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and 630 km of travel, and up to Andorra(Andorra) is a road about 240 km long. Barcelona can be called one of the most important and interesting tourist destinations in all of Europe.

The population here is about two million inhabitants. The suburbs that surround the metropolis are home to 3 million people. Barcelona is the most populous city in the Mediterranean, the second most populous in Spain, and the 10th most populous in the EU. But in terms of tourist influx, it can rightfully claim leadership.

The official language here is Catalan. This language belongs to the Romance group, and is also similar to Provençal and Castilian languages. The latter is official for Spain. The majority of Barcelona residents speak Catalan. However, the signs are written in two languages: Catalan and Castilian.

Barcelona people are friendly, like all Spaniards. Tourists often characterize them as carefree, but practical people and at the same time with an irresistible craving for various festivals.

From Costa Dorada. Barcelona is located to the north. Electric trains depart from Salou to Barcelona and in the opposite direction every hour, and there is a bus service.

Geographical position

Where the Mediterranean Sea washes the Iberian Peninsula, Barcelona lies on a plateau with an area of 170 km. The Collserola mountain range borders on the southern side, the Llobregat River flows there, and the northern side is limited by the Besos River. To the north of it, the Pyrenees rise 120 km. It is thanks to the mountain range that the contours of the city are somewhat rounded.

The highest point in Collserola is Mount Tibidabo, which is 512 meters high. Tibidabo is home to one of Barcelona's landmarks, the famous Collserola antenna tower, 268 meters high. It was designed by Norman Foster Olympic Games 1992. This tower is visible from almost anywhere in the city. Also here is (Sagrat Cor), built by Enrico Sagniera. This is the tallest building in the city. The temple is classified in the pseudo-Gothic style. At the top there is an observation deck, from which you can see the entire Catalan coast.

Another famous building is located on a hill called Mont Taber. However, Mont Taber is not the only hill in the city, it is all located on hills. Each of them gave the name to one of the city quarters, such as Carmel, Rovira, Monterols, Peira, Putxet and others.

One of the mountains in the city is called (Montjuïc), it is famous for the fact that there is an observation deck from which the southwestern part of the city and an excellent view of the port are revealed in full view. There is also a fortress built in the 12th century. The fortress itself now houses a Military Museum. And around it there is a wonderful park, in which Olympic venues are located and gardens are in bloom. Many tourists come here every day.

Barcelona borders Sant Andria de Besos and Santa Coloma de Gramanet in the north, Esplugues de Llobregat and Hospitalet de Llobregat (Hospitalet de Llobregat) in the south. The east, or rather the southeast, is the exit to the Mediterranean Sea, and from the west it is adjacent to Cerdanyola del Valles and San Cugat Del Valles.

Barcelona districts description

Barcelona received its current administrative division in 1984. There are 10 districts, each of which, in turn, is divided into barrios, and those into neighborhoods.

1. is the central and oldest district of the city. Here are the popular tourist quarters, the Raval quarter, the beachside Barceloneta and the shopping paradise El Born (Ribera).
2. located next to the Old Town. This area is important for both Barcelona residents and tourists. Here is located (Sagrada Família) and Gaudí's architectural monuments.
3. Sants-Montjuïc is also very attractive for tourists. This includes Mount Montjuic, which was already mentioned above, and the adjacent residential areas of Poble Sec and Sants. Nightclubs and bars are of interest to tourists here.
4. is located 15 minutes drive from the Old Town. This is a business district and there are few attractions here. But those that exist are worthy of close attention, for example, the home arena of the Barcelona club.
5. is one of the most expensive and luxurious areas, in which prestigious modernity harmoniously coexists with a rustic atmosphere and the Pedralbes monastery.
6.—an area north of Eixample, formerly an independent city. People are trying to get here today creative people, as it is a famous bohemian hangout spot. In addition, there are excellent prospects for shopping here. The main pearl of the area -
7. The area is located in the upper zone and is not particularly popular with tourists, as it is not rich in attractions. This is mainly a residential area.
8. This is the northwestern outskirts of Barcelona and many immigrants live here.
9. A small area near the Besos River.
10. The area most densely populated. It is located right on the coast. It includes 10 blocks, most of which provide excellent opportunities for both a relaxing family holiday and an active beach pastime.

Accommodation in Barcelona: expensive and affordable options

Barcelona is a real tourist mecca. Naturally, there are hotels (and other accommodation options such as hostels, campsites, etc.) to suit every taste and budget. There are hotels known for their luxury all over the world and affordable hotels that allow you to travel quite economically.

There are also accommodation options in the city such as apartments. Every year it becomes more popular among visitors. You can rent a studio and an apartment with 5 bedrooms, it all depends on your desires and capabilities. For many, an accommodation option such as camping is also suitable. This option is attractive because the campsites are located in the suburbs, away from crowds.

Attractions: what you shouldn't miss

Of course, one of the main activities of everyone who comes to the city is visiting numerous attractions, the description of which is worthy of a separate book. However, in addition to visiting historical and architectural monuments, there are a huge number of leisure options. These include numerous exhibitions, festivals, theaters and cinemas, sporting events, unique shopping, relaxing on wonderful beaches, visiting parks, zoos, water parks, an aquarium, tasting Spanish cuisine in restaurants, nightclubs and so on and so forth. In this review article, you can only go through all these possibilities in dotted lines.

There are many beaches for sea and sun lovers. They here have a length of more than 4 kilometers. The beaches are sandy and have a smooth slope. One of the beaches is located right in the city center and is called Barceloneta. The phenomenon of a beach club is also common. There are many of them on the coast, and many can be reached from the city center in 10-15 minutes.

The sights of Barcelona include almost all of Barcelona. Therefore, there is always something to see.

How to get to Barcelona

Typically, most tourists arrive in Barcelona by plane. Barcelona airport is called, and is the largest in the Mediterranean and the second in passenger traffic in all of Spain.

Air traffic in Barcelona is established with many large cities in Europe and the world. From Russia in the summer (from late April to early October) many charter flights go to Barcelona. You can fly from Moscow and St. Petersburg to Barcelona using Vueling airlines, a subsidiary of the Spanish carrier Iberia, as well as Transaero and Aeroflot lines. There are more than 10 such shipments per week. The flight will take no more than 4 hours. Ural Airlines operates flights from Yekaterinburg all year round. In addition to direct flights, there are also many options related to connecting flights (connection in Moscow).

Land routes to Barcelona are no less comfortable and even more interesting. So, you can get into the city by bus, your own car or rented one. The driver will need a green card, medical insurance, and international license.

Buses arrive at two bus stations: Sants and Barcelona Nord. There is a lively bus service with European cities.

There are also many railway tracks leading here. The main railway operator in Spain is RENFE. Although the railway in Spain itself is very developed, connections with the rest of Europe are not so developed due to the Pyrenees Mountains. However, from any European capital you can easily get to the capital of Catalonia by train. For example, from Paris in France - on Elipsos flights. The city has two train stations: the old one, Estació de França, which receives international flights, and the new one, Estació de Sants, which is the main station of the city. The European direction from Moscow is served by Belorussky Station.

Since Barcelona is the largest port, many arrive here by cruise ships. Almost every one of those plying the Mediterranean has a stop here. All 7 passenger terminals of the port are open to receive cruises. All capitals of Europe (and not only) have sea connections with Barcelona.

In the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula, on the Mediterranean coast, surrounded by picturesque mountains, is located one of the most beautiful cities in Europe - Barcelona. It is the heart of Spanish Catalonia and an important industrial, commercial and cultural centre. The city of the famous Gaudi...

The first written sources about Barcelona date back to the 3rd century BC, although it is likely that a settlement existed here much earlier. There are two versions about the founding of the city and both of them are associated with the Carthaginian Hamilcar Barca, the father of Hannibal. The first legend says that the city was first founded by the legendary hero of ancient Greek myths, Hercules, and Hamilcar Barca only rebuilt it in the 3rd century BC. In the second version, it was Hamilcar Barca who became the founder of the city, naming it in honor of his family - Barsino.

In the 2nd century BC. the city was conquered by the Romans. Largely due to its convenient location and excellent natural harbor, ancient Barcelona, which initially did not have much significance or influence, soon became a very prosperous city with its own coinage, and subsequently one of the most important trading centers in the Mediterranean, competing on equal terms with Genoa and Venice.

At the beginning of the 5th century, Barcelona was conquered by the Visigoths and for a time became the residence of King Ataulf. At the beginning of the 8th century, Barcelona came under the control of the Moors, and already in 801 it was conquered by the Frankish Carolingians, becoming the capital of the Spanish March and the county of the same name. The county of Barcelona was able to free itself from Carolingian rule only in 988. Since that time, Catalonia has actually officially traced its history, the political and economic center of which was Barcelona. In the 12th century, Catalonia became part of one of the most powerful maritime and trading powers of the Middle Ages - the Kingdom of Aragon.

The marriage of Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella of Castile in the second half of the 15th century marked the beginning of the unification of Spanish lands. The political center moved to Madrid, and Barcelona lost its influence and gradually fell into decay, which was greatly facilitated by the subsequent numerous wars.

A new era for Barcelona began with the beginning of the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century. The city grew and developed rapidly. Many new enterprises appeared, and very soon Barcelona became a major center of the textile industry and mechanical engineering. TO end of the 19th century- The beginning of the 20th century marks the cultural revival of Barcelona. This period is also of exceptional importance for the architecture of Barcelona. The unique masterpieces of the famous architect Antonio Gaudi, which so harmoniously combined seemingly the most incredible shapes and colors, have become the hallmark of the Catalan capital and the pride of local residents.

Today Barcelona is one of the most beloved cities in Europe by tourists. Among the many attractions of the city that perfectly illustrate the development of the history and culture of Barcelona, it is worth noting the Gothic Quarter, Montjuic, the National Museum of Art of Catalonia, the Picasso Museum, the Temple of the Sacred Heart, the works of Gaudi - the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Mila, Casa Batllo and Casa Calvet , Palace Guell, etc.

On the Mediterranean coast of the Iberian Peninsula is the second largest city in Spain, the capital of Catalonia, Barcelona. This is a shopping and industrial centre country, which in terms of population is second only to Madrid. The city is located on hills, and all its administrative centers received their names from the names of these hills. This article presents the main attractions of Barcelona with unique photographs and names.

The climate here is very mild, so summers are always warm and winters are dry, which undoubtedly attracts a huge number of tourists and vacationers. Not far from the city there is an airport and a metro, which has 11 not only underground but also above-ground lines. You can distinguish routes by numbers and color.

Barcelona is also the country's largest port, which includes a shipping port, an old port and a commercial port. It is the country's largest railway junction with the famous Santas Estacio station. Barcelona is also rich in its attractions, which attract a lot of tourists.

This is famous architectural structure, attracting the whole world with its unique beauty. The idea of building the cathedral originated in 1866, when the clergyman Magnane and the bookseller Joseph Maria Bocabella Verdaguer created the “Society of the Worshipers of St. Joseph”. This cathedral was designed by the community for vicious people, mired in sins, and who need new walls for repentance.

The most deserted outskirts where goats were grazed were chosen for the cathedral. People put forward the main demand - the cathedral should be built only with donations from residents, as proof of their love for the Lord.

To build this cathedral in 1883, Antonio Gaudi was invited to serve as the chief architect. At that moment, the thirty-year-old master had only one project under his belt - a factory workshop. The designer who came changed the plan of his predecessor.

The new architect was planning a colossal construction complex, but he considered the possibility that he would not have time to complete this project even if he devoted his whole life to it. It was planned to build three facades, each of which would tell the story of the life of Jesus: Nativity, Passion and Glory.

The Sagrada Familia is united by twelve towers representing the apostles, and the main tower, 170 meters high, was erected in honor of Jesus. The people and animals located on the walls were made life-size by the architect. The façade of the Passion differs in style, as it was designed by another architect, Joseph Maria Subiraches.

On June 7, 1926, Gaudí died under the wheels of a tram. The great architect is buried in the chapel located underground of the cathedral. In 2000, construction began on the façade of Glory, which is dedicated to the Resurrection of Christ. The construction of this cathedral does not stop today; construction will approximately be completed by 2026. Despite this, services are held in the temple.

Not all facades are accessible to tourists, since construction work has not been completed. You need to purchase a ticket to visit the façade towers as well as the museum. The tops of the facades can be reached using long spiral staircases or an elevator.

The museum preserves models and drawings of Antoni Gaudi, and you can also get acquainted with the chronicle of the construction of the cathedral in detail. Even in its unfinished form, the Sagrada Familia amazes visitors with its unusualness and mystery.

House Mila

One of the many attractions of the city of Barcelona, which attracts visitors with its unusual appearance, is Casa Mila, or as the Catalans call it, Casa Mila. This result of the work of the great Antonio Gaudi is located at the intersection of Carrer de Provença with Pasech de Garcia Boulevard and amazes with its fantastic architecture, which either imitates the elements of the sea, or hovers on the verge of weightlessness and grandeur.

House Mila

The house received its name on behalf of the customer, tycoon Pere Mila i Capsa, who, together with his wife, ordered this Gaudi project, with the condition that it would be something extraordinary. The house was completed without the participation of the author, due to disagreements with the customer that arose in 1909. The construction of this building took place from 1906 to 1910 and was new in all respects.

The house itself can be compared to a rock, which is washed from all sides sea waves, because the author did not retreat one step from his genre and borrowed his enthusiasm from nature itself. On the front side of the building you cannot find straight lines or angles, because there are smooth curves turning into each other, oval and rounded shapes, as well as lattices similar to seaweed, make it streamlined.

In order to make the house brighter from the inside, there are three patios, onto which the windows of the utility rooms overlook, and the windows of the living rooms look out onto the street. The walls of the house are decorated with very beautiful color paintings on a mythological theme, and the twisted staircase openings with forged railings seem to hug them from the inside.

Special attention can be paid to the attic on the seventh floor. Initially, clothes were dried on it, and now there is a small museum of the work of Antoni Gaudi, standing under the roof on 270 brick arched vaults. The museum presents an exhibition consisting of models, sketch drawings and photographs of the house, as well as various items who served as inspiration for his work.

Here you can also see an apartment with an interior from the early 20th century, which has completely preserved the atmosphere of that time. Initially, the townspeople did not really like the house, and they began to call it the quarries (La Pedrera). Only half a century later, in 1984, it received its recognition and was included in the UNESCO heritage register.

Today, the uniqueness of the House of Mila is that it still performs the same functions as before. In one part there is a bank, and the upper floors are inhabited by residents.

Another architectural monument that surprises with its unusual appearance, located in the city center, is Casa Batlló, also due to its similarity architectural forms with the bones of mythological animals, it is called the House of Bones.

The building was built in 1877 as an ordinary residential building, and from 1904 to 1906 Antonio Gaudi undertook to restore it. The same marine theme, present in almost all of his works, very rich colors, ceramic mosaic decoration and a relief roof, all these details have intrigued tourists and city residents for more than a century.

Its interior interior with a beautiful chandelier in the shape of the sun, stained glass inserts and softly curved railings will seem no less interesting. Each part of this house has its own historical pages and opens its doors to visitors as a museum.

This building looks very holistic and harmonious, despite the complete absence of corners and straight lines. According to the townspeople, the house is very reminiscent of a huge dragon, which so inspired the master and very often appeared in his works.

Entering the premises, you find yourself in a large hall, which is more reminiscent of a fairy tale. The ceiling windows look like a turtle shell, smoothly flowing into the walls and staircase with carved railings in the form of the curved spine of a huge dragon.

The mezzanine will present the office of the owner of this unusual house, Joep Batllo i Casanovas, and a fireplace made in that time fashionable style modern From the office there is an exit to the courtyard of the house, which is decorated with Trencadis technology. Due to its unusual decoration, it is called the courtyard of light rays.

At the top of the building there is an attic, which during the lifetime of the owners was used as a laundry room and storage room. Now the room is not cluttered and its decoration is dominated by a lot white. Its partitions are made of parabolic arches, which is very reminiscent of the ribs of a dragon lying on the roof.

Climbing to the roof of the house you can see the open part - the asotea, to which the master gave exceptional originality. If you look at the roof from the front side, you can see a dragon's spine there. Here you can see stove chimneys resembling strange mushrooms. But in life they play a more prosaic role - they perform the function of blocking reverse thrust.

Casa Batllo is especially beautiful in the reflections of the evening lighting and looks like a fairy-tale palace. In the early 60s of the last century, it was recognized as an artistic monument, first of the city, and then of the whole of Catalonia, and in 2005 UNESCO included it in its register.

A very important attraction of the city is considered to be the most beautiful square in Barcelona - Plaza de España. It has its own unique history and its own attractive places. Since its existence, it has been very different from what it is at the present time.

The Middle Ages marked it with a rather gloomy history. Here the sentences of criminals were read out and executions were carried out publicly in the square. In the 16th century, the defensive fortress of Ciutadella was built on this site, which protected the city from enemy invasion.

It became a square only at the beginning of the 20th century and was a place for various negotiations. The impetus for its prosperity was the upcoming world exhibition, and for this event it had to be brought to world-class standards. The order was carried out by Antoni Gaudí’s student Huhol, who made the square as it is now.

Now five of the city's largest streets intersect on the square, including underground street. The project itself was conceived so that its center would be a beautiful fountain, surrounded on all sides by sculptures. All buildings located in the area of the square also have their historical value.

The place where the largest is now located shopping mall city, used to be a bullfighting arena. Here you can see the unique, newly renovated Magic Fountain, which is very popular among visitors, and the National Palace.

But, undoubtedly, the National Museum (Palau Nacional), located at the foot of Montjuic Mountain, presents a royal spectacle. Once inside the museum, you can get great pleasure from what you see, and the view from the outside is stunning with its evening glow with the divine fountain nearby.

On the small emerald island there is another, no less majestic fountain, which is located at the intersection of all roads. In the middle of the island there is a pedestal with sculptures representing a wide variety of elements, things, and goddesses. Getting to the square is not at all difficult; just focus on the huge columns standing on the sides.

View of Barcelona from the observation deck at Plaza de España

Plaza Catalunya

Plaza Catalunya is one of the cozy and beautiful corners of the city; from this place tourists begin their routes around Barcelona. It is located between the old town and Eixample, where the city's very vibrant life takes place. From this square, tourists immediately get to the famous Casa Batllo in the Gothic Quarter, from here the pedestrian street La Rambla begins, as well as access to Passage de Garcia.

On the north-eastern side of the square there is a huge shopping center EL Corte Ingles, which is rich in various goods. A favorite pastime of tourists is feeding pigeons. It is decorated with fountains and sculptures created by famous artists of the last century.

Plaza Catalunya

Large festivals and various exhibitions are held on this land, Catalan Book Weeks are held here, and in winter there is a skating rink, which is considered the largest in the European part of the continent.

The square does not have a rich historical heritage; until the mid-19th century, there was a huge wasteland in its place. Then the walls surrounding the city were demolished and, according to the design of Idelfons Cerda, a square in the shape of the sun was built, from which rays diverge in all directions. By 1888, all architectural buildings had been formed into a single ensemble, and only at the beginning of the World Exhibition it was slightly adjusted.

The building of the Spanish Credit Bank stands out against the background of all the buildings with its Baroque façade. Its central part is lined with stone. The square is also rich in monuments, the most famous of which is Francesco Masia, the military leader who proclaimed the sovereignty of Catalonia in the early 30s of the last century.

Here you can see the sculpture of the “Goddess”, a copy of the creation of Clara, and the stele “Youth”. In the most open place there is a “Shepherd with a Flute”, and horse groups symbolizing hard work and wisdom add even more effect. The Republic consists of four provincial regions, and each individual sculptural ensemble symbolizes them. Here, under the square itself, there is a tourist information center where you can get any information you need.

Park Guell

Another treasure of Barcelona, included in the UNESCO register in 1969, the work of the brilliant Gaudi, is Park Güell. This amazing creation of the author was brought to life for 14 long years, starting in 1900. The customer of this work of art was Gaudí's old patron, philanthropist Eusebio Güell, after whom it is called.

Make your dream come true - creating garden cities in english style prompted him to buy about 15 hectares of land, but this project was unsuccessful; out of forty planned houses, only 3 were built, one of which was his own.

Today this house has been turned into a museum of the famous author. Due to its location, this area was far from the city and wealthy people did not want to leave its center. Later, the city authorities bought the park and made it publicly accessible. Here, as in all the architect’s works, one can see a love for everything real, smooth lines and, of course, mythology.

Park Guell

From Ulot Street, the park greets visitors with two fabulous gingerbread houses, one of which has a cross on it, and the other a toadstool. Now they are adapted for the park administration and a guard house. Next there are wide curved steps, on which the emblem of the republic flaunts.

Fountains with animal figures, one of which has become a symbol of the capital - a dragon made of mosaic. From the stairs you can immediately enter the Hall of Hundred Columns, which support a vaulted figured ceiling. Of course, the number of columns does not correspond to the name, there are only 86 of them, but there are excellent acoustics here, which allows many concerts to be held in the hall.

Next to the hall there is a unique parapet bench with curving lines that follow the human body. Walking along the alleys of the park, you will definitely end up in a columned gallery, where the columns resemble gigantic bird’s nests, for which they received a similar name.

Their close alignment with the hillside makes it possible to think that they are one with it. Various installations and fountains are presented here, decorated with interesting mosaic patterns that are never repeated twice. Here you can visit the author’s House-Museum and see various products and furniture made by his own hands.

Spanish village

If you don’t have time to visit the whole country, but really want to admire the architecture, then the Spanish Village will show you many of the sights without leaving the city. Plot area 42 sq. km contains 117 buildings recognized as the property of the Spaniards.

For the most part, these are copies of ancient houses, temples, etc., collected from all over Spain and made in natural sizes, using the same methods and from the same materials as the originals. There are also smaller copies, but not many of them.

The construction of this open-air museum was dedicated to the World Exhibition held in 1929. First of all, tourists find themselves in the central square of the village of Plaza Mayor, which has become a collective image of all the squares in Spain where markets are located. It is equipped with all the famous buildings characteristic of different regions of Spain.

Another object that attracts attention is the entrance gate to the museum, which completely copies the Castle of San Vincente in the city of Avila with its fortifications. A replica of the town hall from Valderrobles or a fragment of the famous steps in Santiago de Compostela are an impressive sight. To find the desired region, you just need to decide on the corresponding street of the province you are looking for.

In the village you can see the work of masters of various crafts, who, if desired, will teach you how to make some kind of souvenir. All the crafts of the masters are quite in demand among tourists, who buy them as souvenirs. At night, many young people gather near the museum, and in the Tablao de Carmet restaurant, which is located here in the village, you can see unforgettable flamenco performed by professional dancers.

Gothic Quarter

If you want to know where Barcelona was born, check out the Gothic Quarter, the city's oldest district. Its history can be studied starting from the times of the Roman Empire; here, long before our era, there was a settlement of Barsino, where old warriors lived.

Since the Middle Ages AD, Catalonia has been part of the Kingdom of Aragon. It was a powerful kingdom, and at that time many buildings were built here, which have survived in one form or another to this day. The beginning of the quarter opens up to the Plaza Nova, which once led to the Roman settlement.

Gothic Quarter

Here in ancient times there was the largest market, where they traded, among other things, slaves. Nearby you can see preserved Roman towers, and to the right of them stands the Bishop's Palace. It contrasts very strongly with the house of the College of Architects, the facade of which was decorated by Pablo Picasso.

One façade of the palace faces the street of the same name, which is the center of the quarter. She walks past the Cathedral and stops at Piazza Sant Jaume. Somewhere in the center of the street there is a lace bridge, which is a unique work of art, made in the Gothic style, along which you can go from the Government Palace to the House of Canons. This is a rather large structure with an irregular layout, built in the Middle Ages and very recently restored.

It overlooks Carrer Paradis, where there are still some medieval buildings open to tourists. Almost all of them contain fragments of a Roman temple built in the 2nd century. Here you can see the Cathedral, which houses ancient artifacts and 13 white geese! The Jewish Quarter contains the ruins of a large synagogue.

The entire quarter is completely medieval Gothic; it is an area with narrow streets that wind and intertwine very intricately. There are many souvenir shops and stores that will not leave any tourist indifferent.

The area has many open-air attractions, including buildings from the 14th and 15th centuries. Even several buildings from the Roman Empire have survived. The Royal Square, where there is a singing fountain, is of particular splendor. The Gothic Quarter is one of the oldest centers in all of Europe. It concentrates a large number of must-see attractions.

Christopher Columbus Monument

The 60-meter monument to H. Columbus is very popular among tourists. It towers over the city center and the port where it was greeted from the voyage. On a round pedestal with four flights of steps stands an octagon-shaped pedestal with sculptures symbolizing Catalonia, Castile, Leona and Aragon, and on a Corinthian column there is a statue of a navigator.

At the base of the monument there are bas-reliefs with the theme of the navigator’s voyages, and at the very top there is a small observation deck. If you take the elevator up there, you can see the famous port and admire the city's attractions.

It is impossible to be in Barcelona without visiting the National Museum of Catalan Art, which is housed in the National Palace, built in 1929 on the occasion of the World Exhibition at the foot of Montjuïc. Two museums that once existed separately are brought together here - the Museum of Art of Catalonia and Contemporary Art. Splendor on the outside and a treasure trove on the inside.

There is a competent distribution of space and all periods of history are clearly highlighted. Having visited just one museum, you can enjoy the splendor of works from the Romanesque and Gothic styles to the Renaissance and Baroque eras. Usually gloomy medieval masterpieces captivate with the brightness of colors and vital energy.

The museum's collection contains about 240 thousand works covering history over 1000 years. Even those who are not interested in history will enjoy looking at the building itself, which is considered one of the most beautiful in the city, and the museum also offers a stunning panorama of the city’s attractions.

Fountain of Montjuic

Palace of Catalan Music

Walking around the city of Barcelona, it is impossible not to pay attention to the Palace of Catalan Music. It was built in 1908 by the talented architect Luis Domenech i Montaner, who, along with Gaudí and Cadafalch, created unique image city in Art Nouveau style. Many of his works have become the face of the city, this applies to the Castle of the Three Dragons, the House of Fuster and many others.

Since the opening of the palace, there have been a huge number of visitors who come to see the most amazing temple of art. This building, like many, has received worldwide recognition and is included in the UNESCO heritage list.

Palace of Catalan Music

In the Pedralbes quarter there is a monastery of the same name, considered the largest in the city. It opened in 1326 by order of the wife of King Jaume II of Spain, Elisenda Moncade. The luxurious court monastery shines with rich decoration.

Here, luxurious medieval mansions and equally luxurious villas coexist with ultra-modern buildings, decorated with many parks and green hedges. The main buildings of the complex were erected in the 14th century, during the heyday of Gothic Catalonia. The monastery contains the cells of the nuns who lived here, an abbey, a meeting hall, a dining room and a dormitory.

Entering the territory of the monastery, you immediately plunge into those old times. On the territory there is a museum rich in exhibits collected by the inhabitants of this institution, including exhibits on religious themes, all kinds of works of art, as well as pieces of furniture. The sarcophagus with the body of Queen Elisenda and two statues of her are kept here.

Monastery of Montserrat

Barcelona, and the whole of Catalonia, has a lot to be proud of. Mount Montserrat has an extraordinary magical power and everything here speaks about this from stone to leaf. Here you can climb the mountains, explore nature and, of course, visit the Benedictine monastery of Montserrat to see the main shrine of the country, the statue of the Holy Virgin Mary of Montserrat, to which a lot of pilgrims go.

According to legend, she can fulfill any wish. Her statue is located in the Throne Room of the Basilica above the painted altar. The monastery began to emerge at the end of the 9th century with the construction of several small churches, and two centuries later the construction of the monastery itself began.

Monastery of Montserrat

Construction lasted for quite a long time, only by the 12th century the work was completed. Now you can see exactly the same architectural ensemble as it was 9 centuries ago. At the beginning of the 19th century, during the war with Napoleon, the monastery was very badly damaged; then the Romanesque portal and the Gothic gallery were lucky, they remained untouched. It was restored and restored only in the 20th century.

The statue of the Black Virgin of Montserrat is not the only property of the monastery. There is a very large library here, which houses a unique collection consisting of more than a thousand ancient manuscripts and manuscripts.

The pearl of the library is a medieval song collection from the 14th century. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that only men related to science can visit it; women are not allowed to enter here. There is also a museum at the monastery with an exhibition of works by monks along with the work of famous artists.

Also on display are icons and various exhibits highlighting the Middle East and its culture. Another pride of the mountain monastery is the world's oldest boys' choir, Escolania. Its history goes back almost 7 centuries. The choir performs mainly sacred and classical music.

Temple of the Sacred Heart

Anyone who has been to Barcelona and walked along the Rambla has probably paid attention to the distant figure of Christ, who stretches his arms over the city, as if saying goodbye, ascending upward, and sending his blessing to those who see his ascension. A little off the tourist route, at the very top of Mount Tibidabo, stands the Temple of the Sacred Heart.

Temple of the Sacred Heart

This is a very beautiful cathedral, decorated with pointed arches, narrow windows and big amount openwork details, which makes the massive building very light and elegant. If you climb to the top of Tibidabo, where it is located, you can get to the most picturesque observation deck in the city.

A favorite vacation spot for tourists and local residents is the Citadel Park.

It will delight the eye with architecture, many sculptures, and the beauty of nature. Here in the park you can admire the Grand Cascade fountain.

This is a composition of sculptures with water cannons. In its center you can see a triumphal arch, and its top is crowned with a sculpture of the goddess Aurora, riding a chariot drawn by four horses. The fountain is rich in gilding, the beauty of flowing water and lush sculptures, making it a very striking landmark of the city.

Agbar Tower

Residents consider the Agbar Tower (popularly called the cucumber) to be one of the most noticeable buildings in the city, which at night looks like a huge Christmas tree with thousands of garlands. Architect Jean Nouvel conceived a structure that outwardly resembled the stone monoliths of Mount Montserrat along with geyser fountains.

Construction of the building began back in 1999, and only by 2005 did it take on its current form. The structure of the skyscraper consists of two oval cylinders. The cylinder built inside the tower serves as a frame on which all engineering structures are installed, and the outer one makes its shape.

Agbar Tower

There are only windows installed on it, which are located in a chaotic manner and have rotating mechanisms. Their rotation depends on the temperature of the building, which allows you to pay less for heating the building and its air conditioning.

The tower is almost 145 meters high and along its entire height are the lighting elements that made the tower so popular, simultaneously displaying almost 16 million colors and images. The lighting on the building is lit daily, mostly in blue and red colors, and sometimes there are themed lighting with figures and inscriptions.

All exhibitions are held in the foyer of the building, since tourists are no longer allowed higher; offices are located there. Despite the fact that the tower has not yet earned the love of local residents, tourists do not ignore it.

Barceloneta beach

The most popular summer holiday destination for both townspeople and tourists is Barceloneta Beach. It is located near the city, and despite the fact that there is a port nearby and a lot of vacationers, it is very clean.

Here you can play tennis, rollerblading or skateboarding, and there are also football, volleyball and children's playgrounds. The seabed here is sandy, and the entrance to the sea is gentle, which is very convenient for vacationers with children.

Video about the city

Unusual museums of the city

Motorcycle Museum

Most Barcelona residents ride two wheels. It is not surprising that this is where the motorcycle museum is located - the most unusual in Barcelona. It began its work in 2011 on the basis of an old historical building. It contains about 70 models of motorcycles from famous Spanish brands. At the museum there is a store where you can buy unusual souvenirs and items, as well as books on this topic. Ticket price is 6 euros, reduced price for students, pensioners or a group of 10 people or more is 4 euros. Children under 8 years old do not need a ticket.

Hemp Museum

A very young museum in Catalonia is the Cannabis Museum. It is located in a historical building from the 16th century, attracting tourists appearance. What's so special about it? Few people know that clothes, ropes, shoes and much more were and are still made from hemp. There are almost 6,000 hemp exhibits on various topics. It was used in various industries; food and medicine were prepared from it, and it was used in households and industry.

On the territory of the museum there is a souvenir shop where you can buy hemp products: bags, cosmetics, clothes, hats and much more. A ticket costs 9 euros, for a group of more than 10 people – 7 euros. Children under 13 do not need a ticket, but they are not admitted without an adult.

Museum of Ideas and Inventions

This museum contains a collection of the most amusing and ridiculous inventions, since besides their authors and museum visitors, hardly anyone needs them. The ticket costs 8 euros, for children 4-12 years old – 6 euros.

Jamon Museum

There are many types of jamon; not a single feast in Spain is complete without it. A museum was recently opened in Barcelona where you can see how jamon is prepared and also taste it over a glass of wine. A ticket with tasting costs 19 euros, for children under 5 years old - 15 euros.

Other attractions in Barcelona

Triumphal Arch

Rambla street

Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, one of the best and most popular tourist resorts in the whole of Italy. Moreover, this is significant sea port Mediterranean, large commercial and industrial center of the EU.

Barcelona is the capital of the Mediterranean Union, which includes more than four dozen states. This city hosted the 1992 Summer Olympics and hosted various European and world-class sporting events.

Geography

Barcelona is located in the northeastern part of the Iberian Peninsula on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. The Pyrenees Mountains are located more than 100 km north of the capital of Catalonia. Nearby are the Colseropa mountains, which are the boundaries of the city.

Barcelona lies on a hilly area, each hill gives its names to its neighborhoods: Carmel, Monterolles, Puchet, Rovira, Peira, etc. They all have their own cultural, historical and architectural attractions.

Climate

Barcelona has a Mediterranean climate. There is a dry winter, similar to our Indian summer, and a mild, warm summer with warm rains. The coldest time here is in January and February – about +10C. The warmest time of the year is the second half of summer – about +25C.

The city receives the most rain in October, and the least in July. This climate is ideal for tourist holidays; there is never sweltering heat or frost here.

Story

There are two main legends regarding the origin of Barcelona. The first says that the city was founded by the famous hero of ancient Greek myths Hercules in the 11th century BC, and then rebuilt in the 3rd century BC. Carthaginian Barca, father of Hannibal.

The second legend excludes Hercules from the founders of Barcelona and says that it was the Carthaginian Barca who was the first founder of this city and named it Barcino in honor of his own family.

By the beginning of our era, Barcelona had become a Roman colony, gradually becoming richer due to its harbor, minting its own coins and settling down. Beautiful Roman buildings have been preserved here today.

In the 5th century the city was conquered by the Visigoths and became the capital of their kingdom. After a short time, Barcelona was conquered by other barbarians - the Ostrogoths. And two centuries later, in the 7th century, the Moors came here.

And in the 9th century, Barcelona was conquered by the son of the Frankish king Charlemagne and appointed his own count here, who proclaimed the independence of Catalonia. Then the confederation of Catalonia and Aragon was formed, and in the 17th century - the Catalan Republic.

In the 18th century, Spain's battle for Catalonia began. Philip V captured Barcelona and destroyed it most city and banned the Catalan language. Then Catalonia was annexed to France, and after the fall of Napoleon it returned to Spain.

In the 20th century during civil war In Spain, the Catalan language was again banned in Catalonia. The protests in the seventies of the 20th century led to the revival of the language and permission to use it in everyday life. Today there are 7 universities in Barcelona.

Transport

A few kilometers from Barcelona there is an international airport, it is the second largest in Spain and the largest in the Mediterranean. The airport is connected to Barcelona via metro, rail and highway.

Barcelona's seaport has a history of 2,000 years. It is engaged in the maritime transport of passengers and cargo, is growing rapidly, and in the near future its area should double.

Barcelona is the most important railway center in Spain. There are several large railway stations here. There are expressways in the country railways, incl. passing through Barcelona.

Public transport in Barcelona is represented by the metro with 11 lines (city and private). Metro lines connect the city with its suburbs; they are located underground and on its surface.

The networks of city buses and trams belong to private companies. All city transport is adapted for disabled people. Barcelona taxi drivers mostly operate under private licenses. There is a practice of renting a car.

Beaches

Sant Sebastia beach

This is the most popular beach in Barcelona, where tourists and locals love to relax, although it is quite far from the city center. The beach is located in a cozy and clean bay and has all the necessary beach equipment, incl. for invalids.

Sant Miguel Beach

Once upon a time there was a church with the same name, and today there is a small but very comfortable beach. It is located almost in the center of Barcelona, so it continues to gain popularity.

Bogatell Beach

And this beach is located further from the center, so it is not so noisy. But here there is a very clean and well-groomed area, free showers and access to the beach, cafes and restaurants with excellent Catalan cuisine, etc.

Levant Beach

This is the farthest beach from the city center. It opened only a few years ago, but already has all the necessary infrastructure for a comfortable stay. There is excellent service and relatively few visitors.

Mar Bella Beach

This beach was opened for the 1992 Olympics and tourists and residents of Barcelona almost immediately liked it. Sports fans will find entertainment here. The city's famous yacht club is located nearby. Nudists relax nearby.

Barceloneta Beach

This is the oldest beach in the city. However, age has not affected its quality in any way, so the beach is extremely popular. It was recently completely renovated, so it is now considered the cleanest and safest in the city.

Attractions

Gothic Quarter

This part of Barcelona has preserved the most historical and architectural monuments built here during the Ancient Rome, as well as Gothic buildings erected in the Middle Ages and Modern times. A great place for excursions.

Olimpic village

A modern landmark of the city, built for the 1992 Olympics. Here you can visit the Olympic port, sail a yacht around the harbor, visit two skyscrapers where athletes lived, etc.

Plaza Catalunya

This is the beginning of the New City of Barcelona, built during the time of Queen Isabella II. The square is located on the border with the Gothic Quarter, and further from it there are blocks built along straight and perpendicular lines, with branching highways.

The aquarium is the world's longest glass tunnel, through which you can observe the life of fish, animals and other sea inhabitants. It is also the largest European aquarium.

Sagrada Familia

This Catholic cathedral was built according to the design of the great Antonio Gaudi. The temple is maintained only by donations from private individuals. One of the most popular architectural monuments in the world.

Rambla street

The famous boulevard of Barcelona, where tourists and residents of Barcelona stroll in the evenings. There are many street cafes, souvenir shops, you can watch performances by street performers, etc.

House Mila

Another magnificent landmark of the city created by Gaudi. This house is considered a symbol of Barcelona, its calling card. They live on the lower floors of the house ordinary people, and at the top there is a museum.

Casa Batllo

Gaudi's houses in Barcelona

Another work by Antoni Gaudi, a true masterpiece of a brilliant architect. In fact, this is the beginning of his independent path, the first unique creation, the ideas of which Gaudi later applied in other projects.

Spanish village

This is a large open-air museum, which contains reconstructions of houses from Catalonia, Andalusia, Galicia, Aragon and other Spanish regions where the Spaniards lived during the Middle Ages.

This famous monument with an observation deck at the top is located on the Rambla. It was in the old port of Barcelona that Columbus arrived after his famous campaign, which ended with the discovery of America.

Entertainment

Barcelona has a very vibrant nightlife, which is definitely worth exploring, first with a guide, and then on your own. It's best to avoid the tourist routes and wander into the back streets of the Old Town and the Gothic Quarter.

Here you can find old pubs with their own unique history, bohemian bars where Picasso and Dali visited, drinking establishments serving excellent craft beer, and other hot spots.

Excursions

There are hundreds of famous excursions in Barcelona from professional guides who will help you:

get a general idea of the city;
learn more about its history and architecture;
enjoy Catalan museums and art;
taste local cuisine, etc.

Who is this resort for?

Of course, Barcelona, as a resort, is intended for people of the European middle class and wealthier segments of the population. The prices here are quite high, because... this is one of best resorts Europe.