In the midst of a sleek, contemporary landscape, an extraordinary sight awaits discovery — a 19th-century brick water tower that once reigned supreme over the skyline. Completed in 1882, this historical structure stands at an impressive 62 meters tall. Despite its grandeur, the tower is now dwarfed by the surrounding residential, office, and hotel buildings, making it easy to overlook unless one knows precisely where to seek it out.
Barcelona's most popular and famous attraction, the Sagrada Família is a testament to Antonio Gaudi's modernist style and unlike any other church in the world. The texture and detail on the façades are intricate and incorporate forms seen in nature as much of Gaudi's work does. The inside is huge — it's estimated that it can hold 13,000 people — with vaulted ceilings and columns designed to be reminiscent of trees. The church is still under construction, but the central nave, apse and crypt are open. Seeing the Sagrada Família at night with lights on is impressive — this is the time when you understand why people say that it is built of bones.
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.
Palace designed by Gaudí for the industrial tycoon Eusebi Güell. There is a basement and three levels of the palace to explore, the highest featuring a small exhibition. It is in a different style to Gaudi's apartment blocks La Pedrera and Casa Batlló, as well as being cheaper and less crowded than those sites. The rooftop of Palau Güell features the more standard Gaudi style chimneys, and views across El Raval.
Museum dedicated to the FC Barcelona. It occupies 3,500 m² and attracts 1.2 million visitors a year, ranking it second to the Museu Picasso, which attracts 1.3 million visitors, as the most visited museum in the city of Barcelona. All of the Barcas trophies and jerseys of many famous players of the team are exhibited. The museum can be visited by booking the Camp Nou Experience package, which includes also a stadium tour. The stadium tour is not fantastic and the audio guide is not really worth it either, but for a quick recent history of matches played there, consult the backs of the doors in the cubicles. Most have a lot of graffiti championing the team that played there. It is also unfortunate that the home team changing rooms are not open to the public, only the somewhat dated guest's team dressing rooms, which are not that impressive.
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.
A complex of two pavilions by Antonio Gaudi. 2024 closed for renovation.
Designed by Puig i Cadafalch, the building is a fine work of Modernism. Check the detailed photos and explanation of facade sculptures. It also has a shop that sells fine chocolate (the Amatller family made its money out of cocoa).
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 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.
One of Gaudi's masterpieces, there is not one straight edge on the exterior and the structure is one of Gaudi’s most eccentric and enticing architectural creations. Tours of the interior and the incredible roof structures are available. Great views of the tall buildings (especially La Sagrada Familia) from the roof. Hosts a large exposition of Gaudi works, covering Sagrada Familia and Casa Batlio, not only La Pedrera itself. The exposition is a good place to start your exploration of Gaudi; it reveals many hidden details for the art novice.
Created in 1984 by the artist Antoni Tàpies to promote the study and knowledge of modern and contemporary art.
Urban park created from redeveloping industrial land. It covers 14 hectares and includes seven areas like a children's play area, a lake with sculptures and a central plaza.
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.