It is all about art in this one-day itinerary in Barcelona, Spain...
(1) Architecture… Antoni Gaudi
Barcelona has some of the most beautiful architecture in Europe. You simply cannot say that you have truly experienced Barcelona without standing in front of one of Antoni Gaudi’s creations.
Gaudi, born in Reus, Spain in 1852 studied at the Escola Superior d’Arquitectura in Barcelona and designed his first major commission for the Casa Vincens using a Gothic Revival style that set a precedent for his future work. Gaudi’s characteristically warped form of Gothic architecture drew admiration from other avant-garde artists.
To experience his best work, head over to La Sagrada Familia (CHURCH OF LA SAGRADA FAMILIA, C. MALLORCA, 401, 08013 BARCELONA). This is simply one of the most amazing structures in all of Spain and it should not be missed. Expect construction though…this building has been under construction since 1882 and some say it will never be completed. (Accessible by Metro – Sagrada Famila stops on the Blue and Purple lines) To me it looks like a sand castle that was crated by dribbling sand. The structure seems to bend in places. Amazing.
Allow 2.5 hours in your schedule to explore this amazing structure.
(2) Picasso Museum… said to be the best museum in the world!
Pablo Picasso grew up and went to school in Barcelona before leaving for Paris in 1904. He has strong ties to the city and created this museum for his home city. It is here where over 3800 works make up the only permanent collection of Picasso’s in the world. The museum allows you to explore his works in chronological order from the famed Man in a Beret to the beautiful Las Meninas. Again, it is a must in Barcelona.
Here are my top 10 must-see pieces in the museum…
(1) Man in a Beret, 1995
(2) Portrait, 1896
(3) The Embrace, 1900
(4) Still Life, 1901
(5) End of the Number, 1901
(6) Roofs of Barcelona, 1903
(7) The Madman, 1904
(8) The pigeons, 1957
(9) La Meninas, 1957
(10) Seated Man, 1969
Allow 3 hours for this museum.
(3) The art of dining…
The region of Catalonia has a strong culinary reputation. It’s proximity to the Mediterranean will have you tasting olive oil, garlic and seeing plenty of seafood dishes on the menus of Barcelona. Lunch is the main dining attraction in Spain and it is an event that takes place daily from 2-4pm. Typical dishes such as paella, botifarra arb mongetes (stew of pork sausage and white beans), and tapas can be found everywhere. For the best of all worlds, try Escriba on Ronda Litoral Mar. This restaurant is sea-front and has excellent catalan dishes and flavorful sangria. This is a great choice for sampling the flavors of the city. Be sure to call for a reservation before your trip to secure a table outside by the beach.
Allow 2.5 hours for this dining extravaganza.
(4) The art of shopping… La Ramblas
La Ramlas is a series of short streets that make up the shopping district known as Las Ramblas. This is the place where you will stroll through shops, smell the scents of fresh cut flowers and enjoy the street performers. Traveler be warned though… this is tourist central and in prime seasons this place will be flooded with people and pickpockets!
Now, what does this have to do with Art? La Ramblas has a hidden Miro! No, not a hidden Mickey! Can you find it? It is an original mosaic by the famous painter Joan Miro and it is right in the center of La Ramblas! Let me know if you find it. If you do not see it... you need to really think about laying off the sangria.
Allow 2.5 hours for browsing the shops
(5) Barrio Gotico… The art of doing nothing
The Barrio Gotico is the Gothic quarter of the city and the oldest part of Barcelona. This area is only steps away from La Ramblas and is lined with wonderful cafés where you can sip a beautiful Spanish wine and people watch until the clock strikes. There is no better way to end your day than with a glass of wine people on a warm Spanish night.
Allow 1.5 hours for exploring and relaxing
Do you have a favorite spot in Barcelona that I missed? Let me know!!
Travel On...
Lori
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