subject: Barcelona City Breaks: The Home Of Intriguing Architecture And Style [print this page] Barcelona city breaks entice tourists from all over the globe to enjoy the wonders of this amazing city. This once rundown city was completely brought back to life after hosting the 1992 Olympic games. The renovation and development that has occurred in this illustrious city has truly transformed it into a "must see" destination. It is highly revered by many of the top architects of the world, which is displayed in the avant-garde designs and structures in very modern forms; many by Antoni Gaudi.
Placa Reial is an excellent location to visit for a taste of the magnificent display in style by Gaudi or the Sagrada Familia cathedral. Thankfully the new rush of development hasn't completely overpowered the architectural style of the ancient buildings. Even the Gothic cathedral located near the city block filled with glass and steel buildings doesn't look strange, the charm of the older parts is still intact. This rejuvenation of the city has added tourism as a much higher portion of the income to Barcelona.
This upgrade, coupled with the fact that it has a gorgeous Mediterranean coastline, brings flocks of tourists to the districts of Port Vell and La Ribera.
The Gothic Quarter, or Barri Gotic, has a wonderful atmosphere. Besides various parts of the city that are perfect for an afternoon of exploration, there is also the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia, or the Expiatory Temple of the Holy Family. This is the cathedral that Gaudi has been working on and it is a truly outlandish landmark with its 18 towers.
These towers aren't the only intriguing part, but the sculptures attached to every side of the cathedral are truly remarkable. The Museu Picasso, or the Picasso Museum, is actually contained in two 15th century palaces near Parc de la Ciutadella and has an impressive collection that is always located there.
This permanent display focuses on the early work of Picasso with sketches he made during his childhood. There are paintings divided into the Blue and Pink Periods; 1901 - 1904 & 1907 - 1920, respectively.
A pedestrian only section called La Rambla is filled with avenues that wind through streets of stores, restaurants, cafes, flower stalls, newspaper stands, and are lined with trees. It is also home to many street performers boasting wacky and wild shows among the captivating crowds. Gaudi's first work, Palau Guell, or Guell Palace is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site called, "Works of Antoni Gaudi". All of these wonders make Barcelona city breaks the ultimate trip for anyone needing change.
