural lights evenly.
Sagrada Familia means Holy Family. Construction started in 1882 under architect Francisco de Paula del Villar and in 1883 Antoni Gaudi took over this project and transformed it to his own architectural and design style, combining gothic and curvilinear Art Nouveau form. He devoted rest of his life for this project and he died in 1926 this project was merely a quarter done. He is buried in the crypt. Relying solely on private donations this project was progressing slowly, interrupted in 1936 during Spanish civil war, faced vandalism by revolutionists partially destroying Gaudi’s original plan and design. 16 years construction was stopped. It is anticipated that project can be completed in the year 2026, the centenary of Gaudi’s death.
Talking about its architecture it has 3 different facade with different meaning. First one Nativity facade, completed in 1935 influenced directly from Gaudi’s design style. It is dedicated to the birth of Jesus with the symbolic sunrise to the northeast. Second one is Passion facade dedicated to the suffering of Christ during his crucifixion. This facade resembles the sin of human beings. This facade west facing and directly facing sun as symbol of death of christ. The last of is the Glory facade, the largest one which still under construction. This dedicated to the glory of Jesus and the road to reach God going through death, final judgment and glory.
When the project will be completed, Sagrada Familia will have 18 towers: 12 dedicated to the Apostles, 4 dedicated to the Evangelists, 1 for the Jesus and 1 for Mary, with the highest spire reaching 170 meter high. Gaudi decided to keep the highest tower of Sagrada Familia, the Torre del Salvador (“Tower of the Savior”), 170 meters high, i.e. 1 meter shorter than the Montjuic Mountain. Gaudi found it improper that a man’s work surpass God’s work.
Nativity facade : dedicated to birth of Jesus.
Passion facade : dedicated to suffering of Christ.
Window glasses at Passion facade is kept warmer to get warm afternoon sunlight.
Window glasses at Nativity facade is kept cooler to get smooth cooler morning sunlight.
The main columns inside the temple follow a hierarchy based on the what they have to support from a mechanical or structural standpoint.
First we have the columns on each of the four corners of the crossing, which have to support the load of the central lantern of Jesus Christ, as well as part of the weight of the four towers of the Evangelists that surround this lantern, plus the proportional part of the vaults and roofs along the way. For this reason, they are the most important columns.
Second are the eight columns that bear the load of the towers of the Evangelists. They are also located on the crossing, behind the first group.
After that, we have the columns in the apse and nave. While those in the apse bear the load of the tower of the Virgin Mary, they are very close together and the same as those in the nave, which support the vaults and attics on the central nave and part of the side nave.
Finally, the columns that separate the side naves from the main nave bear the weight of the choir and the side nave. They are the lightest in terms of load.
Gaudi determined that the twelve-pointed columns, on the crossing, would be covered in red granite porphyry, the strongest stone used in construction. The ten-pointed columns, under the towers of the Evangelists, are clad in black basalt. The eight-pointed columns are grey granite and the six-pointed ones, yellowish sedimentary sandstone.
Image of the main access door of Glory facade .. This will be the main access door of Sagrada Familia after completion of the project.
The middle part of the main access doors is inscribed with the Lord's Prayer in Catalan with relief letters, and highlights the fragment 'Give us, o Lord, our daily bread' (Translation from original Catalan: 'el nostre pa de cada dia doneu-nos-el avui') in Catalan and 49 more languages (in alphabetic order: Albanian, Arabic, Aramaic, Aranese, Basque, Berber, Bulgarian, Catalan, Chinese, Coptic, Croat, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Esperanto, Estonian, Finnish, French, Gaelic, Galician, German, Greek, Guarani, Hebrew, Hungarian, Icelandic, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latin, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Quechua , Rumanian, Russian, Sanskrit, Sardinian, Serb, Slovenian, Spanish, Swahili, Swedish, Tagalog , Tibetan, Ukrainian, Vietnamese, and Wolof).
The door at Passion facade - a text from Gospel illustrated by means of sculpture with over 8000 bronze letters, like two enormous open book.
The scourging at the pillar.
The Denial of Peter. The rooster reminds us of the prediction that Peter would deny Jesus before the cock would crow. The sculptor has conveyed powerfully the shame that Peter feels with the cloth and the pose.
The kiss of Judas. The snake, a traditional symbol of Evil or the Devil, is placed behind Judas. The cryptogram contains 16 numbers. "The sum of these, in 310 different combination, always add up to 33, Christ's age when he died"
North face of Sagrada Familia
The Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria is an enormous indoor market located at La Rambla. The market began as a travelling market in 1200 and was then established at the top of La Rambla where stalls were likely to attract the passing traffic. In 1827 the market was merged with a nearby market and became the one as you see today. Many of the stalls are 3rd or 4th generation owner. Market sells wide range of fresh products of every kind. Apart from the shoppers and food lovers this is an ideal place for photographers.
The building was commissioned in 1906 by Pere Mila and his wife Roser Segimon. At the time, it was controversial because of its undulating stone facade, twisting wrought iron balconies and designed by Josep Maria Jujol. Several structural innovations include a self-supporting stone façade, and a free-plan floor, underground garage and the spectacular terrace on the roof. It was the last private residence designed by architect Antoni Gaudi and was built between 1906 and 1912. Gaudí made the first sketches in his workshop in the Sagrada Familia. He designed the house as a constant curve, both outside and inside, incorporating ruled geometry and naturalistic elements.
The building did not respect any rules of conventional style, for which Gaudi received much criticism. To begin with, the name "La Pedrera" is in fact a nickname assigned by the citizens who disapproved of its unusualness. The unique structure of the building and the relationship between the building's architect and Pere Mila became the object of ridicule for the people of Barcelona and many humorous publications of the time.
Check official website for reservation.
Casa Mila roof architecture, chimneys known as espanta bruixes (witch scarers)
The unique structure like a whale rib cage to hold the massive roof. Gaudi said all his architectural inspiration is from nature. Nature has solution for all architectural complexity and he observed and implemented that.
As per FCB official site “Live the emotion of entering the field of play from the tunnel, discover the area dedicated to Leo Messi, see the five European Cups and interact with the history of the Club at the Museum.” - and it is true. Regardless you are a FCB fan, if you are a sports fan you will live through it.
The Journey which begins in 1899 ..
Champions trophy .. 1991-92, 2005-06, 2008-09, 2010-11, 2014-15
Copa del Rey 2017-18 owned by FCB against Sevilla FC …
Ballon d’or .. Massi has 5 ..
Golden boot (Messi)..
Nou camp football ground ..
Someday wish to see legends live playing in the renowned ground ..
Barcelona football club ebooks .. Giant touch screen for reading countless ebooks ..
Series of giant screen for displaying football matches and glories of FCB.
Barcelona away match jersey ..
Barcelona new home match jersey .. This 3 storied store in Nou camp has huge collection of FCB apparels and sports materials ..
Barcelona Cathedral - 14th century Gothic church .. It is also known as Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia
Confession room ..
FAITH ..
This cathedral is dedicated to Eulalia of Barcelona, co-patron saint of Barcelona, a young virgin who, according to Catholic tradition, suffered martyrdom during Roman times in the city. One story says that she was exposed naked in the public square and a miraculous snowfall in mid-spring covered her nudity. The enraged Romans put her into a barrel with knives stuck into it and rolled it down a street (according to tradition, the one now called Baixada de Santa Eulalia). The body of Saint Eulalia is entombed in the cathedral's crypt.
The church was built from the east end towards the west end, with a simple west facade completed in 1417. The cloister was completed in 1448, making the total duration of construction 150 years.
This church was severely damaged by al-Mansur during his attack on Barcelona in 985.
It is a street photographer’s paradise. Here are some of those I observed and captured while roaming around the city on feet.
If you want to see Barcelona truly, walk through its narrow roads ..
Every roads has its own story .. Listen to it ..
Street artist ..
An usual Barcelona street .. generally full of crowd during summer ..
And we meet again ..
Street Opera. Can’t deny her soulful voice ..
People from different places, some known some unknown, were dancing in a circle with the music of orchestra in front of Barcelona Cathedral ..
When age is just a number ..
In front of Barcelona Cathedral .. Children are playing with giant soap bubbles ..
Happiness is mutual .. For the sellers and for the buyers ..
This is the place Catalans demonstrated their independence from Spain and raised slogans for freedom for political prisoners ..
Columbus monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus as a tribute to discovery of the new world America. It was constructed in 1888. The monument is 60 meter tall Corinthian column, 2.25 meter diameter topped with a 7.5 meter tall bronze figure of Christopher Columbus pointing towards the see.
Placa Reial. A Royal square in old town. It was made by Francesc Daniel Molina i Casamajo in 1859. A number of restaurants round the corner which you can try out.
A 16th century Synagogue - an old Jew colony. Still maintained as historical place.
Barcelona tour is incomplete without experiencing its delicious foods and drinks. You can even do a sole food tour if you are a food lover and want to give a memorable treat to your taste buds.
LA BOQUERIA. If you are staying on La Rambla then you can start your day with superb breakfast at Restaurant La Boqueria. Nearest metro station Liceu is 2 min walking distance. This restaurant operates everyday starting from 7 AM till 12 PM. Depending on choice of breakfast it can cost you from 6 EUR to 15 EUR. Some of the dish I tried are Huevous Benedicte, Spanish omelette sandwich, fresh orange juice, fresh pineapple juice. Take 30 - 45 min time in your hand for this fabulous satisfying breakfast. Alternatively you can get something very quick at La Boqueria market which is also 1 min walking distance from Liceu metro station.
Spain is also renowned for its various beverages. Some of the top in the lists are Sangria, Mojito, Cava, Horchata. After a hectique day I went to near by bar called Bar International to try out some of the famous Spanish drinks. I ordered Sangria 1 litre.
Sangria is traditionally consists of red wine and chopped fruits and often punch with orange juice or brandy. This is highly refreshing.
Nuestra Cheesecake @ CERA 23
CERA 23. This was one of the restaurant in my list to try. I went to this restaurant on for dinner at 7:25 PM. I luckily got a place for 1 hour. In Barcelona always reserve your place for a good restaurant other try your luck like me. Reach early around 7 PM. Talking about their speciality they have a unique beverage called Black Berry Mojito. This is the best mojito I have ever had. I tried Pluma Iberica - a pork dish. And at the end the special dessert Nuestra Cheesecake - simply the best cheesecake I have ever had. Soft, very mild sweetness, roasted nuts and raspberry syrup. Alternatively you can have Death by Chocolate - their best selling dessert. At the end token gift from bar - cream liqueur. For your information this restaurant is moderately costly but justified for its dishes.
Black Berry Mojito @ CERA 23
As I said Barcelona is also city of food lovers, on the day of my return I found a food festival organised by the city’s renowned restaurants at La Rambla near columbus monument. Basically you buy tokens ( 1 token in 1 EUR ) and then you can buy any food from the food stalls with those tokens.
I tried La Brarra Rice - a tuna fish based rice, delicious. Then I tried Rice from delta del Ebro with Cap i Pota head and hoof stew kale aioil and crispy baldana - another rice preparation with meat. Then I tried Cigalo de Cream Catalans from Cafe Mieludo - it is an excellent coffee liqueur. And before I left the arena I tried Milesime - a sparkling wine from Juve & Camps counter.
Some of the other dishes worth trying ( I did some of these ) - Tapas Bravas, Seafood Paella, Tapas pa amb Tomaquet, Turron. As I said you can plan your tour to Barcelona for a food tour only.