Abdul's Blog

Barcelona is a city located in the north-eastern region of Spain (on its Mediterranean coast). It is the second largest city in Spain next to Madrid, and is also capital to the autonomous region of Catalonia. The city is not only rich in history, but also culturally in terms of art and architecture. One can also find much to do during one’s day tours in Barcelona through its parks, beaches, performing arts, and sporting events as well.

When starting any of the day tours in Barcelona, history is among the first things one should explore. Dating back to Roman times, Barcelona itself was built like a Roman camp. Under the “Gothic Quarter” or “Barri Gòtic”, one can still find Roman ruins in parts of the city (such as the Conjunt Monumental Plaça del Rei) and the cathedral Basilica La Seu (where parts of the Roman walls were incorporated). There also lies the Palau Reial Major, residence of the medieval Kings of Aragon, as well as other medieval churches and structures.

The art and architecture is a necessary part of the day tours in Barcelona. The Sagrada Familia church, the work of architect Antoni Gaudí, still stands unfinished in the center of Barcelona. Another of Gaudí’s works, the Casa Milà (La Pedrera) stands with its undulating facade. Both sites were categorized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1984. Other architectural works, such as the Barcelona pavilion of Mies van der Rohe, lie within the city waiting to be explored. Many museums such as the National Museum of Art of Catalonia, the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Picasso Museum (among others) show a wide range of art through Spain’s history.

During the day tours in Barcelona city, one should stop in any of the 68 parks within the city, such as the Park Güell (designed by Gaudí). One can also go to any of the seven beaches such as Sant Sebastià. Music and theatre can be found in such venues as the Gran Teatre del Liceu (opera), or the Palau de la Música Catalana (concert hall). Barcelona has a renowned football team which plays in the Camp Nou stadium, which also held the 1992 Summer Olympics.