Top Sights and Attractions in Barcelona, Spain, Part 2

In this blog I will continue presenting the best tourist attractions in Barcelona. There is no doubt that only a day will not be enough to see all of them. That’s why, I offer you to stay in some of the Barcelona hotels. In this way you guarantee your memorable experience there.

1.     The Cathedral de la Santa Creu

The Cathedral de la Santa Creu, also known as the Cathedral or simply the Seu, is one of the most beautiful and impressive churches in the city, an excellent example of the Mediterranean Gothic architecture. The construction of the building began in the final decades of the 13th Century, during the reign of King Jaume II. The cathedral was preceded by a number of different constructions, including a Roman temple, a mosque, and a few early Christian churches.

2.     Monestir de Pedralbes

The church is endowed with peacefully medieval atmosphere. The interior still holds original books, furniture and other objects reflecting the artistic and religious life of the community. There is a beautiful courtyard with a lavish garden featuring an amazing Renaissance-style fountain. A pattern of 12 intricate arches complete the beauty of this church. The lovely Chapel of St Michael contains a few impressive murals by Ferrer Bassa. The church holds a wonderful collection of religious paintings, currently property of the Thyssen-Bornemisza family, including masterpieces by Rubens, Titian and Velázquez, and impressive works of Renaissance and Baroque painting and sculpture.

3.     La Sagrada Família

The church has 12 towers, representing the Twelve Apostles. The western facade is known as the Passion Facade, the eastern one is the Nativity Facade, and the southern is the Glory Facade. Each features an entirely different portal. The Nativity Facade was completed according to Gaudi's original plans before 1935 celebrates the birth of Christ. The cypress tree already foreshadows the fate of the newborn Christ. At the foot of the tree there is a pelican and a group of angels holding chalices, the symbols of the Eucharist and the sacrifice. The top of the tree bears a red Tau cross marked with an X, referring to Christ, and a dove, symbol of the Holy Spirit. The base columns contain sculptures of turtles, a Chinese symbol of order within chaos and the stability of the cosmos. The Passion Facade, still under construction, commemorates the suffering and the death of Christ. The impressive angular sculptures were produced byJosep Maria Subirach. A crypt under the church holds the grave of its original creator, Antoni Gaudi is buried.

4.     Grand Teatre del Liceu

Barcelona's El Liceu opened in 1847 and ever since has maintained the status of one of the world's most important opera houses. A major portion of the building burnt in 1861 and later in 1994 and needed to be substantially refurbished. In fact, the Liceu, also known as the Barcelona Opera House, is the city's top cultural attraction, as it houses Europe's second biggest hall for operatic performances. El Liceu opera company includes long lists of famous names, and maintains an educational entity where throngs of international students from the Netherlands, The United States, Switzerland and Israel study music. Its setting, near the Gaudi cathedral, over the main Plaza Sant Jaume, makes it a city landmark in its own right. Although the Liceu facade is not a glamorous spectacle, the interiors are lavishly decorated, featuring lots of Neo-Classical ornamentation. The horse-shoe shape offers excellent acoustics and has a seating capacity of 2,292.

To sum up, I would say that there is much more that can be seen in Barcelona. If you still hesitate where to spend your holiday, Barcelona is the perfect destination for you, because it is not famous only for its beaches, there everyone can find something for themselves and will remember the time spent in Barcelona forever.