Barcelona population. Story

On the Mediterranean coast on the Iberian Peninsula is the second largest city in Spain, the capital of Catalonia, Barcelona. It is the commercial and industrial center of the country, second only to Madrid in terms of population. The city stands on the hills, and all its administrative centers got their names from the names of these hills. This article presents the main attractions of Barcelona with unique photos and names.

The climate here is very mild, so summers are always warm here, and winters are dry, which undoubtedly attracts a huge number of tourists and vacationers. The airport is located not far from the city, the metro operates, which has 11 not only underground, but also ground lines. Routes can be distinguished by numbers and color.

Barcelona is also the largest port in the country, which includes a port for transportation, an old port and a trade port. It is the country's largest railway junction with the famous Santas Estacio station. Barcelona is also rich in its sights, which attract a lot of tourists.

This is a famous architectural structure that attracts the whole world with its peculiar beauty. The idea of ​​building the cathedral was born in 1866, when the clergyman Magnane and the bookseller Josep Maria Bocabella Verdaguer created the "Society of the Admirers of St. Joseph". This cathedral was designed by the community for vicious people who are mired in sins and who need new walls for repentance.

For the cathedral, the most deserted outskirts were chosen, on which goats grazed. People put forward the main requirement - the cathedral should be built only on the donations of the inhabitants, as proof of their love for the Lord.

To build this cathedral in 1883, Antonio Gaudi was invited to the role of chief architect. At that moment, there was only one project behind the shoulders of the thirty-year-old master - a factory workshop. The designer who came changed the idea of ​​his predecessor.

The new architect conceived a colossal building complex, however, he considered the option that he would not have time to complete this project, even if he devoted his whole life to it. It was planned to build three facades, each of which will tell about the life of Jesus: the Nativity, Passion and Glory.

The Sagrada Familia is united by twelve towers, personifying the apostles, and the main tower, 170 meters high, was erected in honor of Jesus. The people and animals located on the walls are made by the architect in full size. The Passion façade is distinguished by its style, as it was designed by another architect, Joseph Maria Subiraches.

June 7, 1926 Gaudi died under the wheels of a tram. The great architect is buried in the chapel, located underground of the cathedral. In 2000, construction began on the facade of Glory, which is dedicated to the Resurrection of Christ. The construction of this cathedral does not stop today, approximately the construction will be completed by 2026. Despite this, divine services are held in the temple.

Not all facades are available to tourists, since construction work has not been completed. You need to purchase a ticket in order to visit the towers of the facade, as well as the museum. The tops of the façades can be reached by means of long spiral staircases or an elevator.

The museum has preserved layouts and drawings of Antonio Gaudi, you can also get acquainted with the chronicle of the construction of the cathedral. Even in its unfinished form, the Sagrada Familia amazes visitors with its singularity and mystery.

House Mila

One of the many attractions of the city of Barcelona that attracts visitors with its unusual view is Casa Mila, or as the Catalans call it - Casa Mila. This result of the work of the great Antonio Gaudí is located at the intersection of Carrer de Provence Street with Pasec de Garcia Boulevard and impresses with its fantastic architecture, which either imitates the elements of the sea, or hovers on the verge of weightlessness and grandiosity.

House Mila

The house got its name from the customer, the tycoon Pere Mila y Caps, who, together with his wife, ordered this Gaudí project, on the condition that it would be something extraordinary. The house was completed without the participation of the author, due to disagreements with the customer that arose in 1909. The construction of this building was carried out from 1906 to 1910 and was new in every respect.

The house itself can be compared to a rock, which is washed by sea waves from all sides, because the author has not retreated a single step from his genre and borrowed his enthusiasm from nature itself. There are no straight lines or angles on the front side of the building, because smooth curves that flow into each other, oval and rounded shapes, as well as seaweed-like lattices, make it streamlined.

In order to make the house brighter from the inside, three patios are equipped there, on which the windows of the utility rooms open, and the windows of the living rooms look out onto the street. The walls of the house are decorated with very beautiful colored paintings on a mythological theme, and twisted stairwells with wrought-iron railings seem to hug them from the inside.

Special attention can be paid to the attic on the seventh floor. Initially, clothes were dried on it, and now there is a small museum of Antonio Gaudi's art, standing under a roof on 270 brick arched vaults. The museum presents an exposition consisting of models, drawings, sketches and photographs of the house, as well as various objects that served as inspiration for his work.

Also here you can see an apartment with an interior of the early 20th century, which has fully preserved the atmosphere of that time. Initially, the townspeople did not really like the house, and they began to call it quarries (La Pedrera). Only half a century later, in 1984, he received his recognition and was included in the UNESCO heritage register.

Today, the uniqueness of the Mila house lies in the fact that it still performs the same functions as before. In one part there is a bank, and the upper floors are inhabited by residents.

Another architectural monument that surprises with its unusual appearance, located in the center of the city, is the Casa Batlló, also called the House of Bones because of the similarity of architectural forms with the bones of mythological animals.

The building was built in 1877 as an ordinary residential building, and from 1904 to 1906 Antonio Gaudi undertakes to restore it. The same maritime theme, which is present in almost all of his works, very rich colors, ceramic mosaic decoration and a relief roof, all these details have been intriguing tourists and residents of the city for more than a century.

No less interesting will be its interior with a beautiful chandelier in the form of the sun, stained glass inserts and gently curved railings. Each part of this house has its own historical pages and opens its doors to visitors as a museum.

This building looks very holistic and harmonious, despite the complete absence of angles and straight lines. According to the townspeople, the house is very reminiscent of a huge dragon, which inspired the master so much and very often appeared in his works.

Entering the premises, you find yourself in a large hall, which is more like a fairy tale. The skylights look like a tortoise shell, flowing smoothly into the walls and stairs with carved railings in the form of a huge dragon's curved backbone.

The mezzanine will present the office of the owner of this unusual house, Joéep Batllo y Casanovas, and a fireplace made in the then fashionable Art Nouveau style. From the office there is an exit to the courtyard of the house, which is finished with trencadis technique. Because of the unusual decoration, it is called the courtyard of light rays.

In the upper part of the building there is an attic, which during the life of the owners was used as a laundry room and storage room. Now the room is not cluttered with anything and its decoration is dominated by a lot of white. Its partitions are made with parabolic arches, which is very reminiscent of the ribs of a dragon lying on the roof.

Climbing up to the roof of the house, you can see the open part - asotea, to which the master gave exceptional originality. If you look at the roof from the front side, you can see a dragon spine there. Here you can see stove chimneys resembling strange mushrooms. But in life they play a more prosaic role - they perform the function of blocking the reverse thrust.

Casa Batllo is especially beautiful in the reflections of the evening lighting and looks like a fairy-tale palace. In the early 60s of the last century, it was recognized as an artistic monument, first of the city, and then of the whole of Catalonia, and in 2005 UNESCO included it in its register.

A very important attraction of the city is considered to be the most beautiful square in Barcelona - Plaza de España. It has its own unique history and its attractive places. Since its existence, it has been very different from what it is at the present time.

The Middle Ages marked it with a rather gloomy history. Sentences to criminals were read here and public executions were carried out on the square. In the 16th century, the defensive fortress of Ciutadella was built on this site, which protected the city from the invasion of enemies.

It became a square only at the beginning of the 20th century and was a place for various negotiations. The impetus for its prosperity was the upcoming world exhibition, and for this event it had to be brought to world-class standards. The order was carried out by a student of Antonio Gaudi - Huhol, who made the square in the form it is now.

Now the square intersects the five largest streets of the city, including the underground street. The project itself was conceived in such a way that a beautiful fountain would become its center, surrounded on all sides by sculptures. All buildings located in the area of ​​the square also have their historical value.

The place where the largest shopping center town, used to be a bullfighting arena. Here you can see the unique, newly renovated Magic Fountain, which is very popular with visitors, and the National Palace.

But, undoubtedly, the National Museum (Palau Nacional), located at the foot of Montjuic, presents a royal spectacle. Once inside the museum, you can get great pleasure from what you see, and the view from the outside is stunning with its evening glow with the divine fountain nearby.

On a small emerald island there is another, no less majestic fountain, which is located at the intersection of all roads. In the middle of the island there is a pedestal with sculptures representing a wide variety of elements, things, goddesses. Getting to the square is not at all difficult, it is enough to focus on the huge columns standing on the sides.

View of Barcelona from the observation deck in Plaza España

Plaza Catalunya

Plaza Catalunya is one of the cozy and beautiful corners of the city. Tourists start their routes around Barcelona from this place. It is located between the old town and the Eixample, where a very vibrant city life takes place. From this square, tourists immediately get to the famous Casa Batlló, in the Gothic Quarter, from here the La Rambla street for pedestrians begins, as well as the exit to the Passage de Garcia.

On the northeast side of the square is a huge shopping center EL Corte Ingles, which is rich in various goods. The favorite pastime of tourists is to feed the pigeons. It is decorated with fountains and sculptures created by famous artists of the last century.

Plaza Catalunya

Large festivities, various exhibitions are held on this land, weeks of the Catalan Book are held here, and in winter, an ice rink is poured, which is considered the most grandiose in the European part of the continent.

The square does not have a rich historical heritage; until the middle of the 19th century, there was a huge wasteland in its place. Then the walls surrounding the city were demolished and, according to the project of Idelfons Serda, a square was built in the form of the sun, from which rays radiate in all directions. Already by 1888, all architectural buildings were formed into a single ensemble, and only by the beginning of the world exhibition it was slightly corrected.

Against the backdrop of all the buildings, the building of the Spanish Credit Bank stands out with its baroque facade. Its central part is lined with stone. Also, the square is rich in monuments, the most famous of which is Francesco Macia, the military leader who proclaimed the sovereignty of Catalonia in the early 30s of the last century.

Here you can see the sculpture of the "Goddess", a copy of Clara's creation, and the "Youth" stele. In the most open place, the “Shepherd with a Flute” flaunts, and equestrian groups, symbolizing diligence and wisdom, give even more effect. The republic consists of four provincial regions, and each individual sculptural ensemble symbolizes them. Here, under the square itself, there is a tourist information center where you can get any information of interest.

Park Guell

Another property of Barcelona, ​​entered in 1969 in the UNESCO register, the work of the genius Gaudi, is Park Güell. This amazing creation of the author was brought to life for 14 long years, starting in 1900. The customer of this work of art was the old patron of Gaudi patron Eusebio Güell, whose name it is called.

To realize his dream - the creation of garden cities in the English style prompted him to buy about 15 hectares of land, but this project was unsuccessful, out of forty planned houses, only 3 were built, one of which was his own.

Today this house has been turned into a museum of the eminent author. By location, this area was far from the city and wealthy people did not want to leave its center. The city later bought the park and made it public. Here, as in all the works of the architect, love for everything real, smooth lines and, of course, mythology is visible.

Park Guell

From Ulot Street, the park welcomes visitors with two fabulous gingerbread houses, on one of them there is a cross, and on the other a toadstool fungus. Now they are adapted for park administration and a house for watchmen. Then there are wide curved steps, on which the coat of arms of the republic flaunts.

Fountains with figures of animals, one of which has become a symbol of the capital - a dragon made of mosaics. From the stairs you can immediately get to the Hall of the Hundred Columns, which support the vaulted figured ceiling. Of course, the number of columns does not match the name, there are only 86 of them, but the acoustics here are excellent, which allows many concerts to be held in the hall.

Near the hall there is a unique parapet bench with curving lines that repeat the human body. Walking along the alleys of the park, you will definitely get into the column gallery, where the columns resemble gigantic bird nests, for which they received a similar name.

Their close alignment with the slope of the hill allows us to think that they are one with him. Here are various installations, fountains, decorated with interesting mosaic ornaments, which have not been repeated anywhere else. Here you can visit the House-Museum of the author, see various products and furniture made by his own hands.

spanish village

If there is no time to visit the whole country, but you really want to admire the architecture, then the Spanish Village will show you many sights without leaving the city. Plot of 42 sq. km contains 117 buildings recognized as the property of the Spaniards.

For the most part, these are copies of old houses, temples, etc., collected from all over Spain and made in natural sizes, using the same methods and from the same materials as the originals. There are smaller copies, but not many.

The construction of this open-air museum was timed to coincide with the World Exhibition held in 1929. First of all, tourists get to the central square of the village of Plaza Mayor, which has become a collective image of all the squares of Spain, where markets are located. It is equipped with all the famous buildings inherent in different regions of Spain.

Another object that attracts attention is the entrance gate to the museum, which completely copies the castle of San Vincente in the city of Avila with its fortifications. An impressive sight is a copy of the town hall from Valderrobles or a fragment of the famous steps in Santiago de Compostela. To find the desired region, one has only to decide on the corresponding street of the desired province.

In the village you can see the work of masters of various crafts, who, if desired, will teach you how to make some kind of souvenir. All handicrafts of masters are quite in demand by tourists who buy them as souvenirs. At night, many young people gather near the museum, and in the Tablao de Carmet restaurant, which is located right here in the village, you can see unforgettable flamenco performed by professional dancers.

Gothic Quarter

If you want to know where Barcelona was born, check out the Gothic Quarter, the city's oldest district. Its history can be studied since the time of the Roman Empire, here long before our era there was a settlement of Barsino, where old warriors lived.

Since the Middle Ages of our era, Catalonia has been part of the kingdom of Aragon. It was a powerful kingdom, and at that time a lot of buildings were built here, which have survived in one form or another to this day. The beginning of the quarter opens the Plaza Nova, which once led to the Roman settlement.

Gothic Quarter

Here, in ancient times, there was the largest market, where they traded, including slaves. Nearby you can see the preserved Roman towers, and to the right of them stands Bishop's Palace. It contrasts very strongly with the house of the College of Architects, the facade of which was decorated by Pablo Picasso.

One facade of the palace overlooks the street of the same name, which is the center of the quarter. She walks past the Cathedral and stops at Piazza Sant Jaume. Somewhere in the center of the street is a lace bridge, which is a unique work of art, made in the Gothic style, along which you can go from the Government Palace to the House of Canons. This rather large structure with an irregular layout, built in the Middle Ages and recently restored.

It goes out to Carrer Paradis, where there are still some buildings of the Middle Ages, open to tourists. Almost every one of them contains the remains of a Roman temple built in the 2nd century. Here you can see the Cathedral, which stores ancient artifacts and 13 white geese! The ruins of a large synagogue are preserved in the Jewish Quarter.

The whole quarter is solid medieval gothic, it is an area with narrow streets that wind and intertwine in a very intricate way. There are many souvenir shops and shops that will impress any tourist.

The area has many open-air attractions, including buildings from the 14th and 15th centuries. There are even a few buildings from the time of the Roman Empire. Royal Square, on which stands a singing fountain, is of particular splendor. The Gothic Quarter is one of the oldest centers in all of Europe. It has a large number of attractions that you can not miss.

Monument to Christopher Columbus

The 60-meter monument to H. Columbus is very popular with tourists. It rises above the city center and the port, where it was met from sailing. On a rounded pedestal with four flights of stairs stands a pedestal in the shape of an octagon with statues symbolizing Catalonia, Castile, Leon and Aragon, and on a Corinthian column there is a statue of a navigator.

At the base of the monument, there are bas-reliefs with the theme of the travels of the navigator, and at the very top there is a small observation platform. If you take the elevator up there, you can see the famous port and admire the city's sights.

It is impossible to be in Barcelona and not visit the National Museum of Catalan Art, which is housed in the building of the National Palace, built in 1929 on the occasion of the world exhibition at the foot of Montjuic. Two museums that once existed separately are brought together here - the Museum of Art of Catalonia and Contemporary Art. Splendor on the outside and treasure inside.

There is a competent distribution of space and quite clearly identified all periods of history. Having visited just one museum, you can enjoy the splendor of works from the Romanesque and Gothic styles to the Renaissance and Baroque. Usually gloomy medieval masterpieces will captivate with the brightness of colors and vitality.

The museum's collection contains about 240,000 works covering 1,000 years of history. Even those who are not interested in history will be happy to look at the building itself, which is considered one of the most beautiful in the city, and the museum also offers a stunning panorama of the city's sights.

Montjuic Fountain

Palace of Catalan Music

Walking around the city of Barcelona, ​​it is impossible not to pay attention to the Palace of Catalan Music. It was built in 1908 by the talented architect Luis Domenech i Montaner, who, along with Gaudi and Cadafalch, created unique image city ​​in modern style. Many of his works have become the face of the city, this applies to the Castle of the Three Dragons, Fuster House and many others.

Since the opening of the palace, there has been a huge number of visitors who go to see the most amazing temple of art. This building, like many others, has received worldwide recognition and is included in the UNESCO heritage list.

Palace of Catalan Music

In the quarter of Pedralbes is the monastery of the same name, which is considered the largest in the city. It was opened in 1326 by order of the wife of the King of Spain, Jaume II Elizenda Moncade. The luxurious court monastery shines with rich decoration.

Here, chic medieval mansions and no less luxurious villas coexist with ultra-modern buildings, decorated with many parks and green hedges. The main buildings of the complex were erected in the 14th century, during the heyday of Gothic Catalonia. In the monastery there are cells of the nuns who lived here, an abbey, an assembly hall, a dining room and a hostel.

Entering the territory of the monastery, you immediately plunge into those old times. On the territory there is a museum rich in exhibits collected by the inhabitants of this institution, these are exhibits on religious themes, all kinds of works of art, as well as pieces of furniture. The sarcophagus with the body of Queen Elizenda and two statues of her are kept here.

Monastery of Montserrat

Barcelona, ​​and the whole of Catalonia, has something to be proud of. Mount Montserrat has an extraordinary magical power and everything here speaks of it from stone to leaf. Here you can climb mountains, explore nature and, of course, visit the Benedictine monastery of Montserrat to see the main shrine of the country, the statue of the Holy Virgin Mary of Montserrat, to which a lot of pilgrims go.

According to legend, she can grant any wish. Her statue is in the Throne Room of the Basilica above the painted altar. The monastery began to emerge at the end of the 9th century with the construction of several small churches, and two centuries later the construction of the monastery itself began.

Monastery of Montserrat

Construction continued for a long time, only by the 12th century the work was completed. Now you can see exactly the same architectural ensemble as it was 9 centuries ago. At the beginning of the 19th century, during the war with Napoleon, the monastery was very badly damaged, then the Romanesque portal and the Gothic gallery were lucky, they remained untouched. It was restored and restored only by the 20th century.

The statue of the Black Virgin of Montserrat is not the only property of the monastery. There is a very large library with a unique collection of more than a thousand old manuscripts and manuscripts.

The pearl of the library is a medieval song collection from the 14th century. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that only men related to science can visit it, women are not allowed to enter here. Also at the monastery there is a museum with an exhibition of works by monks along with the work of famous artists.

Icons and various exhibits highlighting the Middle East and its culture are also exhibited here. Another pride of the mountain monastery is the world's oldest boys' choir, Eskolania. Its history spans almost 7 centuries. The choir performs mainly spiritual and classical music.

Temple of the Sacred Heart

Anyone who has been to Barcelona and walked along the Ramblas must have paid attention to the distant figure of Christ, who stretches out his arms over the city, as if saying goodbye, ascending upwards, and sends his blessing to those who see his ascension. A little away from the tourist route at the very top of Mount Tibidabo stands the Temple of the Sacred Heart.

Temple of the Sacred Heart

This is a very beautiful cathedral, decorated with lancet arches, narrow windows and a lot of openwork details, which makes the massive building very light and elegant. If you climb to the top of Tibidabo, where it is located, you can get to the most picturesque observation deck cities.

A favorite vacation spot for tourists and local residents is the Citadel Park.

It will delight the eye with architecture, many sculptures, and the beauty of nature. Here in the park you can admire the Grand Cascade fountain.

This is a composition of sculptures with water cannons. A triumphal arch can be seen in its center, and its top is crowned with a sculpture of the goddess Aurora, on a chariot drawn by four horses. The fountain is rich in gilding, the beauty of flowing water and lush sculptures, which makes it a very striking landmark of the city.

Agbar tower

One of the most notable buildings in the city, residents consider the Agbar Tower (popularly called a cucumber), which at night becomes like a huge Christmas tree with thousands of garlands. The architect Jean Nouvel conceived a structure that outwardly resembled the monoliths of Montserrat stone, along with geyser fountains.

The construction of the building began in 1999, and only by 2005 did it take its current form. The structure of the skyscraper is made up of two oval cylinders. The cylinder built inside the tower serves as a frame on which all engineering structures are installed, and the outer one makes its shape.

Agbar tower

It has only windows that are arranged in a chaotic manner and have rotary mechanisms. Their rotation depends on the temperature of the building, which allows you to pay less for heating the building and its air conditioning.

The tower is almost 145 meters high and throughout its height are the lighting elements that made the tower so popular, simultaneously displaying almost 16 million colors and images. The lights on the building are lit daily, mostly in blue and red colors, and sometimes there are themed lights with figures and inscriptions.

All exhibitions are held in the foyer of the building, since tourists are no longer allowed to go higher, offices are located there. Despite the fact that the tower has not yet earned the love of local residents, tourists do not bypass it.

Barceloneta beach

by the most popular place Barceloneta beach is considered a summer holiday for both citizens and tourists. It is not far from the city, and despite the fact that the port is nearby and there are a lot of vacationers, it is very clean.

Here you can play tennis, rollerblade or skateboard, there are also football, volleyball and children's playgrounds. The bottom of the sea here is sandy, and the entrance to the sea is gentle, which is very convenient for families with children.

Video about the city

Unusual museums of the city

Motorcycle Museum

Most people in Barcelona use two-wheelers. It is not surprising that this is where the motorcycle museum is located - the most unusual in Barcelona. It began its work in 2011 on the basis of an old historical building. It contains about 70 motorcycle models of famous Spanish brands. The museum has a shop where you can buy unusual souvenirs and items, as well as books on this subject. Ticket price - 6 euros, preferential - for students, pensioners or a company of 10 people - 4 euros. Children under 8 do not need a ticket.

hemp museum

A very young museum in Catalonia is the hemp museum. It is located in a historical building of the 16th century, which attracts tourists. appearance. Why is he remarkable? Few people know that clothes, ropes, shoes and much more have been made from hemp and are still being made. There are almost 6,000 hemp exhibits of various subjects here. She was used in various industries, they prepared food, medicines from her, used them in the economy and industry.

On the territory of the museum there is a souvenir shop where you can buy hemp products: bags, cosmetics, clothes, hats and much more. A ticket costs 9 euros, for a company of more than 10 people - 7 euros. Children under 13 do not need a ticket, but they are not allowed without an adult.

Museum of Ideas and Inventions

This museum contains a collection of the most amusing and ridiculous inventions, since apart from their authors and museum visitors, hardly anyone needs them. A ticket costs 8 euros, for children 4-12 years old - 6 euros.

Jamon Museum

There are so many types of jamon, not a single feast in Spain passes without it. Recently, a museum was opened in Barcelona where you can see how jamon is made, as well as taste it with a glass of wine. A ticket with a tasting costs 19 euros, for children under 5 years old - 15 euros.

Other attractions in Barcelona

Triumphal Arch

The Rambla

Many travelers like to discover new horizons, especially in cities with a rich past and interesting history. How many unknown discoveries can be made? Everyone can give an answer to this question for himself, it all depends on how much of the unknown a person is ready to accept. For travelers wishing to visit Spain, Barcelona is a must-see. This city is the capital of the autonomous region of Catalonia and the province of Barcelona.

Where is Barcelona

Barcelona is a great heritage left by people from the northern part of Africa (Iberians), Greeks and other peoples who were friendly to each other. Christopher Columbus in 1492 began his journey of discovery from here.

Some travelers ask questions: Barcelona is where, in which state? Barcelona is the capital of which country? Barcelona is Spain, it is located on the coastal plateau of the Pyrenees Peninsula and occupies about 101 square meters. km. Since 1561 Madrid has been the capital of Spain, Catalonia an independent center and Barcelona its capital. The plateau of the peninsula from the southwestern part is bounded by the Collserola mountains and the Llobregat river, from the northern part it is washed by the Besoe river. The mountainous terrain creates a magnificent landscape of the local surroundings. Barcelona lies on the hilly plains that have given the names to many urban areas: Carmel, Puchet, Rovira, Peira, Monterolier, Montjuic. On Mount Montjuic (173 m) there is a fortress, the construction of which dates back to the 17th-18th century. The city is famous for its picturesqueness, beauty, magnificent sea coast and developed tourism.

Spain, Barcelona

Barcelona time zone

Time in Barcelona is calculated in Greenwich Mean Time plus 1 hour (UTC+1). Difference between summer and winter time plus 1 hour, i.e. UTC+2. Summer time in Barcelona began on March 25, 2018 at 2:00 a.m. normal time, the clock will be switched to winter time on the last Sunday in October 2018 at 3:00 a.m. - 1 hour back. Exact time in Barcelona you can see.

The population of Barcelona is 1,621,537 people.

Language in Barcelona

In this city, they speak two languages: Catalan and Spanish. Even despite the fact that tourists come here very often, there is no barrier to communication. Barcelona people are very hospitable people, they will help in any situation, many here can speak English fluently.

Barcelona, ​​top view

Description of famous streets

• Avenida Gracia is one of the main streets, the most significant shopping and business district of the capital of Catalonia. The originality of the avenue is given by lanterns with benches, made according to the sketches of Per Falques.
• Avenue Diagonal - crosses the city diagonally (hence the name of the street). It runs through Glorias Square, famous for its 34-storey Agbar Tower. On this avenue are beautifully combined architectural styles: Palace of the Baron Quadras (1906), a monument to the poet Verdaguer Jacinth, Makaya House (1901), "House with Thorns" (1906).
• Prospekt Parallel is a stream of theatrical life. It is called the Catalan Broadway, Montmartre and the West End. There are more than 10 theaters and concert halls here. The concentration of arts on this street is due to its distant secular past, the street was founded in 1894.

The sights of Barcelona are an integral part of walking around this city. The Old Town and the Gothic Quarter are drenched with evidence of the Roman spirit on the slopes of Mont Taber. The Middle Ages left their mark there, since then the chapel of Saint Lucia, the church of Sant Pau del Camp (dated from the 12th century) have been preserved. On the territory of the Old Town there is Ciutadella Park, where the Parliament of Catalonia and the Barcelona Zoo are located.

The seaside part of Barcelona conquers not only tourists, but also local residents. The long coastline is occupied by eight beaches about 5 km long (from east to west): Barceloneta, San Miguel, Zamorrostro, Nova Icaria, Mar Bella, Levant, Bogatell, San Sebastian. The beaches here are pebbly and sandy. A good infrastructure is equipped throughout the beaches. In this part of the city there is the Barcelona Oceanarium (L’aquarium), the Historical Museum of Catalonia, the Museum of Natural History, the Ciutadella Park, as well as numerous casinos and hotels, entertainment complexes, lagoons, yacht clubs, and a port.

Avenue Diagonal

Olympic Village - This area of ​​the city was rebuilt for the 1992 Olympic Games. Here is the Olympic Port and two skyscrapers (the Hotel Arts and the Mapfre insurance company, the height of the building is 150 m). In this area are:

• Plaza Catalunya;
• fountain Canaletes;
• Rambla flowers;
• Boqueria market;
• the Liceu theatre;
• monument to Columbus.

The next frequently visited area is Montjuic. It got its name because of the ancient Jewish cemetery located there. From the top of the hill, there are stunning views of the city and the sea. Montjuic has the largest urban park in Europe (203 hectares). At the top of the hill stretches the fortress (built in 1640). On this hill is the Joan Miro Museum.

Barcelona city center

The Eixample district - starts from Plaza Catalunya and includes the entire central part of the city. Plaza Catalunya serves as the boundary between the Gothic Quarter and the Eixample. In this part of the city is the Palace of Catalan Music.

Attractions map

Upper zone

• Tibidabo. Turo de a Vilana is home to the Torre de Collserola TV tower, 286 meters high. Also in this area there is an amusement park, repeatedly modernized and the temple of the Sacred Heart in Sargat-Kor.
• Pedralbes is located on the territory between the mountains of Montjuic and Tibidabo. Here is the monastery of the same name, founded in 1326, stained glass windows of the 14th century have been preserved in it. These are the works of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. In this part of the city there are many mansions and apartment buildings, bank buildings, savings banks, shopping centers, a campus building, and the Labyrinth park.

Currency

The currency of Barcelona is the euro, from 2002 to the present day. Prior to that, they were calculated in pesetas (ESP). Currently, this city has banknotes in denominations of 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 euros, coins of 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 EUROCENT.

When importing a large amount of money, up to 10,000 euros, they must be declared.

local money

Football clubs

FC Barcelona is a regular participant and five-time winner of the UEFA Champions League, also known as Barça. The club was founded in 1899 and has become one of the symbols of Catalonia. The club's stadium houses a museum, the second most visited in Catalonia. This football club is one of the most titled in Spain and the world (with 69 titles). Team motto: "More than a club".

FC Espanyol is the second team from Barcelona in the Spanish Football Championship, has purely Spanish roots. The club was founded on October 28, 1900.

Interesting fact! Fans of these football clubs hold different political views. Fans of FC Barcelona are left-wing and more separatist, Espanyol are right-wing and loyal to the Spanish government.

Flag of FC Barça

How to get to this city? The fastest and best way to arrive in Barcelona is by plane. Near Barcelona are Girona Airport (103 km from the city) and El Prat (17 km). There are three ways to get to the city from these airports:

• by train, the most budgetary way, but this transport runs at intervals of 30 minutes;
• by bus (Aerobus), the interval between them is 10-15 minutes, you won’t have to wait much for them;
• Taxi.

Do I need a Barcelona Card? Needed, especially if the tourist stays in the city for three or more days, it will help save money. With this card, you can ride local transport for free, go on excursions, make purchases with discounts.

Additional Information! The Barcelona Card can be purchased in advance on the website.

Free tours. This is also possible in this wonderful city, a three-hour excursion "Free tours" departs daily from Angels Square at 10:00, 11:00 and 14:00.

You can feel the local flavor at flamenco show evenings. At these evenings you can dance and enjoy local traditions.

What are the must-see places in Barcelona? These are the Sagrada Familia Cathedral, Park Guell, Batlló House, Mile House.

What can you visit for free? Barcelona offers to visit for free:

• Center for Contemporary Culture of Barcelona, ​​the first Sunday of each month from 15:00 to 18:00;
• Science Museum in Barcelona on the first Mondays of the month, on other days the ticket price is 3.80 euros;
• Palace Güell - awaits visitors on the first Sunday of each month, as well as on April 23 and May 8;
• Wirreina Palace - open to the public free of charge daily.

Catalan cuisine. The originality and taste of Spanish cuisine will make a good impression on every visitor to this country. You need to pay attention to the menu del dia (menu of the day), which is valid in restaurants and eateries from 13 to 15 in the afternoon.

When traveling in Barcelona, ​​you need to be careful. Caution never hurts, especially since the city is not too famous for its security.

• It is better not to take out the card in crowded places, this will attract the attention of scammers.
• You should not ride public transport with a backpack on your shoulders, there is a high probability that something will be pulled out of it.
• If, in a collision with someone, a person tries to help too actively, you need to be careful. At this point, tourists can be robbed.

Note! In large crowds, there were cases when cameras were torn from the necks of tourists.

Russian tourists very often fly to Barcelona on vacation, many travel agencies provide excellent conditions for accommodation and flights. You need to pay attention to last-minute tours to Barcelona, ​​some tours include airfare.

For reference! The address of the Russian consulate in Barcelona: 08034, Avenida Pearson, 34. Clients are accepted daily from 10 am to 1 pm. Tel. 93 280 02 20 (the service is open from 9:30 to 18:00).

In conclusion, we can say that Barcelona is a city in Spain that requires the attention of every tourist. In terms of the number of travelers, it is in no way inferior to, for example, Rome (Italy). This is the birthplace of Picasso and Salvador Dali, magnificent architectural structures, executed in various styles that fascinate with their beauty, the work of Gaudi. This is something every self-respecting traveler should see. In addition, the weather in this city allows tourists to visit it at any time of the year. Only having been here, you can understand what Barcelona is and how to relate to it.

As of 2018, the population of Barcelona is about one and a half million people. If we add to these figures the population of the so-called “big Barcelona”, that is, its numerous suburbs and satellite cities, such as Hospitalet de Llobregat, Badalona, ​​etc., then the real number of inhabitants of Barcelona will come out - more than 5 million people. Therefore, Barcelona is one of the largest cities Spain and a fairly large city by European standards.

National composition and history

Barcelona is a cosmopolitan city, both because of its history and the influx of immigrants, international students and expats who work in the city's many international companies. Historically, Barcelona has always been the capital of Catalonia and was dominated by the Catalan population, but the industrial boom in the second half of the 19th century attracted workers from other regions of Spain and even Italy to the city. The ups and downs of the 20th century also affected the fate of Barcelona: in the middle of the 20th century, the city was actively built, thousands of Spaniards came from the less prosperous Andalusia to work on the construction sites of the city, and most remained in Barcelona. In the 80s of the XX century, a period of prosperity began in Barcelona and immigrants from less prosperous countries poured into the city. It is believed that from 1992 until the crisis of 2008, Barcelona experienced its golden era. The city hosted the Olympic Games, improved the beaches, and attracted immigrants from all over the world, attracted by the possibility of high-paying jobs and the simple procedure for obtaining a residence permit.

According to statistics, 4 out of 10 people living in Barcelona were not born in Catalonia. As of 2017, 17.81% of the population of Barcelona are foreigners. Barcelona's largest foreign communities are Italians, Pakistanis, Chinese, French, Americans, Bolivians, Peruvians, Filipinos and Colombians. The rarest diasporas of the world are also represented in the city, the ethnic composition of Barcelona is extremely rich.

Mosaic Miró on main street Las Ramblas. As conceived by the author, this is a sign of tolerance and greetings to everyone arriving in Barcelona from the sea.

Culture and traditions

Such a diverse ethnic composition has had an impact on the culture and customs of Barcelona. For example, the famous Catalan rumba is music created in Barcelona in a gypsy environment with obvious elements of both Catalan and Moroccan motifs. Now it is one of the most popular genres of music with many performers, including both gypsies and Catalans. The traditional dance of the Catalans is the sardana, which is often danced on summer evenings in the squares and embankments of the city. The dance is simple, so often foreigners join the circle of dancers. Another dance, the famous flamenco, came to Catalonia from Andalusia and gained a lot of admirers. There are many places in Barcelona where you can see his performances with your own eyes.

In this amazing city, Catalan festive traditions - processions of giants, live castellers and fire shows are combined with exotic holidays of other nations, for example, foreign communities often arrange Italy Day or Brazil Day. In Barcelona, ​​the Catalan dish "pan con tomate" peacefully coexists with kebabs and Italian pizza. In the city you can often see people from other countries in their national costumes, which gives it a special flavor. The motto of the people of Barcelona is tolerance, respect for other nations and at the same time honoring their roots and traditions.

Procession in national costumes at the La Merce festival.

Language in Barcelona

Respect both for their ancestors and for other nations was reflected in the language richness of the city. The main language in Barcelona is Spanish, spoken by more than 90% of the population. It is Spanish that is the language of communication in Barcelona, ​​including between foreigners. Compared to other cities in Catalonia, Catalan is the least spoken in Barcelona, ​​it is the language of communication for only 28.80% of the city's population. However, the Catalans are trying to keep their language, one of the measures is free courses for everyone. In addition to Spanish and Catalan, English is gaining strength in the city, as the language of not only tourists, but also numerous foreign specialists.
The most popular foreign language in Barcelona after English is French. Many Barcelona residents speak French better than English. There are reasons for this - both the proximity of France and the influx of French tourists, as well as the obvious similarity of the Catalan language with French.

Religion in Barcelona

Spain is a secular state, but the majority of the population is traditionally Catholic. At the same time, Catalonia in general and Barcelona in particular are considered the most atheistic region in Spain, especially among young people. In addition, there is a significant percentage of the population who consider themselves to be Catholics, but do not take part in religious ceremonies. For example, among Barcelona residents aged 18-30, 3.5% are devout Catholics present at every Sunday mass, and 47.7% are atheists. If we look at another generation - Spaniards over 65 years old - the situation changes completely: 26.7% of active Catholics and only 8.4% of atheists. Despite such sentiments in society, the church continues to play a significant role in the life of the people of Barcelona. So, many traditional names - Eulalia, Montserrat, Mercedes, are associated with Catholic saints and patrons of the city.

Barcelona, ​​thanks to its religious freedom, also favors a few denominations. The city recorded a significant number of Evangelical churches, Protestant, mosques, there are Buddhist and Hindu temples. In general, the people of Barcelona respect all religions, even if they are devout Catholics.

The main cathedral of Barcelona is named after the main patroness of the city - Saint Eulalia

There are two different versions of the founding of Barcelona. According to the first one, the city was founded by the mythical semi-deity Hercules during regular heroic expeditions in the 12th century BC. The second, more likely, is that small village Barcino, on the site of which the city of Barcelona was formed centuries later, was nevertheless founded by Hannibal's father Hamilcar Barca in the 3rd century BC. Be that as it may, but the historically confirmed fact is only the fact that already in the 1st century BC. on the site of the future capital of Catalonia was the small city of Laie, in 133 BC. conquered by the Romans under the leadership of Lucius Cornelius Scipio.

Laie, thanks to its advantageous position in the sea bay, becomes a military fort centered on the hill of Mons Taber, now located next to the Barcelona City Hall on Plaça de Sant Jaume. The Romans gave the city its name - Faventia, or Colonia Faventia Julia Augusta Pia Barcino. It was under the Romans that the city began to experience its first heyday. The fragments of ancient columns on Paradis Street and the typical Roman layout of the Barri Gòtic quarter remind of Roman rule in Barcelona today. By the 4th century - the time of its conquest by the Franks - Fort Faventia becomes a numerous settlement on the coast, minting its own coins. The Franks also give the town its name - Ziterior.

Since the 5th century, the future Barcelona has been under the rule of the Visigoths, whose king Ataulf makes the city his capital and renames it again - this time to Barsenona. Then, from the beginning of the VIII century until the arrival of the French troops of Louis the Pious in 801, Barcelona is considered a Moorish territory, and the name of the city already sounds softer - Barcelona. Further, for almost two hundred years, the history of Barcelona was made by the Spanish margraves, the most famous of which was Wifred the Hairy.

For his courage, courage and strength shown in battles, Wifred received the title of count and governor of Barcelona from the hands of Charles I the Bald, the head of the Frankish army.

Gebr city of Barcelona, ​​1st century

At the same time, the city's flag appeared - a golden shield with four vertical red stripes, which Barcelona proudly wears to this day.

Thus, from 878 Barcelona becomes a county city. The founder of the dynasty of the Barcelona counts, which existed for five centuries, is Wifred the Hairy.

By the end of the first millennium, the caliphate seized power in Cordoba, a wave of punitive campaigns against the infidels swept along the coast. In 985, Al-Mansur practically wipes the future capital of Catalonia off the face of the earth. However, with the death of Al-Mansur in 1002, the Great Caliphate breaks up into many parts - taifs that are at war with each other. Barcelona is getting rid of an external threat, and at the same time from the protectorate of the Carolingians, but, reborn from the ashes, plunges into its own internecine conflicts. Many small principalities, owning their own fortresses and castles, continuously waged wars with each other during the reign of Count Borel II of Barcelona. It was at this moment that the name of Catalonia appeared - the area belonging to the owners of castles (castlans).

Only the ruler of Barcelona Ramon Berenguer III, nicknamed the Great, in 1111-1117 manages to put an end to the unrest. By military force and politically advantageous marriages, Ramon III manages to unite two counties in Catalonia and the Provence area into a single possession, and for one, to win Majorca, Ibiza and Tarragona from the Moors. His work is continued by his son, Ramon Berenguer IV, who married the three-year-old Petrolina, heir to the throne of the neighboring kingdom of Aragon in 1137. From then on, the united kingdom would be called the Crown of Aragon or, as they say today in Barcelona, ​​the Catalan-Aragonese Confederation, and the descendants of Ramon IV would become the Kings of Aragon and the Counts of Barcelona.

Crusade of the 13th century

The next turning point in Barcelona's history was Pope Innocent III's crusade against the "Catalan heresy" at the beginning of the 13th century.

The Pope was pretty tired of the recalcitrant and unruly half-pagan Spaniards. However, the Languedoc nobles, and with them many Catalans, were not eager to join the ranks of strict Catholics, desperately resisting. Don Pedro I, although popularly called the Catholic, could not leave his vassals to their fate, led the rebel army and died in a battle with de Montfont's crusaders at Muret in 1213. The result of these perturbations for Catalonia was deplorable: the County of Barcelona lost a significant part of its possessions in France, excluding Montpellier, and the Languedoc area was in the power of Paris.

From the VIII century, in Spain began the Reconquista (Reconquista) - the conquest of the original Catalan lands from the Muslims.

Army of the Reconquista

This process over the centuries took place with varying success, but, thanks to the efforts of the first Barcelona count-kings, who replenished the ranks of their army with brave Aragonese knights, it eventually led to the return of the regions of Lleida and Tortosa under the rule of the Aragonese crown. The forced recruitment of Moors and Jews into the ranks of Catholics, which began in the 13th century, continued in subsequent centuries through the efforts of the Holy Inquisition.

Wedding portrait of Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile

The Reconquista ended with the complete expulsion of the last Saracen ruler from the Iberian Peninsula in 1492 during the reign of Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile with the unification of most of Spain under the rule of Aragon.

There comes a time when the influence of the Catalan-Aragonese confederation is in decline.

Back in 1410, leaving no heirs, the last descendant of Wifred the Hairy, Martin I the Humanist, dies. The next Count of Barcelona, ​​and at the same time the King of Aragon, Valencia, Sicily, Sardinia, is Ferdinand de Antequera, who is the uncle of the King of Castile. Since then, there will be no more Catalans on the throne of Barcelona, ​​and the new dynasty will be called Trastamara.

Barcelona of the 15th century was a large developing city in which crafts and sciences flourished, in particular, the famous University of Barcelona was founded in 1450. And in 1492, in the Grand Royal Palace, the ruling royal couple met Columbus, who returned from his first voyage to America. This audience marked the beginning of a process that would lead to the rise of France on the world stage and the decline of Catalonia in the future. In 1520-1522, the troops of King Charles I crushed the uprising, many were executed or expelled from the country. After Charles gained a foothold in Spain, in 1522 he was declared the new Spanish king, deprived Barcelona of many rights, began to control the supply of goods from the New World through Cadiz, which forced Catalonia to forget about claims to trade with America.

Barcelona did not completely impoverish only thanks to its former wealth and greatness. King Philip IV of Madrid noticeably oppressed the Catalans, and, finally, the patience of the latter snapped. This happened during the so-called "War of the Reapers" in 1640, when Spain fought with both France and Portugal. The Catalans took the side of the French and proclaimed Louis XIII Count of Barcelona, ​​with whom Spain was at war then. However, 12 years later, the French betrayed Catalonia by making a "peace" with the king of Spain. Philip IV of Spain takes Barcelona to death, and by mutual agreement, France receives all the Catalan lands north of the Pyrenees.

Barcelona next rebelled in 1701, once again betrayed - this time by the British and Dutch - in the struggle for the vacant Spanish throne. French and Spanish troops, united, held the city in a thirty-month siege. Barcelona fell on September 11, 1714. Today in Barcelona this day is celebrated as Catalonia Day.

After that, "black" times came in the history of Barcelona. The city was flooded with troops of the invaders, the townspeople lived in constant fear at gunpoint, located in the fortresses of Ciutadelle and Montjuic.

Fortress of Montjuic

The Bourbons abolished many truly Barcelona municipalities, such as the Generalitat or the Council of the Hundred, while imposing on the city a single official language - Castilian. However, all changes, as you know, are for the better, and, along with other innovations, access to the sea was returned to Barcelona. The lifting of the ban on trade with the American colonies once again returned Barcelona to the path to prosperity and glory.

Trade and industry, construction and the arts flourished in Barcelona. In the 1770s, the Rambla Square appeared in the center, surrounded by the palaces of the "Indians" - fabulously rich in trade with the colonies of the "new Spaniards" - the Mozha Palace, the Palace of the Viceroy.

The Rambla

By the beginning of the 19th century, Barcelona was becoming the recognized industrial center of the Pyrenees. In 1832, the first factory in Spain appeared in the city, the machines of which were powered by steam, and in 1848 the first railway in the country was opened.

In the Napoleonic Wars, Barcelona took the side of Bourbon, which, however, pretty much surprised all of Europe. The French promised mountains of gold to Barcelona in exchange for abandoning pro-Bourbon sentiments, but achieved nothing.

By the middle of the 18th century, Barcelona was growing so much that it ceased to fit within the city limits, limited by the fortress wall, Ciutedell and Montjuic. In addition, the first two buildings are presented to Barcelona as hated symbols of the power of the Bourbons. And the townspeople destroy first the wall in 1854, and then, in 1868, the fortress of Ciutadelle. This event heralds a whole era of Catalan architectural modernism, which flourished in riotous color in a space liberated from ruins and called the Eixample quarter.

The 20th century was marked politically for Barcelona by the development of the movement for national revival, which led in 1914 to the formation of an autonomous government, the Mancomunitat.

During the First World War, Barcelona remains neutral, which attracts people of art and science from all over Europe. Among the guests of the city of those years were Einstein, Stravinsky, Schoenberg, the Russian Ballets, Breton, Satie, Duchamp, Picabia. However, the city becomes unsafe: due to its geographical location, Barcelona is turning into a transshipment base for cocaine dealers, and also due to the fact that the struggle between the activists of the labor movement of the industrial capital of the Pyrenees with fabrications is tougher year by year and pours into the streets of the city.

In 1931, King Alfonso III abdicates the throne and a republic is established in Catalonia, governed by its own government, called the Generalitat.

Military coup led by General Franco

However, in 1936, the military, led by General Franco, carried out a coup, as a result of which Barcelona plunged into the abyss. civil war between Republicans and Francoists.

The rebels gained the upper hand, and the next 40 years were, apparently, the most difficult for Barcelona. Mass executions, repressions and deportations took place in the city. The Catalan language and Catalan symbols were again in disgrace. The power of the dictator ended only with his death on November 20, 1975.

In 1978, the new Constitution of Spain comes into force, and the country turns into a constitutional monarchy, consisting of autonomies. The Basque Country and Catalonia, led by Barcelona, ​​receive the most autonomous freedoms. In 1980, the Generalitat was revived, Jordi Pujol was elected its head, who, by the way, remains in this post until the end of 2003.

Jordi Pujol, head of the Generalitat party

In 1992, the International Olympic Committee gives Barcelona the right to host the next Olympic Games, which entails an incredibly large-scale restructuring of the city. A lot of the world's leading architects are involved in restoration work and in the construction of new buildings. The result of this "building of the century" in 1999 is the unprecedented award of the City of Barcelona with the medal of the Royal Association of British Architects. For the first time in the century and a half history of the association, such a valuable award was presented not to an individual architect, but to the entire city as a whole.

All these events have led to the fact that today Barcelona is one of the most popular tourist destinations Europe. Every self-respecting traveler considers it his duty to visit Barcelona and get acquainted with its unique architecture and amazing history.

Modern Barcelona

Barcelona, ​​the thriving Catalan capital, makes a grand impression. The city boasts outstanding Gothic and Art Nouveau buildings, magnificent museums (dedicated to Picasso, Miro and Catalan art), but the greatest pleasure can be found in getting lost among the narrow alleys, bars and cafes where you can have fun, eat and drink late and enjoy the local atmosphere. .

This largest port and Spain's most prosperous commercial center has a complex and dynamic culture that is ahead of the rest of the country in this respect. Barcelona is one of the outstanding cities, it has its own history of development that is different from all, which has found a perfect and eccentric expression in the architecture of Antoni Gaudí.

Arrival, transport and accommodation in Barcelona

The airport, 17 kilometers southwest, is connected by rail to Barcelona Sants main station, from where you can take the metro to the city center (line 3 to the Ramblas and Liceu). Many trains from the airport also go to Plaza de Catalunya, this is a more direct way to get to the Barri Gotic area. You can get the Airbus airport bus to the center through Placa d'Espanya, Gran Via and Placa de Catalunya.

Traveling to the center with a local taxi is expensive, so it is better to book (the fastest way to get to the city). Barcelona Sants is the main train station in the city, where intercity and some international trains arrive, and many intercity buses stop here (metro line 3 leads from here directly to the Ramblas).

Spanish and European trains arrive at the Estacio de Francia station next to the fortress park (Parc de la Ciutadella) long distance, as well as intercity trains. From Estacio de Francia, take metro line 4 from the nearby Barceloneta station or just walk (5 minutes) to the Barri Gotic area via Via Laietana and Calle Jaume.

The main bus station is located at Estacio del Nord (North Station), which is three blocks north of the castle park near the Arc de Triomf metro station. Vessels moor at the Estacio Marittima pier below the Ramblas on the Moll de Barcelona.

The best travel agency is located below Plaza Catalunya (daily 9.00-21.00; Catalunya metro). Other branches are located at St. James's Square (metro Jame I), at the station and at the airport. The branch in Plaza Catalunya carries out personal. The fastest way to travel around the city is by metro (5.00/6.00-23.00/24.00, until 2.00 on weekends), the stations are marked with a sign in the form of a red crystal.

Bus routes (6.30-22.00) are much more extensive, and at each stop there is a map of the city with all routes. A limited number of yellow night buses pass through Plaza Catalunya. For travel by metro and bus there is a single fare of 1.15 euros and slightly more expensive on night buses.

If you plan to stay in Barcelona for more than two days, it is better to buy an E-10 or targeta ticket book at the metro station at a price of 6 euros for travel on the metro, buses and some regional railway lines within the city limits (there are also cards for suburban areas ).

There are also daily T-Dia cards (for a day and 5 days) with the right to unlimited trips. The Barcelona Card (one and five days) includes travel from/to the local airport, all city transport, discounts for museums, shopping and restaurants. Tourist buses (Bus Turistic) connect 27 famous sights of Barcelona, ​​you can change as you like.

Tickets can be purchased at a travel agency or bus station (they also include discounts when visiting museums, shops and restaurants). Black and yellow taxis are inexpensive, there are a lot of these cars, and they help out a lot at night. The minimum fare is 1.15 euros, 1.30 euros after 22.00 and on weekends.

Accommodation in Barcelona is one of the most expensive in the country, and you can hardly find a double room for less than 50 euros. In this regard, the Placa de Catalunya travel agency can help, or you can use the Barcelona online service. The old town has a large concentration of hotels and hostales, with the cheapest establishments in the alleys around the Ramblas.

The closer you get to the port, the more noisy and less healthy the surroundings become: in general, normal establishments are concentrated in the Calle de Escudellers area. The best and cheapest accommodation is found between the Ramblas and Saint James Square, in the area bounded by Calle de Escudellers and Calle de la Boqueria, near Placa Reial.

Visitors are strongly advised to book at least the first two nights of accommodation as early as possible. Barcelona has one HI hostel and several tourist and hundreds of campsites on the coast in any direction (but at least 11 kilometers from the city).

• Barcelona Hotels

1). Centric Hotel– In an establishment on a quiet street (but close to attractions) good rooms. Metro Universitat. Location: Casanova 13, Eixample;

2). Gat Raval Hotel– This clean, bright and youthful hotel in the hippy district of Macba features a minimalist design and friendly staff. Metro Universitat. Location: Joaquim Costa 44, Raval;

3). Grau Hotel- A bright hotel with a good cafe and bar (breakfast 3-7 euros), there is Internet access. Metro Catalunya. Location: Ramelleres 27, Rava;

4). Hotel La Terrassa– Clean and inexpensive establishment with simple single, double and triple rooms (some with private facilities) and a nice terrace. Metro Liceu. Location: Junta del Comerc 11, Raval.

• Hostels in Barcelona

1). Hostel Albergue Verge de Montserrat– The pleasant HI hostel is located half an hour from the city center (breakfast included in the price). Vallcarca metro station. 23 euros. Location: Pg. Mare de Deu del Coll 41-51, Horta;

2). Barcelona Mar Hostel– New hostel with laundry and internet access near Macba and Ramblas. Metro Paral.lel/Drassanes. Dorms. 23 euros, breakfast included. Location: Sant Pau 80, Raval;

3). Center Rambles Hostel– Very popular hostel near the Ramblas with lots of amenities, no locks. Metro Liceu.Dorms, 16 euros, breakfast included. Location: Hospital 63, Raval;

4). Gothic Point Hostel- A lively place with large bedrooms and good conditions is very popular with young tourists and therefore noisy. Metro Jaume I. 21 euros, breakfast included. Location: Vigaans 5-9, La Ribera;

5). Hostel Itaca– Extremely popular and good new hostel near the cathedral with internet access, cafe, dining room and book exchange. Metro Jaume I. 18 euros. Location: Ripoll 21, Barri Gotic;

6). Sea Point Hostel– Good rooms and cafes open onto the terrace. Metro Barceloneta. 21 euros including breakfast and internet. Location: Pl. del Mar 1-4, Barceloneta.

Sights of Barcelona

Perhaps the area of ​​greatest interest in Barcelona is the old town. These narrow streets above the harbor are easy to get around on foot, and in the center the alleys of the Barry Gothic area intersect here. On its western outskirts, the old city is divided by the main city highway - the famous Ramblas.

On the northern outskirts of the Ramblas is the Plaza de Catalunya, or Plaza de Catalanya, on the southern outskirts is the harbor and the old port, or Port Vail. To the west of the Ramblas lie the labyrinths of Barrio Chino, or Chinatown (officially called El Raval). Medieval streets run along both sides of the Ramblas northeast to La Ribera and west to the fortress at the top.

A cable car leads from the hill to Barceloneta, the waterfront area east of the harbour. The modern commercial one begins at Plaza Catalunya, and on its territory there are unusual architectural structures, including the Sagrada Familia Cathedral by Gaudí.

• Ramblas and El Raval

Only in a city like Barcelona can the street, or rather the streets, be an attraction in themselves. But the Ramblas is not just a street, because here you can find everything from a flower market to fire eaters, street actors, pet dogs. In the evenings, the whole of Barcelona walks here.

Walking from Plaza Catalunya, you gradually leave the area of ​​​​the luxurious facades of banks and department stores and find yourself in a simpler port area, where the Ramblas approaches the very center of the notorious red-light district. Now the harbor area is not as dangerous as before: the transformation of the old port suggests the presence of trendy bars and clubs next to the dubious old establishments.

Don't miss the city's glorious and premier food market, La Boqueria, a magnificent gallery of objects and smells, with excellent eateries and bars, and a fresh seafood restaurant. The famous Barcelona Opera Liceu, restored after a fire in January 1994, practically adjoins here.

Almost opposite is the famous Cafe de l'Opera, a luxurious meeting place for high society, but not as expensive as one might imagine. A short walk north of here is the spectacular Museum of Contemporary Art (Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona) with an interesting exhibition of works by foreign and domestic artists.

A little further behind the arched passage at the Ramblas lies the elegant Royal Square (XIX century). It is decorated with tall palm trees and forged lamps (designed by the young Gaudí). It's always full of all kinds of eccentric people, drinking establishments and everything else. The majestic Palau Guell rises towards the end of Calle Nou de la Rambla.

Many of Gaudí's first creations were made for his eccentric wealthy patrons, among whom the most famous was the shipowner and industrialist Eusebio Güell. This building perfectly combines wrought iron supports, marble, ceramics, wood, stained glass and carved glass. Don't forget to go to the roof of this building.

At the end of the Ramblas by the harbor, a statue of Columbus looks out to sea from the top of a grandiose column called the Mirador de Colon. You can take the elevator up to the head of the sculpture and admire the beautiful panorama of the city. Opposite, on the western side of the Ramblas, are the medieval shipyards of Drassanes (XIII century). Spectacular stone buildings with arches house the Maritime Museum (Museu Maritim), where the most valuable exhibit is the royal galleon of the 16th century.

• Gothic, La Ribera and Ciutadella

A surprising number of wonderful medieval Gothic buildings are found within a few blocks of the Ramblas in the Barri Gothic (Gothic Quarter) district, the center of the old city that took shape when it reached the pinnacle of its commercial prosperity.

In the center of the quarter is the Plaza de Sant Jaume, on one side of which rises the restored town hall. On the square stands the Generalitat Palace, the seat of the Catalan government, which was rebuilt in the 16th century in the Renaissance style. On the ground floor there is a beautiful vaulted gallery with superb coffered ceilings.

Behind the square is Barcelona's La Seu Cathedral, one of the finest Gothic buildings in Spain. Magnificent galleries overlook a lush tropical park with tall palm trees and white geese. In addition to cathedral buildings, the largest number historical monuments harvested in the Barry Gothic area next to the Royal Square.

The best ancient Roman excavations in Barcelona were made under the Royal Palace (the former palace of the Counts of Barcelona), which now houses the museum of the city's history (Museu d'Historia de la Ciutat). Here, Roman and Visigothic relics are preserved as they were discovered during construction work in the 1930s.

East of Plaza de Sant Jaume, the path leads along Via Laietana to La Ribera and Carrer de Montcada, with a number of beautifully restored old buildings. One of them houses the Picasso Museum with one of the world's largest collections of works by the master and the only one of its kind in his homeland. Further along the other side is the wonderful church of Santa Maria del Mar, built on the seashore in the 14th century.

Its soaring lines symbolize Catalonia's preeminence in Mediterranean trade, and it is closer to the heart of the locals even than the cathedral. You can take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city in the green and rather quiet park of Ciutadella near the church of Santa Maria. The Catalan Parliament gathers here, there is a lake, a monumental Gaudi fountain and a city zoo.

• Port Vel, Barceloneta and Port Olimpic (Olympic Port)

The entire territory of the Old Port (Port Vel) has been revived again, especially the vast Maremagnuin complex, where the path from the Columbus monument leads. When planning the local places, attention was paid to a chic shopping center, a huge aquarium, an Imax cinema complex and many bars and expensive restaurants. This is the outskirts of the Barceloneta area with clean Barcelona beaches and fish restaurants.

The cable car leads from here to Montjuic. A kilometer to the east along the beach is the Olympic Port with a lot of bars and restaurants. In the evenings, the tables are cleared here, and the busiest dance scene in the city unfolds here. Lots of bars play salsa, house and techno music for a chic crowd.

• Sagrada Familia and Park Güell

Barcelona presents, above all thanks to the work of Antoni Gaudí (1852-1926), the most fantastic and most interesting creations of modern architecture in the world. Undoubtedly, his most famous work is the unfinished Sagrada Familia, or Sagrada Familia (Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia), northeast of Plaza Catalunya.

Its construction is still ongoing, and the interior is a giant construction site. The most interesting thing is to watch how Gaudi's latest plans are being implemented. This place itself is stunning with its eight spiers at a height of more than 100 meters.

Gaudí considered this a metaphorical representation of the image of the twelve apostles: he planned to erect four more above the main facade and add a 180-meter tower at the top of the gallery above the transept, flanked by four smaller towers representing the evangelists.

On the elevator or on foot you can climb one of the towers and enjoy the dizzying view of the entire complex, as well as try to climb the walls and towers. Inside, in the small Gaudí Museum, you can get acquainted in detail with the career of the architect and the history of the construction of the cathedral.

In addition, visit (Parc Guell) - his most ambitious project after the Sagrada Familia. This is a kind of hallucination with huge decorative lizards and a huge Hall of Columns, where there is another small museum with examples of furnishings created according to Gaudí's designs.

• Mountain (hill) Montjuic

Mount Montjuic attracts many people: five museums, the "Spanish Village", the Olympic Stadium and the castle with a magnificent view of the city. If you try to climb up the steep hill from Placa d'Espanya, you end up at the National Palace building - the center of the Barcelona World Exhibition of 1929, which now houses one of the best in the country, the National Museum of Art of Catalonia.

Its huge collection includes a Romanesque collection - the best in the world of its kind: 35 local rooms are filled with frescoes of the 11th-12th centuries, collected here from a number of small Pyrenean churches and placed in a beautiful exhibition. There is also a significant collection of Baroque and Renaissance works.

The well-known Barcelona Archaeological Museum of Catalonia contains exhibits mainly from the ancient Roman era, as well as Carthaginian and Etruscan relics and is located to the east of the National Palace.

Next door is the Joan Miro Foundation, Barcelona's most active art museum dedicated to the great Catalan artist. The beautiful white building houses a permanent exhibition of paintings, drawings, tapestries and sculptures donated by Miro himself and reflecting the period 1914-1978.

A short distance on the other side of the National Palace is the Poble Español, or "Spanish Village", where replicas of characteristic buildings from all over Spain are collected, and in the evenings there is a lively club life. Prices (especially for products of "authentic Spanish masters" and in bars) are exorbitant.

From here, the main track climbs uphill to the 1992 Olympic Games arena. The Olympic Stadium itself was originally built for the 1929 World's Fair, and in 1992 it was completely redesigned for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympic Games.

It should be noted that an entire Olympic gallery is dedicated to the opening and closing process of the Olympic Games. Far from the museum complex and sports arenas, Montjuic Castle (XVIII century) rises on the ruins of the 17th century, from where a magnificent city panorama opens.

Food, drink and entertainment in Barcelona

Barcelona has a wide variety of restaurants that cater to the needs of even the less affluent. Keep in mind that many establishments are closed on Sundays and in August, and the fixed menu (menu of the day) is only available at lunchtime. For picnic groceries, head to La Boquería, off the Ramblas. Hundreds of excellent bars and cafes are located in the city centre, including lively tapas eateries in the Gothic Quarter.

A particularly good location is near the Picasso Museum: many popular bars are located along the Passeig de Born, in the square at the end of Calle Montcada behind the church of Santa Maria del Mar. North of the center, the mostly student area Gracia (Fontana metro) is teeming with drinking establishments around main square Placa del Sol. Barcelona nightlife is one of the most interesting in Europe, although not cheap: in the most exclusive establishments, beer can cost you ten times more than in a nearby bar.

Music bars close at 03.00, discos close at 04.00 or 05.00 and some clubs are open on weekends between 05.00 and 09.00. Among the more expensive and trendy places are high-tech establishments in the Eixample area, Calle Ganduxer, Avda Diagonal and Via Augusta, west of Gracia. Quieter and alternative places are concentrated in the streets around Macba and in the south, although they are deserted on weekdays in the off-season. For information on current events, see the weekly Guia del Ocio, which is sold at newsstands, which have information about hotels and travel agencies.

• Barcelona Restaurants

1). Arc Restaurant– Students, tourists and artists are frequenters of this brasserie bar in the old town, breakfast until 13.00. Subway Drassanes. Location: Carabassa 19, Barri Gotic;

2). Restaurant Can Manel– Cozy good place, daily menu del dia for 8.25 euros. Metro Barceloneta. Location: Pg. Joan de Borbo 60, Barceloneta;

3). Restaurant Casa Delfin– Bar-restaurant with paper tablecloths, attracting locals menu del dia. Closed on Sundays. Metro Barceloneta. Location: Pg. del Born 36, La Ribera;

4). Restaurants Comme-Bio & Comme-Bio II– Vegetarian restaurants of the same type with natural food stores. Lunch - 8.50 euros. Location: Via Laietana, La Ribera; Gran Via 603 (corner of Rambla de Catalunya, Example, Jaume I metro station);

5). Cran Restaurant– Exceptional service and excellent Catalan and French food. Location: Avinyo, 9, Barri Gotic;

6). Restaurant L'economic– Lovely place with three menu options for 8 euros, wine included. Subway Jaume I. Closed on weekends. Location: Pl.Sant Agustti Veil 13, La Ribera;

7). Lupino Restaurant– Elegant restaurant-bar on Placa Gardunya, lunch menu 8.50. Good recommendations. Metro Liceu. Location: Carme 33, El Rival;

8). Meson David Restaurant- Nice family run restaurant. Open for lunch and dinner, closed on Wednesdays. Subway Parallel. Location: Carrates 65;

9). Organic Restaurant- Vegetarian restaurant. Excellent salads, soups, pizza and homemade bread. Metro Liceu. Location: Junta de Comers 11;

10). Ovni Restaurant– Stylish, fantastic vegetarian restaurant where you can eat from 6.60 to 7.95 euros. Free internet access up to 30 minutes. Subway Jaume I. Location: Via Laietana 32;

11). Restaurant Ra– Bar-restaurant with an exceptional lunch menu for 10 euros. Metro Liceu. Location: Carme 34;

12). Silenus Restaurant“Delicious and nutritious food at reasonable prices is served at the hippie diner on the corner of Macba. Closed on Sundays. Metro Liceu. Location: Angeles 8, Raval;

• Cafes and bars in Barcelona

1). Cafe Canigo– Favorite place of the locals. Closed on Mondays. Metro Fontana. Location: P.I. de la Revolucio, Cracia;

2). Cafe Cereria- Literary cafe with good pastries. Subway Jaume I. Location: Bxda. De Sant Miquel 3, Barri Gotic;

3). Institution Fira- Only in Barcelona - for lovers of fair carousels and circus. Works until 23.00. Closed on Sundays and Mondays. Metro Provenca. Location: Provenca 171, Eixample;

4). Bar Kasparo– A bar with a terrace in a beautiful square, with good food. Metro Catalunya. Location: P.I. Vincenc Martorell, El Raval;

5). Bar Muebles Navarro– Remodeled furniture store with spacious rooms and spirits. Popular with gay people. Open from 18.00, closed on Mondays. Metro Sant Antoni. Location: Riera Alta 4-6, El Raval;

6). Bar Parnasse– This hippie bar has a calm and welcoming atmosphere. You can listen to jazz and drink whiskey or the legendary French absinthe at a modest price. Closed on Sundays and Mondays. Subway Jaume I. Location: Gignas 21, Barri Gotic;

7). Cafe Textil– An institution in a characteristic courtyard of the Middle Ages near the Museum of Fabrics, braziers are placed in winter, but the prices for drinks scare away the students of art institutions. Closed on Mondays. Metro Jaume I. Location: Montcada 12, La Ribera;

8). Bar Travel“Popular place to eat, internet access, and great booze. Metro Liceu. Location: Boqueria 27, Barri Gotic;

9). Bar Virreina“Great bar with Belgian beers and sandwiches. Location: P.I. De la Virreina 1, Cracia.

• Bars and eateries in Barcelona

1). Bar Ba-Ba-Reeba– Typical urban tapas bar with a good selection of food, open until 1.30. Metro Pg. de Gracia. Location: Pg.de Gracia 28, Eixample;

2). Bar Euskal Etxea The Basque bar specializes in spicy dishes. Closed on Mondays. Metro Jame I. Location: Placeta Montcada 1-3, Barri Gotic;

3). Bar Jai Ca– A small corner bar with the best snacks. Metro Barceloneta. Location: Ginebra 13, Barceloneta;

4). Bar Taller de Tapas- One of the city's establishments, where both a bar and a restaurant. Quality food in an elegant, relaxing setting. Good recommendations. Metro Jame I. Location: de I’Agreneria;

5). Diner Vaso de Oro“One of the city's best tapas eateries, nice bar. Metro Barceloneta. Location: Carrer de Balboa 6.

• Clubs and venues with live music

1). Nightclub KGB– Diverse club with good alternative rock and pop music. Joanic metro station. Location: Alegre de Dalt 55, Gracia;

2). Institution Loft- A place to listen to hard rock. Open only on Friday and Saturday. Metro Bogatell. Location: Pamplona 88, Poble Nou;

3). Metro night club– The Barcelona unconventional club has welcomed everyone from Marc Almond to J. P. Gauthier and still remains popular. Universitat metro station. Location: Sepulveda 185, Eixample;

4). Moog night club– A techno-style venue with the best English and European DJs (best to visit the club on Wednesdays and Sundays). Drassanes metro station. Location: Arc del Teatre 3, Barri Xines;

5). Night Club Razz- Underground rock and punk. Bogatell metro station. Location: Almogavers 122, Poble Nou;

6). Nightclub Sala Apolo/Club Nitsa– Alternative rock stars perform here, and you can listen to electronic and techno music at Nitsa on the weekends. metro paral. lel. Location: Nou de la Rambla 113, Poble Sec.

• Barcelona on the map of Spain

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