(Photo via ThinkStock / iStockphoto) I have no shame in saying I'm something of an architecture geek. Even though I don't really have any formal training in the area, there's nothing I like doing more than wandering around interesting-looking buildings and marvelling at their construction. The wealth of astounding landmarks in Barcelona makes it a paradise for architecture lovers and it's certainly a destination I recommend you visit on holiday.
Of course, this isn't the only thing that the Spanish city has to offer. Coming here on a getaway also gives you the opportunity to soak up some fantastic weather - the average temperature in June and July is 22.5 degrees C, though the conditions are pleasant all year round - while you explore. There'll also be plenty of scope to sample classic Spanish cuisine like tapas, churros and sangria, but if you're a real architecture enthusiast you will want to devote most of your attention to seeing some of the thousands of beautiful buildings that are to be found in the city. After you have booked a cheap flight to Barcelona from the UK, here are a few of the landmarks I advise you seek out.
Of course, this isn't the only thing that the Spanish city has to offer. Coming here on a getaway also gives you the opportunity to soak up some fantastic weather - the average temperature in June and July is 22.5 degrees C, though the conditions are pleasant all year round - while you explore. There'll also be plenty of scope to sample classic Spanish cuisine like tapas, churros and sangria, but if you're a real architecture enthusiast you will want to devote most of your attention to seeing some of the thousands of beautiful buildings that are to be found in the city. After you have booked a cheap flight to Barcelona from the UK, here are a few of the landmarks I advise you seek out.
Basilica de la Sagrada Familia
Situated in the heart of the city, Basilica de la Sagrada Familia is one landmark that you simply must see over the course of your trip. Indeed, as it is among the largest structures in Barcelona I think it's pretty hard to miss!
Designed by iconic architect Antoni Gaudi (the brains behind many of the city's most wonderful landmarks), this towering structure is yet to be complete although work started way back in 1882. Despite the building still being under construction - it's currently thought it may be finished in the first third of this century - there are still lots of fascinating things to see. Two of the church's three facades and apse are currently open to the public, while stunning stained glass windows can be found in the transepts.
Once you've finished soaking up the building's architectural splendour, head to the museum where you can see photographs documenting how the construction process has developed, as well as replica versions of Gaudi's original models.
Casa Batllo
Casa Batllo is another of Gaudi's designs that I recommend architecture fans seek out during a trip to Barcelona. Constructed between 1904 and 1906, this beautiful structure features eye-catching wavy walls covered in a mosaic of coloured glass and ceramic pieces.
Keep looking upwards and you'll eventually see the roof which has been designed to resemble the back of an animal and, as such, has large pointy scales. Step inside Casa Batllo and you will discover even more unusual and vibrant designs, from skylights that look like tortoise shells to a mushroom-shaped fireplace.
Fundacio Antoni Tapies
Finally, I'm going to look at the Fundacio Antoni Tapies museum. This institution has showcased contemporary art and culture since 1990, though the origin of the building it is housed in dates back much further than this.
Indeed, the structure was once used as a publishing house and was erected between 1880 and 1885 under the supervision of architect Lluis Domenech i Montaner. Considered to be an early example of Catalan modernism design, the building was one of the first in central Barcelona to feature exposed brickwork and iron.
Head inside and you can observe numerous pieces by Catalan artist Antoni Tapies, whose work includes Parafaragamus, an oil painting that he created in 1949.
Do you want to go on one of the great architecture-focused Barcelona tours? If so, let me know which buildings and landmarks you'd like to see the most by posting a comment below.
Situated in the heart of the city, Basilica de la Sagrada Familia is one landmark that you simply must see over the course of your trip. Indeed, as it is among the largest structures in Barcelona I think it's pretty hard to miss!
Designed by iconic architect Antoni Gaudi (the brains behind many of the city's most wonderful landmarks), this towering structure is yet to be complete although work started way back in 1882. Despite the building still being under construction - it's currently thought it may be finished in the first third of this century - there are still lots of fascinating things to see. Two of the church's three facades and apse are currently open to the public, while stunning stained glass windows can be found in the transepts.
Once you've finished soaking up the building's architectural splendour, head to the museum where you can see photographs documenting how the construction process has developed, as well as replica versions of Gaudi's original models.
Casa Batllo
Casa Batllo is another of Gaudi's designs that I recommend architecture fans seek out during a trip to Barcelona. Constructed between 1904 and 1906, this beautiful structure features eye-catching wavy walls covered in a mosaic of coloured glass and ceramic pieces.
Keep looking upwards and you'll eventually see the roof which has been designed to resemble the back of an animal and, as such, has large pointy scales. Step inside Casa Batllo and you will discover even more unusual and vibrant designs, from skylights that look like tortoise shells to a mushroom-shaped fireplace.
Fundacio Antoni Tapies
Finally, I'm going to look at the Fundacio Antoni Tapies museum. This institution has showcased contemporary art and culture since 1990, though the origin of the building it is housed in dates back much further than this.
Indeed, the structure was once used as a publishing house and was erected between 1880 and 1885 under the supervision of architect Lluis Domenech i Montaner. Considered to be an early example of Catalan modernism design, the building was one of the first in central Barcelona to feature exposed brickwork and iron.
Head inside and you can observe numerous pieces by Catalan artist Antoni Tapies, whose work includes Parafaragamus, an oil painting that he created in 1949.
Do you want to go on one of the great architecture-focused Barcelona tours? If so, let me know which buildings and landmarks you'd like to see the most by posting a comment below.
(This post was written by Hari Apostolides)
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