DK Travel : Barcelona

With warm, crystal-clear waters lapping its sandy shores and mountains nuzzling up to its northern edge, this glittering jewel in the Mediterranean is blessed with desirable geographical genes. From the buoyant, revamped port area to the atmospheric medieval streets of the Barri Gòtic and the beautiful Modernista buildings of the Eixample, Barcelona has it all. A host of treasure-filled museums, architectural wonders, lively beaches and enchanting squares provide the icing on the cake.

Monestir de Pedralbes

Named after the Latin petras albas , which means white stones, this outstandingly beautiful Gothic monastery was founded by Queen Elisenda de Montcada de Piños in the early 14th century. Her alabaster tomb lies in the wall between the church and the particularly impressive three storey Gothic cloister. An interesting glimpse of medieval life is provided by the furnished kitchens, cells, infirmary and refectory, all of which are well preserved.

Exterior, Monestir de Pedralbes

Gallery, Col·leció Thyssen-Bornemisza
Monestir de Poblet

This busy, working monastery contains the Gothic Capella de Sant Jordi, a Romanesque church, and the Porta Daurada, a doorway that was gilded for Felipe II’s visit in 1564.
Monestir de Ripoll

The west portal of this monastery (879) has reputedly the finest Romanesque carvings in Spain. Of the original buildings, only the doorway and cloister remain.
Monestir de Sant Pere de Rodes

The dilapidated charm of this UNESCO World Heritage Site may have dwindled since its face-lift, but nothing detracts from the views it offers over Cap de Creus and Port de la Selva.
Monestir de Santes Creus

The cloister at this Gothic treasure (1150) is notable for the beautifully sculpted capitals by English artist Reinard Funoll.
Montfalcón

Survive Barcelona’s summer heat the old-fashioned way: buy a fan. From antique to hand-painted and contemporary fans, there are plenty to choose from. Also featured are original paintings by Catalan artists.
Montjuïc

Take in the city’s green scene with an amble around Montjuïc’s verdant slopes. The initial climb to the grandiose Palau Nacional (Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya), from Plaça d’Espanya is eased by a series of escalators. From the palace, veer left and continue along the main road, stopping off at Jardí Mossèn Jacint Verdaguer (Parks & Gardens) before continuing round to Miramar for a spectacular view.
Montjuïc Cable Cars

Unlike the nerve-jangling cable-car ride across the port, these smaller, lower-altitude cable car trips are a better option if you have children with you. The ride to the Montjuïc summit also has the added appeal of the castle (Castell de Montjuïc & Museu Militar) at the top, with cannons for the kids to clamber on.
Montmeló

Top-class motor racing, including Formula 1, regularly comes to this circuit.
Montserrat

The dramatic mount of Montserrat, with its remote Benedictine monastery (dating from 1025), is a religious symbol and a place of pilgrimage for the Catalan people. The Basilica houses a statue of Catalonia’s patron virgin, La Moreneta, also know as the “Black Virgin”. Some legends date the statue to AD 50, but research suggests it was carved in the 12th century. The monastery itself was largely destroyed in 1811 during the War of Independence, and rebuilt some 30 years later. Montserrat forms part of a ridge of mountains that rise suddenly from the plains. Take the funicular to the mountain’s unspoilt peaks, where paths run alongside spectacular gorges to numerous hermitages.