(NE Spain), on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. 1506 thousand inhabitants (1998), in the agglomeration 3.5 million people. (the second city in Spain after Madrid in terms of population). Founded on the site of the settlement of the Carthaginians (230 BC), then the Romans called Barsino (hence the name Barcelona). In the IX-XII centuries. - the capital of the county of the same name. Cult. center of Spain. Numerous architects monuments of the X – XIX centuries: cathedral (Gothic), churches (Santa Maria del Map, San Pablo del Campo); stock exchange, palaces (bishop, former county, etc.); parks, fountains, sculptures. There are many buildings designed by the world famous architect Gaudí: the Guell Palace (1885–89), the Sagrada Familia church (started in 1884, being completed) and others. The Fisherman's Quarter Barcelonetta, Tibidabo peak with a funicular, from which a magnificent panorama of the city opens. Monument to X. Columbus (60 m high). 3 un-that. Opera and ballet theater, conservatory, bullfighting arenas. Museums: archaeological, marine, fine arts, modern. art, village-museum architect. the appearance of all regions. (Spain in miniature) and others. World exhibitions of 1888 and 1929. (palaces, pavilions, gardens). Modern B. is a large industrial. agglomeration. Machine; text., chem., cel.-paper., leather., food., optical, glass., cement. prom-st. Transport. node, port, int. an airport. Metro. International bargaining-prom. trade fairs. Tourism center. On the NE. located prom. the suburb of Badalona is an important center of the text. industry and machinery; seaside resort.
Dictionary of modern place names. - Yekaterinburg: U-Factoria. Under the general editorship of Acad. V. M. Kotlyakova. 2006 .
Barcelona
Barcelona (Barcelona) - the main city of Catalonia (cm. Catalonia) and the province of Barcelona, the most important port and the second most populous city in Spain (cm. Spain)(about 2 million inhabitants). It is one of the most beautiful Mediterranean cities. It is surrounded by mountains in a semicircle, on the slopes of which there are parks, recreation areas and panoramic views of the city, and from the east they are open to the sea. The history of the city goes back many centuries. In 218, the Barcino colony was founded by the Romans near the Montjuic mountain. At the same time, excavations carried out in the 20th century showed that the Roman colony was not the first settlement on the territory of Barcelona. The Romans built fortress walls, the ruins of which have survived to this day. The walls surrounded the area that now houses the Cathedral, Plaza de San Jaume and Plaza de Pi. Around the Old City in the Middle Ages, walls were erected twice more, until the end of the 18th century, the city bounded by them was considered Barcelona. Outside the walls, villages arose, which then became full-fledged districts of Barcelona - Sants, Sarria, Gracia. Exhibitions in 1888 and 1929 gave impetus to the development of the city, but the period of Franco's rule was a time of crisis for Barcelona. The 1992 Olympics, held in Barcelona, gave the city a new impetus to the development.
The central part of Barcelona is divided into the Old Town - the historical center of the city, the Montjuic region and the Eixample - an area that arose in the 19th century as a result of the city's expansion to the north. Barcelona architecture unites a wide variety of currents, but it gained worldwide fame thanks to the rapid development of Art Nouveau or Art Nouveau, the brightest representatives of which were the architects Josep Puig y Cadafalc, Domenech y Montenar and, perhaps, one of the most famous architects of the last two centuries. , Antonio Gaudí y Cornet.
Old city
The old town, stretching along the Ramblas (Las Ramblas), is one of the most extensive and well-preserved architectural ensembles of medieval Europe. The Gothic Quarter (Barri Gothic, Barri Gotic) with the Barcelona Cathedral, the La Ribera area with the Picasso Museum, Parc de la Ciutadella stands out especially here. The main architectural, including temple, monuments of the Old City are located within the Gothic Quarter.
The very first cathedral on its territory was built in 985, during the conquest of the city by Almanzor. The construction of a Gothic cathedral with a Romanesque chapel Capella de Santa Lucia began in 1298 under Jaum (Jaume) II on the site of an old Visigothic settlement. The facade of the majestic cathedral was completed only in the 19th century, and the central spire in 1913. All work was carried out according to the drawings of the French architect Charles Goltier (1408). In the ensemble of the cathedral, two octagonal bell towers (1386-1393) stand out, the central nave, made in the style of Catalan Gothic, Capella del Santissim Sagrament (Chapel of the Holy Sacraments) with the crucifixion of the 16th century "Christ Lepanto", Capella - de San Benet (Capella de San Benet), dedicated to the founder of the Benedictine monastic order. Under the main altar of the cathedral there is a crypt with an alabaster sarcophagus (1339) of St. Eulalia, Christian martyr of the 4th century, to whom the cathedral is dedicated. In the interior of the cathedral, one should note the choir seats, the upper tier of which is decorated with images of the coats of arms of 12 knights.
One of the most revered churches of Barcelona is the Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar, designed in the Catalan Gothic style. Due to the excellent acoustics of the temple, concerts are often held here. The church was built for about 55 years. The stained glass of the western rose window (15th century) depicts the coronation of the Virgin Mary, the windows of the central and side naves are decorated with stained glass from the 15th - 18th centuries.
The most interesting monument of the Gothic Quarter is the House of the Archdeacon (Casa de l "Ardiaca), built in the 12th century on the foundations of a Roman fortress wall, and then rebuilt several times. The House of the Archdeacon is adjacent to the cathedral. The architecture of the House whimsically combined features of Gothic and Renaissance. at its entrance appeared a marble mailbox with carvings depicting swallows and a turtle by the architect Domenech y Montaner The Archdeacon House currently houses the city's archives.
The Royal Palace (Palau Reial Major) on the Plaza del Rei was created in the 13th century as the residence of the Counts of Barcelona. A significant example of 14th century Gothic is the Tinel Hall. Here Ferdinand and Isabella received Columbus, who had returned from America. Later, the Most Holy Tribunal sat in this room.
Within the Gothic Quarter are the government buildings of Barcelona and Catalonia. The town hall building (Casa de la Ciutat) began to be built in the 14th century opposite the Palau de la Generalitat government palace, in the Plaza de Sant Jaume. At the entrance to the building there are two statues - one depicting Jaime (Jaume) I, who in 1249 granted the citizens of Barcelona the right to choose the city council, and the other - Joan Fivelier, who forced him in the 1500s. city nobles pay taxes. The Salo de les Croniques was created specifically for the 1929 World's Fair.
The Catalan government has occupied the Palau de la Generalitet building since 1403. The facade of the building is designed in the Renaissance style, above the main entrance there is a statue of the patron saint of Catalonia - St. George. The late Catalan Gothic courtyard is decorated with sculptures by Marc Safont. The interior of the building is distinguished by the chapel of Sant Jordi and the Salo de Sant Jordi, designed by Pere Blai in the Italian spirit.
The oldest monument of civil architecture in Barcelona is the stock exchange (Llotja, La Llotja), built around 1380 for the guild of Catalan merchant sailors. The building was rebuilt in 1771, until 1994 it housed a trading exchange. In 1849 - 1970 the upper floors of the building were occupied by the Academy of Fine Arts, with Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró among the audience.
Once in the Old Town, you cannot miss the Carrer Montacada street, which has preserved all the features of medieval architecture. Above the pavement, the ledges of the roofs almost close, from which fantastic gargoyles gaze. Delightful patios hide behind the houses' massive wooden gates. In the 13th century, during the prosperity of Catalonia, the street was built up with Gothic mansions, almost all buildings were rebuilt in the 17th century.
The center of the Old Town is Las Ramblas, where life does not stop day or night. The Arabic word "rambla" means a dry river bed - such channels in Catalan cities often turned into streets and that is why streets with the name "Rambla" are often found here. The Ramblas of Barcelona consists of several separate parts, the rambla, including the Rambla de Canaletes, named after the fountain, and the Rambla dels Estudis, which was named after the first university of Barcelona - Estudis General (Estudis General). The Ramblas pedestrian area is 1.2 km long. The Ramblas is to Barcelona what the Arbat is to Moscow or Montmartre to Paris. The Ramblas is home to the Gran Teatre del Liceu, the La Boqueria market, also known as the Mercat de Sant Josep market, and several old mansions. ... At the beginning of the Ramblas, in Plaça de Catalunya, there is the Font de Canaletes, cast in the last century from iron, and at the end of it is the 87-meter Columbus monument (Monument a Colom), which dominates the entire port area. World's Fair 1888.
A little to the side of it is the Mercedes Church - Mother of God "Mercy", the patroness of Barcelona. Among the buildings on the Ramblas stands out the Palau Guell mansion, built in 1889 by Antoni Gaudí for his patron, the manufacturer Count de Guell. Inside the mansion, carved partitions, galleries and niches create a sense of spaciousness. All furnishings have been preserved to this day. Other attractions in the Ramblas include the Reial Academia, the Palau de Virreina, the classicist Palau Moja with a magnificent courtyard, and the Plaza de la Broqueria), whose pavement mosaic was made according to Miro's drawings, and Plaza Reial (Plaza Reial), whose lanterns were designed by Gaudí. In front of the Place Royale is located the Carrera de Ferran, stretching into the Gothic Quarter, in one of the houses of which Joan Miró was born. Behind the Sant Josep market is Calle de Hospital, which houses the oldest hospital in Barcelona, Hospital de Santa Creu, built in 1401. Currently, the hospital building houses the richest collection of Catalan books.
To the west of the southern part of the Ramblas are El Raval and Chinatown (Barri Shines). The 16th century Casa de la Caritat (House of Mercy) houses the Cultural Center. Next to it rises the building of the Barcelona Museum of Modern Art, erected in 1995 by the project of Richard Meier. Immediately after the old customs, if you go down the Ramblas, the Old Port of the city (Port Vell, Port Vell) begins, converted into a harbor for pleasure boats. The promenade Moll de Barcelona houses the marina and the World Trade Center. The Ramblas is connected to the Moll d "Espanya by a drawbridge and the Rambla de Mar pedestrian dam. The Maregagnum, a complex of restaurants, shops and cinemas, is also located on the Mol d'España, and one of the best aquariums in Europe is also located here. They dock at the steps of the promenade in Plaza del Portal de la Pau, and the Golondrinas pass by Montjuic and enter the industrial port.
A significant monument of modern architecture in Spain is the Olympic Village (Vila Olimpica), built in Barcelona specifically for the 1992 Olympics on the site of the former port quarter. New houses were located on the lands of the former factory district, and the Nova Icaria park was laid out. Two 44-storey skyscrapers were erected by the sea, one occupied by offices and the other by the Arts Hotel. A yacht club is built nearby (Port Olympic, Port Olimpic).
There are many museums and cultural monuments in the Old Town. One of the most significant is the Palau de la Musica Catalana, located in the north of the Gothic Quarter. The architecture of the building and its decorative elements are made in the Art Nouveau style. It is the only naturally lit concert hall in Europe. It was designed by Luis Domenech y Montaner and built in 1908 on the site of a monastery that was closed in the 19th century. The house is surrounded by mosaic columns with busts of Palestrina, Bach and Beethoven. The second floor hall is illuminated through a magnificent mosaic dome. The arch of the proscenium is decorated with two sculptures - by Wagner and by the Catalan composer Josep Anselm Clave, who participated in the creation of the Orfeo-Catala choral society.
One of the main attractions of the Old Town and Barcelona in general is the Picasso Museum (Museu Picasso), which occupies five mansions on Montcada Street - Meca, Berenguer d'Aguilar, Mauri, Finestres and Baro de Castellet. , was the collection of Picasso's friend Jaime Sabartes. Picasso's life was connected with Barcelona from the moment he moved here from his native Malaga at the age of 14. Picasso left for Paris at the age of 20, returned to Barcelona several times, but after Franco's victory did not After the death of Sabartes, Picasso himself donated many of his works to the museum, the collection of which was also replenished with the artist's graphics and 141 works of his ceramics, donated by his widow Jacqueline. -Meninas ”, which is a grotesque interpretation of the painting of the same name by Velazquez.
In the Parc de la Ciutadella area, there is the Museum of Modern Art (Museu d "Art Modern), which contains works by masters of Catalan art of the 19th and 20th centuries, including paintings by Santiago Rusiñol and Ramon Casas, pioneers of Catalan Impressionism. the museum also presents works by Joaquim Mira, Isidre Nonel, Mikel Bley.
Also noteworthy are the Barcelona City History Museum (Museu d "Historia), housed in a Gothic building, and the Museu Frederic Mares, located in the Gothic Quarter. The second was created by the famous sculptor and collector Mares, the building of the museum was previously part of the ensemble of the royal palace.In the collection of the Mares Museum, the expositions of works of religious art of the Romanesque and Gothic periods stand out.
Other museums in Barcelona include the Geological Museum (Museu de Geologia), the Zoological Museum (Museu de Zoologia), the Maritime Museum (Museu Maritim) in Drassanes. The latter is based on the Drassanes dry docks. The Barcelona Docks are the largest surviving medieval docks in the world. Among the rowing ships built at Drassanes was the Real, the flagship of Juan of Austria, whose fleet defeated the Turks at the Battle of Lepanto in 1571. The museum exhibits include an authentic travel map of Amerigo Vespucci.
Within the Old Town are the Ciutadella Park and the Zoo (Parc Zoologic). Ciutadella Park was created on the site of a former fortress, built under Philip V after a 13-month siege of the city, which refused to recognize the rights of the Bourbons to the Spanish throne. In 1787, the fortress, which became a political prison, was demolished, the park was transferred to the city, and the World Exhibition of 1888 was held there. Only three buildings have survived from the fortress ensemble - the arsenal, which now houses the Parliament of Catalonia and the Museum of Modern Art, the Governor's Palace (now a school) and a chapel. The park is especially attractive thanks to the cascade of fountains created by the architect Josep Fontsere with the participation of the young Gaudí. The cascade is crowned with the Arc de Triomphe, the general view of the fountains resembles the Trevi Fountain in Rome.
Barcelona Zoo, one of the best in Europe, is located in the southern part of Parque Ciutadella and was built in the 1940s. according to a special project - animals are separated here not by cages, but by moats with water. At the entrance to the zoo there is a sculpture by Roig y Solera "Lady with an umbrella", which has become a kind of symbol of Barcelona. The zoo's aquarium hosts dolphin and whale performances, and the zoo's monkeys, including the famous albino gorilla Capito de nieves (Snowflake), are of particular interest.
Eixample
The Eixample area came into being after the decision was made to expand Barcelona in 1854 (Eixample means expansion in Catalan). The greatest monuments of the Art Nouveau era are located here. According to the plan drawn up by Ildefonso Cerda y Sunière, the streets of the new quarters were supposed to intersect at right angles, with the exception of Avinguda Diagonal and Avinguda de Gaudi, connecting the Plaza de la Sagrada Familia ( Plaza de la Sagrada Familia) and the Hospital de la Santa Creu I de Sant Pau, built by the famous Catalan architect Domenca y Montaner.
The most famous creation of European Art Nouveau and the most famous architectural monument of the Eixample is the Sagrada Familia Church (Sagrada Familia) by the great architect Antoni Gaudi. The construction of the church began in 1889, but during the life of Gaudi, only the facade of the Nativity was completed, after the death of the architect, construction continued according to his drawings, however, its completion was prevented by the civil war. By 1954, the original plans of Gaudí were restored and work on the temple continued, but to this day there are disputes about the reliability of the reconstruction. The Nativity façade, completed by Gaudí in 1904, embodies the images of Faith, Hope and Mercy. The sculptural compositions on the portals depict scenes of the birth of Christ and his childhood. The opposite facade of the temple - the facade of the Passion of Christ was completed in 1980 under the direction of Josep Maria Subirax. The buildings made during Gaudí's lifetime include the apse, the altar canopy and the crypt. In the crypt, there is the grave of Gaudi, where the service takes place. An altar has not yet been installed under the altar canopy. It is planned to complete the construction of the temple with the construction of the nave and the southern facade of Glory, which should become the main entrance. The finished building should take the shape of a Latin cross in plan, and the upper galleries should be supported by a multitude of carved columns.
Most of the monument of Art Nouveau architecture of the Eixample is concentrated in the so-called Golden Square (Quadrat d "Or), formed by the quarters around Passeig de Gracia Avenue. In the southwestern part of the Golden Square is the Quarter of Discord (Illa de la Discordia) , a veritable open-air museum with a wide variety of Art Nouveau monuments, including Casa Lleo Morera, the first residential building built by Luis Domenech y Montaner, Casa Amatller by the architect Puig y Cadafalka (now the building houses the Amatlier Institute of Spanish Art) and Gaudí's Casa Batllo, with its characteristic rounded façade and raised balconies.
One of the most famous Art Nouveau monuments of the Golden Square, the Eixample and Barcelona in general is Casa Mila (or La Pedrera, La Pedrera - quarry) - the most important contribution of Gaudi to the architecture of the city. The building is located on Passeig de Gracia, its construction went from 1906 to 1910. The design of this eight-story corner building included two circular courtyards for ventilation and the first underground garage in Barcelona. There is not a single even wall in the whole building, the outer walls are not decorated with anything, they are decorated only with fancy balconies created by Josep Maria Jujuol. The roof of the house is crowned with amazing stove and ventilation pipes, which are jokingly called by the inhabitants of the city "a scarecrow for witches".
Another significant monument of Eixample architecture is located on Avinguda Diagonal Street - the Casa Terrades residential building, built in 1903-1905. designed by Pucha i Cadafalka. Because of the six gabled towers at the corners, the house is often called the Casa de les Punches. It is the largest of all the buildings erected by Pucha y Cadafal. Casa Terrades' style is eclectic - it has merged features of Gothic and Renaissance. Typical for Art Nouveau is the combination of red brick and lighter stone, from which the carved floral ornament on the facade is made.
In the northeastern district of Eixample, the Hospital de la Santa Creu y de Sant Pau is located, a project of which Domenech y Montaner began in 1902, and the hospital itself was completed by his son Pere in 1930. ... The architect conceived instead of the usual hospital wards to build 26 graceful pavilions in the Mudejar style, surrounded by trees. Service rooms and corridors are located underground. The pavilions are richly decorated: the towers are decorated with ceramic tiles, the reception room is decorated with mosaics and sculptures by Pablo (Pau) Gargallo.
One of the most interesting museums in Barcelona is located on the territory of the Golden Square - the Tapies Museum (Fundacio Antoni Tapies), which exhibits the works of one of the most famous contemporary abstract painters, Antoni Tapies. The museum building is quite remarkable - it is the first house in Barcelona, built of metal structures. The most famous fashion houses, clothing stores and boutiques are located on the Passeig de Gracia street, which runs along the Golden Square. For example, Adolfo Dominges is a classic men's and women's clothing store, and Arman Basi sells quality footwear for leisure and sports. Here is also located Vincon - one of the largest shops in Barcelona selling interior items. It is easy to choose a gift for every taste here.
Montjuic
The region of Montjuic mountain (the name, according to one version, means "Jewish mountain", since there was once a Jewish cemetery here, and according to another version it is connected with the fact that the Romans built the Temple of Jupiter on it, giving it the name Mont Jovis - Mount Jupiter), located in the southern part of the city near the commercial port, is a concentration of significant cultural monuments, museums, attractions and nightclubs. In 1640, a castle was built on the Montjuic mountain; for a long time no housing was built here due to the difficulties with the water supply. In 1929, Montjuic became the center of the World's Fair, when the Aviguda de la Reina Cristina Avenue was laid, in the center of which is the famous Magic Fountain with color illumination. Behind it is the National Palace in the Museum of Art. On Montjuic there is the so-called Spanish Village (Poble Espanyol) - a complex of rural houses, which houses various souvenir shops and craft workshops. For the 1992 Olympics, modern sports facilities were built at Montjuic.
Montjuic is a magnificent walking place, from here a beautiful villa overlooking the city opens up. The architecture of Montjuic is characterized by eclecticism, for example, the Spanish Village is dominated by the traditional rural architecture of Spain, and the building of the Fundacio Miro Museum is built in an emphatically modern style. At the top of the Montjuic mountain there is an 18th century castle (Castell de Montjuic). The castle was first built on this site in 1640, then it was demolished in 1705 by order of Philip V. The modern castle was erected under the Bourbons. After the civil war, it was used as a prison and now houses the Museum of Military History.
The Spanish Village was created with the aim of presenting typical Spanish architectural styles and handicrafts. All of her 116 houses represent a miniature model of Spain. Famous artists and architects worked on the creation of the Spanish Village. Its shops and stores sell glassware, ceramics, figurines and Damaskinados - Toledo jewelry with gold notching. The "Towers of Avila" (Torres de Avila), through which you can get to the Spanish village, houses a famous nightclub with an interior created by renowned designers A. Arrabis and J. Mariscal.
Passeig Olimpic is home to the Olympic Stadium (Estadi Olimpic de Montjuic), built by 1992 on the basis of a former stadium created by Domenech y Roura for the "alternative" Olympic Games of 1936, which did not take place due to the civil war. The modern stadium can accommodate 70 thousand people. Next to it is the Palau Sant Jordi.
A remarkable architectural monument of the Art Nouveau era is the Mies van der Rohe Pavilion (Pavello Mies van der Rohe), created as the German Pavilion for the 1929 World Exhibition by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, head of the avant-garde school of artists and designers "Bauhaus". The pavilion houses the famous Barcelona chair by his work. The building was demolished after the exhibition closed and then rebuilt for the centenary of the birth of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.
The National Museum of Catalan Art (Museu Nacional d "Art de Catalunya) is housed in the splendid Palau Nacional, which was built for the 1929 World's Fair and houses the largest collection of Romanesque art in Europe. The 12th century frescoes are especially impressive. The works of Catalan masters Luis Dalmau and Jaume Huget (15th century) are of great value. The expositions of the museum, telling about the art of the Baroque and Renaissance eras, highlight the works of El Greco, Velazquez and Zurbaran In front of the Palau Nacional is the Magic Fountain on Avinguda da la Reina Maria Cristina, on which there are two 47-meter bell towers by the architect R. Raventos, which in 1929 was the entrance to the World's Fair.
Another significant museum in Montjuic is Fundacio Joan Miro, associated with the work of the famous Catalan artist Joan Miro. One of the founders of surrealism, Miro has always remained a fan of Catalan art. In 1975, after the end of the Franco regime, Miró's friend, the architect Josep Luis Sert, designed a naturally lit building for a permanent exhibition of paintings, drawings and sculptures. Miro donated many of his works to the museum, including the Barcelona Cycle (1939-1944), consisting of 50 black and white lithographs.
Of interest are also the Museum of Ethnology (Museu Etnologic) and the Museum of Archeology (Museu Arqueologic) in Montjuic. The first contains exhibits from Africa, Asia, Latin America and Oceania. The exposition of the Museum of Archeology, located in the Palace of Graphic Arts, covers the period from prehistoric times to the rule of the Visigoths. The oldest exhibit in the museum is a statue of the 4th century BC. "Lady of Ibiza" from the excavations of the Carthaginian necropolis on the island of Ibiza.
Outskirts
The outskirts of Barcelona are the most modern districts of the city; they were built up in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Then the main station Sants was renovated, next to it were laid out the parks of Industrial Spain (Parc d "Espanya Industrial) and the Joan Miro park (Parc Joan Miro). New National Theater.
On the western outskirts of Barcelona is the Royal Palace of Pedralbes (Palau Reial de Pedralbes), named after the famous Barcelona monastery. This building, formerly the estate of Eusebio Güell, was rebuilt as a royal residence in 1919. Since 1937, the palace has been open for excursions, it houses the expositions of the Museum of Decorative Arts and the Museum of Ceramics.
In the northwest of Barcelona is the architectural complex of the Santa Maria de Pedralbes monastery. The monastery was founded in 1326 by Elisenda de Moncada de Pignos, the fourth wife of Jaume II, King of Aragon and Catalonia. The cells, the refectory, the kitchen and the hospital of the monastery have been perfectly preserved. Particularly interesting is the chapel of Michael the Archangel (Capella de Sant Miquel, Capella de Sant Miquel), where the mural depicting the Passion of Christ and the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary was done by Ferrer Bassa (1346). In 1989, 60 paintings from the Thyssen-Bornemisza collection were donated to the monastery, which are currently on display in the monastery's former dormitory.
On the outskirts of Barcelona, there are parks and other attractions loved by the city's residents and guests. Any fan of contemporary art must visit the Joan Miró Park, also known as the Parc de l "Escoshador, from the name of the city's massacre -" escoshador ". The park is divided into two levels, on the upper one there is the famous sculpture by Miro "Woman and Bird" (1983). No less interesting is the Industrial Spain Park, which was laid out in 1986. The park, which attracts with its composition, displays the works of six contemporary sculptors, including Andreas Nagel.
In 1922, Parc Guell was opened, created by Gaudí and declared by UNESCO as part of the world cultural heritage. Gaudí was going to build 60 buildings in this park, of particular interest is the Hall of the Hundred Columns, which, according to the project, was supposed to serve as a place for the market. Fans all over the world know the Camp Nou football stadium and the Barcelona Football Club Museum, one of the most popular in Europe. The museum exhibits portraits and statues of Barcelona's most famous players, commissioned for Blau Grana Biennial, an exhibition in honor of the club, held in 1985 and 1987.
Cyril and Methodius Encyclopedia of Tourism. 2008 .
The proud beauty of Barcelona, beautiful in its exquisite and bold features, is the main symbol and capital of Catalonia, a real pearl of tourist Spain. A rich history, great sights, delicious cuisine and a unique atmosphere make a trip to Barcelona a vibrant and unforgettable experience. The city, saturated with the spirit of liberty, carelessness and freedom, simply cannot leave you indifferent - having visited here at least once, you want to return again and again. Walk along the Ramblas again, gawking at the clowning mimes a little, go to the old Boqueria market and buy something refreshingly useless, climb the statue of Columbus and enjoy the beautiful view of the port and the endless sea - but you never know there are reasons to visit this wonderful town!
The locals, it seems, as in the well-known proverb “understood life” and are in no hurry - because of the tables of numerous cafes during the afternoon siesta, good-natured laughter or the sounds of a heated Spanish argument is heard here and there, the young guitarist improves his skills for hours sitting on the lawn in the park of the Citadel, and not far from it a young Catalan woman is napping at a book. Strange, but at the same time Barcelona is considered one of the busiest cities in the country, it is most inherent in the features of large European capitals. It is perhaps the most industrial city in Spain, playing a significant role in the industrial and economic spheres of the entire Mediterranean region.
General description, city landmarks
The city of Barcelona is located on a small plateau at the mouth of the Llobregat River, and covers an area of 101 km2. The unusual landscape of the city is formed by several large hills, and the highest point of the Catalan capital is Mount Tibidabo - here, at an altitude of 512 meters, there is a beautiful Temple of the Sacred Heart and a famous amusement park.
From an administrative point of view, Barcelona is divided into 10 large districts, among which the most popular among tourists are the Old Town, Montjuïc, Gracia and Eixample. The heart of the city is undoubtedly Plaza Catalunya - this is where the old and new districts of Barcelona meet. From this beautiful square, the famous Ramblas begins, cutting in half the Old Town, and going straight to the coast, the Old Port and the Barcelonetta quarter.
North of Plaza Catalunya is the Eixample - a modern area built up according to an interesting scheme (all streets here intersect at right angles). In this area, by the way, one of the main attractions of Barcelona is located - the amazing Sagrada Familia Cathedral, the author of which is the famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi. In the upper part of the city, just beyond the Eixample district, is the famous Park Guell, another creation of this great architect. Many landmarks associated with the name of Antoni Gaudí are also located in the Gracia area.
It is worth noting that Barcelona is part of, so to speak, “another Spain”. Catalans value their autonomy and independence very much - for example, the official language, along with Spanish, is Catalan, and many residents consider it to be the main one. It is very common to see Catalan flags on the balconies. By the way, such traditionally Spanish entertainment as bullfighting is not welcomed by Catalans and has even been officially banned here since 2010.
Climate
The climate of Barcelona is characterized as Mediterranean, generally quite mild in winter and warm in summer. The weather in the capital of Catalonia creates the most favorable conditions for a holiday - in the summer months there is no scorching heat and it is dry enough, but autumn and spring are wet.
Average temperature in Barcelona by monthsBarcelona transport
Almost every type of public transport imaginable is represented in Barcelona - metro, buses, taxis, trams, funiculars. El Prat International Airport is the largest on the Mediterranean coast. In addition, Barcelona has excellent rail links - the Renfe rail network connects most of the cities of Catalonia and all of Spain.
Tip: especially for tourists in Barcelona, there is a Bus Turistic network of bus routes, consisting of 3 lines and covering the main attractions of the city. Buses run in a circle every 10-15 minutes - you can get off at any stop you like, and then continue the excursion at the next one. Each route is accompanied by an audio guide in different languages. If you have a little time at your disposal and want to have time to see as much as possible in Barcelona, Bus Turistic is a great option, but it is worth noting that walking in such a beautiful city can be a lot of pleasure.
The main attractions of Barcelona
It is not for nothing that Barcelona is considered the cultural capital of Spain - for example, such great personalities as Picasso, Antoni Gaudi and Salvador Dali lived and worked here. A wide variety of styles, eras and genres are mixed here in a magical cocktail that boggles the imagination. The number of attractions in Barcelona is so great that it is simply not possible to see everything in a short time.
Rambla boulevard
This is a famous pedestrian street in Barcelona, stretching 1.2 kilometers from Plaza Catalunya to the seashore, where it abuts the Columbus monument. According to the famous English writer Somerset Maugham, Rambla is the most beautiful street on Earth. This is one of the most colorful and lively places in the city - crowds of tourists, street vendors and mimes cleverly disguising themselves as statues create an indescribable atmosphere. On the Rambla there is the old Boqueria market, the name of which translates as the Abyss - it is simply impossible to pass by this place, the bright counters beckon to you.
By the way, there is one beautiful Barcelona omen associated with the Ramblas. At the very beginning of the street, near Plaza Catalunya, there is a small drinking fountain called Canaletas - a sign says that everyone who quenches their thirst here will certainly return to Barcelona again.
Gothic Quarter
On the left side of the Rambla is the heart of the Old Town - the Gothic Quarter. Here, in the labyrinth of medieval lanes, among the narrow, chaotic streets, the history of the origin of Barcelona is kept since Roman times. The area is home to many old churches and buildings, such as the Gothic Cathedral, the Church of Santa Maria del Mar, the remains of buildings and structures from the Roman era, and much more.
Barcelona Gaudi
A lot in Barcelona is associated with the name of the outstanding architect Antoni Gaudi - without his participation, we would not have known the delightful city that is now the capital of Catalonia. Gaudí lived in Barcelona all his life and put all his great talent, all his strength at the feet of his beloved city. Such creations of the architect as the houses of Mila and Batlló, Palace Guell, Park Guell and, of course, the famous Sagrada Familia, are the main attractions of Barcelona and in many ways shape its unique appearance.
Montjuïc hill
The Montjuïc hill, which means "Jewish mountain", is a favorite place for walking tourists and residents of the city. A large number of interesting sights are concentrated here, so you can safely devote a whole day to exploring this area. For a long time, the hill was a strategic defensive point, as evidenced by the ancient fortress on its top. On the eve of the 1929 World Exhibition, the appearance of the Plaza de España was significantly changed, as well as the National Palace and the famous Singing Fountain, also called the Magic Fountain, were built. In addition to all this, many interesting sports facilities built for the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games are concentrated on the hill.
The history of the emergence and formation of Barcelona. Development and historical events in Barcelona.
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Barcelona is a very ancient city with a history rich in heroic events. For domination over him for several thousand years, different peoples fought, and he often only benefited from this.
According to legend, the founder of Barcelona is considered Hamilcar Barca, the father of the legendary commander Hannibal. Although archaeologists believe that there was already a settlement on this place before, and Barca could only restore it, another legend serves as a kind of confirmation of this, according to which the legendary Hercules built his city on this place.
Probably, Borsina (this is how this city was originally called) would have remained a small village if the Romans had not conquered the territory of modern Spain. It was the Roman rulers who contributed to the development of the city, during their reign the city wall was built, as well as the city streets were laid out in a rather original way - they stretch perpendicularly from the sea to the mountains, from which the city plan is very similar to a chessboard. The Romans turned Barcelona into a rather busy port, which led to the rapid growth of the city's prosperity. In general, they have significantly expanded the city boundaries.
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With the arrival on the lands of the Iberian Peninsula of the Germanic Visigoth tribe in the 530s of ours, Borsina was renamed in their own way to Barcelona and even became the capital - however, only for a couple of decades. Then the city was captured by the Arabs, practically destroying it. Their reign lasted for almost a hundred years, but in the end they could not resist the army of Louis the Pious.
According to legend (recognized by historians as completely untenable, which, however, does not spoil it at all), it was then that the flag of Catalonia appeared - four scarlet stripes on a yellow background. Louis the Pious came to the tent of Wilfred the Hairy, who had bravely fought and was badly wounded in battle, and, seeing his shield, gilded and without a coat of arms, dipped his fingers into Wilfred's blood and ran them over it.
By 878, the city is finally free. It was during this period that Barcelona expanded its borders as much as possible and experienced the greatest dawn, being one of the most significant counties in the entire Old World. It was then that Barcelona became the capital of Catalonia.
For a long time, the royal residence was located here, and the poor but brave navigator Columbus came here to ask the Queen for sponsorship to equip his expedition, and here, in Barcelona, the traveler got the opportunity to make his legendary voyage to America. But in this way, Columbus, one might say, indirectly led to the decline of the powerful city, because he opened a new sea route, as a result of which the sea trade moved from the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic. Catalonia (and Barcelona, in particular) was ousted from world trade, and the future Spanish capital, on the contrary, began to develop and flourish at an accelerated pace.
Barcelona was able to regain its former power and glory only at the beginning of the last century, and the holding of the XXV Olympic Games in this city contributed to its significant transformation.
History of the Sagrada Familia
Barcelona from A to Z: map, hotels, attractions, restaurants, entertainment. Shopping, shops. Photos, videos and reviews about Barcelona.
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Proud, narcissistic, explosive, full of geniuses and mediocrity, falling in love and in love, tired and tired ... all this is about Barcelona - one of the most beautiful cities not only in Europe, but in the whole world. When Muscovites are asked what the capital lacks, 9 out of 10 answer - the sea! So, Barcelona is Moscow with the sea, this is the frantic energy of Dali, the freaky architecture of Gaudí, the stunning outfits of the LGBT community, the active movement of bicycle traffic, awesome parties and endless sangria. It would be madness to start listing at least some of its attractions in the introduction to the Catalan capital: they are found here literally at every step, the ancient Roman port breathes history, each stone is ready to tell its own legend, and all modern monuments are worthy of at least a hymn or an ode. In short, Barcelona is a city of arts. Coming here gray, boring, tired and devastated, you leave the city of love with such a charge of creative energy, sun, strength and good mood that the border guards at the airport squint cautiously. The radiance of Barcelona will remain with you for a long time, illuminating the cozy Russian evenings with Mediterranean flair.
Beaches
Both around and in Barcelona itself there are excellent sandy and equipped beaches with showers, toilets, bars and restaurants. In general, the beach area of the city stretches for more than 4 km and consists of 4 main zones. The most popular is the beach in the Barceloneta district, which is practically in the center of Barcelona, where both locals and visitors like to spend hours. Rent of sun loungers will cost 10 EUR per person, an umbrella - 6 EUR (regardless of the number of people who fit under it). A little north of Barceloneta (10-15 minutes walk along the embankment) there are even whole beach clubs, where for an additional 2.30 EUR you can stake out a locker room and a luggage room.
Almost all summer until late autumn, Barceloneta is packed with vacationers, merchants and Filipino masseurs, so, with all its developed infrastructure, this beach is not the best place for meditative relaxation.
The next one is the Ikaria beach, into which Barceloneta turns right behind the modern sculpture by Frank Gehry "Fish". Then there is the beach "Mar Bella", unofficially considered nudist - although not only naturism fans freely rest here. And, finally, the most remote one is the Sitges beach, it is already outside the city limits, and you can get here from Barcelona in half an hour by train from the Sants station. There are many resorts around Barcelona with beautiful beaches.
Shopping in Barcelona
In Barcelona, you can buy clothes, shoes and accessories very well. One of the most grandiose places in the literal sense of the word for this is the famous El Corte Ingles on several floors of several buildings in different parts of the city. In fact, this department store sells everything from food to weapons, so boutique and fashion lovers should prefer the Gracia Boulevard.
As for souvenirs, it has long been a proven and proven practice for most tourists to bring home from Spain not magnets and postcards, but edible gifts. Jamon and turron lead the list, followed by wine and olive oil.
The souvenir shops of the Gothic Quarter and the Rambla are typical tourist traps: they usually do not contain a single product made in Catalonia, not in China.
But the city's most famous shopping destination has nothing to do with fashion. This is the famous Boqueria food market half the world in the Old Town, about in the middle of the Rambla. Here you can buy the freshest vegetables and fruits, and the choice of meat and seafood is also the largest here.
What to try
The restaurants in Barcelona will have an abundance of incredible seafood. The most common species are cod, anchovies, whiting, flounder and monkfish. In addition to seafood delicacies, Catalans have a lot of respect for meat, especially grilled over charcoal and especially pork. As in Valencia, rice is very popular in Catalonia: rice with herbs, rice with meat, rice with fish or shellfish. The most famous local rice dish does not come from Catalonia at all - we are talking, of course, about paella. But "black rice" with cuttlefish ink is a Catalan dish.
Tapas can be found everywhere in Barcelona, although this is not a local, but an Andalusian invention (the Catalan equivalent of tapas is called pintxos). But such popular treats among tourists as dry-cured ham "jamon", spicy sausages with red pepper "chorizo" or homemade pork sausage "fuet" with noble white mold, are easier to buy in a store. True Catalan cuisine consists of simple, even rude dishes, which are quite heavy on the stomach. If that doesn't scare you, try the traditional rustic butifarra sausage with beans.
Along with ice cream, street stalls in Barcelona sell the traditional soft drink "horchata" from the "chufa" plant - a rather specific taste of the plant analogue of milk.
Cafes and restaurants in Barcelona
The number of restaurants, bars, pubs and cafes in Barcelona is overwhelming. Moreover, there are more than 20 Michelin-starred establishments in the city. It is best to choose establishments following two simple rules: 1) what we want to eat (national, European or Asian cuisine) and 2) based on the number of people.
The line to a restaurant is the main sign that the establishment deserves your attention.
And in this case, the rule "the more the better" works perfectly. Take the time to stand in line if there is one - such an establishment is definitely popular. In addition, you can advise to pay attention to all kinds of small stickers on the doors with dates: Check Gourmet 2011 or Trip Adviser 2009 indicate that this place was awarded at least good reviews from tourists.
On average, a full breakfast in Barcelona (as they call it "English breakfast") will cost 8-10 EUR. It includes bacon or fried sausages, a couple of eggs, toast, beans or mushrooms, coffee, and sometimes fresh juice. For those who are not used to stuffing their stomachs with beans and mushrooms in the morning, a traditional breakfast of coffee, juice and a croissant is suitable - 5–8 EUR. For lunch, you can advise using the menu del dia - the Spanish version of a business lunch. They start to offer it from 12:00 to 16:00 hours, the cost - from 12 to 20 EUR. Includes, as a rule, salad, carpacho or soup (cold tomato gazpacho, for example), followed by a hot dish, dessert and a drink - beer, a bottle of wine, coffee or juice.
Dinner time in Barcelona comes when establishments begin to open after a siesta - usually from eight in the evening. A traditional Catalan dinner consists of three courses - appetizer, hot and dessert. Recently, however, in Barcelona, it has become increasingly common to consider an extended version of get-together with tapas and moderate booze as dinner.
The best photos of Barcelona
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Guides in Barcelona
Entertainment and attractions
Barcelona is an architectural wonder of Spain, the attractions of which attract a huge number of tourists throughout the year. This is an open-air museum, where the Gothic masterpieces of the Middle Ages, experimental buildings in the Art Nouveau style and modern trends in art, such as high-tech, are surprisingly harmoniously combined.
The main attractions of Barcelona are concentrated in three districts: Old Town, Eixample and Montjuïc.
Views of enchanting Barcelona
Old Town and Gothic Quarter
Any list of the best attractions in Barcelona will include the oldest quarter of the Old Town with the self-explanatory name Gothic. Most of the buildings here date back to the 14-15th centuries. In addition, here you can find buildings from the times of the ancient Romans. The main attraction is the Cathedral, or the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and St. Eulalia, which is considered one of the most beautiful not only in Barcelona, but throughout Spain. It was built from the end of the 13th century to the middle of the 15th century, and today it is he, and not the Sagrada Familia, that serves as the residence of the archbishop.
White geese live in the chapel of the cathedral. Their color symbolizes the purity of the Holy Martyr Eulalia, in whose honor the temple was built.
Within the area are the Real Mayor Palace, Ayuntament, the Santa Agata Chapel and the Rey Square Museum of History, right next to the walls of which archaeological excavations are being carried out. The Gothic fountain, the Moisho Palace and the Church of Santos Just y Pastor attract constant attention of tourists on the Plaza Sant Just. It is worth paying attention to the Sentelles Palace, the Jewish quarter of Cal, museums and theaters in Barcelona.
The most visited museum in Barcelona and one of the best in Spain is the Picasso Museum on Montcada Street in the Old Town. The exposition occupies 5 Gothic buildings and includes many of the great artist's works. In particular, those that relate to the "blue period" in his work.
10 things to do in Barcelona
- On the very first day, climb to the observation deck of the Sagrada Familia Cathedral and take an inquisitive look around the surroundings.
- Take a sip of water from the fountain in Plaça Catalunya in order to definitely come to magical Barcelona again.
- Watch mimes on the streets, not forgetting about the reward.
- Taste young Spanish wine (2-3 EUR per bottle) and be pleasantly surprised.
- Visit the best aquarium in Europe (yes, it is located in Barcelona!)
- A day to lie on the fine sand of the beach near the El Maresme-Forum metro station - there are fewer people than on Barceloneta, and the sea is magical.
- Take a cult run through the museums: it is a crime to leave Barcelona without visiting the Picasso Museum.
- A look at the Camp Nou stadium will impress even those who are far from football.
- Take a leisurely stroll along Montjuïc Mountain.
- And finally, admire the performance of the magic fountains in the Plaza de España.
Barcelona maps
Eixample
The Eixample district was designed in the 19th century when it became clear that the city needed to be expanded. A rectilinear layout had never been used in Barcelona before, and thanks to it, architects were able to achieve not only convenience, but also external effects. Now in the Eixample there are a large number of unique buildings, among which the buildings of Gaudí gained fame. Its famous Sagrada Familia, 170 m high, is one of the symbols of the city.
Sagrada Familia and Gaudí
The multi-tower cathedral Sagrada Familia (Sagrada Familia) by Antoni Gaudi began to build in 1883, but the construction of the temple is still not completed, which does not prevent it from remaining the most famous architectural structure in the city. Gaudi himself is rightly considered the most famous and truly outstanding architect in Spain, being also a prominent representative of Catalan Art Nouveau. The unique buildings he created are one of the most colorful faces of Barcelona. Such creations of the great Gaudí as the Palau Guell on Carrer Nou de la Rambla and the park of the same name, Sagrada Familia, Casa Vicens, Casa Batlló on Passeig de Gracia and Casa Mila, nicknamed "The Quarry", are protected by UNESCO and are a must for anyone visiting Barcelona. Among other things, the Calvet mansion and the graceful lanterns in the Plaza Real stand out.
Walks in Barcelona
Montjuic
Montjuïc is not only the name of the region, but also the name of the mountain, the slopes of which withstood the 1929 World Exhibition and the Summer Olympics. The fortress, the National Art Museum of Catalonia, the Museum of the Artist Joan Miró and the Magic Fountain are a must-see minimum.
A considerable number of tourists in orderly rows go to boutique villages to update their wardrobe for a reasonable price.
Cinema Tours Barcelona
The City Tourist Office invites everyone to join the extraordinary Barcelona cinema tours in Spanish and English, which start every Saturday at 17:00 from the Columbus Monument in Portal de la Pau. In the assortment: a walk "together" with Pedro Almodovar, Woody Allen or Manuel Werga through the most cinematic places of the city, entertaining stories about the filming of such films as "Perfume" by Tom Tykwer, "Salvador" by Manuel Huerga, "Spanish Inn" ("Spanish Woman ") Cedric Clapisch," Vicky, Cristina, Barcelona "by Woody Allen and" All About My Mother "by Pedro Almodovar.
Tour duration: 2.5 hours. Price - 14.50 EUR, children under 8 years old - free. The ticket can be booked on the website or simply purchased at the meeting point of the group no later than 15 minutes before the start of the excursion.
Barcelona for kids
There are many playgrounds in Barcelona, there are several pleasant parks, and it is quite normal for Barcelona residents to bring children to restaurants, cafes and even bars. In addition, not far from Barcelona is the well-known PortAventura amusement park, one of the best in Europe. You can get there by first taking the train to Salou in less than 2 hours, and then reaching the park by bus in 10-15 minutes.
The greatest concentration of interesting places for children in Barcelona is observed near the port. First, there is an aquarium with a shark-watching tunnel. Secondly - the zoo, where dolphin shows are held. Thirdly, the Chocolate Museum and the Maritime Museum. Another equally busy place is northern Barcelona: the amusement park on Mount Tibidabo and the entertaining CosmoCaixa science museum. Basically, Park Guell also falls into the category of suitable places for children, if you don't delve too far into it.
November
December
The best time to travel to Barcelona is more a matter of taste. The swimming season begins in mid-May - early June and lasts until the end of September. The most pleasant time is May and September. The end of July and the first half of August are the time when there are more foreigners on the streets of the city than the inhabitants of Barcelona.
