Its appeal extends beyond being home to one of the world’s best football clubs. This Spanish city is also known as the “Mecca” of global architectural art.
When we think of European cities and their cultural heritage, we often think of Paris, London, Venice, Berlin, and others. Surprisingly, however, it’s Barcelona that has the most UNESCO World Heritage sites. When UNESCO added another site to its list in 2005, Barcelona surpassed Paris and Florence (Italy), two cities with arguably the most internationally recognized sites.
Barcelona is nicknamed “Ciutat Comtal,” or City of Counts, referring to the city’s history, which was often ruled by a Baron (nobleman). Although the city has undergone many changes over time, its classic feel remains strong. It’s no wonder that the UNESCO list features a mix of centuries-old sites and modern ones.
Throughout its development as Spain’s second-largest city and the capital of the state of Catalonia, Barcelona has become home to many renowned artists, such as Pablo Picasso, Jorge Luis Borges, Salvador Dali, and Antoni Gaudí. Their works adorn the city and attract a steady stream of visitors. Ambitious breakthroughs in tourism over the past two decades have earned Barcelona a spot among the Top 5 Best Cities for Business and Fastest-Improving Cities in Europe. Tourist arrivals continue to rise. An estimated 8 million visitors visit Barcelona each year.
THE CLASSICAL SIDE
Exploring this city, with a population half the size of Jakarta, is best started in its oldest part, where remains of the Roman emporium are found. As recorded in history, in the 15th century BC, the Roman Empire arrived in Barcelona, then known as Barcino. Discover evidence by starting at Plaça de la Vila de Madrid. Here, Roman tombs, altars, and wooden monuments are found. A special building was used to store other objects, including important documents, to protect them from weather damage.
After arriving at Plaça de la Vila de Madrid, continue east to Plaça Nova via Carrer de la Canuda. Approximately 400 meters away, you’ll find two towers with materials and colors similar to the walls of the Colosseum. This is said to have been the center of the ancient city of Barcino. Remnants of the aqueduct (a typical Roman aqueduct) can still be found. Every Thursday morning, an antiques market is held, reminding anyone of the trading activities of the past.
Plaça Nova is also often visited by musicians performing free shows. This place is always busy due to the proximity of several important attractions. For example, Barcelona Cathedral, also known as La Seu, is named after “Santa Eulia,” a local martyr. The cathedral is 84 meters long, 24 meters longer than Jakarta Cathedral. The interior is stunning, and it’s best to visit early in the morning, when it’s still a bit dim and the sunlight streams through the windows, creating a “ray of light” effect.
Arriving at La Seu Cathedral also means entering the Gothic Quarter, also known as Barri Gotic, an area with numerous medieval buildings. Every Saturday afternoon and Sunday afternoon, a traditional dance party is held in the cathedral courtyard. There are dozens of large buildings dating from the 11th to 17th centuries, including small churches and palaces. If you don’t have enough time to explore them all, choose an area that most clearly conveys the Medieval feel: Carrer del Bisbe Irurita. This is a narrow street that bisects the Episcopal Palace. There’s a small connecting bridge adorned with Gothic ornamentation.
GAUDI’S LEGACY
Barcelona probably wouldn’t be as famous without the influence of Antoni Gaudí. Yes, you might think it’s an exaggeration, but most people refer to the eccentric architect as “assistente de Dios,” God’s assistant, sent specifically to Barcelona to conduct “fieldwork practice” in the arts.
Barcelona was like a space of expression for Gaudí. The man known as the Cold War hero created a number of astonishing buildings, ones that many architects of his time never imagined. Gaudí possessed an extraordinary imagination, so each of his designs drew people into a world of fairies or a city of lilliputians.
Thanks to Gaudí’s works, Barcelona has been awarded the title of global architectural center. To enjoy the beauty of Gaudí’s brilliance of color, evocative spaces, sculptures, and other installations, set aside some time, because you’ll be mesmerized. The first must-visit is none other than the Sagrada Familia. It’s easy to reach from anywhere.because there is a Metro line leading there. The elegance of this Catholic place of worship makes it one of the most beautiful churches in the world.
A unique fact about the Sagrada Familia is that its construction has not been completed since it began in 1882. This is Gaudí’s only project left unfinished because he was killed by a tram. The Sagrada Familia is a Barcelona landmark. Its uniqueness lies in its geometric, naturalistic shape, modeled after flora and fauna. Unlike most European churches, which appear gloomy and dark, the Sagrada Familia offers dramatic and bright natural lighting. Because of this uniqueness, even though it is unfinished, UNESCO designated it a World Heritage Site in 2010.
After the Sagrada Familia, continue to Casa Mila. Also known as La Pedrera, its walls resemble a cliff face carved into by small holes. The captivating curves are further enhanced by the basket-like iron railings on the balconies of each window. Its UNESCO World Heritage status was achieved in 1984. Gaudí built this building for the home of a married couple, Roser Mila and Pere Mila (Casa Mila means Mila’s House), inspired by the rosary circle (a type of prayer beads used by Catholics for prayer). Don’t be satisfied with just looking from the outside or just standing inside; climb to the roof. You’re guaranteed to be awed by the artistically designed chimney, resembling a medieval warrior statue. Photos of Casa Mila’s roof often grace postcards and Barcelona calendars.
The next destination is Casa Batlló. This building is even more outlandish than Casa Mila. It uses shards of glass and bright ceramics for decoration. The interior is enriched with details that represent natural metaphors, as if we were in a time warp of the subconscious. The floors are natural ceramic tiles in a contrasting blue. It’s extraordinary.
While Casa Mila is dominated by brown and Casa Batlló blue, the next building, Casa Vicens, is dominated by brick red and green. Gaudí dedicated this house to the famous ceramic merchant Manuel Vicens. No longer curved, but rather straight and emphasizing right-angled patterns.
Still in the nearby area, head to another Gaudi masterpiece, Güell Park. This place is almost always packed with visitors. It’s no wonder, the 20-hectare park, designed by Gaudi at the request of Eusebio Güell, a wealthy local businessman, is filled with animal statues and ceramic loungers. Furthermore, Güell Park’s location on a small hill offers the best views of Barcelona.
There’s no denying that stepping into this park is like being transported to a realm of imagination. Güell Park was originally planned as an elite residential complex filled with unique houses, but for some reason, no one owned any of them when it was completed. Ultimately, only Gaudi and his family settled there. There are many more Gaudi creations scattered throughout Barcelona, not only in the city but also outside. For example, the Jardines Artiges in Mataró, located 30 km from Barcelona, and the Santa Coloma de Cervello Church in Baix Llobregat, 17 km away.
TO THE PLAYGROUND
If a poll were held asking: “What is most synonymous with Barcelona?” The answer would be easy to guess: FC Barcelona!!
It’s no wonder that Barça, as the football club is called, has become Barcelona’s “ambassador” in the world of football. Who doesn’t know the players? I, who’s willing to miss their matches on the pitch? In the last decade, Barça has reaped much glory, and of course, money. In articles by the international magazine The Guardian, Barça is often cited as the highest-grossing sports club. The official website of the club, founded in 1899, proudly announces that they are among the largest sports clubs in the world. An extraordinary achievement, isn’t it?
One way to satisfy your enthusiasm for this club is to visit its stadium, Camp Nou. You don’t have to arrive early because the stadium is open from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., except from April 6 to October 6, when it operates from 4:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The entrance fee is 20 euros, which includes access to the museum, where visitors can explore the history of the club from its founding to the present day.
Camp Nou is recorded as the largest football stadium in Europe, seating nearly 100,000. Besides being a football venue, this massive stadium, last renovated in 2008, also hosts music concerts. The late Michael Jackson captivated 95,000 fans here during his world tour in 1988.
Want to relive the memories of the 1992 Olympics? Head to the Olympic Stadium. Originally named Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, This stadium is open every Monday. It still features neo-Gothic design, including the famous Torre de Calatrava. Entrance is much cheaper than Camp Neo, only 4 euros, including museum access. Sometimes, on national holidays, it’s even free. Due to its size, many music concerts are held here. The Olympic Stadium sits atop a hill and is surrounded by several interesting attractions, making a visit worth it.
That’s just the way Barcelona is. Besides its buildings, parks, and city atmosphere, there are also beautiful beaches nearby. So, it’s worth considering as a future travel destination.
