Beautiful Barcelona

Right before my planned trip to Spain kicked off, there were some political issues that arose in Barcelona which led to many protests and even airport closures, which left me unsure as to whether heading there was the best idea. Instead of foregoing it all together, I decided just to spend a couple days so I could still check out the city but would be on my way quickly if anything arose. Firstly, upon my arrival I saw nothing to raise any concern whatsoever, which was reassuring, and I also fell in love right away. The architectural style known as ‘Catalonian Modernism’ was born in this area of Spain, with Gaudi being known as the father of this design style. When you first arrive in the city centre, you’ll see the odd building that sticks out due to its very unique look, these are most likely buildings constructed in this distinctive architectural style. The style itself looks like a combination of traditional modern architecture but almost stylized in a cartoon manner. I personally found these buildings to be very interesting, you can tell right away when you see the architectural style because it’s very unique and sprinkled amongst regular looking buildings all throughout Barcelona.

A very well-known site in Barcelona is Park Güell, Which has designs from Gaudi himself and also post some of the best views overlooking the city, after a little ways walk up towards the back of the park you can have a beautiful look out all the way to the gorgeous waterfront. To visit the park, you do not have to pay the entrance fee if you just wish to walk around, so you are welcome to spend as much time as you’d like walking the grounds. Although there is a historic landmark dedicated to the work of Gaudi at the front of the park and enter this area cost about €10 and you have to pay the fee upon entry. They only allow a certain number of visitors every 30 minutes so booking ahead of time if you’re on a tight schedule is a great idea or if you have a larger group that’s visiting with you. The landmark is currently undergoing restoration efforts so it doesn’t provide the same structures as you may see in photos, so be sure to check when the park is set for completion if you’re looking to see the full Park Güell experience. 

If heading to Barcelona, you most likely have your sights set on seeing the Sagrada Familia. Very well known for its unique architecture like many other buildings throughout Barcelona, it is world renowned and has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And I have to say, seeing it in person it is even more beautiful than I’ve ever been able to imagine it to be. Being built by Gaudi in 1882, and ever since then it sort of just never stopped being built, always having modifications and add-ons throughout it’s many years of construction. The centre tower is very visibly different from the later dated outer towers and even the sections that are still being built today. The Sagrada Familia is set to wrap up construction by 2026, according to the plans of the current architect Jordi Faulk, But then again that’s been pushed back a few times before so until it’s officially completed we’ll just have to call it a beautiful work in progress. No matter when it finishes it’s definitely something that I’ll be heading back to see you again in the future. 

Once you’ve wrapped up your visit to see some beautiful architecture all throughout the city, I stop by Plaça de Catalunya as a quick stop to give you a little one on one experience with some local birds (definitely not something you want to try if you are scared of birds at all). The Square has pigeons absolutely everywhere, and if you walk amongst them or hold any food at all they were flight right up and land on you. I had birds come up and land on my shoulders even when I wasn’t holding any food or seed for them, but if you want more birds to come up to you there’s people selling birdseed around the square. It’s a nice little walk with some fountains and a big open area in the center of town so nice place to have a quick stop in the afternoon as a break from all the shopping in the area.