| Barcelona Airport Car Rental | | | | Barcelona. It features a large number of |
| Sagrada Familia | | | | attractions including the Spanish Village and the |
| The Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudí's unfinished | | | | Montjuïc Castle. |
| masterpiece, is one of Barcelona's most popular | | | | Sardana Monument, Montjuic |
| tourist attractions. Construction on this church will | | | | Sardana Monument |
| continue at least until 2041, but it has already | | | | Several thousand years ago, Iberic Celts settled |
| become Barcelona's most important landmark. | | | | on the Montjuïc, a 213m high hill southeast of |
| Sagrada Familia | | | | Barcelona's current city center. The hill was later |
| A New Church | | | | used by the Romans as a ceremonial place. |
| The idea for the construction of a new church | | | | Today the hill features a large number of sights |
| was launched by a devout organisation whose | | | | and attractions, most of them originating from |
| goal was to bring an end to the de-christianisation | | | | two major events that took place here: the 1929 |
| of the Barcelonese, which had started with the | | | | International Exhibition and the 1992 Olympics. |
| industrialization and increasing wealth of the city. | | | | Palau Nacional |
| The organisation purchased a plot of land in the | | | | One of these sights is the Palau Nacional (National |
| new Eixample district in 1877. The architect | | | | Palace), the central pavilion of the International |
| Francisco de Paula del Villar designed a neo gothic | | | | Exhibition. The majestic building in neo-baroque |
| church and led the construction which started in | | | | style is home to the Museu Nacional d'Art de |
| 1882. | | | | Catalunya (MNAC). Its collection includes Roman, |
| Antoni Gaudí's Design | | | | Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque art as well as |
| One year later, the modernist architect Antoni | | | | 19th and 20th century works of art. |
| Gaudí took over as lead architect at the age of | | | | Magic Fountain |
| 31. From that moment on, Gaudí devoted most | | | | At the center of a plaza in front of the Palau |
| of his life to the construction of the church. | | | | Nacional is the Font Màgica or Magic Fountain, an |
| Instead of sticking to the original plans, Gaudí | | | | impressive fountain built for the Universal |
| changed the design drastically. The neo gothic | | | | Exhibition that was held here in 1929. From here, |
| style made way for Gaudí's trademark | | | | you have a great view of the palace, especially at |
| modernist style, which was based on forms found | | | | night when both the building and the fountain are |
| in nature. When he died in 1926 only | | | | illuminated. |
| Sagrada Familia Towersone facade (the nativity | | | | Mies van der Rohe Pavilion |
| facade), one tower, the apse and the crypt were | | | | Right next to the fountain is the Pavelló Mies van |
| finished. Because Gaudí was constantly | | | | der Rohe, designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe |
| improvising and changing the design while | | | | as the German pavilion for the 1929 Barcelona |
| construction was going on, he left few designs | | | | International Exhibition. Like all other pavilions, the |
| and models. And most of these were destroyed | | | | German pavilion was demolished after the |
| during the civil war in 1936. | | | | exposition, but since it is considered |
| 18 Towers | | | | Poble Espanyol, Barcelona |
| Still, architects now have a clear idea of what | | | | Poble Espanyolone of van der Rohe's most |
| Gaudí had in mind. The last version of his design | | | | influential works, it was reconstructed in the |
| called for a church 95m/312ft long and 60m/197ft | | | | 1980s. The glass and marble building is typical for |
| wide. The church will be able to accommodate | | | | Mies van der Rohe's work, whose maxim was |
| 13,000 people. When finished, the Sagrada Familia | | | | 'less is more'. |
| will have a total of 18 towers. | | | | Poble Espanyol |
| Nativity Facade | | | | Another remainder of the 1929 Exhibition is the |
| Four Towers on each of the three facades | | | | Poble Espanyol (Spanish village), a collection of |
| represent the 12 apostles. The towers reach a | | | | houses in different Spanish architectural styles. |
| height of 90 to 120m (394ft). Another four | | | | The village was originally slated for demolition |
| towers represent the 4 evangelists. They will | | | | after the end of the Exhibition, but due to its |
| surround the largest, 170m/558ft tall tower, | | | | popularity it was kept intact. The Poble Espanyol is |
| dedicated to Jesus Christ. The last tower, | | | | still a very popular tourist attraction. |
| dedicated to Virgin Mary, will be built over the | | | | Anella Olímpica |
| apse. | | | | Montjuïc is also home to the Anella Olímpica |
| Construction | | | | (Olympic Ring) which consists of a number of |
| After Gaudí's death in 1926 construction slowed | | | | sports facilities built for the 1992 Olympics. At the |
| dramatically due to a lack of funds and the civil | | | | center of the ring is the Olympic Stadium. Its |
| war. Construction pace started to pick up again in | | | | exterior dates from 1929 but the interior of the |
| the mid 1950s and now two facades and eight | | | | stadium was completely rebuilt for the Olympics. |
| tower have been completed. The main nave was | | | | Another structure from the 1992 Olympics is the |
| roofed in 2000. | | | | Olympic Tower. Built by renowned Spanish |
| Currently construction is mainly focusing on the | | | | architect Santiago Calatrava in a typical curved |
| nave and the main southern facade known as the | | | | white style, the sleek tower was built as the main |
| Glory Facade. This facade will picture life and | | | | communications tower for the coverage of the |
| death. | | | | Olympic Games. |
| Passion Facade | | | | Montjuïc Gardens |
| Passion Facade | | | | With the arrival of the Olympics in 1992, the |
| The first facade, facing east, is known as the | | | | many gardens on the Montjuïc were given |
| Nativity Facade. It was finished by Gaudí himself | | | | renewed attention and since several new gardens |
| and is ornamented in a baroque fashion with | | | | were added. Some of the most interesting are |
| motifs of animals and plants. | | | | the Nou Jardí Botànic, a botanic garden with |
| Opposite the Nativity facade is the 'Passion | | | | more than 2000 different plants created in the |
| Facade'. Construction started in 1954, but only in | | | | 1990s and the Jardins de Mossen |
| 1987 sculptures depicting the crucified Jesus Christ | | | | Castell de Montjuïc |
| were added. As soon as they were installed, the | | | | The oldest sight on the Montjuïc is the Castell |
| abstract figures caused a storm of criticism, as | | | | de Montjuïc, a large 18th century fortress. It |
| the style was very different from Gaudí's. | | | | was built by the Bourbons on the remains of a |
| Visiting Sagrada Familia | | | | fort dating back to 1640. Originally built for the |
| Inside Sagrada Familia, Barcelona | | | | defense of Barcelona but often used against the |
| Interior | | | | city at the foot of the hill, the fortress now |
| Even though the Sagrada Familia is far from | | | | houses the Museu Militar (military museum). The |
| finished, the remarkable church is well worth a | | | | fortress can be reached by a funicular and |
| visit. You can visit the crypt were Gaudí is | | | | cable-lift, which starts at the Parallel metro stop. |
| buried. A museum tells the story of this great | | | | Guëll Park |
| architect and the history of the church. | | | | Guëll Park is one of the world's most intriguing |
| You can also visit the towers. An elevator and a | | | | parks. The pavilions and main staircase designed |
| long walk will lead you to the top of a tower | | | | by Antoni Gaudí look like they belong in some |
| from where you have a magnificent view over | | | | fairy tale. |
| Barcelona. The climb is not recommended for | | | | A Failed Project |
| those with fear of heights or for people with | | | | This popular park started out as a development |
| claustrophobia! | | | | project. Eusebi Guëll, a well known Catalan |
| La Rambla | | | | industrialist, acquired a 17ha / 42acre large hilly |
| La Rambla is the most famous street in | | | | Pavilion in Parc Guell, Barcelona |
| Barcelona. The wide boulevard connects the | | | | Pavilionplot in the Gràcia district, north of |
| Plaça de Catalunya, a busy square, to the | | | | Barcelona. He wanted to turn the area into a |
| Monument a Colom, a tall column erected in honor | | | | residential garden village based on English models. |
| of Christoffel Columbus. | | | | 60 Housing units as well as several public buildings |
| The often crowded street is popular with tourists | | | | were planned. |
| and locals alike. The middle part of the Rambla is | | | | In 1900 Guëll commissioned his friend and |
| pedestrianized and bordered by trees. Kiosks, | | | | protégé Antoni Gaudí with the |
| flower stalls and street artists | | | | development of the project. With the support |
| Rambla, Barcelona | | | | from other architects including Josep M. Jujol and |
| History | | | | his disciple Francesc Berenguer, Gaudí worked |
| The Rambla was originally a small stream flowing | | | | on the garden village until 1914 when it was clear |
| just outside the city walls. In the 16th century | | | | the project was a commercial failure: Guëll failed |
| convents and a university were built along the | | | | to sell a single house. In 1918 the city acquired the |
| river. In the 19th century the city wall was torn | | | | property and in 1922 it was opened to the public |
| down and buildings were erected along the now | | | | as a park. |
| dried up river. The original buildings were | | | | Gaudi's Staircase and Pavilions |
| demolished but they are remembered in some of | | | | Two houses were completed as well as pavilions |
| the names of the five different parts of the | | | | for visitors and park keepers. The pavilions, |
| Rambla. Even though it is one continuous street, | | | | designed by Gaudí, seem to be taken out of |
| the Rambla actually consists of five 'ramblas'. | | | | Hansel and Gretel, with curved roofs covered with |
| That's why the street is also called Las Ramblas | | | | brightly colored tiles and ornamented spires. The |
| (Spanish) or Les Rambles (Catalan). | | | | staircase at the entrance of the park is also |
| Rambla de Canaletes | | | | designed by Gaudí. The dragon-like lizard at the |
| The first Rambla, starting from the Plaça de | | | | center of the with trencadis-ceramics decorated |
| Catalunya, is the Rambla de Canaletes. The name | | | | staircase is the best known symbol of the park. |
| originates from the 19th century Canaleta | | | | Serpentine Bench |
| fountain. The expression 'he | | | | A connecting flight of stairs leads to another |
| Placa de Catalunya, Barcelona | | | | famous feature of the park: the Gran Placa |
| Plaça de Catalunyadrinks water from Canaletes' | | | | Circular. Originally intended as a market place for |
| means that person comes from Barcelona. And | | | | the residents, this plaza is bordered by what is |
| according to local legend, once you drink from the | | | | known as the largest bench in the world. The |
| fountain, you will keep coming back to Barcelona. | | | | colorful ceramic serpentine bench, designed by |
| Rambla dels Estudis | | | | Jujol, twists snakelike around the plaza. The view |
| The second Rambla is the Rambla dels Estudis. It | | | | from the plaza is spectacular, you can see as far |
| is named after the 16th century university, the | | | | as the Mediterranean Sea. The whole |
| Estudis Generals. The building was demolished in | | | | Serpentine Bench, Parc Guell, Barcelona |
| 1843. Several important buildings are still in this | | | | Gaudi Museum |
| area, among them the 18th century Reial | | | | Between 1906 and 1926, Gaudí lived in one of |
| Acadèmia de Ciènces i Arts, since 1910 a | | | | the two houses that were completed. The house, |
| theater. The building contains the first public clock | | | | known as the Casa Museu Gaudí, was designed |
| of the city. | | | | by Francesc Berenguer. It serves as a museum |
| Rambla de Sant Josep | | | | and displays some of Gaudí's furniture (including |
| The next Rambla is the Rambla de Sant Josep, | | | | some from the Casa Batlló) and drawings. The |
| named after a convent which was demolished in | | | | park also includes the Casa Trias (not open for |
| the mid 1900s and replaced by the Mercat de | | | | visitors) and winding roads with paths supported |
| Boqueria, a colorful market place. Since this part | | | | by tree-like columns. |
| of the Rambla has many flower stalls, it is now | | | | Parc Guëll was declared a world heritage site by |
| better known as the Rambla de les Flors, or | | | | UNESCO in 1984. |
| 'Flower Rambla'. At the end of this part of the | | | | Port Vell |
| Rambla is a small square, the Plaça de la | | | | Before the Barcelona Olympics in 1992, the Port |
| Boqueria. It features a mosaic by Joan Miró and | | | | Vell, the city's old obsolete harbor was only a run |
| a | | | | down area with empty warehouses, industrial |
| Placa Reial, Barcelona | | | | buildings, refuse dumps and railroad yards. In one |
| Rambla dels Caputxins | | | | of the most drastic urban renewal projects, the |
| The fourth Rambla counting towards the | | | | area was transformed into a yacht basin and |
| Columbus Monument is the Rambla dels Caputxins, | | | | entertainment center, opening the city up to the |
| yet again named after a now demolished building: | | | | sea. A coastal road was moved underground and |
| a Capuchin monastery. | | | | a pedestrian street now stretches from the |
| The most interesting building on this rambla is the | | | | Columbus monument to the Barceloneta |
| Gran Theatre del Liceu, a building decorated in | | | | neighborhood. |
| modernista style. Fire destroyed Barcelona's | | | | Maremàgnum |
| Opera Theater twice, in 1861 and in 1994, but it | | | | A brand new wooden pedestrian bridge, the |
| was rebuilt each time, most recently reopening in | | | | Rambla de Mar connects the Rambla with the |
| 1999. | | | | Maremàgnum, a complex with shops, cinemas, |
| Further down the rambla on the left hand side is | | | | bars and restaurants. Behind the Marèmagnum |
| the entrance to the Plaça Reial, a 19th century | | | | are an IMAX theater and Barcelona's aquarium. |
| lively square with tall palm trees and street lamps | | | | Maremàgnum |
| designed by Antoni Gaudí. Opposite the Plaça | | | | The Rambla de Mar and Maremàgnum |
| Reial, in the Carrer Nou de la Rambla is the Palau | | | | Port Vell Attractions |
| Guëll or Guëll Palace, one of Gaudí's first | | | | The IMAX theater features three projection |
| residential buildings. The parabolic shapes at the | | | | systems: the Omnimax screen, the flat IMAX and |
| entrance and the rooftop chimneys are signs of | | | | the 3D IMAX for which spectators use 3D |
| things to come in his later works at the Guëll | | | | glasses. |
| Park and the | | | | The biggest attraction of the Port Vell is the |
| Rambla de Mar, Barcelona | | | | aquarium, one of the largest in Europe. The |
| Rambla de Santa Monica | | | | aquarium boasts 8000 Fish, including 11 sharks in in |
| The last Rambla is the Rambla de Santa Monica, | | | | total 22 basins filled with 6 million liter (1,5 million |
| named after a convent, now converted into a | | | | gallons) sea water. Basin 17 features an 80m long |
| museum, the Centre d'Art Santa Mònica. The | | | | tunnel from where you can observe |
| rambla leads to a roundabout with a 60m large | | | | mediterranean deep sea fish, including sharks. |
| column, the Columbus Monument. It was built in | | | | Southwest of the Maremàgnum is |
| 1888 for the Universal Exposition. | | | | Aduana Building, Barcelona |
| Rambla de Mar | | | | Aduana Buildingthe Aduana building, an old customs |
| If you continue to walk in the direction of the | | | | building constructed in 1902. Adjacent is a long pier |
| Port Vell, a wooden walkway, now known as the | | | | with the new World Trade Center. |
| Rambla de Mar or Rambla of the Sea, leads you | | | | Head of Barcelona |
| to Maremàgnum, a complex with shops, movie | | | | At the other, north eastern end of Port Vell is an |
| theaters - including an IMAX theater - and a large | | | | eye-catching statue by pop artist Roy |
| aquarium. | | | | Lichtenstein. The colorful 14m high statue is called |
| The Montjuïc | | | | 'El cap de Barcelona' (head of Barcelona). |
| The Montjuïc is a hill located near the center of | | | | |