Old antique houses in neat rows all distinguished by the flowers on the balconies. The colours stand out a mile and shine in the sunny weather. Narrow side streets complete the maze, full of heat and brick roads. Heavily detailed cathedrals and parks loom around the city, filling it with bustling travellers looking for the secrets within the beauty of this capital. The architectural heritage and rich art gives a depth and meaning to the location behind the bustle of tourism. Palm trees swaying in the warm, inviting wind setting out a road unlike no other, overflowing with wooden stalls where people look for that perfectly unique memento to remind them of this captivating city. Smells unlike home linger round the small restaurants and cafes, luring in the flowery dressed tourists to sample the European cuisine. The colourful plates of rice, soft peppers, sea food and tangy lemon lie waiting for a stranger to come and taste the tradition. Hearing the quick rolls of the ‘r’ and seeing the sparkling personalities mesh together with stunning smiles you get a genuine feel for the culture. The essence of the country lies in the capital, the ultimate showcase of how beautifully crafted a city can be whilst keeping in touch with the old. At the heart of the place, we see a busy roundabout crammed with lonely greenery surrounded with small cars, bikes and mopeds, creating a pin point from which the city is then split into a maze of long roads and side streets and from here we can explore what is known as Barcelona. Las Ramblas
Forgetting the idea of a crowded street full of shoppers rushing about, the Ramblas is a key monument of Barcelona. Starting at the north is the Placa Catalunya and 1.2 kilometres down, is the Port Vell. Standing at the top and looking down you can see an endless street lined with antique buildings and high palm trees. Filling in the gaps are market stalls filled with different things on each, whether it be magnificent flower bouquets, nifty crafted souvenirs, intricate paintings you can discover something that represents Spanish culture. Entertainment lies between the stalls and the palm trees in the name of street performers, these people show their amazing talents off for us to watch as we stroll down the street. During the humid nights the Ramblas come alive, the restaurants and bars that hide in those architecture buildings wake up with flowery flamenco dancing and traditional authentic music. Bright lights light up the walkway in the evening for anyone to see Barcelona’s finest culture at its best.
Sagrada Familia
Beautifully designed, intricately detailed and incredibly structured, the Sagrada Familia sits with pride to the whole of Barcelona. Looking carefully you can see the history embedded in the walls of the cathedral, walking round the inside you see the stained glass windows, when the sun shines through a show of colours develops on the wall of the cathedral. Although, incomplete, in 1883 Gaudi took over the design of the Sagrada Familia; to this day in an astonishing way we see a brilliant example of Gaudi’s work. Again, at night all things Spanish have a different side. The Sagrada Familia is lit up by many vivid lights so you can see it from miles around. This breath taking building is one of the main key sights in the maze of Barcelona. When visiting you can indulge yourself with the history of the cathedral inside and out and bask in the glory of this wonderful building.
Port of Barcelona
South of Las Ramblas is Barcelona’s port: home to the Christopher Columbus monument, here we see a more modern side of Barcelona with the newly created shopping centre, cinema and aquarium. Before the harbour was run down, full of industrial buildings putting the enchanting city to shame, but now it has opened the city up to the sea, whilst keeping in touch with Barcelona’s imaginative architecture shown on the bridge to Port Vell. The famous monument of Columbus marks the site where he returned after his voyage to America and also marks the point where old meets new. Looking left from the monument you see the Marina Port Vell, which is at the heart of Barcelona, its crammed full of shiny rich yachts ready to explore Barcelona. Boat rides are available from the docks for travellers to admire Barcelona’s coast line from the clear blue sea.
My trip to Barcelona was a birthday treat for my long awaited eighteenth birthday! And it was the best present a girl could wish for! I loved everything about this beautifully cultural city and knowing all this lies on just a two hour flight away from home was fabulous! I knew I had to write a piece on this experience, so I hope my opening paragraphs do the city justice and makes you all eager to book your own trip!
