Barcelona: the thriving centre of art!
Just a hundred years ago Barcelona was still a sleepy little town, and while popular among visitors and artist it was far behind Madrid in importance and tourist numbers. Far away from the capital Barcelona has since developed into a thriving centre of art and has a significant international community. Wherever you are in the city you can feel the enormous creativity that hovers above everyday life, and even the most mundane acts like gathering around a café table for a strong coffee seems to produce creative output.
Inspired by the fabulous townscape, much of which was designed by famous architect Antoni Gaudí, Barcelonans are friendly and innovative, always coming up with new ideas. The art scene is enormous and reflected in the number of world class museums.
Museums
One of the best Picasso museums in the world is located is located in Montcada street- easily reached in your car hire. The great master himself as well as members of his family have donated a large part of the collection, giving exceptional insight into the artist’s life and works.
For a broader art spectrum visit the National Art Museum of Catalonia which can be easily reached in your car hire, covering regional art from the Romanesque era to the mid-20th century. The collection includes anything from paintings and drawings to photography, sculptures, and coins.
Another noteworthy museum, though this is not the end of the list of Barcelona’s museums, is the Museum of Modern Art, displaying fabulous contemporary pieces since the 1950s. You will find the gallery in Plaça dels Angels.
Las Ramblas
Just a quick walk from here you will get to Las Ramblas, the heart of the city. The pedestrianised shopping street is vibrating with life, street artists performing, vendors selling hand-crafted jewellery and families enjoying cold drinks in cafes. Shops include the regular international high street labels but also local designers selling hand-tailored masterpieces.
Following Las Ramblas towards the sea you will find in the harbour which was remodelled for the 1992 Olympic Games with the degree of innovation and creativity to be expected in Barcelona. The beautiful promenade is a perfect spot to enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere whilst sampling some of the regional Rioja. Should you find yourself in search for some nightlife this is also a good place to go. You should also take a trip out to the surrounding area in your car rental.
Sagrada Familia
After all this you have yet to see Barcelona’s number one landmark: the Sagrada Familia. Again it was Gaudí who designed the enormous basilica with its characteristic natural look, though the masterpiece is yet to be finished. Most of the spires which were blueprinted to grace the roof are yet to be built, and plans hope for construction to be completed in 2026 for the 100 year anniversary of the artist’s death. This is an ambitious goal since the project is entirely funded by private donations. Though incomplete the basilica is a must on anyone’s list of sights and a climb up one of the unfinished towers is rewarded with a fabulous view.
