9 Historic Places to Visit in Barcelona

“Barcelona has a long history dating back over 2,000 years, giving it a rich array of heritage sites and monuments that tells its story. To experience the best of historic Barcelona, be sure to visit these 9 heritage sites.

1. Casa Batllò
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Casa Batllò is a grand architectural landmark designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudí. Considered one of his masterpieces, Casa Batllò is a remodel of an existing house that was designed with a visceral, skeletal quality. Its style is identified as modernisme or art nouveau, but it’s notable for its use of flowing, sculpted stonework and irregular shapes constructed of colourful mosaics.

2. Old Hospital de la Santa Creu
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The Old Hospital de la Santa Creu is a building complex used from the 15th to 18th centuries that once served as a hospital and hospice. It’s now the home of the National Library of Catalonia, the Institute for Catalan Studies, the former College of Surgeons and an art school. The impressive Catalan civil-Gothic hospital has seen some of the most notable figures in Catalan history and culture, including Antoni Viladomat and Antoni Gaudí.

3. Santa Maria del Pi
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The Santa Maria del Pi is a gorgeous 14th-century Gothic church in Barcelona’s old town. The old church has experienced significant damage over the years, including an earthquake and bombings from the war of the Spanish succession, but it’s been restored to its former glory. It’s notable for its large rose window, the statue of Virgin and Child, prominent buttresses and dramatic bell towers.

4. La Sagrada Família
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La Sagrada Família is arguably the most famous of Barcelona’s historic landmarks. This large, unfinished Roman Catholic minor basilica was designed by Antoni Gaudíi and boasts a unique Gothic and curvilinear art nouveau style. Because Gaudí devoted so much of his life and work to the project, his final resting place is in the crypt.

5. Casa Milà
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Casa Milà, better known as La Pedrera, is a modernist building that was the last private residence designed by Gaudí. Translated to ‘stone quarry’, the building is known for its unconventional rough-hewn appearance, undulating stone façade, wrought-iron details and spectacular roof terrace.

6. Palau Güell
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Palau Güell is a mansion designed by Gaudí that was built for an industrial tycoon. It’s located in the El Raval neighbourhood of Barcelona in Carrer Nou de la Rambla. The design of the mansion is focused around entertaining high society, complete with a parabolic arch and intricate forged ironwork, a livery stable, a receiving room and a high ceiling with holes for lanterns to give the look of a starlit night sky.

7. Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia
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The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, also known as the Barcelona Cathedral, is a Gothic cathedral and the seat of the archbishop of Barcelona. It was constructed between the 13th and 15th centuries, but different aspects were constructed or renovated during different periods. The building is known for its neo-Gothic façade that covered the nondescript exterior that was once traditional for Catalan churches, dramatic gargoyles that feature both domestic and mythical animals and the cloister, which encloses the Well of the Geese.

8. Columbus Monument
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The Columbus Monument is a 60-metre tall monument to Christopher Columbus in La Rambla. It was constructed in honour of Columbus’ first voyage to the Americas and his report to King Ferdinand V and Queen Isabella I in Barcelona after he arrived. In addition to its rich historical significance, the statue also features bronze-winged victories, gryphons, an anchor and spectacular buttresses on the octagonal pedestal bearing portrait medallions that depict individuals significant to Columbus’ life.

9. Palau de la Música Catalana
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Palau de la Música Catalana is a concert hall designed in the modernista style by architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner. It was constructed for the choral society that was a dominant force in Catalan cultural movement, Catalan Rebirth, in 1908. Now, the hall is open for musical performances that range from symphonies and chamber music to traditional Catalan song and jazz, drawing over half a million people each year.

Experience historic Barcelona
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Barcelona is one of the most fascinating cities in the world, rich with historic monuments and stunning architectural achievements. Get planning your holiday in Barcelona and make the most of the experience.”