Top Sights and Attractions in Barcelona, Spain, Part 1

Even though Barcelona is a vast city, the best way to sightsee is on foot. One of the themes you can concentrate on while sightseeing can be the work of the most famous Spanish architect, Antonio Gaudi, since Barcelona features a lot of his structures. Starting with the overwhelming, yet still unfinished, Temple of Sagrada Familia, through the magical Parc Guell, to numerous apartment buildings such as La Pedrera (Casa Mila), you can walk around the city in search of more of his buildings. To see the whole panorama of the city and its vicinity, go to the Monjuic Mountain, from where you can feast your eyes on all of Barcelona, from the sea to the mountains. Once on the mountain, there are also many places where you can rest while enjoying the surrounding nature, practice sports or visit the castle which now houses a military museum.

1.     Agbar Tower

The Agbar Tower is an imposing skyscraper in Barcelona marking the entrance to the most modern part of the city. The ultra-modern structure is 144 metres tall and features 38 floors; at the time of its opening in June 2005, it was the third tallest building in Catalonia. Designed by the French architect Jean Nouvel, the building is an expression of the union of two opposing concepts: lightness of glass that covers the building and the massiveness of the concrete undergirding its structure. As the architect himself once remarked, the characteristic shape of the tower was inspired by the mountain range of Montserrat just outside of Barcelona and the image of hot springs spraying water into the air.

2.     Mapfre Tower

The Mapfre Tower and Hotel Arts were constructed in 1992 as an office and coference centre for the Olympic Games that took place in Barcelona that year. Thus, they emerged as part of the thorough reconstruction and remodelling of the city for the occasion. The set formed by the twin towers is completed by a monumental sculpture D'Or Peix (the Goldfish) designed by Frank O. Gehry. Behind the towers, one can take a stroll in the picturesque Atlanta Gardens with a towering Dog Folch chimney, a symbol of the industrial past of the area.

3.     UAB

The Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona was founded on the basis of four principles: freedom to choose teachers, freedom to manage the University's capital, freedom to create individual study plans and availability of admission for every student. This young university has developed rapidly during its short history.

4.     Parc Guell

Parc Guell features spectacular stonework, remarkable buildings and classic Catalan tiling. The art of decorating facades of buildings with broken tiles is typically Catalan in nature. The entrance to Parc Guell is distinguished by a dragon fountain, also covered in colourful tiles. Gaudi is famous for incorporating natural designs in architecture and he often used natural support structures. The pathway through the park is supported by rock columns, which appear as if rising from the earth. Their irregularity and twisted shapes make them seem more natural. A terraced zone can be seen at the top of the park, offering a panoramic view of the whole terrain and the skyline of Barcelona. Mesmerising, multicoloured mosaics and tiles mark this sector. The design is truly remarkable, typical of Gaudi.

The mentioned places of interest are only a part of the great number of attractions. Visits to the mentioned places can be organized by individual tourists. It is important to say that most of Barcelona attractions are also included in guided tours but taking part in such a tour you will not have enough time to experience with your own senses the whole atmosphere there. Another important issue by planning your trip to Barcelona is the accommodation. You can find many options for accommodation in Barcelona. The best is to stay in an Barcelona hotel. As it is a well-known tourist destination, you will easily find the one you are looking for.