Barcelona and its beauties

Vol 27, Issue 01, 13 September 2024

Everyone needs to visit Spain for its warm sea, beautiful architecture, and just for the emotions, definitely bright and positive! The landscape of Barcelona is a combination of sprawling mountains, a blue sky, and a sparkling sea.

During his visit to Barcelona in 1862, Hans Christian Andersen described the city as “The Spanish Paris”. Indeed, Barcelona is a major cultural center with a rich history. It boasts numerous archives, libraries, museums, and beautiful buildings that showcase excellent examples of decoration and architecture from various eras. Barcelona is far from being a young city, with at least two legends surrounding its origins. One legend says that the city was founded by Hercules, a hero from Greek mythology, 400 years before Rome was established. Another legend states that Hamilcar Barca, a Carthaginian general, founded a settlement near Montjuic Hill and named it “Barsino” after his family. Today, Barcelona is home to over one and a half million residents, and it ranked among the top 10 cities in the World’s Best Cities list in 2018.

Attractions. Diagonal Avenue is one of the most famous streets in Barcelona, stretching for almost eleven kilometers and passing through some of the city’s most important places. One of the unique features of this avenue is that it is the only street in Barcelona that is numbered from north to south, running along the diagonal of the city. The name “Diagonal” has been a part of the street’s name throughout its history, despite the fact that it has changed several times over the years. Today, the avenue is home to a variety of businesses, including business offices, banks, shopping malls, restaurants, cafes, and parks, as well as some of the city’s attractions.

One of the most famous symbols of Barcelona is the Sagrada Família, which was designed by Antoni Gaudí. Construction began in 1882, but the architect died in 1926 before it was completed. Despite this, construction has continued for over 140 years. In the early days, Gaudí also built a school near the site, which was named after the church. The children of workers and builders attended this school while their parents were working. Today, exhibitions are held there. The Sagrada Família is expected to have 18 towers, each with a different meaning. 12 will represent the Apostles, 4 will be for the Evangelists, 1 will be dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and 1 will honor Jesus. Gaudí himself is buried in a chapel dedicated to Mary. When the church is finished, the tallest tower will stand at 170 meters. The height of Montjuic is a local mountain that is several meters higher than the surrounding area. Gaudi believed that nothing man-made should be taller than divine creation.

Barcelona is a city with something for everyone. History lovers, gourmets, and art enthusiasts will all find something to enjoy in this vibrant city. The stunning architecture, world-class museums, and delicious cuisine make it a must-visit destination for travelers visiting Spain. In addition to its rich cultural attractions, Barcelona also has a lively nightlife with bars, clubs, and music venues to suit every taste and preference.