Barcelona, a city known for its vibrant culture and stunning architecture, holds a quieter slice of history in the Poblenou Cemetery. Established in the early 19th century, this cemetery is a resting place and an open-air museum all in one. It offers a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle, inviting visitors to stroll through its serene pathways and explore its rich history.
The cemetery is a treasure trove of art and architecture. It is home to an array of unique and expressive sculptures, tombs, and mausoleums. Each monument tells a story, reflecting the customs and artistic movements of the time. The cemetery's design, with its neoclassical style, is a testament to the craftsmanship of the era. It is a place where art and history converge, creating a captivating experience for those who wander through.
Within the cemetery's walls lie the graves of notable figures who played significant roles in Barcelona's history. Here, visitors can find the final resting places of artists, politicians, and influential citizens. Each gravestone provides a glimpse into the past, offering a connection to the stories of those who helped shape the city.
Poblenou Cemetery is not just about history and art. It is also a place of reflection and tranquility. The quiet atmosphere allows for a moment of pause, a chance to step away from the lively city streets and appreciate the calm surroundings. The cemetery offers a space for contemplation, where visitors can take a break and absorb the peaceful ambiance.
For those interested in learning more about the cemetery's history and its notable residents, guided tours are available. These tours provide insights into the cemetery's past, highlighting the stories behind the most significant graves and monuments. Occasionally, cultural events are held within the cemetery, further enriching the experience for those who visit.
Whether interested in art, history, or simply seeking a quiet retreat, Poblenou Cemetery opens a window into the past and offers a unique perspective on Barcelona's heritage.
Source - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poblenou_Cemetery
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.
Connecting many of the major streets in the city, the Plaça is a central location and a hub of activity. It is a favourite meeting spot for locals and a transit hub for the tourist buses. There are many fountains, statues and gardens around the plaza, and a number of benches to just sit and take it all in.
One of the most representative examples of Catalan Gothic architecture, it features a sombre but beautiful interior. The upsweeping verticality and lightness of the interior are especially surprising considering the blocky exterior surfaces. Built between 1329 and 1383, it was once was home to a Christian cult in the late 3rd century. The church is dedicated to Saint Mary of the Sea, since the quarter was dedicated to the jobs related to the sea, from sailors to harbor works, commerce, even coin exchange. The inside was burned during the civil war, but it is still very interesting. Next to the church, you can see a monument, called Fossar de les Moreres, which is the place where many fighters where buried after the Barcelona defeat in 1714, so it is an important monument for Catalan nationalism.
This former hospital is an architectural masterpiece that is now open for visitors. Inpatient wards (and most outpatient facilities) have been moved to a new building of Nou Hospital, but in terms of touring the area, that makes it all the easier. One of "small hidden features" is a network of underground passages where small carriages can be seen, you can get there near WCs on a central square, between Banc de Sang and Quiròfans.
Placa d'Espanya was created for the 1929 World Exhibition, on a site once used for public hangings. The fountain in the center of the square is a great attraction and plays music during the summer. Plaça Espanya is located at the base of Montjuic hill.
One of the most unusual landmarks in this otherwise ultra-modern area is this 19th-century (finished in 1882) brick water tower. Standing 62 metres tall, it is now overshadowed by neighbouring residential, office and hotel towers and easy to miss unless you know where to look for it.
Modernist design by Lluís Domènech i Montaner is a UNESCO World Heritage site, a masterpiece of Catalan's modernist architecture. This auditorium designed by Ramon Muntaner is the most important Modernist example in Ciutat Vella. It was the headquarters of the Orfeó Català, the oldest Catalan choir. The most beautiful part is the stalls with its fine detailing, although all the building is impressive. There are plenty of allegories about music and Catalonia, since the Orfeó Català is strongly bounded with the Catalan Renaixença, the romantic movement that tried to recuperate the Catalan history, language and traditions. It is also the best place in Barcelona to listen to symphonic music.
The university has many interesting buildings, libraries and courtyards.
A complex of two pavilions by Antonio Gaudi. 2024 closed for renovation.
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.
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.
Provides a beautiful panorama view over the rest of the city. The Montjuic Castle is in the Montjuic hill. From the Montjuïc Castle, take the harbor cable car to Barceloneta for more splendid views.
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.
Much to the dismay of Mickey Mouse aficionados, Disseny is Catalan for "design", not "Disney". The "Disseny Hub" houses the amalgamated museums focusing on applied arts and design, including Museu de les Arts Decoratives, Museu de Ceràmica, Museu Tèxtil i d'Indumentària and Gabinet de les Arts Gràfiques. The new building has an intricate, multi-level structure, with the protruding tower overhanging the Praca de les Glories roundabout.
This museum mainly exhibits exponents, which were imported by Catalan sailors as they explored the new world. Free on the first Sunday each month (11:00 to 15:00)