36 | CRUISE DESTINATION SPOTLIGHT
www.nitravelnews.com
February 2024
A JOURNEY THROUGH THE MEDITERRANEAN
BY ERIN ENGLISH
WHEN determining on whether to embark on a cruise holiday, factors which travellers tend to evaluate always solely focus on which cruise company to go for or what amenities are onboard the ship. Obviously, with a world of amenities on your fingertips, exploring a new ship is a massive advantage of your vacation. However, the option of experiencing new destinations each day is undoubtedly, one of the unique selling points of a cruise holiday. Mediterranean cruises are one of the most popular cruise options, and for good reason! The Mediterranean is close enough for Northern Irish Travellers to avoid long-haul, but also experience a plethora of different cultures and lifestyles. In my personal experience, my Mediterranean cruise journey has always kicked off in Barcelona, with port destinations in Cannes, Livorno, before disembarking in Palma. Getting to experience France, Spain and Italy in one holiday, what more could you ask for? Barcelona Barcelona is home to the busiest European cruise terminal, a destination which sees many travellers embark on their cruise journey. Of the three Mediterranean cruises I have experienced, Barcelona has been my embarkation port twice and I always make sure to book a night stay in the Catalan city to enjoy some of the region’s unique charm. Distinctive architecture spans
throughout the city, buildings of all shapes, sizes and colours takes travellers on a journey through the depth of Barcelona’s history. Originally founded by Romans at the end of the
1st
Barcelona’s biggest shopping street, and a haven for those who love fashion. A multitude of different brands line the street from much-loved high street retailers such as Zara, H&M, Bershka, and departments stores. The right side of the Portal de l’Angel is more commercially focused on high-street retailers, while the left focuses on jewellery, gifts, and souvenirs! Gaudi, perhaps the most renowned
name in Barcelona, Gaudi’s architecture is mapped throughout the city. Following a period of decline during the 15th to 18th century, Barcelona entered an era of cultural renovation in the mid 19th century into the 20th century. Gaudi was a prominent feature in this renewal. There are twelve Gaudi Buildings in Barcelona, the most famous of all is the La Sagrada Familia, the largest unfinished Catholic Church in the world! The construction of the Sagrada Familia began in 1882, and Gaudi became the chief architect in 1883.
The Sagrada
century BC, Bar celona was originally named Barcino. The bounds of Barcino was protected by a defensive wall the remains of this boundary still remain in certain areas of Barcelona Old Town. Barcelona’s position as the economic centre of the western Mediterranean was established
in the 13th to
15th centuries, the medieval period was grandiose for Barcelona, and the evidence of this captivating history can still be witnessed today with a trip around Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter. The Gothic Quarter is packed
with charm, on a journey through the streets you won’t be lost for enchanting squares, or breathtaking architecture. One of the most famous monuments in the area is the The Gothic Cathedral, an awe- inspiring building which took two centuries to complete. This area of Barcelona is also well-regarded for it’s cafe and dining culture in some of the Gothic Quarters - Plaça Idrissa Diallo is where travellers can enjoy a coffee with a view of the old Roman walls that once surrounded the city.
Plaça
Reial is an alternative area which plays host to a range different bars and restaurants for travellers to enjoy a night of revelry right in the heart of Barcelona. Shoppers behold! Portal de l’Angel is
Barcelona
Did You Know? Barcelona is one of the ‘Greenest’ Cities in Europe...
Familia combined Gothic architecture with Art Nouveau, by far this is the most impressive church I have ever witnessed. Gaudi dedicated the rest of his life to the construction of the Sagrada Familia up until his death in 1926. At the time of Gaudi’s death, less than a quarter of the construction was complete. Over the past century, construction has progressed slowly, with interuptions from the pandemic and unrest. It is expected that the Sagrada Familia will only be fully complete in 2040, 158 years after construction first started. Throughout Barcelona,
travellers can catch a glimpse of the iconic three Gaudi Houses. Perched on the corner of one of Barcelona’s main shopping streets, Passeig de Gràcia is Casa Mila, one of Gaudi’s three houses.
distinguishable
Casa Mila is easily in comparison
with the other three houses, with a stone exterior and unique layout,
it is definitely a stand-out property in comparision with the rest of the buildings on Passeig de Gracia. Casa Batlló is perhaps the most notable of the three Gaudi houses, the building is clad in a mosaic of colourful ceramic tiles, with details that are shaped like corals! The Casa Batllo is also known as the ‘House of Bones.’ Casa Vicens is one of the earliest works of Gaudi, originally built as a family home, the bright orange building is a sight to behold! A trip to see the Sagrada Familia and the three Gaudi Houses is an excellent way to experience some of Gaudi’s creations! Barcelona has a prime location on the
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