Summer Holiday in Spain: Barcelona

Barcelona was the last stop on our trip. It is the capital of Catalonia and the 2nd largest city in Spain. Barcelona offers another great juxtaposition of the old and new. The city is home to the Barri Gothic with its maze like alleyways the lead to the Barcelona Cathedral, one of the greatest examples of Gothic architectures. Just across the city are new world skyscrapers and the massive and exquisite Sagria Familia designed by famous architect Antoni Gaudi. Let's not forget the beautiful and crowded beaches along the Mediterranean.

La Sagrada Familia is one of Barcelona's greatest landmarks. It is a massive Roman Catholic Basilica designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí that has been under construction since 1882. As you can see from the picture above, construction continues today.

The inside of the Basilica was quite impressive. In the center, the massive columns are made to look like trees and branches. Outlining the church is beautiful stained glass.

The back of the church, known as the Nativity facade, is much different than the front, known as the Passion facade. The Nativity facade is dedicated to the birth of Jesus, intricately decorated with many scenes.

Another famous building designed by Gaudi is the Casa Mila apartments pictured below. Built in the early 1900s, it breaks with traditional architecture by using not a single straight line.

Barcelona is full of interesting architecture including a new wave of high rises. Below is an example of an avant-garde high rise completed in 2010 known as the Torre Diagonal.

Another architectural highlight of Barcelona is the Agbar Tower which serves as an example of green architecture.

On the opposite side of town in the Gothic Quarter is the Barcelona Cathedral. This Gothic Cathedral began construction in the 1300s.

While Barcelona is full of fascinating architecture, the beaches were also a highlight of the city. Though crowded, the beaches offered a relaxing break from the "city" even though it's only a few blocks from the main attractions.

The beaches were very clean and the water was a milky blue color.

Another place to escape the city is Park Guell. Located high on the hills, it offers a great view of Barcelona and the beaches. Park Guell is another architectural wonder of Gaudi originally constructed as a housing development. Today it is a park to be enjoyed for the quirky architecture, nature trails and views.

The wave-like mosaic tile benches are a popular spot to rest in Park Guell

Back in the heart of Barcelona, we stayed in the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gotic) full of narrow pedestrian walkways with shops, restaurants and apartments.