Catalonia’s capital city is an eclectic patchwork of art, culture, and creativity. Barcelona is famous for its inspirational gothic texture that has over the years merged with art-deco influences. The result is some of the most outrageous examples of modern architecture in the world forming a city aesthetic unlike any other. At Barcelona’s core beats an ever progressive heart and modernity is comfortably accommodated alongside its timelessness. For every shady boulevard there is a glowing beach, for every religious relic an opulent boutique and for every tranquil day spa a pulsing club filling the night with colour.
Some of the most breathtaking samples of historical architecture can be discovered in Barcelona. Gaudi’s unfinished Sagrada Familia church is a dizzying modernist structure with a forest of gothic towers reaching up to ornate spires and is the international symbol of Barcelona, and an officially recognised World Heritage Site. Indeed, many buildings in the city’s Gothic quarter are to be found on the famous UNESCO list, and every street leads to some ornate church, archway, monument or cathedral to be explored.
The National Geographic Top 10 Beach Cities in the World lists Barcelona as its number one. The most central of Barcelona’s beaches, Barcaloneta is dappled with beach huts in which to enjoy an invigorating drink, along with facilities for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Icaria Beach is a quieter alternative, ideal for families, and is particularly well-suited to disabled visitors. It has an area for bathing assistance, usually available on weekends and bank holidays in summer months. Before heading to the other central beach, Mar Bella, be prepared to surrender inhibition, as it’s an unofficial haven for the naked tourist!
Barcelona has a number of museums, ranging from the Museu Picasso to the Cosmocaixa, a science museum which boasts a flooded forest habitat and a room of matter among its exhibitions. The most vibrant boulevard in the city, La Rambla is a mile long road which crackles with life and bustles with artists and street performers. The wavy patterns on its pavement create the illusion its walking surface is rippling with energy. As a crowded place La Rambla is a prime target for pickpockets, so exercise a just little caution, and common sense will take you down the mile long boulevard without incident.
Barcelona hosts a number of famous festivals. The Festival de Flamenco de Ciutat Vella stamps, spins and blazes crimson in celebration of Spain’s traditional dance between 19th and 22nd of May. During the third week of June, the city throbs to beats generated by Sonar, one of the most sophisticated celebrations of electronic music and technology in Europe. In past years acts have included Daft Punk, Kraftwerk and Bjork. Towards the end of September, Spain’s summer shows no sign of sluggishness, as La Mercè Festival ignites the festival calendar. A celebration of Catalan and Mediterranean culture, the three day event opens with a speech by the town crier, then bursts into a vivid succession of concerts, parades, castellers, firework displays, and an air show.
Last Edit by KirstyKlip on 19/08/2011 EDIT NOW >>
