March 2026


www.nitravelnews.com


BREATHTAKING BARCELONA | 39


Explore the artistic architecture and vibrant flare of Barcelona, from the bustling streets of the city to the vast culinary delights... BY ERIN ENGLISH


erin@nitravelnews.com


WHILE my previous trips to Barcelona have typically been fleeting, the vibrancy and culture of the city truly packs a punch. Bursting at the seams with character and charm, the Spanish city has something new to experience every time you visit.


From


the iconic streets of Las Ramblas where the atmosphere is electric, to the atmospheric Gothic


Quarter,


Barcelona never fails to entertain.


Distinctive


architecture spans throughout Barcelona, featuring


buildings


of all shapes, sizes and colours take travellers on a journey through the depth of Barcelona’s history. Originally founded by Romans at the end of the 1st century BC, Barcelona was originally named Barcino. The bounds of Barcino were 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


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 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.


past century, has progressed slowly,


Over the construction with


interruptions 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. Casa Mila is easily distinguishable in comparison with the other three houses, with a stone exterior and unique layout, it is definitely a stand-out property in comparison 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


Bones.’ Vicens of


is is


also known as the


the


‘House of Casa one


earliest


most famous monuments in the area is The Gothic Cathedral, an awe-inspiring building which took two centuries to complete. This area of Barcelona is also well-regarded for its 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 of different bars and restaurants for travellers to enjoy a night of revelry right in the heart of Barcelona. Shoppers behold! Portal de is Barcelona’s biggest


l’Angel


Barcelona’S breathtaking cityscape


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 department 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


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 Mediterranean


coast, the city’s cuisine


is inspired by the fresh fish, fruits and vegetables of the area. Some special dishes to try when in Barcelona are Paella, Patatas Bravas, and Croquettes. Barcelona is home to an amazing food scene, where travellers can taste the culture of the city.


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