Lap of Barcelona

Today was going to be Gaudi day... our plan was to do a lap around Barcelona visiting the renowned sites built by Antonia Gaudi. Unfortunately, we hadn't realised that Park Guell required tickets and on investigating we discovered they were all sold out for today. So today would be a lap of Barcelona minus Park Guell.

We started on the metro at Placa d'Espagna heading to Sangrada Familiar, the unfinished Catholic Church designed by Antoni Gaudi. The cornerstone was laid in 1882 and Gaudi took over construction the following year. The remaining 12 years of Gaudi's life was devoted solely to the building and was only 20% complete when he died. Working is still continuing as seen by the cranes. It is expected to be finished in 2026. We wandered around the outside of the basilica admiring it from the various angles including from the playground swings!! It certainly is an interesting building!

 

 

 

 

From the Sangrada Familia we walked to Casa Mila. Located on Passeig de Gracia, the avenue in Barcelona where in 1900's the wealthiest and most ambitious members of the bourgeoisie decided to reside. Built in 1912 by Gaudi, this apartment building is also known as La Padrera or the stone quarry thanks to the curtain wall limestone exterior which is adorned with 32 wrought iron grilles on the balconies. Again we only admired the exterior of this unusual building. Perhaps one day we will return for a tour inside.

Following Passeig de Gracia, we went in search of Casa Batllo which Gaudi renovated and completely changed the cascade in 1906. Unfortunately for us the exterior of the house was completely under wraps for restoration work. I suppose we could have paid €25pp to check out the amazing interior however there was no interest from the girls so we continued on towards Las Ramblas. Casa Batllo too will be added to the must see on return without little children list.

The central boulevard which slices through the city centre is known as Las Ramblas and begins at Placa de Catalunya and finishes at Mirador de Colom. Bustling with tourists, This wide pedestrian street was filled with restaurants, market stalls selling souvenirs, plants, local hand crafted jewellery and bags as well as street artists and buskers. Off to one side was the La Boqueria Food Market (although it was closed) and Placa Reial where swing dancers were enjoying themselves. We zig zagged our way down the street as the girls looked for a few final presents for family and friends back home.