Report: Cécile Balavoine. Photos: Ludovic Maisant.
If you have an hour...
Of course, a trip to Barcelona is incomplete without a visit to the Sagrada FamiliaConstruction began in 1882. Antoni Gaudi supervised the work until his death in 1926, even going so far as to live inside the basilica. Work is still in progress and is due to be officially completed in to be completed in 2026to celebrate the centenary of this architectural genius. Seeing this place from the outside is not enough: going inside is an extraordinary experience. It's best to book your ticket online!
... or half a day
If the Casa Batllo or the PedreraAntoni Gaudi's two sublime buildings on the famous Passeig de Gracia are a must-see, but they can also be a disappointment due to the influx of visitors. Surprisingly, the Güell Palacelocated a stone's throw from the Rambla de Catalunya, is much less frequented, but it is a pure marvel, as is the Casa Vicensin the pretty Gracia district. Also worth a visit is theSant Pau hospitalIt was designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner, Gaudi's teacher. The best time to visit is at 9.30am, when the building opens and is almost deserted.
Shopping The 22@ district is packed with unexpected little shops, like jewels in the middle of rehabilitated warehouses. But the focal point is certainly the shopping centre GlorièsThis is where you'll find Spanish brands Zara and Desigual. Second-hand goods aficionados will flock to the city's oldest flea market, the Els Encantswhich already existed in the 14th century.e century! But don't be fooled, it now stands under an ultra-contemporary mirrored canopy, just opposite the Design Museum. |
