Enthralling Barcelona!!

It's an understatement to say that there is no dearth of monuments and places of importance to visit in Barcelona. Most of them are ticketed understandably for maintenance, but with limited time and money, I could see only a few. Hence, I might have a limited view of the city and its culture. Please accept my apologies, if I have missed something of interest like the Barcelona Football Stadium, Park Guel, Casa Balto, and many more. Olympics in 1992 has left a lasting impact on the city hence, I have divided this blog into 5 sections (rings of Olympics) to make it an easy read. Starting with Espanya and Montjuic, La Ramblas, Gothic quarters, Eixampe, and Sagrada Familia.

Placa de Espanya is in the centre of south Barcelona and has prominent monuments, fountains, and offices that architects and designers of every century want to leave their mark. The grand fountain welcomes you to the area, on the right, you see the old and prominent stadium like the Colosseum. You notice the tall columns (Forums) built in 1929. Ahead you see the fountains and the majestic National Art Museum on the hill. Walking uphill gives you the feel of the bygone era when the water from fountains blustered amidst the exhibition spaces on either side.

The Montjuic fountains uphill reminded me of the Vrindavan Gardens in Mysore. Unfortunately, due to the drought in Barcelona, the fountains are closed. Closer to the museum, we see a few more columns reinstalled in 2010. The museum has Spanish and international collections covering Gothic, Renainacess, and modern. Photos are not allowed in the galleries, so I could only take pics of the open gallery and the terrace. The rooftop offered a 360-degree view of the city, the Montjuic, and the sea. The distant view of Sagrada Familia left a lasting impression on me. When I went to the Montjuic, the port and sea offered breath taking views. The Castle was built in the 16th century as a prominent military fortress to watch over the sea and land. I noticed that the sea and airports seem closer, and one can see planes and container ships from afar.

Every day on the 'La Ramblas, I saw thousands of people walking the street lined with multiple restaurants, souvenir shops, street artists, and artistic buildings. There is hardly a dull moment. Walking through the numerous allies, I marvelled at the hidden art I had missed earlier. The hard-to-miss Columbus statue on the tall column, the blue waters of the harbour, the calmness of the air, and the mild sunshine are enchanting enough for anyone to take a stroll. A further walk down the road takes you to the most wonderful area of Barcelona's popular beach. It has wide spaces with benches lined up for soaking in the sun. I loved the installation of a bronze fish nearby.

Coming to the Gothic quarters i.e. old town where narrow allies and tall buildings, small artistic shops, cafes, and old monuments all compete for your attention. The 'Le Seu', known as Barcelona Cathedral was built during the 13th to 15th century in a neo-gothic style. Most of the buildings in the Gothic quarters were remodelled during the 19th century and many are still under restoration. I found the small shops in the narrow lanes more interesting and vibrant. Each had a distinct window display that made you stop and look.

The Piccaso Museum another prime attraction is tucked away in a narrow lane but opens a world of art and learning by the legendary artists. A short walk from here is the massive Parc de la Ciutadella(Citadel in Catalan) spanning 77 acres and covering the Catalan Parliament, the zoo, small parks, museums, and the famous fountain, Cascada by Josep Fontsere and the then-young Antoni Gaudi. It resembles the Trevi fountain in Rome and has an ornamental look to it. The small lake near it adds to the charm of the fountain. Walking further north from here takes us to the memorial arch Arc de Triomf built in 1888 for the Barcelona World Fair.

The Placa de Catalunya is the central place where all the rings combine and the most happening place for tourists. I called it the pigeon square as hundreds of pigeons happily mingled with the crowd. It is also the starting of La Ramblas on the south and Eixample on the west. However, it is more known for the starting of Barcelona's famous shopping street, the 'Passeig de Gracia, which houses notable monuments by Gaudi like Casa Balto, La Pedrera - Casa Mila, and also all the famous brands, hence a very crowded area. Eixample (Expansion in Catalan) is the best example of town planning with its symmetrical streets and wide spaces for walking. Even the street lights, benches, and pathways are decorated artistically. I could see the avenues in straight lines for up to a mile. This area was the extension of the old city and once was criticized for lacking artistic views. It is lauded for its structure today and is the prime spot for modern restaurants, shopping, and art centers.

Walking further towards the northeast will take you to the famous Basilica, standing tall at 172 meters and still under construction. No one has to ask for directions as all the roads lead to this world-famous monument. One could spend hours admiring its beauty from all possible angles. Such is the scale and grandeur of the building. It's impossible to find such a symbol of art, history, architectural design, and thoughts anywhere else. I admire the sheer determination of Antoni Gaudi and all the architects after him, who continue to work on this world heritage site that has been under construction for 142 years and counting. Given the architect's stature and dedication to this marvellous building, I feel it deserves a dedicated space and time to appreciate its beauty.

I was also blessed with excellent sunshine on my short day trip to Montserrat (mountain). A picturesque location outside Barcelona. It is known for Benedictine Abby, the funicular (mountain railway), and hikes. The area was green and peaceful even in peak winter. I could see the distant snow on the mountains. The beauty and tranquillity of the place attract many people to hike for a day away from the bustling city.

Time and again, the stark differences in arts, monuments, and the environment left me awestruck. I found it hard to differentiate between Catalan(local language) and Spanish. Still, I could converse with strangers and shopkeepers in my version of Catalan, Spanish, and English mixed randomly. Once again, I wondered how I managed to navigate and admire this city without knowing the local language. I realized it's the art, culture, the feelings and not the words that help to sail one through this enthralling city.