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Travel to Barcelona in Spain

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Travel Story, a city trip to Barcelona in Spain

Where in Spain can you find Barcelona?

Travel Stories, a city trip to Barcelona - Spain

30 July 2008

From Antwerp via Zaventem Airport to Barcelona - Spain

At 6.00am, we get picked up at home by Budget Taxi (50 EUR), and driven to Zaventem. Despite the fact that the holiday period is in full swing, here and there we get holdup a little due to heavy traffic. After an hour's drive, we arrive on time at the airport.

After the quick check-in, we go to the tax-free shops and purchase the necessary lotions. Subsequently, we grab a drink and a snack in a friendly bar.

After a short flight of an hour and 45 minutes, we land in Barcelona in Spain.

Barri Gotic Quarter with the Basilica of Santa Maria del Pi and many beautiful buildings

Barri Gotic

To the left of Las Ramblas you find the Barri Gotic district, a maze of cosy narrow streets around the cathedral, medieval palaces and churches. This collection of dark, winding streets, sunlit squares and incredible gothic buildings arose in the Roman fortifications in the period that Barcelona, together with Genoa and Veniceë, were three of the most important trading towns in the Mediterranean. The Cathedral is one of the most beautiful buildings from this rich period.

Pictures - Photos of the Barri Gotic Area

Basilica of Santa Maria del Pi and other beautiful buildings

The Santa Maria del Pi is a Gothic church built in the fourteenth century just outside the former Roman walls around Barcelona. The church has one of the largest rose windows in the world. In 1926, it was awarded with the title of basilica, as the fourth church of Barcelona.

Pictures - Photos from the Basilica of Santa Maria del Pi and other beautiful buildings

Casa Lleo-Morera and some beautiful buildings

At this lush decorative building in the Gracia district, the emphasis is put on baroque, curving balconies, pillars and bay windows. The living rooms are lavishly decorated with stencilled stucco, stained glass and mosaic. Unfortunately, this stunning building isn't accessible to the public.

Pictures - Photos of Casa Lleo-Morera and some beautiful buildings

31 July 2008

Park Güell, designs of Gaudi, the Sagrada Familia Cathedral and Gaud�'s Casa Batllo

Park Güell

The eccentric Park Güell is one of the artistic treasures of Gaudi, who worked on this project from 1900 to 1914. At the main entrance of the park there are two queer buildings with curved ceilings, which have been occupied with brightly coloured glazed tiles and bizarre looking turrets. The dragon-like lizard in the middle of the with mosaic ornate staircase is the best known symbol of the Park Güell. It also holds up a woodland of 86 pillars a roof terrace which is bounded by a long line winding sofas, which are covered with thousands of little, coloured mosaic stones. In the 20-hectare park you will find sculptures, staircases, paths and columns of calcite, everywhere. Park Güell has been on the list of Unesco World Heritage, since 1984.

Pictures - Photos of Park Güell and designs of Gaudi

La Sagrada Familia

La Sagrada Familia is probably one of the most famous cathedrals in the world. When Gaudi started the construction in 1882, it was his intention to build the largest cathedral of Europe. Unfortunately, when he passed away in 1926, only the crypt, one of the towers and the largest part of the eastern facade were completed. Even in the current unfinished state, the Sagrada Familia is one of the largest architectural constructions of art in the world. The completion of the cathedral is expect to be in 2026.

Pictures - Photos of the Sagrada Familia Cathedral

Casa Batllo

Casa Batllo was completed in 1907 and is one of the most famous buildings Gaudi designed. The building illustrates the victory of St. Joris with the dragon. It has a facade of blue, green and ochre mosaic, reminiscent of the scaly skin of the dragon. The roof is similar to a dragon's back, the tower is similar to the cross of the Saint and the undulating balconies are as the skulls and bones of his victims.

Pictures - Photos of Casa Batllo Gaudi e.a. sights

01 August 2008

Fort on the hill of Montjuïc, National Museum of Catalan art, former bull fight arena, replica Spanish Village, e.g. sights

Montjuïc

The hilltop MontjuïC (213m) is also called the green lung of Barcelona and with its many museums, galleries, gardens and many other sights and an oasis of peace. The castle on the rock wall dates back to the 17th century and houses the Military Museum, with militaria from different countries and periods. In 1929, the World Exhibition took place on Montjuïc. Many of the pavilions of that time have been converted into museums.

National Museum of Catalan art

The National Museum of Catalan art is an imposing neoclassical palace on the northern side of Montjuïc. It's located in the extravagant Palau Nacional, the exhibition building that was designed as a symbol of the World Exhibition in 1929. The museum is the proud owner of sculptures, wood carvings, gold and silver work, altar cloths, coins, modern art, jewellery, etc.

From the main entrance of the Palau Nacional you can get a breath-taking view of the lower situated Plaça d'Espagna and the beautiful Font Magica, a huge fountain that at nights constitutes a spectacular water and organ show. An attraction for many tourists.

The Arenas de Barcelona is a former bullring. In 2011, it was converted into a modern shopping centre. From the roof of the arena there's a amazing view over the whole city.

fort montjuïc, nationaal museum catalaanse kunst, arena

Pictures - Photos of the fort on Montjuïc, National Museum of Catalan art and former bull fight arena

Poble Espanyol a replica of a Spanish village

In the Poble Espanyol (Spanish village) you can travel through the whole of Spain. It was built for the World Exhibition of 1929 and includes 115 copies of Spanish buildings reconstructed in true size. They form an authentic village with characteristic elements such as the patios of Andalusia, the mansions of Mallorca and the granite facades of Galicia.

Pictures - Photos a replica of a Spanish village

Port Vell

Port Vell, a former declining Harbor, which was converted into a modern marina, at the beginning of the 1990. It's now a very touristic area. A large aquarium and the Historical Museum of Catalonia are its main attractions. At the beginning of the Rambla de Mar you can find the building of the port authorities, a beautifully decorated construction from 1907. Just south of this building is the Aduana, a custom building from 1902.

Pictures - Photos of some of the sights of Port Vell

02 August 2008

Palau de la Musica Catalana, Ciutadella Park, Plaça de Catalunya, Las Ramblas, Palau Güell and the cathedral

Palau de la Musica Catalana

The Palau de la Musica Catalana was built between 1905 and 1908, one of the most beautiful buildings in Barcelona and stated on the Unesco World Heritage List, since 1997. The red brick facade is decorated with pillars of colourful ceramics, decorative windows and busts of among others Bach, Beethoven and Wagner. Also, the entrance, the foyer and the stairs are lavishly decorated. The most beautiful part of the building is the concert hall itself, with its refined roof that consists of a reverse stained-glass dome and its beautiful balconies and columns. The acoustics of the concert hall are absolutely perfect!

Pictures - Photos of the Palau de la Musica Catalana

Ciutadella Park

The Ciutadella Park is a shady and peaceful retreat near the old town and the sea. In 1888, this park constituted the location of the World Exhibition, in which you can still find some impressive buildings, such as the Castel dels Tres Dragons, the Hivernacle (a conservatory which consists of two greenhouses that are linked through a large glass roof) and the Umbracle (a palm house of which the roof consists of wooden slats that pass through light). The biggest attraction of the park is the Font Monumental, a huge fountain and corresponding sculptures in Neoclassical style.

Pictures - Photos of the Ciutadella Park

Plaça de Catalunya

Plaça de Catalunya was designed at the end of the 19th century and plays a pivotal role between the old and the new city. The square, which is surrounded by monumental buildings, is the heart of Barcelona with Barri Gotic in the east, the Eixample district to the north and west and Las Ramblas and the port to the south-east. On the square are several beautiful fountains and statues.

Pictures - Photos of Plaça de Catalunya

Las Ramblas

Las Ramblas is perhaps the most famous promenade of Spain. The magnificent, surrounded by trees, 18th-Century Boulevard, which passes through the old city centre, towards the harbour is the pride of Barcelona. The promenade is divided into different sections, each with their own character. There's a part that's dominated by flower stalls, Bird cages, the university, the Liceu Theater, harbour, etc. All over the Ramblas, there are numerous street artists, who, with their talent, try to earn an extra dime. Unfortunately, this is also the most favourite place for many pickpockets.

Pictures - Photos of the Ramblas

Palau Güell

This special construction work was built between 1886 and 1888 and, as well, listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. It was commissioned by the Güell family and Gaudi's first extensive architectural project. Especially the face with two identical arches is incredible. The rooftop terrace offers a mixture of with mosaic coated spires, tilt and chimneys in various shapes and sizes.

Pictures - Photos of Palau Güell a design of Gaudi

Cathedral

The Cathedral in the heart of the Barri Gotic, was largely implemented between the end of 13th and 15th century and is a textbook example of the Catalan-gothic style. The elaborately decorated main facade and the octagonal dome date from the beginning of the twentieth century. The 14th-Century cloister is by many seen as the most beautiful part of the cathedral.

Pictures - Photos of the cathedral

03 August 2008

Diving in Empuria Brava

A city trip to Barcelona can easily be combined with a few days of diving and a day of lazing in Empuria Brava and surroundings.

09 August 2008

From Barcelona in Spain via Zaventem Airport to Antwerp - Deurne:

The flight from Barcelona to Zaventem is immaculate. The roads of Zaventem Airport to Antwerp - Deurne at the weekends are quite calm.

Pictures - Photos travel a city trip to Barcelona in Spain

Pictures - Photos city trip to Barcelona - Spain Part 1

Pictures - Photos city trip to Barcelona - Spain Part 2

Pictures - Photos city trip to Barcelona - Spain Part 3

Pictures - Photos city trip to Barcelona - Spain Part 4

Pictures - Photos city trip to Barcelona - Spain Part 5

Pictures - Photos city trip to Barcelona - Spain Part 6

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Useful Information:

Emergency Numbers Spain

National emergency number, emergency numbers of Barcelona: 112

Medical information Barcelona in Spain:

Always refer to your doctor to get your vaccinations looked after. Also in European countries certain vaccinations are required or recommended.
Protection against the sun is in Barcelona in Spain is absolutely necessary. While on a city trip, it often gets forgotten that the time spend outside, the sun gets reflected or is hailed by the white cottages, sandstone, e.a. The use of a sunscreen is absolutely recommended in order to protect the skin against incineration. Even in the cooler periods of the year, it's necessary to apply the uncovered skin, to protect from the sun. A good pair of sunglasses to protect the eyes must not be forgotten.

The time difference in the Barcelona vs Belgium:

There is no time difference between Barcelona in relation to the Belgian time.

Language Use:

In Barcelona people mainly speak Spanish, as well as Catalan. Some places, e.g. restaurants close to the coastal areas, also speak limited English.

Electricity:

Barcelona is equipped with 220V. Belgian connectors are used without problems.

Gratuities:

If you're served in an excellent manner, but also depending on the services, usually a tip of 5 à 10 % is given. Please note that some places include a tip (service fee) in the price. Restaurants will mention if the 'servicio' cost is included.

Clothing:

Depending on the period, airy clothing is most appropriate, now and then you can experience a little shower. In July and August, there's an average of 4 to 6 days of rain expected. For the evenings, a jumper could be pleasant.

Read our other dive travel stories and see our many pictures - photos about scuba diving and of the landscape from ADC Scuba diving Antwerp - Deurne

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