Parc Güell
Constructed as a 20-hectare park between 1910 and 1914. The original intent was to create
a pleasant combination of urban and natural landscapes by building houses, gardens and
public institutions. But the project was never completed. However, you do get to see a great mixture of architectural styles. For instance, the columns of the Sala de las Cien Columnas (Hall of the Hundred Columns)
are purely classical, while the balcony they support is an example of romantic style, and it's
covered in modernist-style colored mosaic tiles.
Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA)
It is a group of massive white buildings, designed by Richard Meier. It combines elements of modern American architecture with the Mediterranean
rationalist custom. It opened to the public in 1995, showing a permanent collection donated by Catalonia's other
great artistic institutions, made up of work produced over the last 50 years. The museum organises regular temporary exhibitions featuring contemporary Spanish and
foreign artists as well as lectures, concerts, seminars and audiovisual competitions.
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L'Aquàrium
This exclusive transparent building houses the city's aquarium and has become a main
visitor attraction
on the harbor. The tanks hold the widest possible variety of marine life from all the
world's seas, but the big draw is the sharks, of course. Children's play room and a
souvenir shop is also there. |
Zoo (El) Division of the Parc de la Ciutadella (City Park) complex, the zoo houses over 7,000 animals
from over 500 different species. You can see dolphin shows and other aquatic mammals
performing in the marine enclosure at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 4pm. One of the star attractions is
Copito de Nieve (Snowflake), the only albino gorilla in captivity. There are tropical birds,
reptiles, spiders, lions, tigers and more.
Catedral
In the 6th century the cathedral started life as a small Visigoth chapel. Afterward, during
the 11th century, a Romanesque church was built on top of it. In 1298, construction of the
Gothic cathedral proper began, and that's what visitors see today. Although regular additions
have been made over the years, you can see some of the 11th-century structure in the
Portal de Sant Iu doorway. The interior contains some masterpieces of religious art
and architecture, including the choir area, the Christ of Lepanto (16th century) crucifix,
the Crypt of Santa Eulàlia (Barcelona's patron saint) and its adjoining cloister.
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Basílica de Santa María del Mar
Apart from the Cathedral and Sagrada Familia, this is the most visually appealing religious
building in the city. You should include it in any visit to the Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter).
It's an austere Gothic structure with a hugely impressive 15th-century stained-glass window in the
shape of a rosette. Built between 1329 and 1384, it features some outstanding sculptures on its
façade and in the tympanum.
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| Teatro Arriaga
The building is designed using the Paris Opera House as a model. To which, Joaquin Ruboca, who designed it, added some Renaissance touches. Great play has been performed by some of the country's best actors in this favorite theatre over the years. Outstanding architectural features contain the two polygonal towers, the grand auditorium, the mezzanine, the huge windows and the rooftop terrace with views of the river, Arenal and Campo Volantín. The sophisticatedly furnished and lavishly decorated interior has a magnificent imperial staircase designed by Francisco Hurtado de Saracho. The theatre opened in 1890 and was later named after a young local musician. You can collect your hire car at our rental outlets in Burgos. To find more information on using a hire car round Bilbao, try our "Car Hire in Burgos" page. | |
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| Puente Colgante
This is not only giant iron bridge but a transport platform also.
There is a striking similarity to the Eiffel Tower in Paris. It joins the two districts of
PortugaleteGetxo by spanning the 160m of river separating them. You can take a trip
on the elevator and walk along the platform 163m above the water to get some
exceptional views. It was built between 1890 and 1893 by architect Alberto Palacios
who was also responsible for Madrid's and famous Atocha station. Guides accompany
visits up the elevators and it costs 500 ptas (EUR 3). The structure is an official architectural heritage site. |
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