Summertime is a fresh experience which leaves Barcelona standing tall in front of the blue sky and deep sea, with cherful palm trees all over the sandy land. The Mediteranean life can be tasted every step of the way, from the wonderful green rooftop terraces to the masterful icecream flavours, such as crema catalana.
Since for almost a century, the city has told the story of Antonio Gaudi s architectural masterpieces, you must start your adventure with the most famous of his works, Sagrada Familia Church. This Roman Catholic basilica was designed in a very modern style, and, by the architect s death in 1926, only a percent of 15-25% was built. Gaudi is known to have said that his Client was not in a hurry.Follow the trail of the architect s unique style, take a look at Casa Batlo, a fairytale house, and spend the afternoon having a walk in the amazing Park Guell, a garden complex created by Gaudi at the request of Count Eusebi, Guell on a hill top in the Gracia district.
Take a whole day to explore the Montjuic, a broad shallow hill on the South-Eastern part of the city. Ride the cable-car up to the 17th century fortress, the Castle of Montjuic,which used to serve as a political prison until the time of General Franco. During the Spanish Civil War, the site was a common place for executions, both for the Republicans and the Nationalists. Also, walking a little bit further, you can take a look at some of the works of Joan Miro, at the Joan Miro Foundation, or get in touch with various Spanish coutryside traditions at Poble Espaniol. Further down the hill, there s the Palau National – the National Art Museum, and an amazing lights and colors show called the Magic Fountains of Montjuic. Every weekend day, the night sky is lighted up by rainbow colours and splashes of water move up and down in the rythm of the music, fascinating the audience.
But the one thing for which Barcelona is world famous is the joy of living on the sunny goldend beaches. Take all the spare days, even borrow some and use them wisely on the Barcelonetta, the most popular sandy beach in town. Listen to music, smile to the sun or play volleyball for as long as you wish, but never, and I mean never, miss the opportunity to have a seafood paella with fresh sangria. In the afternoon, a bicycle ride will take you along the shore to the beautiful harbour, where the crowded Rambla promenade starts.
There would be one last thing to see before you leave Barcelona, and that might be in fact the first for many others, since the most visited place in Barcelona is the Football Club Barcelona Museum and the Camp Nou Stadium. A world legend, the Barca, founded in 1899, has won 4 UEFA Champions League trophies, 22 National Championships and many other competitions. Since it was summer and there were no matches from the National League, we had the chance to see Barcelona playing a friendly game withe Champion of Brazil, which turned out to be a great show, with many goals scored. Yes, Barcelona did win the game.
Only if time will allow it, take a trip outside the city, to the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey, a Bennedectine abbey situated aproximately 50 km away from the city. The monastery, founded in the 11th century and rebuilt during the 19th century, after being burned down by Napoleon troops, is situated high up in the Montserrat Mountains, the highest point in the Catalan Land at 1236 m above the valley, offering an amazing view over the county.
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