Barcelona, a city in Spain, is not only known for its sunny climate, its passion for football and its delicious food, but also for its magnificent architectural buildings. Here, the architecture is rich and diverse, ranging from old and historical gothic constructions to modern, contemporary structures with clean lines. Here are some of the best architectural buildings in Barcelona that are truly must-see attractions!
Barcelona’s architectural buildings
Barcelona is a Mediterranean port city on the Catalonia coast of north-eastern Spain. It is known for its amazing architecture, which is is varied and grand, and has resulted in Barcelona being named a UNESCO city of culture and architecture. Barcelona’s architecture is inspired by beautiful historical styles and is made more special by its proximity to nature; many of its buildings have parklands, gardens and natural open spaces nearby.
La Sagrada Familia
Perhaps the most famous and awe-inspiring of all the architectural buildings in Barcelona is La Sagrada Familia. It is an unfinished masterpiece of Catalan modernism, created by legendary architect Antoni Gaudi. Initially, the project began in 1882, and after Gaudi took over the lead of the project in 1883, he devoted the rest of his life to this basilica, which he said would take a century to finish. This is the most unique and impressive architectural site in Barcelona; its mixture of modernist, gothic and art nouveau styles create a magnificent, gracefully striking building.
Casa Milà
Casa Milà, another of Gaudi’s works, is a large, rambling masterpiece consisting of a main house and annex. Designed as a single living unit for two brothers, the annex is close to a park, green fields, and a fountain. He mixed modernist styles with more historic styles of architecture and applied features from nature, like a curved façade, to provide a balanced, aesthetically pleasing building. Casa Milà is an iconic building in Barcelona, and has been featured in many Hollywood movies and featured on many TV shows.
Montserrat Monastery
The Montserrat Monastery is located close to Barcelona’s coast and is one of the city’s most beloved tourist destinations. It was initially founded in the 11th century, and was rebuilt in 17th century baroque style. The monastery has a breathtaking façade and the steeples are amazing, each with its own unique decorative elements like curly ironwork balustrades. The basilica and other chapels together make up a wonderful architectural complex, which is why it is one of the best architectural buildings in Barcelona.
La Pedrera
The last of the Gaudi-designed buildings listed here, La Pedrera, is on the list of Must-See Attractions in Barcelona. This masterpiece of modern architecture is a stone building with decorative wrought ironwork elements, elaborate towers and curved terraces. It is an example of Gaudi’s modernist style, which he was attempting to combine classic Catalan styles with nature features. La Pedrera is a must-see attraction in Barcelona; its grandeur, elegance and beauty are unsurpassable.
Gran Teatre del Liceu
Another must-see architectural building in Barcelona is the Gran Teatre del Liceu. It is one of the oldest still-functioning opera houses in Europe. It was opened in 1847, and has survived a couple of fires and bombings. The Gran Teatre del Liceu is a remarkable building, combining the classical architecture of the period, with modern touches like an immersive sound system and graceful sculptures.
Palau de la Música Catalana
The Palau de la Música Catalana is an architectural marvel of Barcelona, containing many of its most beautiful interior features. This music venue was built between 1905 and 1908 and is considered one of the leading examples of Catalan Art Nouveau. Its façade and exterior is designed in a classic, neo-gothic style and has been masterfully restored to maintain its original atmosphere. The interior features some amazing features such as curved glasswork, stained glass and spectacular marble-clad columns.
Torre Agbar
The last architectural building we’ll mention is the Torre Agbar. It is a skyscraper designed by the well-known French architect Jean Nouvel, and is Barcelona’s fourth tallest building. It is also known as “the Volcano” due to its shape, which is inspired by the Montserrat mountain range nearby. The tower is clad in aluminum and glass and its top is lit up in various colours at night, creating a beautiful silhouette around Barcelona’s skyline.
Barcelona is truly a city with many unique and amazing architectural buildings. From classic historical structures to the more modern and futuristic, the whole city is a stunning visual feast. Barcelona is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories and some truly stunning pictures!
Make sure to include some of these Barcelona’s architectural marvels in your next trip; you will not regret it. La Sagrada Familia, Casa Milà, Montserrat Monastery, La Pedrera, Gran Teatre del Liceu, Palau de la Música Catalana, and the Torre Agbar are a must-see on any trip.
