Masterpieces of Barcelona
It’s a work of art itself, and if that’s not enough, some of the most beautiful buildings and other artworks are hosted there: Barcelona, an unbelievable architectural experience. There is the largest concentration of Gaudi’s work, such as the Sagrada Familia, Park Guell and Casa Batllo, all world heritage sites. The Gothic architecture is also present in Barcelona’s masterpieces, as imposing as Contemporary art, represented by Nouvel’s Torre Agbar.Starting in chronological order, one of the most known Gothic constructions is the Palau Reial Major, residence for the counts of barcelona and later, for the Kings of Aragon. It has an octagonal tower, with a single aisle with a barrel vaulted ceiling, and ends with a polygonal apse. The complex is open to public from 10am to 7pm, with a fee of 7 euros.
The Santa Maria del Mar is another impressing example of Gothic architecture. Located in Ribera district, it’s hard to have a complete view of the facade, available only in Plaça de Santa Maria and Fossar de les Moreres. The inner side is luminous and spacious, with three aisles forming a single space with no transepts between nave and presbytery.
This architectural style gave Gaudi and other Modernists inspiration to create their beauties in Barcelona. The Palau de la Musica Catalana, designed by Lluis Domenech i Montaner and built between 1905 and 1908 for the choir Orfeo Catala, also placed in Ribera district. In the building the curves are predominant rather than lines, and dynamic shapes preferred than static forms. The building is designed with glasses covering a central metal structure, exposing natural light, outstanding the sculptures, mosaics, stained glasses and ironworks.
The Palau offers guided tours throughout the building for 17 euros. The most known of Gaudi’s works, Basilica and Expiatory Church of the Holy Family, is a catholic unfinished church, with three façades, the Nativity, the Passion and the Glory, which construction began in 2002, being the largest and the most monumental, depicting many scenes as the seven deadly sins, purgatory and hell. The Nave, Crypt, Museum, Shop, and the Passion and Nativity towers are open to visitors
Skipping to contemporary art, the Torre Agbar marks the gateway to the technological district of Barcelona, and according to its designer, Jean Nouvel, the shape of the building was inspired by a geysel sprouting shape. Once finished, in 2004, the skyscrapers became an icon of the city, attracting the tourists that come to visit Barcelona.
