There are many reasons to visit Barcelona with the most important being to gaze at the stunning historic architecture. The first question one asks is why and how have so many old historic city buildings been so well preserved over the last century. For those interested in history, Spain had its own civil war that ended right before WWII broke out in the late 30’s. It is said that less damaging methods of mass destruction were used during this war thus preserving many historic buildings.
Barcelona is located on the west coast of the Mediterranean Sea in the north-east autonomous geographic area of Spain called Catalonia on the Iberian Peninsula south of the Pyrenees Mountains. The Catalans have their own language and culture which is different than the rest of Spain. Catalans are ambitious business oriented people whereas the Spanish are more relaxed in their approach to living. There is also a difference in the Catalan style of eating which is focused on a Mediterranean diet with the rest of Spain more oriented toward heartier meals including meats and grains which are raised or grown away from the coast.
There are some 4.6M people living in the Barcelona metro area which is a busy thriving metropolis with many diverse neighborhoods; the most popular tourist neighborhoods include the Gothic Quarter, El Born, El Raval, Eixample and Barceloneta. We rented an apartment in the Eixample area which was the first area developed outside of the original city walls in the late 180 The houses are large, ornate, stately multi-story buildings most of which have been converted to flats to accommodate the city’s growing population over the past century. We had family and friends coming and going during our three week stay with Spain’s version of champagne, officially called “cava,” flowing freely night and day. Spain’s other wines and cordials are also of superior quality.
Tapas, which are small plates of various food items, are the primary food choice of Catalans which they enjoy sharing with friends in their favorite neighborhood bar. Their bars, which are more like small restaurants with mostly al fresco dining, are for socializing with friends and colleagues while enjoying a drink and sharing tapas and are not to be confused with pubs which are specifically for drinking. During our stay we made tapas our evening meal between 6-8pm when most Catalans are still at work or at home before they venture out for their evening meal around 10pm. I love champagne so made quick work of ordering a glass or two of cava with each meal. Both white and red sangria are also quite common and delicious. We ordered multiple tapa plates some of which included bread rubbed with tomatoes and drizzled with olive oil, various types of olives, calamari, braised shrimp in garlic oil, mussels/clams/sardines, fried potatoes with garlic sauce, potato and egg omelet’s called tortillas, cheeses, sausages, Iberian ham, etc. Each bar seems to have its own specialties but I think their seafood dishes were my favorite.
Now let’s move on to the most important thing about Barcelona which is their exquisite historic architecture. Anthony Gaudi is the most widely recognized Barcelona Modernism/Art Nouveau architect whose work was influenced by natural forms and naturally occurring organic shapes. Many of his most famous buildings are open to the public and a must when visiting Barcelona. Bold use of color and undulating shapes is what I will most often think about after having viewed so many including Sagrada Familia, Casa Batllo, Le Pedrera and Parc Guell. Lesser known but just as stunning are Casa Guell and Casa Vicens. There were a handful of other famous architects at work in Barcelona during the latter part of the 19th century and early 20th century including Lluis Domenech i Monaner who designed the Hospital de Sant Pau and The Palace of Catalan Music. Catalonia is also known for famous art including the work of Picasso, Joan Muro and Dali.
Taking the funicular to the top of Montjuic is also a must to get a panoramic view of the city. We used the subway a lot which helped us quickly move around various city districts. If shopping is on your itinerary there are many options available; I was particularly drawn to the leather work in purses and shoes. As our time in this beautiful city by the sea comes to an end, I am filled with many rich experiences that will stay with me for many years to come. This was, yet another, trip of a lifetime!