Plaça Sant Jaume has long been the political center of Barcelona, dating back to the Roman era. This historic square has witnessed pivotal events in Catalan history, including the proclamation of the Catalan State in 1931. It remains a significant site where history and modern governance converge.
On one side of the square stands the Palace of the Generalitat, easily recognized by the two flags adorning its top. This building is the seat of government for the Autonomous Community of Catalunya. Opposite it is the City Hall, which proudly displays three flags.
Both buildings are exemplary Gothic structures, though their facades have undergone renovations. The front of the Generalitat, in particular, is heralded as a prime example of Barcelona's Renaissance art. Despite their modern exteriors, each edifice holds an important place in civil Gothic architecture.
Visitors have the opportunity to delve deeper into the history and significance of these iconic buildings by taking guided tours. Inside, the architecture and historical significance come to life, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of Catalunya's past and present.
Source - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pla%C3%A7a_Sant_Jaume
The Pavilion is one of the emblematic works of Mies van der Rohe and key reference architecture of the twentieth century. The famous German Pavilion was designed for the 1929 Barcelona International Exhibition and reconstructed in 1986 on its original site. Its innovative architectural structure marked a radical change in the layout of space and greatly influenced the development of modern architecture. Furthermore, the Pavilion exhibits the Barcelona Chair, also designed by Mies van der Rohe, along with a bronze reproduction of Georg Kolbe’s sculpture Morning. The Fundació Mies van der Rohe veils for the conservation of the Pavilion.
The museum displays high-performance sport competitions, recreational sports, sports in general and sports for disabled people. It shows how sport can promote values, educate, innovate and renew. The museum has a sport idols space with outstanding players.
The first building Gaudi built in Barcelona. It has been opened as a museum. It's possible to walk the whole monumental enclosure, including the garden and the interior of the building. In UNESCO World Heritage Sites list since 2005.
The museum has limited opening hours but the park it is situated in is also interesting. Check website before going to the museum as it will eventually relocate to The Can Bagaria building.
A beautiful Gothic monastery near the university, there are a museum which depicts the monastery life, a church, and a marvelous chapel covered with medieval frescoes.
Has the single best collection of Romanesque art in the world, and a fine Gothic collection as well. Includes the Pantocrator from the Taüll Romanesque church. The building itself is also very beautiful.
Formerly known as Torre Agbar. Distinctively-shaped office tower which stands out in the Barcelona skyline. It stands out even more Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights when it is lighted in several colours. The viewing platform on the 30th floor has views in all directions. Tickets start at €15 and come with a complimentary glass of cava and access to Hyperview Barcelona, an exhibit of the city’s real-time environmental data as an audiovisual installation, which is hosted in the tower’s lowest floor.
This square is famous for the nightlife and the uniform architecture, and features fountains and palm trees. It was built during the 19th century on the site of a monastery, after the Mendizábal law expelled the monks. After some years Antoni Gaudí designed the streetlights which are still there. It has lots of activity during the day, thanks to the many terraces of the bars and restaurants.
Situated on the Montjuic, it exhibits archaeological findings from Catalunia from different periods. Under 16 and 65+ free. €3 for others. Special discounts for other groups.
One of the most romantic squares in Barcelona, it hides a dark history in that it was built over the city's old cemetery. Barcelona's most famous architect, Antonio Gaudi, was on his way to visit the church there when he was run over and killed in 1928. There is a baroque church (Sant Felip Neri), a 14th-century palace and a fountain in the middle. To arrive, take the narrow street next to the cathedral cloister. The palace was moved from its original location in the street Via Laietana during the 1920s. If you look the front of the church, you can see some holes made by a civil war bomb. If you go out the square through the other street, you'll arrive to the street Baixada de Santa Eulàlia, where is said that the Barcelona's protector was tormented.
Although a botanic garden had been established in Barcelona as early as 1888, the current gardens date from 1999.
The university has many interesting buildings, libraries and courtyards.
Another Gaudi masterpiece along the same avenue as La Pedrera. Open to the public. No straight line or right angles appear anywhere in the house. Often overlooked for La Pedrera, (also by Gaudi), La Casa Batlló is equally as stunning with its unique architecture and infamous two ornamental pillars in the entrance to the terrace. Open for visitors from ground floor to the roof, and down by an old-time elevator.
The stadium and its surroundings built in 1927 and renovated for the 1992 Summer Olympics provides nice architectonic and city views. Since it's not too crowded outside sport events, it's usually a pretty calm place.