A Review of Our Visit to Barcelona, Spain

Categories

 People that I have spoken to over time and have traveled extensively have rated this city to be among the most beautiful in the world.   Barcelona has always called me.  The opportunity for my dream to come true came to be this year.  Perhaps this is on your list of places to see too?

 

This city is loaded with history that goes back for many centuries.  You will find yourself intrigued as you take a guided tour of the old city and the guide explains what has happened there.  There are still ruins from the time of the Romans that you can see and visit.    Gorgeous and narrow cobble stone streets that can only be traversed by pedestrians or bicycles wind through the old section.  The roads provide you with a journey in time. 

 

Pictured above - Roman Ruins located in Gothic Section of the City

The architecture in the older sections of the city are works of art.  The churches and existing structures have been hand-carved and built out of limestone and other rocks that have withstood the sands of time.   

 

Pictured above - Barcelona Cathedral, Old City

The churches and cathedrals do not disappoint as the works of religious artwork are proudly displayed in the artwork that is incorporated in the structure, altars and statues.

 

You will be amazed with the most impressive piece of art that must be seen is Sagrada Familia.  This particular religious structure has been under construction since the 1800s and has yet to be completed.  The famous architect, Gaudi, imagined and began the building of this phenomenally extraordinary structure.  Poor Gaudi met up with his early demise while the building was under construction and never saw its completion.  Gandi was run over by a tram as he was taking in the splendor of his creation.

Pictured above - Facade of the Immaculate Conception at the Sagrada Familia Basilica

The artwork and the creative mind of Gaudi incorporated so many intricate details.  The precision in the facades that depict the various stages of the life of Jesus.  From the Immaculate Conception to Jesus' Resurrection on the exterior walls, the numerous towers with their own representations, and the stained glass windows of the exterior.  To the beautiful winding staircases, pillars, statues, and altars inside that are normally grey come aglow in magnificent prisms of color as the sun enters the building at different angles at different times of the day.

                                         

Pictured above - Exterior of the Sagrada Familia Basilica                                         Pictured above - Sunlight transforms the interior into a spectacle

                                                                                                                          of light.

 

 

The Sagrada Familia is far from being completed.  It is scheduled to be completed by the 100th anniversary of Gaudi's death in 2026.  It will be fun to return every so many years to see how this structure takes on a new life and stage along the way.

Spain is known for its lively style of dance called Flamenco.   This style of music appeared to me to incorporate a middle-eastern influence in its sound and song.  A colorful high spirited dance in which the heals and the hands of the dancer and singer serve as percussion to an interesting and different sound than that to which North Americans and most Europeans are accustomed.   

Pictured above - Flamenco Dancers, Singers and Musicians

The latest and most popular attraction for dining are Tapas Restaurants.  Tapas are small servings of food prepared and served on bread or crackers.  It can be seafood, vegetables, or meat.  Eaten with a glass of sangria or glass of craft beer and you'll be delighted that you immersed yourself in this Spanish delight.  The average dinner service consists of 8 tapas.  These include your appetizer, main entree and dessert.  If you are like me, you will avoid the tiny octopus on a slice of fresh baked bread, but will thoroughly enjoy the beef tenderloin instead.  Tender and cooked to perfection.

How did we get around?  We did like the locals do.  We took public transportation.  Mostly the subway.  The biggest challenge was trying to figure out which platform to be on, but after that it was a fun, safe and easy way to get around to the places we wanted to see and do the things we wanted to do.  What better way to get immersed in the local way of life?

Pictured above - Barcelona subway car

We were delighted with our visit to this beautiful and fascinating city, and would recommend it to anyone who is interested in history, art. or the culture of Spain.  Don't limit your time here.  You need at least 48 hours to take in and explore this marvelous city.

Planning a trip to Barcelona or one that incorporates this splendid city as part of a cruise itinerary?  Having been here, I can help you make the most of your time here and enhance your overall experience.  Offering you guidance and insights that only firsthand experience can offer.