Hispacar Travel Guides - Barcelona, Costa Brava

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Barcelona

The city of Barcelona has got so much to offer, that it is not easy to mention the 10 most important attractions and it really depends what you are looking for. The city is a perfect destination for a short break, but also a popular daytrip amongst tourists on the Costa Brava. If you spend your holidays in Catalunya there are other places in the province of Barcelona which are worthwhile visiting. Here are 10 places you should not miss during your holidays in Barcelona.

1. Sagrada Familia

1. An extraordinary interpretation of Gothic architecture

The Basilica of the Sagrada Familia is without a doubt the number 1 tourist attraction in Barcelona. This giant church designed by the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí which construction is still incompleted has been under construction since 1882 and it can take another 50 - 80 years before the basilica will be finished as it construction work can only be funded by private spendings. Despite of being unfinished the church is a UNESCO World Heritage.

2. Parc Güell

2. A garden designed by Gaudi

Parc Güell, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site called Works of Antoni Gaudí, is a garden complex situated in the Gràcia district of Barcelona. The famous the Catalan architect incorporated motifs from religious mysticism and elements of Catalan nationalism into the Skillfully designed park. The main terrace, surrounded by a long bench in the form of a colourful serpent is the focal point of Park Güell.

3. National Museum of Art

3. An outstanding collection of romanesque Art

The Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, housed in the Palau Nacional, is situated in Montjuïc. Romanesque Art is one of the most important collections in the Palau Nacional. The italian style building also houses a notable collection of Catalan art and design. The National Art Museum of Catalonia was declared a national museum in 1990.

4. Casa Batlló

4. One of Gaudi's most impressive creations

Casa Batlló is an ordinary appartment block which was remodelled inside and out by Gaudí at the beginning of the twentieth century for textile tycoon Josep Batlló. The architectural makeover by Gaudi and his collaborator resulted in one of the most admired creatiosn by Gaudí. Although opinions differ some say that the façade represents Sant Jordi and the dragon.

5. Parc de la Ciutadella

5. A surprisingly extensive park

Barcelona is a big city and the Parc de la Ciutadella is a surprisingly extensive park ideally situated to relax a while after visiting the nearby Natural History Museum, the Zoo from Barcelona or the parliament buildings of Catalonia. Especially on Sundays the people from Barcelona take the opportunity to picnic in the open and spend the day with the family.

6. Montjuïc

6. A magical mountain

The mountan of Montjuïc which houses some of the buildings of the Olympic Games of 1992 celebrated in Barcelona like the Palau Sant Jordi and the Olympic Stadium. The Plaza de España is the the most common access point to the hilltop of Montjuic where visitors enjoy spectacular views of the city and the Mediterranean. The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc is a very popular site amongst tourists and locals alike.

7. Costa Brava

7. A plethora of beaches

The Costa Brava is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Spain. Sunshine and nice weather is almost guaranteed all year round, but if you can avoid the busy summer months you will enloy much lower hotel rates. The Costa Brava is famous for its secluded beaches but offers also plenty of monuments, art and excellent museums dedicated to some of Spain's most famous artists like Salvador Dalí, Antoni Gaudí or Pablo Picasso.

8. Gerona

8. on the banks of the Onyar river

Gerona is situated at the confluence of the Onyar with several other rivers approximately 100 kilometers north of Barcelona. The walled city dates back to the Roman period. The historical center with its ancient streets is located within the city walls. The old quarter, one of the best preserved in Europe, is not very big and it is easy to explore on foot.

9. Montserrat

9. The Benedictine monastery

The Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat in the Montserrat mountains is situated approixmately 45 km from Barcelona. Since prehistoric times Montserrat has been of religious significance to the people of Catalonia. The statue of the Black Madonna, patron saint of Catalonia is one of the main reasons why spaniards travel to Montserrat. A funicular goes to the peaks of Montserrat which are another 300 meters up from the monastery.

10. Pyrenees

10. Where all paths meet

The Pyrenees form the natural border between Spain and France. The mountain range stretches for almost 500 kilometers between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The eastern Pyrenees are formed by the catalan provinces of Girona, Barcelona and Lleida. The Pyrenees are a mountain range of huge diversity and a popular destination for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding amongst the people from Catalonia.

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These are just 10 good reasons to visit Barcelona, but there are many more reasons to visit the Costa Brava. Why don't you find out yourself?