When you think of Barcelona, what comes to mind? The iconic La Sagrada Familia church? Sure! The colorful Park Guell? Of course! What about the stunning Casa Batllo? There's no doubt about that! Overall, there are plenty of places in Barcelona that define its heritage. They're what many tourists visit when they come here. And they're what the locals are so proud to show to the world. Especially on World Heritage Day. If you'll be in the Catalan capital this April 18th, make sure to head on over to these awesome sites. They all represent the true beauty and spirit of Barcelona!
La Sagrada Familia
You expected La Sagrada Familia to start off this list, didn't you? It's practically the symbol of Barcelona itself! While Paris has the Eiffel Tower and Rome has the Colosseum, this Catalan capital has its extraordinary church. To say that it's an architectural marvel is an understatement. Francisco de Paula del Villar initially designed and started its construction back in 1882. But when he resigned from the project in 1883, Antoni Gaudí took over and changed the history of architectural design ever since. Though still (and infamously) unfinished, the church combines both Gothic and Art Nouveau elements, resulting in Gaudí's signature aesthetic which you can see all throughout Barcelona!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Casa Batllo
Among many of Gaudí's famous works throughout the many
neighborhoods of Barcelona is Casa Batllo on Passeig de Gràcia. Largely considered one of his best designs, it perfectly captures the quirkiness of the legendary Spanish architect's signature aesthetic. The Art Noveau pops out in its curved shapes and silhouettes, made even more striking by its bright color palette. You also can't miss the rooftop. The colored tiles and strange design make it look like it's the back of a dragon. And when you get inside, you'll notice that the interior also shares the same strange yet scintillating look.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Casa Milà
Also located on Passeig de Gràcia is Casa Milà, another of Gaudí's famous works. Former politician Pere Milà commissioned the architect to design his home, which the latter constructed from 1906 to 1910. Milà and his wife in October of 1911. Just like the
Eiffel Tower in Paris, people's initial reactions to the house were mixed. The residents themselves didn't mind it, but many locals were taken aback by its stone facade and wrought iron railings on the balconies. And yet it has stood in its place and never changed more than a century later.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Casa Vicens
You also can't forget about Casa Vicens on Carrer de les Carolines. After all, this is largely considered as Gaudí first work. For the legendary architect who virtually designed the entire city of Barcelona, this place is a must-see. Especially when it's about the heritage of the city! Far from the curved and quirky Art Noveau structures he would later design, Casa Vicens exemplified his more modernist approach to architectural design. You can see it in the geometric patterns, the blend of symmetric and asymmetric lines, and of course, his signature bright pops of color.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Park Güell
Among the many
beautiful parks in Barcelona, Park Güell is definitely the most famous. Also designed by Antonio Gaudí, it's a multi-tiered public space that boasts the architect's signature colorful aesthetic. It's most notable for its colorful mosaic designs, from the serpentine benches to stunning terrace walls. The park itself is quite a feast for the eyes, but when you turn around, you'll also get to enjoy a spectacular view of Barcelona. To this day, it remains the most visited park in the city. And definitely a must-see for anyone spending World Heritage Day in Barcelona.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Palau de la Música Catalana
Located in the El Born neighborhood of Barcelona, Palau de la Música Catalana is the most famous concert hall in the city. both its exterior and interior draw countless people, even those who aren't even big fans of classical music. Notably, it's one of the very few World Heritage Sites in Barcelona that wasn't designed by Antonio Gaudí. Instead, the place was designed by architect Lluís Domènech I Montaner in the Catalan modernista style. You definitely have to see its breathtaking glass-stained windows. It's like one huge kaleidoscope!
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Tudoi61
Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau
Who would've thought that a
hospital in Barcelona would make it onto this list? Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau, also known as Hospital Sant Pau, is among the best places to visit for World Heritage Day in Barcelona. For one thing, it's one of the oldest hospitals (at least, former hospitals) in the world. Many of its structures have stood since 1401. Though they no longer operate as healthcare institutions, their overall designs haven't changed at all. And when it did operate as a hospital, it was instrumental in treating patients during the various tumultuous periods in Barcelona's history.
Source: Flickr.com/ Daniel García Peris
If you'll be celebrating World Heritage Day in Barcelona, you need to visit these incredible sites. Not only are they beautiful and historic, but they also provide a clear view of the heritage of the Catalan capital.
