The Basilica of Saint Mary of the Sea is an outstanding example of early Catalan Gothic architecture, known for its uninterrupted lines and grace. Situated at the former water's edge, the edifice was constructed by skilled stonemasons who meticulously selected, fitted, and carved each stone sourced from the Montjuïc quarry, which had also supplied the sandstone for the 4th-century Roman walls. The number eight, symbolizing the Virgin Mary in medieval numerology, permeates every aspect of the basilica's design: the 16 octagonal pillars have a diameter of 2 meters and extend into rib vaulting arches at a height of 16 meters; the painted keystones at the apex of the arches are 32 meters above the floor; and the central nave is twice as wide as the lateral naves, measuring 8 meters each.

Despite enduring the destructive fires set by anarchists in 1936 during the rebellion, when numerous churches in Barcelona were targeted, Saint Mary of the Sea withstood the onslaught. Adorned with ornate side chapels and choir stalls at the time, the basilica burned for eleven days, nearly collapsing. It was later restored by a group of architects trained in the Bauhaus style following the Civil War, transforming it into an architectural marvel.

Why You Should Visit:
Remarkably grand and impeccably preserved; offers a lift to the roof, a small "art gallery", an intriguing crypt, beautiful stone carvings, a choir gallery, and the most astoundingly peaceful courtyard with a large pond. In addition, the surrounding area is dotted with charming local cafes offering outdoor seating, making it a delightful place to explore and wander.

Tips:
You have the option to participate in a guided tour that takes you up to the roof, providing a fascinating experience along with breathtaking views of Barcelona. Additionally, guided tours are available to explore areas that are usually restricted to the public, including the crypt. It's important to note that proper attire is required to enter these areas, as the guards at the entrance may refuse entry if the dress code is not followed.

Pulsating with energy, particularly during the peak tourist season, La Rambla is the most famous street in Barcelona and one of Europe’s most lively urban promenades. Stretching 1.2 kilometers from Catalonia Square to the Christopher Columbus Monument at the Old Port, it cuts through the Gothic Quarter and El Raval neighborhoods. Legendary Spanish poet Federico García Lorca famously described this bustling thoroughfare, teeming with colorful shops, charming pavement cafes, souvenir kiosks, and an eclectic mix of visitors, as “the only street in the world which I wish would never end.”

La Rambla is composed of several smaller sections, known collectively as “Les Rambles.” These include Canaletes Rambla, known for its fountain; Rambla of Studies, the site of a former Jesuit university; Rambla of Saint Joseph, home to a flower market; Rambla of the Capuchins, featuring the Liceu opera house; and Rambla of Santa Mònica, named after a local convent.

Originally a sewage-filled stream, La Rambla’s name comes from the Arabic word for "sand," dating back to the times when it functioned as a rainwater drain. By the late 14th century, the city expanded its walls to include La Rambla, which later transformed into a lively promenade.

Over time, La Rambla became a hub for festivals and commerce. Trees were planted along its path in 1703, with plane trees, in particular, added in 1859. Notable local landmarks include the Liceu Grand Theatre, Barcelona's renowned opera house, and the Palace of the Viceroy, a Baroque mansion now hosting exhibitions and events. The street also features a Joan Miró pavement mosaic and connects to the famous La Boqueria market, offering a plethora of local delicacies, as well as the Royal Square popular for its nightlife.

Prices at La Rambla are a bit steeper than elsewhere in the city, but then again, excitement comes at a price, and La Rambla sure gives tonnes of it.

Tip:
As you stroll along, remain vigilant against the occasional presence of pickpockets-keeping your eyes open is always a good idea.
For excellent food at more affordable prices and the opportunity to savor your meal in a relaxed setting, venture to the Santa Caterina market, just a 10-minute walk away from La Boqueria.

Nestled in a discreet corner off the bustling La Rambla, the Güell Palace is an inaugural masterpiece of the architect Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona, which swiftly propelled him to international acclaim.

Now part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site called the "Works of Antoni Gaudí", this mansion was built between 1886 and 1888 for the industrial tycoon and Gaudí's lifelong patron, Eusebi Güell. The building showcases Gaudí's innovative use of iron supports as decorative elements, featuring twisted columns, arches, and intricate ceilings, topped with a whimsical array of tiled chimneys on the roof terrace.

Designed for high-society gatherings, the home’s central room has a tall ceiling, soaring three floors high, with a cupola. At night, to produce the appearance of a starlit sky, lanterns were hung from the outside through the small holes near the top. Arriving in horse-drawn carriages, guests entered the property through grand oval gates adorned with ironwork resembling seaweed. Horses were taken to a livery stable in the basement, while guests ascended to the receiving room. The walls and ceilings of this room contain discreet observation holes, allowing the owner to view guests from above before making an entrance.

With no budget constraints, Gaudí utilized the finest materials and craftsmanship to create a space that blends function and artistry seamlessly. This residence served as a preview of Gaudí’s future architectural innovations and his flair for combining structural elements with imaginative design.

Being slightly tucked away from the renowned La Rambla promenade, this lesser-known gem attracts fewer tourists, while offering a delightful opportunity to admire Gaudí's work in the charming old quarter of the city.

Tip:
The building's highlight is the rooftop terrace and its colorful chimneys adorned with mosaic and broken tiles. Note: on a rainy day, the rooftop may be closed, so it's advisable to check in advance the weather forecast to ensure a pleasant visit.

The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, commonly known as Barcelona Cathedral, is a delightful combination of a church, mini-park, and a house of prayer, offering a serene alternative to the renowned La Sagrada Família. As the seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona, it was primarily constructed between the 13th and 15th centuries.

The cathedral has a pseudo-basilica layout with five aisles and a raised high altar. It is dedicated to Saint Eulalia, a young martyr whose relics are housed in the white marble sarcophagus inside the crypt. An intriguing feature is the presence of 13 geese in the cloister, symbolizing Saint Eulàlia's age at the time of her death.

Inside, the cathedral showcases choir stalls adorned with the coats-of-arms of the Order of the Golden Fleece. The Chapel of the Holy Sacrament contains a cross associated with the 1571 Battle of Lepanto and has been reconstructed to hold the tomb of San Olegarius, a former bishop of Barcelona.

The cathedral’s origins trace back to an early Christian and Visigothic complex that was damaged during a Muslim attack on Barcelona in 985. It was replaced with a Romanesque church in 1046 before the current Gothic cathedral began construction in 1298. The cathedral took 150 years to complete yet its neo-Gothic façade, featuring gargoyles and other mythical creatures, was finished only in 1913. Unlike many other churches in Barcelona destroyed during the Civil War, this Gothic temple was spared.

An exemplary piece of Catalan Gothic architecture, emphasizing balanced proportions over verticality, the cathedral measures 93 meters long, 40 meters wide, and 28 meters high at its central nave, with bell towers reaching 54 meters and the central peak at 70 meters.

The Cathedral of Barcelona is also famous for giving rise to the unique Catalan tradition of "dancing egg." Observed during the feast of Corpus Christi (also known as the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ), this tradition features an egg balanced on a water fountain’s jet.

The cathedral's cloister contains a gift shop. Cellular phones have been banned from the Chapel of Lepanto and other chapels. While exploring the cathedral's interior, make sure to venture up to the lofty roof terrace. You will be rewarded with views of the cathedral's towers, pinnacles, cimborio, and the Cloister, and a 360-degree view of the city!

Tip:
Cathedral Visit (including Choir entrance + Access to the rooftop, Chapter hall, and Virtual Audio guide) is €9.00.
Cathedral + Museum (including Choir entrance + Access to the rooftop + Chapter hall + Virtual Audio guide + Museum) is €15.00.

Batlló House, located in the heart of Barcelona's prestigious Gràcia Boulevard, is one of Gaudí’s most celebrated architectural masterpieces. Originally built in 1877 by Lluís Sala Sánchez, the building underwent a radical transformation in 1904 when textile industrialist Josep Batlló hired Antoni Gaudí to renovate it. Gaudí expanded the structure, creating new floors and adding his signature audacious design, which turned this previously unremarkable building into a landmark of Modernist architecture.

Batlló House is often referred to as the "House of Bones" due to its skeletal-like balconies and organic forms. Another local name for it is the "House of the Dragon," as its arched roof, covered in colorful mosaic tiles, is said to resemble the spine of a dragon. This symbolism aligns with the legend of Saint George (Catalonia’s patron saint), whose lance is represented by the turret and cross atop the roof.

The building's façade is divided into three sections and adorned with vibrant broken ceramic tiles in shades transitioning from orange to greenish-blue. Gaudí’s use of curves, irregular windows, and sculpted stonework avoids straight lines, enhancing the structure’s flowing, dynamic feel. Inside, the loft space, with its catenary arches, imitates a ribcage, while the central atrium features blue tiles that create an underwater-like light distribution.

The rooftop is a highlight of Batlló House, with its chimneys resembling twisted, tiled sculptures. The entire structure integrates symbolism and decorative elements that showcase Gaudí’s innovative approach to form and function. After the Batlló family left in the 1950s, the house changed ownership several times and was refurbished before becoming a venue for events in 1995. In 2005, Batlló House was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, cementing its status as a masterpiece of modernist architecture.

Tip:
For a fee, you can have your photo taken on the small balcony at the front of the building (as you descend from the rooftop), receiving both a printed copy and an electronic version for a memorable keepsake.

Milà House, commonly known as La Pedrera ("The Stone Quarry"), is a modernist masterpiece designed by Antoni Gaudí and located on Gràcia Boulevard in Barcelona. Constructed between 1906 and 1912 for Roser Segimón and her husband Pere Milà, its nickname derives from its stony, fortress-like appearance. Gaudí, however, viewed the structure as a living body, with columns as bones and stone as flesh.

The building’s wavy stone façade and wrought iron balconies were highly controversial at the time for their unconventional design. Gaudí introduced several innovative features, such as a self-supporting façade, free-plan floors, and an underground garage. The structure, inspired by natural forms, incorporates curved surfaces and catenary arches in the attic, while its layout around courtyards ensures natural light reaches all nine stories. The distinctive roof terrace, with sculptural chimneys and skylights, offers panoramic views of the city and is known as "the garden of warriors."

Following initial criticism and conflicts with Roser Segimón over the aesthetic details, Milà House has undergone significant changes throughout its history. Originally intended as a private residence, it was later sold, converted into apartments, and eventually fell into disrepair. It was restored in the 1980s, regaining its original colors and features, and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.

Today, Milà House serves as a cultural center, featuring an exhibition on Gaudí’s life and work, showcasing models, drawings, and photographs of his architectural creations. The fourth floor showcases a recreation of an early 20th-century apartment, giving insight into the lifestyle of affluent families of that period.

Milà House is a testament to Gaudí’s architectural innovation and his challenge to conventional design norms. Over the years, it has inspired many modern buildings worldwide, including the Guggenheim Museum in New York City and Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. Today, it stands as one of Barcelona’s most iconic landmarks, attracting visitors from around the world to experience Gaudí’s visionary creativity firsthand.

Tip:
To avoid waiting in line, try and book your ticket online in advance and, if possible, visit around sunset when the lights are on, allowing you to experience the surreal audiovisual show. During the summer months, jazz and flamenco concerts are often held here, which is quite a treat as well.

The Basilica and Expiatory Temple of the Holy Family, commonly known as La Sagrada Família, is an iconic, unfinished church in Barcelona designed by Catalan Modernist architect Antoni Gaudí. Construction began in 1882 with architect Francisco de Paula del Villar, who envisioned a Gothic revival-style church. Upon taking over the project in 1883, Gaudí transformed the design into a unique blend of Gothic and Art Nouveau styles. Despite spending an impressive 43 years of his life designing this monument, by the time of Gaudí's death in 1926, only 15-25% of the basilica had been completed.

Relied on private donations, the construction has faced multiple interruptions like the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s. Modern technology has sped up the progress, however, and the church is now set to be finished by 2026, with further decorative work expected until 2034.

The Sagrada Família features eighteen planned spires symbolizing the Twelve Apostles, four Evangelists, the Virgin Mary, and Jesus Christ. Thirteen spires have been completed so far. The basilica’s three façades-the Nativity, Passion, and Glory-each represent different phases of Christ’s life and showcase a blend of naturalistic and minimalist styles.

The interior, designed as a Latin cross with five aisles, showcases Gaudí’s mastery of geometry and organic forms. The central nave vaults reach 45 meters, while the apse vault extends to 75 meters. The columns, which change shape as they rise, contribute to the basilica’s distinct look. Gaudí's use of hyperboloid structures and ruled surfaces enhances both the stability and aesthetic appeal of the building.

As of 2017, visitors can book tickets online to access various parts of the basilica, including the Nave, Crypt, and museum, as well as the Passion and Nativity steeples. A visit to the steeples includes a challenging descent through a narrow spiral staircase of over 300 steps. Also of note is the museum below, offering a wealth of information, including audiovisual presentations about the Sagrada Família project's history, plans, and Gaudí himself. You may also want to visit the small school built by Antoni Gaudí for the children of the construction workers right on the site.

Once completed, the Sagrada Família is to become the tallest church in the world and a lasting testament to Gaudí’s vision of blending architecture, nature, and spirituality.

Tip:
Please note that children under 6 are not permitted to ascend the towers; some adults may find the spiral staircase challenging too. If you decide to climb, ask the staff for directions to the "backside elevator", as it is usually less crowded.