DK Travel : Barcelona : Places of interest

Page
1
2
3
4
5
6

Museu Marítim

Barcelona’s mighty seafaring legacy comes to life at this impressive museum housed in the vast, 13th-century Drassanes Reials (Royal Shipyards). Wander beneath looming Gothic arches and relive Barcelona’s maritime history through exhibits of model ships, old maps and figure-heads. A highlight is the full-scale replica of the Royal, the ship commanded by Don Juan of Austria during the Battle of Lepanto in 1571. Entrance also includes a visit to the Pailebot Santa Eulàlia (Pailebot Santa Eulàlia), a restored wooden sailing ship dating from 1918.
Pailebot Santa Eulàlia

Bobbing in the water at the Moll de la Fusta (Timber Quay) is this renovated, three-mast schooner, originally christened Carmen Flores . It first set sail from Spain in 1918. On journeys to Cuba, the ship used to transport textiles and salt, and return with tobacco, coffee, cereals and wood. In 1997, the Museu Marítim (Museu Marítim) bought and restored the ship as part of an ongoing project to create a collection of seaworthy historical Catalan vessels.
Palau Güell

For an artist, a wealthy patron spells survival. The luck of young Gaudí turned when count Eusebi Güell recognized his talents. In 1886, Güell commissioned Gaudí to build a mansion that would set the count apart from his wealthy neighbours. The result is the Palau Güell, one of Gaudí’s earliest works. An imposing façade gives way to an elaborate interior of lavish pillars and carved wooden ceilings, while the rooftop has a melange of mosaic chimneys.
Palau Reial de Pedralbes

This majestic palace, once the main Residence of Count Eusebi Güell, was donated by the count to the Spanish royal family in 1919. Open to the public since 1937, the palace now houses the Museu de Ceràmica and the Museu de les Arts Decoratives. The former has a fine collection of Catalan and Moorish ceramics, including works by Miró and Picasso; the latter has period furniture plus a number of artifacts dating from the Middle Ages to the present day. The magnificent gardens include stands of bamboo, a fountain designed by Gaudí and some particularly pleasant strolls.

Museu de les Arts Decoratives, Palau Reial
Parc de Collserola

Beyond the peaks of Tibidabo mountain, this 6,500-ha (16,000-acre) natural park of wild forest and winding paths is an oasis of calm. It is great for hiking and biking (Parc de Collserola), with sign-posted paths and nature trails.
Parc del Laberint d’Horta

In 1802, the Marquès d’Alfarràs hosted a huge party in these wonderful Neo-Classical gardens to celebrate the visit of Carles IV. Designed by Italian architect Domenico Bagotti, they incorporate a lake, a waterfall, canals and a recently restored cypress-tree maze.
Parc d’Atraccions del Tibidabo

With its old-fashioned rides, the only surviving funfair in the city is a delight for children of all ages. The attractions include a House of Horrors, bumper cars, a ferris wheel and the Museu dels Autòmates (Top 10 Quirky Museums/Monuments) with animatronics of all shapes and sizes. There’s also a puppet show, picnic areas, playgrounds and plenty of bars and restaurants.(Parc d’Atraccions del Tibidabo).
Parc d’Atraccions del Tibidabo

Take the 100-year-old funicular up to the top of Tibidabo’s 517-m (1,695-ft) mountain to visit this traditional amusement park, which first opened in 1908. Although there are a couple of stomach-churning, white-knuckle rides, the real attractions are the quaint, old-fashioned ones, including a beautifully conserved carousel and a Ferris wheel. Here also is the Museu dels Autòmates (Top 10 quirky museums/Monuments), with automatons, mechanical models and a scale model of the park.
Parc Güell

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, this heady brew of architectural wizardry includes trencadís tiling, a serpentine bench, fairy-tale pavilions, Gothic archways, and the columned Sala Hipóstila (originally intended as a market hall). In true Gaudí style, playfulness and symbolism pervade every aspect of the park. The Casa-Museu Gaudí, where Gaudí lived for 20 years, is dedicated to the architect’s life.
Parc Zoològic

The zoo has an enormous adventure playground where children can run wild. There are also dolphin and whale shows in one of the aquariums. Other activities for children include guided tours and workshops. The “farm” area has goats and rabbits that younger children can stroke. See Parc Zoològic.