top of page

Three Experiences in Barcelona You Must Not Miss.

  • sblume0
  • Aug 6
  • 4 min read

Updated: Aug 7


Large crucfix spended from the ceiling of La Sagrada Familia Bascilica. Personal Escape Travel
La Sagrada Familia Basilica - Personal Escape Travel

As many of you are aware, I had the privilege of being selected to attend the exclusive private luxury conference a few months back in Barcelona, Spain. This event gathers leading luxury agents from the United States and Canada alongside suppliers from across the globe. At the conference, we participate in one-on-one meetings and engage in various bonding activities. Additionally, we get the chance to visit some local attractions and perform hotel inspections.


Three experiences I deeply enjoyed while I was in Barcelona that

are not to be missed are La Pedrera - Casa Milà, Park Güell, and La Sagrada Família.


La Pedera- Casa Mila

 

La Pedrera-Casa Milà is a private residence designed by Antoni Gaudí, built between 1906-1912 on the Passeig de Gràcia, one of the most prestigious avenues in Barcelona.

Antoni Gaudí was commissioned to build one of the most stunning residences that the world has ever seen. Gaudí took a lot of his inspiration from nature. Casa Milà is designed in the shape of the spiral interior of a seashell. Many of the staircases have awnings that are built of metal and glass because the center is open to allow in air and light. He would not allow any two ceilings, door frames, or window frames to be the same; each is unique.

The residence, which was owned by the richest family in Spain at the time, was the first to be electrified. The family was so wealthy that the daughter’s dollhouse had an electrified chandelier in each of more than a dozen rooms in the dollhouse at a time when most residents in Barcelona did not have electricity in their homes.

 

Gaudí created a special door from metal and glass that swings open so that the family's car would be able to drive down into the underground parking lot underneath the home.


Gaudí didn't like the unsightly look of chimes at the time, so he hid them in giant sculptures on the roof. Do explore the roof, note it's a lot of challenging small steps, but the 360-degree views of all of Barcelona are worth the climb.

 

The project exceeded the initial budget significantly; to pay Gaudí and manage the expenses, the Pedrera/Milà family rented out the upper floors and resided on the first floor.


I had the pleasure of doing a Gaudí-inspired art class in which I chose to make a mosaic-topped box; it will always hold great memories of my afternoon at Casa Milà.


Park Guell


Park Güell, a renowned creation by Antoni Gaudí, is a park system featuring gardens and architectural structures. Constructed between 1900 and 1914, the original residential project faced challenges such as financial issues and changes in the real estate market, preventing it from being completed as intended. The park remained privately owned and was designed as a retreat for affluent families to escape to the lush countryside, delaying its public opening until 1926.

Some of the original homes are open for tours.


Gaudí's profound admiration for nature is evident in the park's mosaic serpentine benches and El Drac. Park Güell provides some of the finest views of Barcelona and the Mediterranean Sea. It is a delightful spot to visit just minutes from the city's center and is cherished by both tourists and locals alike.


La Sagrada Familia


The Basilica of La Sagrada Familia is a living masterpiece by Antonio Gaudi, as it remains unfinished since construction began in 1882, giving the impression of walking through art.

This basilica is an expansive structure featuring numerous towers, sides, and entryways,

each a remarkable sculpture in its own right, yet together they form a breathtaking creation.


The massive metal doors at one entrance are handcrafted and honor Gaudi's father, who taught him welding as a child. I paused at the doors, counting all the tiny hidden creatures woven into the vine design of the doors. The stone framework surrounding the doors is a sculpture of animals and nature. As you look upward, you'll notice the large sculpted fruit baskets that are part of the columns.


Once inside, it's impossible not to be moved by the enormous gold crucifix hanging from the ceiling, surrounded by floating candles. As you reach the center of the Basilica, you're unsure where to direct your gaze first, as you're enveloped by the colored light streaming through the variously hued stained glass walls.


If you walk just to the left of the main altar, you will be able to see the crypts.


Mirrors are placed in different parts of the Basilica to prevent neck strain while admiring the ceiling. The ceiling features stained glass windows of various shapes, reflecting an array of colors.

It's akin to being inside a kaleidoscope, yet it's deeply spiritual and moving, even for those who aren't religious. Gaudí's final masterpiece is truly impressive.

If you exit from the entrance on the opposite side of the Basilica, you'll notice that the sculptures there are in a completely different style compared to those at the front. These sculptures portray various biblical scenes but are crafted in a very modern style. They feature smooth, clean lines and much less intricate detail, yet they are just as beautiful as the ones at the front of the Basilica.


From this point, you can access a small museum featuring drawings and models of Gaudi's creations.


He was not just an artist but also an architect and a talented engineer. All three experiences are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and offer something for everyone.



These are three experiences you shouldn't miss when visiting Barcelona, and I intend to revisit them on my next trip. Barcelona and Spain in general have so much to delight in I can't wait to go back.


For more details on planning your adventure please reach out, we would be happy to assist you. To receive our blog please sign up at www.PersonalEscapeTravel.com

 
 
 

Comments


bottom of page