Before going on our cruise (the first one since Corona) we decided to arrive 1 day early and visit Barcelona. Wim has been to Barcelona many times, so he was my tourguide. We stayed at the very modern and a bit quirky Novotel hotel Cornella, as all hotels in Barcelona were fully booked or overpriced.
We started the sunny way in The Ciutat Vella, or ‘Old City’ in Catalan. This makes up the heart of Barcelona. Four neighborhoods lie within this district – El Raval, Barri Gòtic, La Barceloneta, and El Born – each with its own identity and individual character. Navigating the cobbled streets and narrow alleyways while gazing at the plants hanging up above, a walk through this part of town is straight out of a fairytale. Decorations are draped from side to side, street art and graffiti add a splash of color to ordinary walls, and string lights brighten up the paths receiving limited sunlight. The city’s largest religious building also stands here – Catedral de la Santa Creu i Santa Eulàlia, Barcelona Cathedral – displaying Gothic architecture at its finest. Among these very streets is where Barcelona’s history began many years ago, serving as a window into the Catalan culture then and now.
Barcelona is often described as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe with its fantastic architecture and its cosmopolitan culture. The line between architecture and art is a hard one to draw, especially when both are so embedded in the Spanish culture. Creative expression can be found all around Barcelona, in many more places than just the Picasso Museum and the pronounced exhibitions and galleries. Quirky sculptures and colorful murals are sprinkled throughout every corner of the city, street art and graffiti liven up the already energetic atmosphere. It comes as no surprise that the art scene in Barcelona is a source of inspiration for many.
Barcelona is known for being a melting pot of cultures and languages, and it sure lives up to the expectation. It is the biggest city on the Mediterranean coast, and is home to a lively and diverse community. With approximately 1.6 million people living in Barcelona, the city prides itself on being human in scale without losing a beat in its cultural diversity. Barcelona is so much more than a complex ecosystem of quarters and streets. Yes, if you stay in the urban heart of the city, you might find that one minute you’re surrounded by the look and feel of Medieval Europe and the next minute you’re staring at world-renowned contemporary architecture. But it doesn’t take more than a few minutes walk to find yourself on the beautiful beach by the Mediterranean sea, or in the midst of a beautiful, lush forest. For a city that has over 2,000 years of history, Barcelona is a place that embraces change and the future. This same spirit existed for the 1992 Olympics and with the inventive geniuses like Picasso and Dalí. Somehow, the positivity in the city translates into an atmosphere of sheer possibility and that is something that I love about cities. The energy it vibrates.
Can I say wow? I will venture out and say that this architectural whimsy might have something to do with the fun vibe you feel in Barcelona. It is just filled with whimsical design, playful architecture, and fabulous stores. And from the Sagrada Familia and the Gothic churches, to the Picasso Museum and the colourful Parc Guell, there really is something for everyone! Unfortunately we did not make it to Parc Guell, so hopefully I will see more of the architectural genius Antoni Gaudi’s his masterworks next time,
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