What to see around Barcelona? Barcelona travel guide: attractions, how to get there, what to see, what to do, travel plan Interesting places near barcelona.

We don’t know if Barcelona can ever get boring, but in order to fully experience the flavor of such a multifaceted Catalonia, we recommend traveling outside the city. There are amazing sights, beaches, pretty towns and villages, highlands and cultural monuments nearby. Why not a reason for the neighborhood?

Girona

The old part of Girona is an old arcade of buildings, a cathedral and churches, streets paved with stone. It is worth spending several hours to walk around this place. Before the Jewish community was expelled from here in the fifteenth century, it led an active life here, which can be found in a specialized historical museum. Even lovers of interesting ancient monuments are recommended to look at the Arab baths, built in the twelfth century. Then, after visiting the Romanesque monastery, stroll along the promenade and admire the colorful buildings that stand near the river. The new part of Girona is bars with good drinks and snacks, restaurants with gourmet cuisine.

Montserrat

Another interesting place in the suburbs of the capital of Catalonia. Upon arrival, feel free to take the funicular up to see the monastery, which stands on the mountain of the same name. It is an important sanctuary for the Catalans, where you can listen to the famous choir singing throughout Spain and see the unique statue of Our Lady of the Black. After you have explored the monastery, climb to the top of Sant Jeroni to enjoy the panorama that opens from it.

Figueras

It has beautiful Art Nouveau architecture, an eighteenth-century fortress called Castel de San Ferran. If not for the contribution of Salvador Dali, Figueres was lost among the many Catalan towns. The most famous attraction is his museum, which is also known as the toy museum. Once it was the theater that drastically changed Dali, and now visitors can look at surreal paintings, installations and decor designed by the artist.

Sitges

It is famous in the region for its unique clean beaches, including the nudist, pretty whitewashed houses that line the coast. In warm weather, when the sun is shining, there are quite a lot of people here. While walking, choose a good restaurant to try fresh seafood for lunch. Lovers of contemporary art are advised to go to the old center of Sitges. Among the exquisite buildings, there are a huge number of home-sized museums that are definitely worth a visit.

Vilanova and la Geltrú

Tourists combine a visit to Sitges in Vilanova i la Geltra, because they are only five kilometers apart. Once it was a fishing village, which has retained to this day an unusual Spanish flavor. In addition to the southern air and great beaches, you can also visit cultural locations.

Tarragona

Other historical locality at the coastline. It is similar in size to Girona. The main attraction is considered to be the ruins of the amphitheater of the Roman era and a platform for viewing the coast. If you love antiquities, visit the archaeological museum. There is also an amazing Cathedral, near which there are restaurants suitable for lunch. In addition, nearby in Tarragona is the now popular Port Aventura park.

Collserola

An ideal option for those who want to escape from the bustle of the city and Barcelona parties, as well as enjoy the harmony of nature. Parc de Collserola is located near Barcelona. Here you will find farm restaurants, various interesting travel routes.

Colonia Güell

Once it was a working settlement for the textile enterprises of the industrialist Güell, who patronized the legendary Gaudí. The Temple of the Crypt in the settlement was commissioned by Güell from an architect who completed only the crypt during his lifetime. It is open for visits. The vaults of the crypt are supported by twisted brick columns, which have a special slope, and therefore resemble the trunks and branches of forest trees.

Montblanc

This is a medieval place, which is surrounded by a solid fortress wall. Mont Blanc is ideal for driving and traveling along the "Cisterian Way", as well as visiting the wonderful monasteries located in Poblet, Vallbona de la Monges, Santes Creves. If you are going to see all the monasteries, start traveling early in the morning.

Vic

Another pretty settlement in the southern part of the Pyrenean region. Here is a wonderful historical center and restaurants with local and European cuisine. It is recommended to get acquainted with Vic from Plaza Catalunya, where there are beautiful mansions of different eras - from Baroque to Art Nouveau.

Barcelona (Spain) - the most detailed information about the city with a photo. The main attractions of Barcelona with descriptions, guides and maps.

City of Barcelona

Barcelona is a city in northeastern Spain, the capital of Catalonia. It is the largest metropolis on the Mediterranean coast with a population of more than one and a half million people and the second largest in the country. Barcelona is a lively seaside city and port with a magnificent cultural and historical heritage, a unique atmosphere and charming architecture. The center of Catalonia attracts with its mild climate and relaxed lifestyle, surreal buildings - masterpieces of Gaudí, beaches and the sea, delicious food and entertainment for every taste.

The sights of Barcelona span almost 2,000 years of its history and include: the medieval old town, a unique street grid that reflects the urban planning trends of the 19th century, and many interesting, unusual and even slightly fabulous buildings, of which the architectural delights of Antonio Gaudi stand out in particular. On the streets of the capital of Catalonia, you can easily find ancient rarities of the Roman past, medieval quarters and cathedrals, sculptural and architectural masterpieces of modernism and modernity. Barcelona is the city where Pablo Picasso and Joan Miro drew inspiration, where you can wander aimlessly through its streets, stumbling into charming corners, listening to street musicians or having a good time in cozy cafes.

Areas:

• Ciutat Vella (Old Town) - the oldest part of Barcelona, ​​the central area right on the Mediterranean coast. This is the main attraction, where most of the city's historical sights are concentrated.
• Eixample - modernist quarter, building squares and street geometry.
• Gràcia - located in the northern part of Barcelona. This once separate city (founded in the 17th century) was annexed to the capital of Catalonia in the 20th century.
• Sants-Montjuïc is the southern edge of the city. Here is the port.
• Sant Martí is the eastern outskirts of the city.
• Inland Suburbs - suburbs. Here is the famous Camp Nou stadium and the highest point of Barcelona.

Geography and climate

Barcelona is located on the territory of the Iberian Peninsula on the Mediterranean coast, 120 km from the border with France. From the south, the city is bounded by the Collserola mountains and the Llobregat river, and from the north by the Besos river. The highest point is Tibidabo. The city itself lies on five hills, which gave the city districts their name.

The climate is Mediterranean, with dry and humid summers and warm and dry winters. The hottest period is July and August. The coldest is January. Although even in winter the average temperature is about +10 degrees.

Best time to visit

The highest tourist season is July and August. At this time, the city is given to the "torn apart" by tourists. The locals mostly leave the city. Some restaurants and shops are closed, and hotel prices "bite". The most comfortable time to visit Barcelona is the off-season. At this time it is warm here, but not hot. You can come to the capital of Catalonia in winter. During this period there are few tourists, it is quite warm and dry.

Practical information

1. The population is 1.62 million people.
2. The area is 101.4 square kilometers.
3. The language is Spanish and Catalan (or Catalan).
4. Currency - euro.
5. Visa - Schengen.
6. Time - Central European UTC +1, summer +2.
7. 62% of Barcelona residents are Catalans.
8. 50% of the population professes Catholicism.
9. Avoid walking alone in the El Raval and La Rambla areas late at night.
10. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, shops and restaurants.
11. Tip, if you liked the service, it is customary to leave 3-5% of the bill.
12. Tourist offices are located at the following addresses: Plaça Sant Jaume, Plaça Catalunya, Estació de Sant and in the center of the Gothic quarter Col legi d "Arquitectes de Catalunya.
13. VAT is 21%. Tax free can be returned from a purchase of 90 euros.
14. Smoking in public places is prohibited.
15. Holidays: January 1 - New Year, January 6 - Three Kings Day, Good Friday and Easter, May 1 - World Labor Day, June 24 - St. John the Baptist, August 15 - Assumption of the Virgin, September 11 - national holiday of Catalonia, October 12 - national holiday of Spain, November 1 - All Saints' Day, December 6 - Constitution Day, December 25 and 26 - Christmas.
16. Barcelona has a metro network that consists of 11 lines. Public transport also includes buses and trams. The hills of Montjuic and Tibidabo can be reached by funicular.
17. In public transport, a single ticket is valid. The cost of one trip is 2.2 euros. Tickets can be bought on buses and at metro stations.

Story

There are several legends about the founding of the city. One of them attributes the foundation of Barcelona to the legend of myths - Hercules, the other - to the Carthaginians. It is known for certain that the Iberians lived here. Their city was conquered by the Romans in the 2nd century BC. The Romans built a fortification here, the center of which was located near the square of St. Jacob. Thanks to its location and access to the sea, the city grew, grew rich and strengthened until it was conquered by the Visigoths in the 5th century. Interestingly, the remains of ancient Roman fortifications and structures can still be found on the streets of Barcelona.

After the conquest by the Visigoths, the capital of their kingdom was located here for some time. At the beginning of the 6th century, in the vicinity of Barcelona, ​​a battle took place between the Visigoths and the Ostrogoths, in which the latter won. In the 8th century, the Berbers took Barcelona. At the very beginning of the 9th century, the son of Charlemagne conquered the city and made it the capital of the Spanish brand. At the end of the 10th century, after the raid of Al-Mansur, the Carolingians lost control of the capital of Catalonia, which gained independence.

In the 12th century, Catalonia united with Valencia, forming the Kingdom of Aragon, which lasted until the 15th century. In the 1410 century, control of the city passed to the Castilian dynasty. In the second half of the 17th century, after the fall of the Catalan Republic, Barcelona was sacked. In the early 18th century, Catalonia was conquered by Spain, of which it remains to this day. In the 19th century, Barcelona experienced an industrial boom that contributed to the growth of the city. In the 20th century, the capital of Catalonia turns into one of the most significant and largest cities in Spain. Despite this, nationalist sentiments and tendencies towards political autonomy have historically been strong in the region.

How to get there

Barcelona International Airport is one of the largest in Europe. It is located about 12 km from the city and consists of two terminals. Terminal T1 is new, it accepts a number of major international and European airlines. Terminal T2, which is mainly intended for small carriers and charters. You can get from the airport to the center of Barcelona (Plaza Catalunya) by bus A1 (from T1) and A2 (from T2). The trip will take 30 minutes. Buses run from 5.30 to 1.00. A cheaper option is bus 46, which serves both terminals and goes to the Plaza de España stop. The airport is also connected to the city by metro (line 9) and the natural train line.

Barcelona has a developed railway connection with Nice, Paris, Marseille, Milan, Zurich, Madrid and other European cities. Bus service is available with most major cities in Spain and European countries incl. London, Amsterdam, Cologne, Brussels, Paris, etc. By sea, Barcelona can be reached from Rome, Sardinia, Genoa, Livorno, Algeria.

Shopping and shopping

Barcelona is one of the main shopping centers in Spain. There are more than 30,000 stores in the Catalan capital. The main shopping street is the pedestrian Las Rambla. Most shops and malls are closed on Sundays. The huge La Boqueria, located in Ciutat Vella, stands out from the markets. The most fashionable shops and boutiques are located in the same area. Souvenirs can be bought in the Gothic Quarter and Las Rambla.

Food and drink

The Catalans are proud of their cuisine, but to find a good and inexpensive place, we recommend turning off the tourist trails. In Barcelona, ​​traditional Basque cuisine is common, as well as Spanish and Italian. Catalan cuisine is a variation of Mediterranean cuisine that includes soups, salads, meats, fish and seafood. Their traditional dishes are worth trying paella, pa amb tomėquet (bread with tomatoes), jamon, anchovy sandwich (anchoas de L "Escala), squid ink risotto (Arros negre), pasta with garlic (El allioli), grilled sausages with beans (La butifarra), beans with black pudding (Las habas a la catalana), cannelloni (Los canelones) In addition, they make excellent wine in Catalonia!

Among the best restaurants with traditional cuisine are:

• Can Pineda - Carrer de Sant Joan de Malta, 55
• Ca l "Isidre - C / Flors, 12
• Petit Comite - Passatge de la Concepció, 13
• Can Valles - Aragó, 95
• Òsties Pedrín - Jerusalem 30
• Bar Angel - Ocata, 2 bis
• El Sortidor de la Filomena Pages

Barcelona is famous for its nightlife. Almost every area of ​​the city has its own bars and clubs. But the main place of concentration of such establishments is the port area.

Attractions

The main attractions of Barcelona are concentrated in the following areas: the Old Town (Ciutat Vella), the Eixample and the port with the hill of Montjuic. The Old Town is the oldest part of the Catalan capital. Here you can find evidence of more than two thousand years of history of the city: from the ancient Roman period to the Middle Ages. The port and hill of Montjuic is a seaside part of the capital of Catalonia, where a shipyard and a large park are located. Eixample is a new city designed in the 19th century.

The old town is the historical core of Barcelona with an area of ​​about 500 hectares. Until the middle of the 19th century, it was surrounded by fortress walls. A fragment of the original city fortifications can be found at the medieval shipyard, within the walls of which the maritime museum is located. The region consists of four parts.

The central part of the old city is the Gothic Quarter. It has been the center of the city since Roman times. Here you can see the ruins of Roman buildings and plunge into the labyrinth of narrow medieval streets. In the Gothic Quarter, you can discover charming atmospheric places and picturesque quiet squares, enlivened by the emotions of people and the sounds of guitars, and in quaint courtyards, sit in cute little cafes with terraces.

The main attractions of the Gothic Quarter:

• Cathedral of St. Cross and St. Evlampii - the Cathedral of Barcelona, ​​founded in the 13th century, a masterpiece of Gothic. The cathedral was built over 6 centuries. The temple building was built on the site of an early Christian church destroyed by Al-Mansur. Only the baptistery has survived from the ancient building. The main façade and the bell tower were completely finished at the end of the 19th century in neo-Gothic style. Inside, the cathedral is very impressive: from the magnificent choir and pulpit to the crypt where the relics of St. Eulampia.
• Santa Maria del Pi is a beautiful 14th century Gothic basilica. The vaulted ceiling is one of the highest in Spain, and the four stained glass windows are original (the work of Josep Ravella). The cathedral has a high 54-meter tower, which is the tallest medieval building in the Old Town.
• The Town Hall is a building in Sant Jaume Square, founded in the 14th century. It is located on the site of the ancient Roman Forum. The town hall has a neoclassical façade, hiding its gothic past.
• Barchino - a sculptural composition of 7 giant letters, located opposite the Roman wall. Depicts the ancient name of the capital of Catalonia.
• The Church of San Felip Neri is a small religious building tucked away in a small square with a romantic atmosphere.
• The Roman wall and the ancient aqueduct (Casa de l "Ardiaca) adjoins Plaza Nova. Since the 12th century, the seat of the church diocese has been located here.
• Sant Just e Pastor - considered the oldest church in Barcelona. It was founded in the 9th century after the Frankish conquest. Unfortunately, almost nothing remains of the Romanesque and Gothic churches.
• Ramón Berenguer el Gran Square and Laietana Street - section of the Roman wall with the Gothic chapel of Santa Agata. This area is a majestic mixture of two different eras: Roman and Medieval. Initially, the city's fortifications had 74 towers. The walls were 16 meters high. The Royal Chapel of Santa Agata was built in the 14th century.
• Plaza del Rey is one of the most charming squares in Barcelona, ​​a true gothic ensemble. Here is the majestic royal palace, which was the residence of the rulers of Catalonia from the 13th to the 15th century, and the watchtower of King Marti.

La Rambla is the famous pedestrian boulevard that divides the historic center into two parts. This is the busiest street in Barcelona. It was founded in the 18th century following the contours of the medieval walls.

La Rambla is home to impressive historic buildings, lots of shops, Barcelona's greatest theater and the impressive Boquería Market.

La Ribera is a charming area that has been chosen by the bohemians. In the past, the richest residents of Barcelona lived here. Now it houses museums, art galleries, restaurants and wine bars.

Port Vell is a medieval shipyard and port. Here is the starting point for pleasure boats. The Palau de Mar red brick building houses one of the most interesting museums in Barcelona - the Museum of the History of Catalonia.

The citadel park was built in the 19th century on the site of a military fortress for the World Exhibition.

The Sagrada Familia (Cathedral of the Holy Family) is a symbol of Barcelona and Gaudí's masterpiece, an impressive basilica and one of the most unusual churches in Europe. Included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is one of the most famous long-term construction projects in Europe. The church was started by Gaudí at the end of the 19th century, but has not yet been completed.

Located in the northern part of Barcelona in the Eixample district. The Sagrada Familia is a fine example of surreal art nouveau architecture. During the construction, Antonio Gaudi did not have a clear idea and project. He changed the appearance of the basilica in the process of work. The famous Catalan architect planned to complete the work in 10-15 years.

Park Güell is another visiting card of Barcelona. This cheerful and colorful park was created by Gaudi and is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Viaducts, grottoes, a colonnaded hall, winding staircases and other charming places are scattered throughout the space. These imaginative structures are adorned with colorful ceramic fragments. The terrace of the park offers a beautiful view of the city and the sea. Gaudi himself was very fond of this area. This was also his house.

Casa Mila is an avant-garde residential building in the Eixample district built in the early 20th century. It is the most famous secular building of Gaudi and is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Each line of the façade of this amazing natural stone building is curved, with rounded windows and metal balconies twisting into the shape of plants. Even the roof has a wavy shape, complemented by decorative chimneys.

Casa Batlló is another Gaudí masterpiece and one of the most beautiful buildings in Barcelona. It is a wonderful example of modernist architecture and is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The fantastic mansion was designed as a private residence for a major textile worker, Josep Batlló. With free-swinging shapes and ornate façade, this dreamlike building looks like a castle from a surreal fairy tale. Most of the details of his design completely depart from any architectural trends.

Montjuic - a hill near the port with the largest park in Barcelona - Tibidabo and the old Jewish cemetery. The beautiful palace houses the National Art Museum of Catalonia with collections of art from the 10th to the 20th century.

Monestir de Pedralbes is a 14th century monastery, a fine example of Catalan Gothic. Situated in a picturesque little park. The monastery museum houses a magnificent collection of medieval art from the 14th century.

Camp Nou is one of the greatest football stadiums in the world, the home arena of FC Barcelona.

We will tell you what to see in Barcelona - the most resort city in Spain. We have collected the main attractions so that you can make an itinerary.

The capital of rebellious Catalonia is the largest port in Spain and the second largest city in Spain after Madrid. In total, about 1.5 million people live here.

If you watched the news last fall, you definitely saw stories about the struggle of local residents for their independence. The Catalans have their own language, symbols and a burning desire to leave Spain, although the question is still up in the air.

Barcelona is a city of sangria and recognized geniuses, lively beaches and festivals. On the one hand, the capital of Catalonia keeps the architecture of different eras. On the other hand, it is a center of modern culture with an active life and entertainment for tourists of all ages.

Must see

Each era has left its mark here. But there is a "set" of locations that must be included in the route. They also say about such places: “I didn’t visit - I didn’t see the city.”

Sagrada Familia Cathedral

Any tourist city has a symbol, to which it is difficult to break through the queue of those who want to see it with their own eyes. Here they became the Sagrada Familia Cathedral - the strangest temple in the world. The author of the first project was the architect Villar. Gaudi, replacing him, completed work on the crypt and erected a high vault - so sunlight penetrates better into the cathedral.

Gaudí's whole life was connected with the project. He endowed each of the facades with a special meaning, dedicating it to the deeds and life of Christ. During the life of Gaudí, three portals were completed - symbols of Christian virtues. The interior of the cathedral is a triumph of strict geometric laws. Inside the Sagrada Familia, you can see stars, stained glass windows, imposing columns and hyperbolic vaults, as well as decorations in the form of majolica and vines.

Are you planning a trip? That way!

We have prepared some useful gifts for you. They will help save money at the stage of preparation for the trip.

House of Batllo

The appearance of the city is largely based on the masterpieces of Gaudí. A feature of the Batllo house is the almost complete absence of straight lines in the design of the facade and balconies, which is why the building is often called "dancing". For Gaudi, details were important, so Batllo's house is decorated with tiles, decorative plates, forged elements and bizarre details, the outlines of which resemble either a curved dragon or a vine.

Gaudi created the game of chiaroscuro with the help of tiles of all shades of blue, and designed the windows so that sunlight easily penetrated the building. The visiting card of the Batllo house is chimneys of unusual shapes. Inside the house, you should admire the stained-glass windows and go into the attic, the vaults of which create the feeling that you are in the skeleton of a vertebrate.

Working hours: from 9:00 to 21:00.

Price: 23.5 euros, visitors 7-18 years old - 20.5 euros.

Citadel Park

Appeared in the 19th century. For several decades it remained the only green area of ​​the city. Today, the park is considered an open-air museum, where you can see the Parliament building and the military chapel, walk along the shady alleys or go boating on the lake.

One of the central monuments of the park is the Cascade Fountain, reminiscent of a triumphal arch and decorated with sculptural compositions. After inspecting the fountain, you need to go to the Castle of the Three Dragons, which houses the Zoological Museum. The Ciutadella Park also includes a zoo, a solemn Arc de Triomphe and a Geological Museum.

Working hours: from 10:00 to sunset.

Price: Entrance to the park is free, you will have to pay extra for visiting the zoo and the Geological Museum.

Interesting places in the Gothic Quarter

The Gothic Quarter is a medieval labyrinth with a chaotic layout and narrow streets. The quarter was first inhabited during the reign of Octavian Augustus. But most of the surviving buildings date back to the XIV-XV centuries. The Roman heritage also remains and is easy to find.

Cathedral

The main cathedral is the one located in the Gothic Quarter, not the Sagrada. It was erected in honor of St. Eulalia and was built over two centuries, starting from the 13th century. The cathedral is designed in the best traditions of Gothic, but later it acquired neo-Gothic features. There is an interesting tradition: exactly 13 white geese are kept in the cathedral - according to the number of years when St. Eulalia was martyred. And the white color has become a symbol of its purity.

There are many artifacts kept inside the cathedral. Attention is drawn to the seats for members of the choir with magnificent decoration and knightly coats of arms. In the 16th century, an organ appeared in the cathedral, which is used during concerts. The main shrine of the cathedral is the alabaster sarcophagus of Eulalia with bas-reliefs.

Working hours: on weekdays, the cathedral is open from 8:00 to 12:30 (free of charge), then from 13:00 to 17:30 (surcharge), after which it can be visited free of charge until 19:00.

Price: You can visit only part of the buildings of the cathedral for free. It is better to pay 7 euros for the opportunity to get acquainted with all the richness of a religious monument. On religious holidays and during masses, admission is free.

Sant Jaume Square

The Gothic Quarter combines several open spaces. The main one is Sant Jaume. This area is located on a site well developed in Roman times. Previously, the main roads of the Roman settlement of Barcino intersected at this place. At the crossroads there was a forum where citizens resolved all important issues and the Temple of Augustus, built presumably in the 1st century BC. AD The area has since changed radically both in size and in terms of buildings, but some traces remain. You can look at the columns of the temple of Augustus near the building of the Catalan excursion center on the neighboring Carrer del Paradís street.

In the Middle Ages, the temple of Sant Jaume was located here, after which the square was named. Today on Sant Jaume you can see the historical building of the government of Catalonia and the town hall. If you find yourself on the square during the holidays, you can get to fairs, festivities and festivals. There are also competitions for the construction of castells - the famous Catalan towers made of people.

Working hours: around the clock

Price: is free

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New Square

Contrary to its name, this is one of the oldest squares in the city. Until the 14th century, there was a non-built-up area outside the city gates of the Roman settlement of Barcino. The towers of the Bishop's Gate have survived to this day. Previously, one of the main streets of Barcino began here and two converged, supplying the settlement with water. Fragments of the aqueduct have been preserved near the left gate tower.
A larger fragment of the Roman fortress wall is located on the opposite side of the Cathedral - it is best seen from Ramon Berenguer Square.

In the wake of the civil war

Many iconic places have been preserved from the war in the old center. But first, some context.

Remember the old Soviet film "Officers"?In the middle of the tape, the main character Alexei Trofimov takes part in the hostilities in Spain, where he is seriously wounded in the back. Did you wonder what he was doing there? What is this civil war in Spain and what does the USSR have to do with it. Let's figure it out.

The Spanish Civil War lasted from 1936 to 1939. It was a conflict between the Republican government and Francisco Franco's rebels. The Republicans were supported by France, Mexico and the USSR, and the rebels were supported by Germany, Italy, Portugal and several hundred Russian emigrants who had previously been involved in the white movement.

In Barcelona, ​​as a large industrial city, communist and anarchist views were strong. Therefore, the rebels could not immediately capture the city. For several years, the capital of Catalonia has seen everything: street fighting, bombing and surrender on January 26, 1939. All this time, the USSR did not stand aside and helped support the resistance.

• We gave the Spaniards a loan of 85 million dollars.
• brought 300 thousand tons of weapons and ammunition
• transferred 648 aircraft and 347 tanks
• more than 2 thousand soldiers were sent: pilots, tankers, translators and other specialties.

The most iconic place is the church of St. Philip Neri. The preserved monument of the civil war. Pay attention to the walls. They are all covered in shrapnel. These are traces of two air bombs that were dropped on the city on January 30, 1938 by Italian planes. During that raid, 42 people were killed. Most of them are children who were in church school. One of the most dramatic scenes of the film “Perfumer” was filmed at the same place - the first murder, then the girl with yellow peaches suffered. The main problem for the film crew was not in the scenery, here and so everything is very naturalistic. It was raining heavily, so a tent had to be pulled over the entire area.

We are transported to another place in the Gothic Quarter. Before us is the Basilica de Santa Maria del Pi. If we go around it, then on one of the walls we will see the old inscription “Square of unknown policemen”. An interesting story is connected with it. The inscription was discovered by accident in 2004. It was hidden under a large wooden plank. Her traces are still visible.

When they began to understand, it turned out that it was left by the people who defended Barcelona in 1937. So they perpetuated the memory of the volunteers who joined the police detachments to protect the city. Before the fall in 1939, someone thought to hide the inscription behind a wooden board. Since the cathedral was badly damaged and was being restored for quite a long time, apparently no one paid attention to this detail, or paid attention, but did not tell where to go. Miraculously, the inscription survived 36 years of military dictatorship and another 30 years of peaceful life.

And now let's move from the Gothic Quarter to Plaza Catalunya. Now the new house houses an Apple store, but earlier this place was the building of the Columbus Hotel, where the anarchists were headquartered. It was on its roof that one of the most famous photographs of the Civil War was taken. There, 17-year-old journalist Marina Ginesta posed with a rifle against the backdrop of the panorama of the city. Here is that photo. Marina was lucky, she survived the war and survived until 2014.

Let's go back to the building. At that time, the building was a curious sight. Slogans hung on the facades framed by two huge portraits: Lenin and Stalin. There is even a photograph of this design. Looks unusual!

Where to go with children

Whole families often come here, because this city is focused not only on young people and lovers of sightseeing holidays, but also on tourists with children. Where to have fun with a child and not get bored?

Aquarium

In the Mediterranean countries, the local Aquarium is one of the most important conservation centers marine fauna and a favorite vacation spot for families with children. The aquarium includes a huge oceanarium with tanks inhabited by seahorses, exotic fish, sharks, rays. You can participate in feeding sharks or even stay overnight to follow the nocturnal lifestyle of the inhabitants of the aquarium. For children, entertainment events are held with the participation of artists and acrobats, concerts and theatrical performances.

Working hours: aquarium works all year round and opens at 10:00. Closes at 19:30-21:30 (depending on the season and day of the week).

Price: per day - 18 euros for adults and 6-13 euros for children, family ticket for 2 adults and 2 children 5-10 years old - 60 euros.

Tibidabo Park

On Mount Tibidabo there is an amusement park of the same name - the oldest in Spain and one of the oldest in the world (opened at the end of the 19th century). Immersion in the magical world of Tibidabo begins with a trip on a special tram that takes you to the funicular - on it the path lies through the mountain forest. At the top there is an amusement park, from the height of which the city can be seen at a glance.

Tibidabo has fun for all ages, with a puppet theater and a LEGO playhouse for the little ones, while older kids, teens and parents will love the thrilling slides. Also in the park there is a terrifying abandoned hotel and quite harmless trains. The highlight of the amusement park is the impressive Ferris wheel.

A couple of important details. The funicular can be reached on foot. It will take about 20 minutes. In winter, the funicular itself operates only on holidays and weekends. It is possible to climb the mountain on foot, but it will take several hours, because the road winds a lot.

Working hours: in summer - from 11:00 to 21:00, in winter - from 12:00 to 17:00.

Price: 28.50 euros, 10.30 euros for those under 120 cm tall. There is also a family pass for 136 euros.

Camp Nou stadium

Barcelona is the birthplace of the legendary club of the same name. Here he plays his home matches at the huge Camp Nou stadium. The arena can accommodate about one hundred thousand spectators and regularly collects full houses. Going to the match is easy, just buy tickets on the club's official website (cheaper) or from intermediaries (more expensive, but sometimes more convenient).

If there are no matches, then you can get to the stadium as part of a tour of the museum of the football club. Interactive exhibitions, curious exhibits and the opportunity to sit on the coaching bench await you.

Read more about how to buy a ticket. It is based on personal experience and will answer all questions.

What to visit for free

You don't always have to pay for experiences. There are dozens of free attractions that will give no less emotions than the Sagrada Familia.

City beaches

Barcelona is known for its beaches. In total, there are 10 of them within the city limits. A huge sandy strip 5 kilometers long. From end to end. Moreover, the beaches were awarded the blue flag for cleanliness and well-equipped. Every year, before the start of the season, the sand is sifted to get rid of debris and unnecessary items. Surprisingly, such a luxury appeared in the resort town quite recently.

There are beaches in the Barceloneta area. Even 600 years ago there was a sea here. It reached the borders of the old city a kilometer away. Over the years, the water receded and a small village was formed on the coast that appeared, where fishermen lived. Every morning they went to sea in search of fish, and in the afternoon they went to the city to sell their catch in the market. This was until the 18th century, when the War of the Spanish Succession unfolded.

In 1714, the city was captured by King Philip V. He ordered to demolish some of the quarters and build a huge fortress in their place. The king ordered the cannons to be directed directly at the houses of the poor. This measure was supposed to keep the inhabitants from revolting.

The fortress stood for only 150 years, now in its place is the Citadel Park, which is described a little higher. In those years, thousands of people were left homeless and went to Barceloneta by the sea. Here they pitched their shacks and tried to start life from scratch. Naturally, soon these buildings were overgrown with additional infrastructure: taverns, warehouses and all kinds of shops. It was just a disaster with the environment, since sewage was drained here, and the bottom topography created lagoons with stagnant water. There was even a popular saying that Barcelona lives “with its back to the sea”.

In the second half of the 19th century, an official plan for the construction of city blocks on the coast appeared. At the same time, the first attempts to open sea baths for city residents appeared. But the atmosphere on the coast was still heavy. The shacks near the sea survived until the 1970s. Then the coast was cleared a little, but there was no question of beautiful sandy beaches. They appeared only in 1992, when the Summer Olympic Games were held here. This became a turning point in the life of the city.

Then the railroad tracks were removed from the shore, the coastline was brought together and sand was brought. In addition to the beaches, new stadiums, hotels appeared, the industrial city was put in order and tourists poured in here. This is how the Barcelona we know and love was born.

Mount Montjuic

Montjuïc is a 170-meter hill that offers an impressive panorama. In the past, there was a Jewish settlement here, and over time, alleys and paths for leisurely walks appeared. On the mountain there was a place for botanical gardens, one of which collected a huge collection of cacti, Olympic infrastructure facilities and Montjuic Castle. The climb itself is already worth it to visit Montjuic. Free funiculars run from the foot of the mountain and the Old Port - from the cabins it is convenient to enjoy the panoramas of the city.

Funicular opening hours: from 11:00 to 22:00 in the summer season, until 20:00 - in other months.

House Amalie

Against the backdrop of other architectural masterpieces, the Amalie house is sometimes lost. Meanwhile, you can see the sandy-pink facade in the Art Nouveau and Neo-Gothic styles for free. Its stepped pediment is reminiscent of Dutch tradition, while the windows show features of typical Spanish architecture. If you look closely at the main entrance, you can distinguish bas-reliefs and sculptures with biblical themes and coats of arms. By the way, next to the house of Amalie is the house of Batllo.

Monument to Columbus

Between the Old Port and the Rambla stands a monument to Columbus. The 60-meter statue was installed by the beginning of the World Exhibition of 1888 exactly in the place where the famous navigator set foot after his return from an expedition to America. In Barcelona, ​​Columbus honored the royal family and shared the results of his journey. The statue itself has a height of 8 meters and is made of cast iron. Although the monument can be viewed for free, you will have to pay extra for the opportunity to go inside and climb to the observation deck.

Encants Vells Flea Market

The flea market is located near the Marina metro station at PI Glories Catalanes, 8. The market is located in a modern building with a roof, which allows you to trade even in bad weather. There are several tiers here. Antiquity is located on the first floor, the second floor is occupied by various household knick-knacks.

Entrance to the market is free. There are a lot of people, so watch your bags and wallet. Trading takes place 4 days a week: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Approximate opening hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sellers are changing. If you see a cool thing, it’s better to take it right away and have no doubts. Then it is problematic to find something for the second time.

You can and should bargain in the market. Throwing a few euros is not difficult. Lots of old books and postcards. There are practically no Soviet paraphernalia and military things.

Where to go nearby

Even if the abundance of attractions becomes scarce, its surroundings are a great alternative for a day trip. Near the capital of Catalonia, medieval cities and impressive historical monuments are an option for those who want to get to know Catalonia closer.

Monastery of Montserrat

Montserrat is a legendary monastery, and therefore you cannot drive past it. For the Catalans it is a religious center, for Catholics from all over the world it is a place of pilgrimage. The monastery is located 50 kilometers from the city, at an altitude of almost 800 meters. Montserrat is surrounded by rocks of bizarre shapes. Back in the 9th century, the first hermits came here and built the monastery, but it took on its modern look only by the 20th century after large-scale restorations.

Today, the main symbols of the monastery are the silver altar decorated with enamel, the miraculous statue of the Virgin of Montserrat, the luxurious Throne Room and the chapel, which Gaudi was involved in the design of. Montserrat has a museum with an extensive collection of valuables. Here you can see paintings (starting from the 15th century), a collection of archaeological finds, icons. Every day at 13:00, the monastery hosts performances by the boys' choir - pupils of the local music school, which is recognized as the oldest educational institution in Europe.

Working hours: from 7:00 to 19:30.

Price: 7 euros (in January 2018 they didn’t take money for the entrance, only for climbing the mountain)

Dali Museum

More time will have to be spent on the road to Figueres, which is located 135 kilometers from Barca. Among all the attractions of this city, the Dali Museum stands out. The extravagant roof of the building is not to be confused with any building of Figueres: sculptures in the form of eggs are installed on it. The facade reverses stereotypical ideas about museums as something boring and hints that the inside will be no less interesting. The exposition of the museum is formed by the works of Dali and the creations of other artists from the personal collection of the surrealist. The exhibition is complemented by incredible installations, collages and jewelry created from Dali's sketches.

Working hours: in the summer season - from 9:00 to 20:00, in other months - until 18:00.

Price: 14 euros.

Catalonia in miniature

Only 12 kilometers separate the city from the Park "Catalonia in Miniature". It demonstrates the natural and architectural richness of the region through small copies of the most striking sights of the autonomy. On the territory of the park, you can count about 150 copies of the famous creations of Gaudi, monasteries, churches, castles of Catalonia. All exhibits are made by hand, and for realism, the models are activated by a simple push of a button. We can say for sure: neither adults nor children will be bored. It will take at least 2 hours to view all the miniatures. If time is short, you can drive through the park on a tourist train.

Working hours: from 10:00 to 20:00, in the low season - until 18:00.

Price: 13.50 euros for adults, 9.50 euros for children.

And finally, let's talk about sweets!

Chupa Chups

Although this is not a material, but also an important landmark of the city. The famous candy was invented by Enrique Bernat right here in Barcelona in 1958. One day he saw a mother scolding a child for having his hands stained with melted sweetness. This gave him the idea to make the candy child-friendly. So a wand appeared, holding it, the child did not get his hands dirty and did not irritate his parents. Another gimmick involved with the stick was when Chupa Chups instructed store owners to place the lollipops near the checkout where children could reach them, rather than behind the counter, as was customary at the time.

The logo for Chupa Chups was created in 1969 by guess who? Surrealist Salvador Dali. He sketched it in half an hour on a newspaper and advised Bernat to place the logo on top of the package, and not on the side, as other competitors did. According to legend, as a thank you, he asked to send him a box of sweets every day. But it is not exactly.

Sunny, proud, explosive, a little surreal, captivating with its unique beauties at first sight - these are the only words that can describe the beauty of Barcelona. This ancient Catalan city impresses with its unusual architecture, where medieval cathedrals adjoin wonderfully with neo-Gothic buildings and modern monuments.

It would be a real madness to list all the sights of Barcelona, ​​because here they are found at every turn. Therefore, the question "What to see in Barcelona?" There can be only one answer - "Absolutely everything!".

Source: tcc.com.ua

The museums of Barcelona are also worth a visit. Interesting expositions can be found in the Picasso Museum, in the military and naval museums. Only in the Catalan capital, Barça fans can find a museum of the history of this football club, and in the Jamon Museum you can learn everything about the Spanish dry-cured ham.

The parks of Barcelona cause sincere admiration of tourists and envy of neighboring cities, because it is difficult to compete with them in grooming, style and magnificence.

What to see in Barcelona on your own

Source: old.kompastour.kz

The Rambla

Tourists begin to see the main attractions of Barcelona from the Rambla, the main pedestrian promenade in Barcelona. This street stretches for more than a kilometer, starting at Plaza Catalunya and resting on the monument to Columbus. It is conditionally divided into 5 sections: Kanaletes, Teachings, Flowers, Capuchins and St. Monica, but the Rumble prefix is ​​added to each of these names.

Here is the famous Opera Grand Theater Liceu, as well as the Boquería Market, a gastronomic landmark of Catalonia.

How to get there : Get off at one of the metro stops - Catalunya, Drassanes or Liceu.

Source: euromapa.net

Source: guide.travel

Plaza of Spain

This is one of the largest squares in the country, reconstructed in 1929. Along the perimeter it will be surrounded by monumental majestic buildings - the Arena shopping center, which looks like a bullring, the National Art Museum and the Fira de Barcelona exhibition palaces. A huge fountain was built in the center of the square, the sculptural composition of which symbolizes prosperity, art, heroism and faith. This area is an important urban transport hub, where 6 major highways converge.

How to get there : the easiest way is by metro, reaching the España station.

Source: barcelona-spain.ru

Plaza Catalunya

This square is located in the very center of Barcelona. It is decorated with magnificent fountains and numerous sculptures. Luxurious trees grow along the perimeter of the square, in the shade of which tourists like to relax. There are also large shopping centers, excellent hotels and restaurants.

From Plaza Catalunya, 9 streets originate, including the famous Rambla. All tourist buses leave from here, so getting to the main attractions of Barcelona is convenient and comfortable.

How to get there: metro stations - Catalunya, Urquinaona and Passeig de Gracia.

Source: barcelona-home.com

source: euromapa.net

Sagrada Familia is Gaudí's largest masterpiece. It has not only a stunning view, but also an equally amazing history. Gaudí spent most of his life on its construction. 90 years have passed since the death of the architect, but construction work here continues today.

Sagrada Familia resembles a fairy-tale castle built of sand. Tourists can not only admire the external and internal decoration of the church, but also climb to its towers.

Working hours: from 9:00 to 18:00-20:00 depending on the season.
Prices: from €15, there are preferential discounts
Buy tickets online available on the official website: www.sagradafamilia.org
Address: Calle Mallorca, 401.

Source: www.sagradafamilia.org

Source: www.sagradafamilia.org

One of the masterpieces of the architect Gaudí is the bright and colorful Park Güell. Here you can admire fabulous gingerbread houses, go up the main staircase with fountains and mosaic sculptures to the “Hall of a Hundred Columns”, walk along quaint galleries made of stone trees, sit on a curved bench resembling a sea serpent.

The park is divided into 2 zones: a paid area with monuments, and a public area.

How to get there : 20 minutes walking up a steep slope from the Lesseps metro stop, follow the signs.
Working hours : from 8:00-8:30 to 18:15-21:30 depending on the season.
Prices for visiting the area with monuments :

• €7 - adult ticket;
• €4.90 - for children 7-12 years old, b people over 65 years old;
• FREE - for children under 6 years old.

Buy ticket online you can on the official website: www.parkguell.cat

Source: www.zabugor.com

Source: travelify.ru

Source: euromapa.net

The capital of Catalonia is a city in which the amazing architectural projects of the incomparable Antonio Gaudí came to life.

In 1906, an ordinary residential building, through the efforts of Gaudí, turned into a work of art, known in Barcelona as the Casa Batllo. Looking at this building, it seems that it is made of soft plasticine, because right angles and lines are used to a minimum in its design. The facade of this house has a wavy outline and is decorated with colorful mosaic compositions. For visitors arrange evenings with live music and theatrical tours.

Address: Passeig de Gracia, 43.
How to get there : 30 seconds walk from "Passeig de Gràcia" metro station, the main thing is to get off on the right side. You need the exit "Calle Aragó-Rambla Catalunya".
Working hours : from 9:00 to 21:00.
Prices: from €22.50, audio guide included.
Buy ticket online you can on the official website: www.casabatllo.es

Source: www.espanarusa.com

Source: mebli-vo.com

Source: cult-tourist.ru

Source: cult-tourist.ru

Barcelona people call "Pedrera" (cat. La Pedrera), which means "stone quarry". Although its facade has flexible and smooth lines, it looks somewhat heavy and rough. This building is decorated with beautiful wrought-iron balconies and unusual window bars, and a sculpture garden has been created on the roof.

Source: lightsup.ru

Source: bts.lt

Today, the Barcelona Zoo is home to animals from all climatic zones of the globe. The zoo is conditionally divided into zones: a palm grove with exotic birds, a terrarium, a gorilla space and a monkey gallery, a farm with pets and an Aquarama pond, where fur seals and dolphins show a fun show. You can make excursions around the zoo on foot, and tourists with children can ride a sightseeing tram or rent an electric car.

Working hours : from 10:00 to 17:30-20:00 depending on the season.
Prices :

• Adults - €19.90;
• children under 3 years old - free of charge;
• children aged 3 to 12 - €11.95;
• People over 65 - €10.05

Current prices and online shopping tickets : www.zoobarcelona.cat
Address: Parc de la Ciutadella s/n.
How to get there :

• Buses - D20, H14, H16, V21, V27;
• metro - Barceloneta and Ciutadella-Vila Olímpica, Marina and Arc de Triomf;
• tram - Ciutadella - Vila Olímpica (T4).

Source: nasamnatam.com

Source: hduquesadecardona.com

Source: album.turizm.ru

Montserrat monastery near Barcelona

In a mountainous area 50 km from Barcelona is the Benedictine monastery of Montserrat. This religious shrine of Catalonia was built over 1000 years ago, but the monastery acquired its current appearance in the 19th-20th century. Pilgrims from all over the world flock to these parts, because it is here that the national pride of Catalonia is kept - a 95-centimeter statue of the Virgin Mary, carved from black poplar by St. Luke. The Black Madonna helps those who suffer to get rid of ailments, and gives women the opportunity to experience the joy of motherhood.

Working hours : from 7:00 to 19:30.
Prices :

• Adults - from €11;
• Students and pensioners - from €10;
• Children 8-16 years old - €7;
• Children under 8 years old - FREE.

Buy tickets online : www.montserratvisita.com
Address: Camino de las Canals, 08691 Monistrol de Montserrat
How to get there : from Barcelona by train from Espanya station, platform R5, to Montserrat Aeri or Monistrol station. From there you can walk or take the cable car or funicular respectively. Then you can Be careful when buying a combined ticket "Trans Montserrat", as there are two types of them: with travel by cable car or with a funicular. They cost the same but are not interchangeable.

Source: abadiamontserrat.cat

Source: abadiamontserrat.cat

Mount Tibidabo

The highest place in Barcelona is Mount Tibidabo, which rises 500 meters above the city. From anywhere in the Catalan capital, you can see the silhouettes of the Temple of the Sacred Heart with a statue of Christ at the top and the Torre de Calserola TV tower. Also on the territory of Tibidabo are an old amusement park and the Mechanical Toy Museum. From the Ferris wheel and observation deck of the TV tower, breathtaking views of Barcelona open up.

Working hours : in summer, almost all establishments on the mountain are open from 12:00 to 22:00.
How to get there :

• the easiest way is from Plaza Catalunya on a special Tibibas bus. The fare is about 2.8 euros.
• harder and more interesting: take the FGC train to Avinguda de Tibidabo station; from Kennedy Square to Doctor Andreu Square take a special blue tram or bus number 196; and then take the funicular, which will take you straight to the mountain. Travel will naturally be more expensive.

Source: dominio.com.ua

Mount Montjuic

Montjuic is a famous mountain in the capital of Catalonia. Previously, there was only a medieval fortress on the top of the mountain. But in 1929, the World Exhibition was held here, and after 63 years, the Summer Olympics-92. Many different structures were erected for these events, which later turned into the main attractions of Barcelona - the National Palace, the Spanish Village, the German Pavilion, the Olympic venues. The slopes of the mountain are decorated with magnificent gardens and parks.

Source: hola-espana.ru

Barcelona Aquarium

More than 10 thousand marine inhabitants are located in 35 aquariums, each of which is dedicated to a certain type of flora and fauna. The biggest impression is made by the oceanarium - a huge tank with a diameter of about 35 m, filled with almost 5 million liters of water, through which an 80-meter glass tunnel with a moving walkway is laid. Through its transparent walls it is very convenient to observe marine life. For fans of extreme sports, the aquarium offers diving with sharks for 300 euros.

Barcelona has many world-famous attractions. The central squares of the city, the creations of Gaudi and much more are photographed daily by thousands of tourists. But the real Barcelona is also hidden in quiet streets and small squares, which were once the center of towns absorbed by the metropolis, and now have become a cultural "trophy" for sophisticated tourists.

Allada Vermell - cinematic street

The street in the Venetian style, not long, but in the form of a square, arose from two streets built up in the 15th century. This serene pedestrian zone is especially expressive on the odd side. When you are on Allada Vermell Street, you can’t believe that the 21st century is in the yard, time has stopped here.

Especially good is one house without a number, in which an elderly couple lives: insects buzz over its green entrance, the sun floods the courtyard, which seems like a village front garden. This street is full of bars, and there are art fairs on Allada Vermell on weekends. By the way, the heroines of Pedro Almodovar's film "All About My Mother" are walking along Allada Vermell Street. There they sit on a bench surrounded by children of different races and nationalities.

Can Basté - a picturesque corner next to the community center

Center Cívic Can Basté is a well-known community center in Barcelona, ​​but we are not interested in it, but in its surroundings. Local legend says that the Church of Santa Eulalia was built on this site as early as 1031, but in fact the building we see today was built in the 18th century, but looks older due to its architectural style.

Next to the church is an old farmhouse. Three quarters of a century ago, clay pots were sold here, now they sell yarn and underwear. A cypress tree grows at its entrance, like another hello from the past. If the epochs were decided to be connected by a bridge, it would definitely lie across Can Basté.

Carrer d'Aiguafreda - lanes from the past

On the street in the old quarter of Barcelona, ​​what attracted people here at the beginning of the 20th century is still preserved - wells and laundries. Here the inhabitants of Barcelona gathered to wash their clothes and discuss the news.

This is a quarter of one-story stone houses with flower pots at the door, with arches braided with flowers, keeping the memory of generations, attracting those tourists who go beyond the paths laid by the guides along the sights known to all.

Parc de la Tamarita - a lost Victorian park

This is not London and not the scenery for the books of Dickens. This is Barcelona's Tamarita Park at Pg. Sant Gervasi, 37, created at a time when the bourgeoisie surrounded their mansions with neatly trimmed thickets with sanded paths.

Stone walls and forged fences, cypresses and myrtle, fountains and pools - all the quirks of landscape design from the beginning of the last century are well preserved and serve as a place of rest for the townspeople. In addition to traveling to the past, you will also meet with the present: for example, there are playgrounds and tennis tables.

Santa Anna - gothic church

What is behind the front square of Catalonia? Curious places. For example, along the Rivadeneira street you can walk to the old church of St. Anne, which began to be built back in the 12th century, and the monastery attached to it, built in the 15th century in the style of the Spanish Renaissance. The Church of Santa Anna is an example of true Gothic, although its base is made in the shape of a cross, according to the Romanesque model. We again see a mixture of times and styles. Services are still held here, but tourists come here rather to visit the past.

Vil-la Joana - branch of the museum in the natural park

In the depths of the unique natural park of Collserola, which is one of the largest urban parks in the world, there are many wonderful places. For example, an old villa where the Catalan poet Jacinth Vergader ended his days. The mention of this building can be found in the documents of the 16th century, and in the 19th century it acquired the form it has now.

The villa was extensively refurbished in 2016 and doesn't look as run down as it does in old photographs. It is a branch of the Barcelona History Museum and hosts literary exhibitions and concerts. A popular cafe is open on the terrace of the villa, next to it is an observation deck, and wild boars and foxes roam around among the bushes and trees.

Sant Pau del Camp - ancient Romanesque church at the monastery

It is believed that the church was built by Guifré II Borrell, who died in 911. His gravestone is still on the church grounds. We admire the antiquity of the Gothic, but this Romanesque temple was built even earlier, modeled on Byzantine basilicas.

At that distant time, it was not surrounded by city walls, its construction began literally in an open field, but it is interesting that the building with powerful walls withstood the test of both time and wars. Next to the church is a monastery, which has also experienced a lot, but has not lost its simple charm. Here it is worth paying attention to the numerous skillful bas-reliefs on biblical themes.

Plaça de Sant Gaietà - an Andalusian corner

If this tiny square between C/de la Parròquia and C/Pere Mique de Sarrià were surrounded by a fence, no one would doubt that it was a private courtyard. But in fact, this is a public place, around which there are a dozen houses, and their inhabitants can only be envied, they have chosen such a pleasant corner for life.

Or they created it themselves: after all, the main charm of the square is geraniums in pots, exposed right on the street. Residents of the city have long appreciated the cozy romantic place and call it el raconet - "corner".

Plaça de la Concòrdia - former main square

Once on Plaça de la Concòrdia, it is easy to imagine that the Les Corts area was once a separate town, and this square served as the main one. Modern highways are noisy nearby, and here, surrounded by buildings of the 18th and 19th centuries and shops that have survived almost unchanged since those times (except perhaps for the assortment), pharmacies and pastry shops, you start to miss crinolines and swords. The highlight of the architectural ensemble of the square is Can Deu - a mansion in the Art Nouveau style, which now houses a community center. The courtyard of this mansion is simply fabulous!

Rec Comtal - Roman Canal

An open-air monument of antiquity is part of the Rec Comtal canal, which was used as a conduit in the 10th century. But even then, this artificial stream seemed ancient, because it was located on the site of an abandoned Roman aqueduct. Ten centuries ago, a canal 12 kilometers long supplied water to the city, fortress and gardens on the plain where Barcelona now stands. Nowadays, a walk along the canal returns to the medieval past of the city and helps to realize how fleeting human existence is and how much stronger stones are than us.

Plaça de Prim - a square with a maritime past

On Plaça de Prim you can find the oldest houses in all of Poblenou, an area with a fishing past. Fishermen lived in these houses many years ago. The architecture of the square is unpretentious, but filled with the charm of antiquity.

Its main attraction is three mighty ombu trees, or laconos, a fountain and a small restaurant serving, of course, top quality seafood. Around the square, low white houses are scattered along the quiet streets. Peace and tranquility in the center of a huge city

Monastery of Sant Agusti

The arched courtyard and front of the church are all that remains of the Gothic monastery of Sant Agustí, which was built in the 14th century. Over the centuries, it was used for various purposes, including as a barracks during the siege of 1714. Now a popular cultural center with many departments is open in the monastery building, and a bar operates on the terrace in the courtyard, where it is so pleasant under the arched vaults