As I explored beautiful Spain I felt that I had been transported to another world. Spaniards seem to really appreciate the simple pleasures of life- good food, good people, and plenty of rest (the siesta culture is alive and well!). The culture was unlike anything I have experienced in other parts of Europe or the States. The incredible passion of the Spanish people is made very apparent in the vibrancy of their cities. Barcelona especially explodes with rich colors and whimsical buildings. Most of this can be attributed to the famous Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí. Get use to his name- many of the famous sites in this city are attached to this Spaniard in some way.
I was very impressed with the multitude of colors I saw as I explored the Catalonia capital. Reds and yellows on buildings, green trees, and blue water all work together to offer a uniquely beautiful and happy city that sparked my imagination. There are many different colorful sites in the city so I have compiled a list of my 8 favorites. The underlined titles are links to additional information about the sites. I hope this helps as you are planning a trip to this unforgettable European destination!
I visited Spain with my university and this was the first stop we made after landing in Barcelona. This was an incredible introduction to this vibrant and colorful city and here I got my first taste of Gaudí's architecture style. Whimsical, bright, and inspiring are just a few of the words that came to mind as I walked through this park. Our tour of the park included some interesting historical tidbits. This area was originally planned by a Spanish businessman named Eusebi Güell to be a housing development. Güell asked the architect Gaudí to create the design. Unfortunately, the unique and playful designs were not enough to attract Spaniards to move away from the city-center and only 1 out of the 40 planed homes was sold. ( I personally would have loved to lived in what looked like a real-life gingerbread house!) After the housing development failed, the area was donated to the city and is now an incredible park that boasts a unique look into the imagination of these Spanish dreamers. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is a beautiful place to start as you explore this colorful city.
Officially named Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, this lively market is filled with many colorful items. As you fight the crowds in this popular tourist destination, gaze at the bright fruits, vegetables, and candies for sale. A few small restaurants are also located in the market so, this makes for a great lunch spot. A market has existed on this site since the 1200s (Let that sink in for a bit. It blew my mind) so it was fun to imagine the millions of people who have walked and shopped in the same area for hundreds of years. I visited this market while I was following a Rick Steves walking tour of Las Ramblas, and I highly recommend checking out his books before you make a trip to Europe. He is very knowledgable and has many great walking tours that I love to follow when I am exploring in Europe.
Also know as La Pedrera, this was the last private home designed by the famed architect, Gaudí. The highlight of my tour was the whimsical rooftop, complete with sweeping views and 30 unique chimneys and ventilation towers (yes those sculptures are actually chimneys!). These towers allowed for a playground feel on the rooftop and this was a great place to explore. The tour also included a visit to the attic which contained a small collection that provided more information on Gaudí. After visiting the rooftop and attic, I toured the apartment, which was arranged as it would have been when it was occupied in the 20th century. The furniture seemed very formal and contrasted with the playful design of the rooftop and exterior. Case Milà is just another example of Barcelona's appreciation for things that are colorful, bright, and happy.
This architectural masterpiece was one of the main reasons I wanted to visit Barcelona. Since 1882, this Roman Catholic church has been under construction. The main architect of this project was none other than Gaudí (tired of hearing this name? Be ready to hear it everywhere when you tour Barcelona!). He devoted over 40 years of his life to this work and died well before seeing the completed church. The Sagrada Família was not finished when I visited in 2014, and at that time the projected completion date was set for 2026. Although the church is still under construction, it is an incredible sight to behold and should absolutely be visited if you are in Barcelona. The exterior alone is impressive but the interior is unlike anything I have ever seen. 56 columns modeled after trees fill the church and the stained glass windows allow for a multitude of colors to spray inside. In 2010 this UNESCO Heritage Site was consecrated by Pope Benedict so Mass can be held in the church. Allow plenty of time to tour and explore this incredible display of Gaudí's drive to create the most imaginative and impressive architectural designs in the world.
Balearic Sea
Part of the gorgeous Mediterranean Sea, the Balearic Sea allows for Barcelona to function as a port city and offers an incredible coastline for plenty of beach activities. European cruises often visit this Spanish city and visitors can also take shorter ship excursions on the water. I took a 40-minute boat cruise, which was included in my Barcelona City Pass. This was a great way to gain a different perspective of the city. I also spent some time soaking up the Spanish sun on one of the many beaches in Barcelona. Be prepared if you visit the beaches- they are not like the beaches in America. I was constantly approached by someone trying to sell their goods or services. Blankets, massages, and hair wraps were jus a few of the things that were being pushed on me as I tried to enjoy the beach. Despite this, I still thoroughly enjoyed my time and the deep blue water was worth any annoyance cause by the sales people.
A modern colorful roofs sits atop this food market, where vendors offer olives, meats, fruit, bread, and many other delicious and fresh items. A market has existed on this site since 1845 and originally served the middle-class families in that community. After exiting the market, be sure to notice the exhibition showcasing the ruins that were discovered on the site. The ruins are believed to be from a Gothic church dating to 1241. This is one of my favorite things about Europe. Everywhere you turn there is some incredible piece of history just waiting to be explored!
At this point you should be expecting this- Casa Battló is another one of Gaudí's incredible masterpieces (did he ever take a break?). I was only able to enjoy this site from the street, but visitors are welcome to tour this beautiful building. Included in the tour are the incredible rooftop (complete with whimsical chimney sculptures), the original Battló residence, a beautiful stairwell, the attic, and the loft. This colorful residence allows for another glimpse into the inspired mind of Gaudí I can only imagine how magical it would feel to live in a house like this!
Located in front of the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, this fountain display was first performed during the Great Universal Exhibition in 1929. The fountain show reminded me of something you might experience in Las Vegas and was complete with hundreds of people crowded around to witness the display. I found a spot to sit on a wall, which allowed for a great vantage point. The show included synchronized lights, songs, and impressive water sprays. Check the website (link in title) for show times. I also recommend walking up the steps of the museum for an incredible view of the city. I watched the fountains on my last night in Barcelona and this was the perfect way to end my trip.
What colorful spot are you most excited to visit? Did I leave out your favorite colorful site in the city? Let me know in the comments below!
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