The capital of Catalonia is one of the most visited places in the world by tourists, the city is replete with historical sights and architectural monuments that have no analogues. However, in Barcelona you can find many places that are not written about in guidebooks and are not told to millions of tourists, since these “secret” corners of the city are only open to the eyes of the most inquisitive guests of Catalonia who want to find the real highlight of Barça.
Oreneta Park (Parc de l'Oreneta)
Oreneta parkThis place in the west of Barcelona will allow you to enjoy the wild nature right next to the city of millions. The park owes its name to two ancient estates that were located on this site: Can Bonavia and Oreneta Castle, however, they have hardly survived to this day. The remaining ruins of the walls are located at the very top of the hill. The park itself is more like a pine forest, shady, with an amazing smell of resin that heats up in the Spanish sun. The park has a miniature railway with steam locomotives, a journey along which will surely entertain children. From the view terrace you can enjoy an excellent view of Barcelona, which will be in front of your eyes at a glance.
Basilica of Saints Justus and Pastor (Basilica dels Sants Martirs Just I Pastor)
View of the Basilica of Saints Justus and Pastor This church is considered the oldest temple in the city. It is located on the square of the same name in the Gothic Quarter. In different historical eras, the basilica was both the center of the Catholic episcopate of Barcelona and a mosque (during the reign of Muslims). The interior of the cathedral deserves much closer attention from the visitor than the exterior. It was in this basilica that some scenes of the famous movie "Perfumer: The Story of a Murderer" were filmed. Climbing the old bell tower, you can fully enjoy the stunning views not only of the Gothic Quarter, but of the entire Catalan capital.
Arus Public Library and the Statue of Liberty of Barcelona (La Biblioteca de Arus y la Estatua de la Libertad de Barcelona)
Statue of Liberty of Barcelona in the Aruz Library The library was donated to the city by the famous journalist Rossend Arus, who patronized the Masonic movement in Catalonia, it is precisely with this fact that one of the largest collections of books on Masonic topics is stored here, including ancient manuscripts, in total about 70,000 books. At the entrance to the library hall, a reduced copy of the American Statue of Liberty, about 2 meters high, is installed. In addition to size, the main differences of the Spanish copy are the color of the statue (it is almost black) and the engraving made on the book (instead of the date of the signing of the Declaration of Independence of the United States, the Latin words meaning "Freedom of the Soul" are engraved).
Cemetery Poblenou (Cementerio de Poblenou)
"The kiss of death" This oldest cemetery in Barcelona was founded about 250 years ago. Throughout all these years, sculptors of various eras and styles have created real works of art in this special place, where peace and quiet reign, unlike the crowded Barcelona. Many tombstones and mausoleums are masterpieces, most of which are in the Gothic style. The sculpture “Kiss of Death” makes a special impression.
Horta Labyrinth Park (Parc de Laberint d'Horta)
This is the oldest park in the city, which is located in the northern part of Barcelona on the slopes of the Collserola mountain range, which is a forest reserve. The Collserola forest is considered the largest urban park in the world and is almost 8 times larger than the territory of the Bois de Boulogne in Paris. Each of the visitors will be able to try to find a way out of the labyrinth of cut cypresses, and then relax by the pond filled with water from the spring and walk through the garden full of beautiful flowers.
On our own, we will add another attractive place in Barcelona, which does not have a special historical value, but it will allow you to have a great time and relax in the fresh air. This - Turo del Putxe park in the district de Gracia, which has grown to almost 5 hectares. Labyrinths of winding paths are laid through its green spaces, leading to a single goal - the top of the hill, towering 178 meters. This observation deck offers stunning views of the skyline of the Catalan capital. The park is fully equipped for a Sunday picnic, after which the family can play petanque, and the children will not be bored in the numerous playgrounds. This is a favorite place for the locals.
View from the park to Barcelona
Parc de la Ciutadella is located in the administrative district of the Old City (Ciutat Vella) of Barcelona. Many sculptures and monuments made the park a kind of museum framed by picturesque nature. The Ciutadella Park is a favorite place for locals and visitors to relax in Barcelona.
Story
Catalan separatism is not a new phenomenon. The name Ciutadella (Citadel) dates back to the beginning of the 18th century. During the War of the Spanish Succession, King Philip V captured Barcelona. To hold the city, he ordered the construction of a huge fortress in its center, which occupied three-quarters of the area of the Old City. Its construction was accompanied by the demolition of the houses of local residents and the imposition of a special tax on them, which caused mass discontent.
A century and a half later, the fortress, which reminded the Catalans of their defeat, lost its military significance. Under their pressure, the Spanish authorities agreed to the demolition of most of the Citadel. Only the buildings of the arsenal, the military chapel and the Governor's Palace were preserved. The rest of the territory was laid out in the park. In the middle of the XIX century. it became the first green massif of the city.
At the end of the XIX century. Ciutadella Park has been reorganized twice. By the 1888 EXPO World Exhibition, the Cascada fountain (“Cascade”), the Castell dels Tres Dragons restaurant (“Castle of the Three Dragons”), the sculpture Lady with umbrella (“Lady with an umbrella”), demonstration pavilions and galleries, beautiful lamps appeared in it . Not far from the entrance, on the boulevard Passeig de Lluis Companys, the Arco del Triunfo (Arc de Triomphe) was installed, which served as the solemn entrance to the EXPO. The next reconstruction, carried out a few years later, made it possible to place a zoo in the Parc de la Ciutadella.
Modernity
The Ciutadella Park covers 30 hectares. It is open daily from 10 am until dark. The park has two entrances - the main one, near the Arc de Triomphe, and the auxiliary one - from the Olympic Village (Barcelona Olympics 1992). , designed by the architect Josep Vilasek y Casanovas, is decorated with the coats of arms of Spain and the provinces of the country.
Along the edges of the alley from the Arc de Triomphe to the main entrance, very peculiar lampposts are installed. At the entrance there are sculptures - allegories of the dominant at the end of the 19th century. branches of the economy. These are "Agriculture", "Production and Trade" and "Marine Affairs".
Immediately after entering, visitors are greeted by a fountain with a sculptural group of cute babies crawling on a massive decorative vase.
In the alleys you can admire the many flowering trees and shrubs. The sizes of flowers (with a human head) of magnolia grandiflora are surprising. The axis of the park landscape is made up of a large lake and three central alleys, planted respectively with lindens, poplars and elms. The lake is home to fish, waterfowl and turtles. Parrots, magpies and pigeons walk along the alleys, not being afraid of people. On the lake you can take a boat trip, paying 1.2 EUR for half an hour.
In the northern part of the park, next to the Passeig de les Pujades boulevard, is perhaps its most beautiful building - the magnificent monumental Cascada fountain with a grotto. The creative team of the sculptor Josep Fontsere, which created it, also included Antonio Gaudi, who was then taking his first steps. The fountain is realized in the form of a triumphal arch. It is crowned with a bronze sculpture of the goddess of dawn, Aurora, on a quadriga. It has a length of 6.5 m and weighs 35 tons. In the center of the sculptural composition is Venus riding on a shell. In her environment are many mythical and sea creatures.
Not far from this fountain, a life-sized stone mammoth is hiding among the trees (according to the initial idea, it was supposed to continue the series of disappeared prehistoric animals).
Castle Castell dels Tres Dragons
Another iconic building in the park is the Castell dels Tres Dragons. The name was most likely borrowed from the then popular novel The Castle of the Three Dragons by Serafi Pittar. The building was designed by the architect Luis Dumenech y Muntane, who is considered the founder of Catalan modernism. The building has the shape of a square with four crenellated corner towers. They are bordered by white ceramic plates with images of animals, plants and people. The window openings were decorated with stained-glass windows destroyed by a bomb explosion during the Civil War.
The building of the former restaurant now houses the Museu de Zoologia (Museum of Zoology). It can be visited from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm (Thursday until 6:30 pm). The price of the entrance ticket is 3.5 EUR.
Zoo
The southern part of the park is reserved for one of the best zoos in Europe. 7.5 thousand animals belonging to 400 species live in it in spacious enclosures. Every day there are several performances with the participation of animals - Magia al Zoo! (Zoo Magic), Lleons marins (Sea Lion Show) and Dofins (Dolphin Show). You can visit the Parc Zoologic de Barcelona from 10 am until dark. A ticket for adults costs 19.9 EUR, and for children from 3 to 12 years old - 11.95 EUR.
On the territory of the zoo there is a decorative fountain crowned with a sculpture of Lady with umbrella (“Lady with an umbrella”). Aristocrat at the end of the 19th century looks from a high pedestal at those walking in the park, and, perhaps, is perplexed: “Oh times, about morals!”.
Other objects of the park
Since 1882, the oldest Museum of Geology in Barcelona has been located on the territory of the park. It was based on a personal archaeological and geological collection donated to the city. Over time, only geological exhibits have been preserved here. The museum can be visited from 10:00 to 18:30 (on Sunday - until 14:30) every day except Monday. Ticket price - 3.7 EUR .
In the northwest of the park there is a glazed gallery Hivernacle (“Winter ») , restored and used for exhibitions and other cultural events. Another gallery - Umbracle ("Palm"), is now a greenhouse with tropical plants.
The building of the former arsenal is located in the center of the park, across the lake, on the Placa d`Armes (Citadel parade ground), lined with orange trees. Now the Parliament of Catalonia sits here. In front of him, in the pond, there is a copy of Josep Llimon's sculpture Desconsol ("Despair"), which he presented to the city. The original is kept in the Museu Nacional d "Art de Catalunya (National Art Museum of Catalonia). The sculpture was originally intended to be installed in a crypt, which explains the pose of despondency and sadness of the depicted woman.
In the Governor's Palace, which remained from the original Citadel, one of the institutions of the Catalan government now operates.
How to get to the park and its facilities?
The nearest metro to the park is the Ciutadella/Vila Olímpica station on the L4 line. The park can also be reached by tram T4, getting off at the Wellington stop. Other transport stops are closer to some individual objects of the vast park.
The nearest bus stop to the Castle of the Three Dragons is the Parc de la Ciutadella-Pg Picasso bus stop, which can be reached from the center of Barcelona by routes No. 39, 51. A little further from the castle is the T4 Ciutadella / Vila Olímpica tram stop. Nearby is the Arc de Triomf station on the L1 metro line. You can also take the L4 metro line to the station of the same name, after which you can walk a little.
Closest bus stop to the zoo – Ciutadella/Vila Olímpica, which can be reached by metro L4 or tram T4. Those heading to the Museum of Geology can pre-travel to the Barceloneta metro station on the L4 line.
Here we are in Barcelona! The capital of Catalonia was a delicious dessert of our December trip, so we left it on the blog for later. We start, according to tradition, from the heading "". Today I will tell you what you can see in Barcelona for free. Lots of beautiful photos are included.
Gaudí heritage
Gaudí and Barcelona are almost synonymous. As soon as a tourist goes for a walk around the city, he goes straight to the main brainchild of the architect - the Sagrada Familia Cathedral.
The Sagrada Familia has been under construction for decades. From time to time, a completion date is announced, but it is eventually pushed back again. However, what has already been built is impressive. The cathedral is beautiful both in general and in details. The architectural techniques familiar to us are rethought here and embodied in a new way.
Another Gaudí masterpiece in Barcelona is Casa Batlló. In general, it is correct to call "Batlio", but "Balló" somehow got accustomed to our tourists more. The name translates as "House of Bones", since most of the details of the facade resemble bones. We were very lucky to see Casa Batlló in December, when it is traditionally decorated for Christmas.
Well, if you look around, you can find no less beautiful buildings nearby.
My favorite architectural creation of Gaudí is, of course, the house of Mila. It is located a few blocks from Casa Batlló and is also popular with tourists.
I especially liked its quaint balconies.
Beach
Tourists often scold the local beach for a large amount of garbage and a crowd of people in the high season. It is clear that in December we did not see either one or the other. But our friends from Barcelona say that all this is nonsense and in the summer it is also beautiful here - the beaches are clean and there is enough space for everyone.
Sunset on the coast
Museums and squares
There are two large squares in Barcelona - Spain and Catalonia. As soon as you arrive in the city, the first thing you hear about them is that they are the main stops for airport transfers.
Let's start with Plaza Catalunya. It rests on the main pedestrian street - La Rambla. There are always a lot of people selling street food and all sorts of knick-knacks. Playgrounds work on the square itself, fairs are held and crowds of tourists hang out. The main beauty here is the fountains.
During the day they are buried in flowers and greenery,
and in the evening shimmer with bright lights.
Plaza de España is less crowded. Probably because there is more space. In addition, one of the largest transport hubs of the city is located here.
Closer to the hill of Montjuic are the famous fountains. And they are famous for the fact that in the evenings they put on a colorful show. For half an hour you can watch the beautiful play of lights under famous musical hits. Entry to the show is free, so don't miss out. The schedule can be viewed.
Well, we still missed it, but then we went to the main performance of the year - the New Year's music show. On the night of December 31 to January 1, the fountains of Montjuic shimmered with all colors to the national music. It was really cool! But, alas, we did not get a photo that would convey all this splendor.
But that is not all. Right next to the fountains is the main art gallery in Barcelona -. At normal times, the entrance costs 12 euros, but on Saturdays after 15 hours it can be visited for free. In addition, admission is free all day every first Sunday of the month, 18 May, 11 and 24 September.
picturesque parks
The most popular among tourists is, of course, Park Güell. He and the palace of the same name on its territory are the creation of the same Antonio Gaudi. By the way, you can also come to the palace for free - on the first Sunday of every month. The rest of the time the entrance here costs 12 euros. We didn't go to the palace. From the outside, it looks modest and, in our opinion, is not worth the money.
But the park itself is quite cozy and beautiful.
Except for the crowds of tourists and souvenir merchants. Useful life hack - do not buy souvenirs at the very entrance to Park Güell. They cost twice as much there. Climb a little higher up the hill and other vendors will offer similar keychains and magnets for half the price.
In the city center you can find another park - the Citadels. Directly opposite the main entrance there is a beautiful alley and a triumphal arch (the one on my head).
Inside the park there are cozy gardens with small fountains, and in the very center there is a huge Cascade fountain.
Well, the most beautiful park in the city, in our humble opinion, is the Horta Labyrinth. It was in it that one of the scenes of the famous film "Perfumer" was filmed.
Entrance here is paid (2.23 euros), but on Wednesdays and Sundays you can walk for free. Not as many tourists come here as in Park Güell, so a quiet walk is guaranteed.
Sculpture in the middle of the labyrinth
Gazebo in the park
old architecture
Shady alleys
How not to get lost in such beauty?
Gothic Quarter
The Gothic Quarter is the oldest part of Barcelona. It was named so because buildings from the Middle Ages have been preserved on the territory. There are also quite ancient ruins. For example, the remains of a Roman wall and the ruins of the palace of Octavian Augustus.
In the quarter there was a place for contemporary art. This sculpture is called "Carmela". The author is the famous Spanish artist Jaume Plensa.
But the main reason why they go to the Gothic Quarter is the churches. Firstly, here is the Cathedral of Barcelona - the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia. Contrary to popular belief, it is he, and not the Sagrada Familia, the main cathedral of the city.
In the evening, the cathedral lights up and looks even more beautiful than in daylight.
Inside the cathedral
Secondly, there is a church of stunning beauty - Santa Maria del Mar. Inside it is an indescribable atmosphere. Tall vaults and medieval surroundings are really impressive. If I were a director, I would definitely shoot a scene from a historical film about the Middle Ages in Santa Maria del Mar.
The rest of the Gothic Quarter is a labyrinth of narrow streets leading to small cozy squares.
Yes, there is plenty to do for the budget traveler in Barcelona. But the best thing here is. Arriving in Barcelona and looking at the lifestyle of the Catalans, you immediately relax, start walking more slowly and observe the famous siesta. So free attractions are enough for a couple of weeks of leisurely walks. And for convenience, they are all marked on the map. Have a nice trip!
P.S. Read even more life hacks and tips on independent travel in our Self Traveler telegram channel. Link: http://t-do.ru/selftraveler/
(Visited 3 695 times, 1 visits today)
As it is written in the most general terms in all Barcelona guidebooks, the Spanish Village is an open-air architectural museum located at the foot of the mountain Montjuic . In fact, the atmosphere there is not at all museum-like, although they give an audio guide at the entrance. .
1.
Getting into the Spanish Village is very easy. It is located behind Plaza de España, i.е. "above" it, at the foot of the Montjuic hill. The easiest way to get there is to take a free funicular trailer that will take you from the Espanya metro station transition directly to the Olympic stadium in Montjuic, by the way, if you have time, you can wander around the Olympic venues, it's completely free. Somehow we were there closer to sunset and it was no longer hot and walked around a lot, looking at the Olympic torch, stadiums, fountains and admiring from afar the fortress on Montjuic, which I still haven’t got into. Next, you need to go down a little (pointers to the Spanish village are all over the hill - Poble Espanyol, it is called in Spanish). The descent is very pleasant along the alleys planted with flowering bushes and pine trees that give shade.
This is exactly what it (ID) looks like, or rather, its main square - Plaza Mayor from the hill (the photo was found somewhere on the Internet). Entrance for adults - 9 euros. The audio guide is included in the price.
2.
Some general information. The ID contains copies of the most beautiful and famous buildings of Spanish architecture from different parts of the country in life-size or slightly reduced size.
This architectural complex was built in 1927 for the opening of the 1929 World Exhibition in Barcelona. Its authors, Xavier Nogues, Miquel Utrilto and Ramon Raventos, thoroughly familiarized themselves with the heritage of medieval, Renaissance and Baroque architecture in various parts of Spain. Here are collected 116 houses, churches and palaces belonging to different eras, but, regardless of this, of architectural and artistic interest. Pueblo Espanyol was the first such project. The "Swiss Village" in Geneva, the "Village of the Pharaohs" on the Nile in Egypt and many other places with a folklore and architectural bias appeared later.
Entering inside, you immediately find yourself on the main square, on which, by the way, there are numerous restaurants, which are almost empty most of the time, even in season. In one of them I like to dine on those evenings when a herd of tourist groups is not driven there. I apologize for the disrespectful comparison, but I myself first got there in this way, the impressions from the dinner were terrible, and the restaurant itself is very warm, so I have already visited it twice in a calm atmosphere. The photos were taken almost from the restaurant, it is located on the balcony.
5 .
6.
7.
8.
9.
From the Main Square, several streets depart, leading deep into the complex. Passing through them, you will alternately bypass the various regions of Spain and observe how the architecture changes as you move from one region to another. There are also charming fountains, and houses with cozy little balconies, suitable only for "walking" indoor plants, and Gothic cathedrals. Most of the buildings on the territory of the complex are restaurants or craftsmen's workshops, as well as souvenir shops. Souvenir everywhere is about the same, but in the shops of artisans you can find things made by really talented people of a local scale. For example, I love ceramics and brought more products from there than even from Greece, I also go to see colored glass products with pleasure, in my opinion, I bought someone as a souvenir.
Unfortunately, I don’t know which region the architecture of this street corresponds to, but I really like these white vaults, which are also covered with tiles.
Catalans often celebrate weddings, anniversaries and other family celebrations in local restaurants. It is very cozy in local restaurants, because. the atmosphere is homely, and after 18.00, when the complex stops letting tourists in, the streets become completely deserted and it turns out that your walk takes place in an almost empty town. I think the feeling is amazing.
After wandering around (or better, having dinner) in the Spanish Village, go down the hill (10 minutes on foot at a lazy step) directly to Plaza España, where (although, unfortunately, not every evening) a beautiful fountain show takes place. Start at 22.00. You can watch it from anywhere in the huge square, the view will be different everywhere, but equally stunning, however, if this is your first time at the fountain show in Barcelona, then it’s better to climb to the very top, on the beam or even a little higher and watch the whole picture of the pillars from the steps of Palau Nacional, here it is below in the photo (yes, in Europe everyone sits on the steps - it's warm and clean there).
14.
