Exploring Barcelona in March
Early March and the weather isn’t supposed to be hot yet, so a comfortable 14°C was a perfectly acceptable daytime temperature for us to be frantically marching around this fascinating city - until we managed to slow ourselves down, relax into the beautiful Spanish pace and admire our surroundings, properly.
Where better to begin than with one of the most famous buildings in the world. Scaffolding and all, this magnificent Roman Catholic Church designed by Antoni Gaudí has left many a tourist with their jaw dropped wide open – and we were no different. Construction commenced on Barcelona's Sagrada Familia in 1882, progression was slow due to funding and was then disrupted altogether by the Spanish Civil War. Gaudí’s sudden death in 1926 left the building only a quarter complete and it would be more than 80 years later that it even reached the half way point. Gothic is combined with Art Nouveau to make it simply exquisite – a must see for all who visit this fascinating city.
Although we enjoyed viewing one of Gaudí’s most fascinating buildings, La Pedrera (Casa Milà), en route, I would definitely recommend heading back at night to explore the rooftop sculpture park! Views down the street and across the top of the city … you may even be able to see one of his most spectacular buildings – Casa Batlló (also part of the UNSECO World Heritage Site) which looks like a jewel inside and out.
Taking the subway across to the other side of the city, we arrived at Carmel Hill, home to the artistic and creative Guell Park – quite possibly one of the most intriguing urban parks in the world, a modernist masterpiece. Gaudí planned and directed the construction of the park for 4 years from 1900 with the intention of it becoming a residential park for sixty family residences. The centrepiece is the intended covered market, a majestic forest of immense columns with its roof forming a vast terrace with a view of the city. It must be one of Gaudí’s most playful and colourful works, completely let loose his imagination to create this area.
Another day and another subway journey then cross to the metro – this time to Castell de Montjuïc atop the hill of the same name. It has an interesting history that by its very nature as a fort is full of battles, architectural renovations and politics. At some point in the future it would be nice to think the city council will better educate tourists here by informing about the struggle Catalonia has had over the centuries and how one modest citadel played centre stage to it all. The Teleferico de Barcelona and cable car plus funicular journey was a marvellous way to descend to Port Vell with beautiful views across the Mediterranean Sea. Port Vell was the perfect place to relax with a delightful glass of wine and a selection of nibbles overlooking the looming sea mist fast approaching this renovated harbour area.
For our final day, we returned to some of our favourite vino y tapas bars and explored the beautiful Gothic Quarter. Once a Roman village, this is the centre of the old part of the city of Barcelona stretching from La Rambla to Via Laietana and from the Mediterranean seafront to Ronda de Sant Pere. The fabulous mix of old and new brings people from all over the world to explore the narrow, winding streets which create the labyrinth which is key to this Gothic Quarter. Just remember to look up and around so as not to miss some of the best bits!
Wander back up to La Rambla and be careful not to miss the arched walkway through to the hidden feeding halls of Mercat de la Boqueria. Resist overindulging at the first stalls, keep moving and enjoy a reward of local beer and perhaps a seafood platter further down the line – it’s simply too good to miss! The incredible contrast between colours and activity is mind blowing. These markets are perfect for discovering why Mediterranean cuisine is internationally known for its ingredients; the best products from Catalonia in one place – fruit, vegetables, fish and seafood and tapas bars. Try El Quim to name but one.
Whether you have two nights or two weeks, you will not be lost for thing to see, do, eat or drink so book your trip, grab a guide book and go exploring one of the finest cities in the world.
TOP TIPS: - Stay in Eixample area for great hotels at much better prices than on Las Ramblas and still within walking distance to most sites. - Visit Castell de Montjuïc after 3pm on a Sunday and you can get in free!