Prologue
The Old Continent has to offer many destinations and dazzling places. Prepare yourself to discover many attractive locations with amazing histories, natural wonders, and breathtaking sights. If you can’t decide which country to visit first, let us give you an insight into the most charming and popular locations all over Europe. It’s not an easy choice to make but let us present to you our list of the most amazing cities and regions to visit. Consider this proposition if you plan to spend your vacation in Europe.
The capital of Catalonia Region has a unique cultural heritage and intriguing history. Barcelona city is the fifth most populous area in Europe and the largest city in Spain after Madrid. This metropolis on the Mediterranean Sea is located between rivers Liobregal and Besos.
Barcelona was founded by the Romans as a colony called Barcino at the of the 1 Century BC. The whole Pyrenees at the beginning of the 5th. Century AD was under Visigoth’s rule. King Ataulf established his court in Barcino.
Visigoths’ capital was stationed in Toledo and the whole kingdom was conquered by Morrish Army(Arabs and Berbers) at the beginning of the 8th. Century A.D. 801. A.D. Barcelona was captured by Louis the Pious, son of Charlemagne.
The county of Barcelona was founded in 865 A.D. and ruled by local nobility loyal to the Carolingian crown. The Medieval history of Barcelona was marked by the rule of the Aragon Crown and the city become one of the most important trading stations in the Mediterranean. It was the economic and political center of the region.
From the 15th to 18th Century Barcelona struggled to maintain its independence and economic prosperity. A period of cultural and economic recovery started in the 19th Century with the development of the textile industry.
The city continued rapid development during the 20Th Century, the whole of Spain experienced a recession in the 1920s and a bloody civil war from 1936-1939 when the whole city of Barcelona experienced heavy bombing and street fighting. Today this Mediterranean Juwl is a world-recognized metropolis and it proved its value and capacities as the host of the Summer Olympic Games 1992.
If you are for the first time in Barcelona, then exploring one of the main attractions of the city is a must. The Basilica de la Sagrada Familia is located in the Northern part of town and this amazing cathedral is on UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The construction of this incredible Basilica was trusted to Antoni Gaudi in 1883 to design the basilica in a Neo-Gothic church, but as a free-mind artist, he created something completely different, his signature in architecture, also known as surrealistic Art Nouveau style. He never managed to finish his masterpiece but his successors continued his work. Although construction won’t be finished until 2026, the interior of the basilica is open to tourists.
Another must-see attraction is Park Guel designed also by Antoni Gaudi. This remarkable place is also on UNESCO List and it’s characterized by large benches with mosaic work, the gallery of collums, and the double stairs with Salamander (also known as Dragon). The main inspiration for this magnificent park was the typical British Style of residential neighborhoods that Antoni Gaudi wanted to recreate.
The unique architecture is one of the main features of Barcelona City, one more remarkable creation of Antoni Gaudi is Cassa Batlo. You’ll be impressed by the astonishing details, colors, and mosaics, this specific architectural creation is regarded as the best-designed house of Antoni Gaudi.
Football fans will enjoy visiting Barcelona, that’s for sure. World-famous stadium Camp Nou is open for tourists, here you’ll have access to players’ dressing rooms, commentator boxes, trophies, and all parts of the stadium. Camp Nou Museum is an unavoidable place, where all achievements are presented, along with the history of this club.
Other popular destinations are Casa Mila,(La Pedrera) the last masterpiece of Antoni Gaudi, built between 1906 and 1912. Since this dazzling object is under the protection of UNESCO, it’s worth your time.
Picasso Museum is located in the district of La Ribera, the famous artist spent a significant part of his life there, this museum was opened in 1963, and you’ll be guided through the whole gallery and introduced to Picasso’s artworks.
The Gothic Quarter or The Barri Gothic is the historical center of the city, along with Barcelona Cathedral, and famous squares such as Placa Reial and Placa Sant Jaume. This part of the town’s main features are narrow streets along with centuries-old preserved buildings. The whole place looks like a medieval maze of small alleyways and corridors.
If you want to feel the taste of the Mediterranean you should explore the ‘De la Boqueria” market. This special place has its history as the oldest street market in Barcelona, originating from the 13th century. Other recommended destinations are Monthuic Park and Magic Fountain.
Monyhuic Park Is located on Monthuic Hill and there you can discover Olimpic Village and the Sports Complex designed during the 1929 Summer Olympic Games. A certain number of stadiums and arenas are renovated and used again in the 1992 Summer Olympic Games. Magic Fountain is one of the city’s most visited attractions. Build in 1929 during the World Fair, this dazzling masterpiece will amaze you with a vast variety of colors, water acrobatics, and music. This terrific light show you don’t wanna miss.
