Historical Sites in Barcelona: Tourists’ and Locals’ Top Picks

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Christian Petzold

Veröffentlicht November 29, 2023
Historical Sites in Barcelona: Tourists’ and Locals’ Top Picks

No site has aged like Barcelona’s historic sites. Let’s dive into the best historical sites in Barcelona that both locals and visitors love. They have been around for centuries, serving the many people who travel here to experience the city. There are not many places that have as much history as Spanish historic sites. Some of them are thousands of years old! 

Diese Stadt hat so viel Vergangenheit, dass man nicht anders kann, als in sie einzutauchen, wenn man durch ihre Räume und Gänge geht. Wenn man darüber nachdenkt, woher diese Orte stammen und wie sie erbaut wurden, kommt man aus dem Staunen nicht mehr heraus, denn es wurde so viel Liebe und Sorgfalt in die Gestaltung jedes einzelnen von ihnen gesteckt. 

Tourists love exploring these places because each one is uniquely different from the next. What do you love most about Barcelona? If you’re like most people, it’s the history and culture that this city has to offer.

Die besten historischen Stätten in Barcelona

1. Kirche La Sagrada Familia

Placa De La Sagrada Familia 2

It is easy to see why La Sagrada Familia Church is one of the most historical sites in Barcelona. One of Spain’s most prolific architects, Antoni Gaudí, designed the church and it’s still not finished today. La Sagrada Familia is a grand church that stands tall in the middle of Barcelona. It is one of the most expensive buildings ever constructed, and many people worldwide have sought after it. This church sits on over acres of land and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984.

“The Sagrada Familia is a work on the grand scale, but it is a failure – a disaster – it is hideous. One thinks of an enchanter who, against one’s will, changes a beloved woman into a ghastly monster.”

– George Orwell

It is enough to make any traveler feel overwhelmed by the intricate and eye-catching decorations, excessively ornamented external walls, a play of light and shadow on the wall reliefs, and the sheer scale of the edifice. It is unquestionably a sight that’s a lost opportunity if you miss it on your visit to the city of Barcelona.

Entdecken Sie La Sagrada Familiaein architektonisches Wunder und ein Meisterwerk, das nie endet.

Wussten Sie das?

One fun fact about historical sites in Barcelona is that the city’s iconic Sagrada Familia church has been under construction for longer than some countries have existed as independent nations. Construction of the Sagrada Familia began in 1882 and is still ongoing. It’s expected to be completed in the 2030s, making it a remarkable example of enduring architectural ambition and dedication to a single project over generations.

2. Park Guell

Park Guell 2

Created as a result of Barcelona’s architect Antoni Gaudí’s collaboration with Eusebi Güell, the Park Guell is a popular tourist attraction and one of the most recognizable historical sites in Barcelona. It was initially built as a residential neighborhood but was eventually abandoned. Now it is a park where people can enjoy the pathways, gardens, and outdoor sculptures.

The park does not follow any specific design; instead, it follows the natural flow of Gaudi’s style. Every component in the park is intricately designed in vivid hues. Park Guell is a magical wonderland that never ceases to enchant and captivate visitors.

Siehe einen Leitfaden für Park Güell (Eintrittskarten, Kunst und Architektur).

3. Die Kathedrale von Barcelona

Kathedrale 1

Die zwischen dem 13. und 15. Jahrhundert erbaute Kirche bildet den Mittelpunkt des gotischen Viertels. Von den großen Türmen der Kirche aus hat man einen spektakulären Blick auf die Umgebung. Sie ist eine der prächtigsten gotischen Kirchen der Welt. 

Visit the church at night. The facade lightens up with a warm glow, and you’ll be pleased with what you see.  There is a gorgeous building on the inside of the structure, along with a magnificent cloister. This historical landmark in Barcelona is always at the top of the best-of-the-best lists. 

Erfahren Sie mehr über die Geschichte der Kathedrale von Barcelona sowie Tipps und Leitfäden.

4. Das Picasso-Museum

Museu Picasso

The museum is home to the vastest collection of Picasso’s work. The museum is set inside a beautiful old building constructed in 1916. The building’s rooftop houses twisting sculptures by various artists, such as Picasso, Miró, and Dalí. 

“While I am at it, I may as well paint something. I shall never have an easier time than this to begin painting. I have been waiting for a free morning for fifteen years.”

– Pablo Picasso

The museum features an incredible display of Picasso’s works, including paintings and prints, which depict all sorts of themes, from paintings to his time spent in Spain during the 1920s. It is truly one of the most fascinating historical sites in Barcelona you will ever visit because it has such a diverse collection to marvel at.

5. Passeig de Gracia

Passeig De Gracia 2

Passeig de Gracia is a street located in the center of Barcelona. It was initially developed as a carriage road and used until 1914. Today, Passeig de Gracia has become one of the most important streets in the city’s history because it was converted into a pedestrian-only avenue during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) and became one of Barcelona’s major shopping streets.

Gehobene Boutiquen und Lokale säumen die kilometerlange Straße. In dieser Gegend können Sie auch modernistische Architektur entdecken, darunter La Casa Fuster, La Casa Ametller und La Pedrera. In der Regel können Sie hier aufgrund der köstlichen Küche ein schönes Essenserlebnis erwarten, allerdings können die Preise ein wenig hoch sein.

6. The Crypt of Colonia Güell

Krypta der Colonia Guell Barcelona 1

The Crypt of Colonia Güell is a hidden gem behind an inconspicuous wall on the edge of Barcelona’s city center. The crypt is part of Antoni Gaudí’s famous Park Güell, originally constructed as a luxurious urban development project for prosperous families in the early 1900s. 

However, the Great Depression ended these plans and left many homes unfinished. Instead, many wealthy residents took advantage of this unique opportunity to purchase homes at discounted rates and build their personalized designs; today, it has become home to some unique sculptures by all sorts of artists like Picasso, Dalí, and Miró.

This small museum offers an appealing glimpse into this charming building with its breathtaking stained-glass windows and beautiful tile work. You can also see the remains of the Güell family crypt and several works by Gaudí in this historical landmark in Barcelona.

7. Haus Vicens

Casa Vicens Barcelona 1

Casa Vicens is a private property in Barcelona’s Gràcia area built as Antoni Gaudi’s first major commission in the city but is perhaps the least well-known of his works. From 1883 to 1885, Gaudi designed Casa Vicens for its initial owner, Manel Vicens i Montaner, who recruited the young architect  (only in his thirties) to design his first home in Barcelona that has now become an important historical landmark in Barcelona. 

Gaudi designed a vacation house for Vicens i Montaner in the fashionable Gràcia neighborhood, and he delivered on that promise with flying colors. Outside, you’ll see a beautifully lush garden, including waterfalls and fountains. Also, the external and interior walls of the Casa are covered with nature-inspired themes to complete the overall effect.

8. Arc de Triomf

Arco De Triunfo in Barcelona

The Arc de Triomf is on the edge of Ciutadella Park in the heart of Barcelona’s historic district. It was initially constructed to serve as a grand entrance to the Barcelona World Fair, which took place in 1888.

Der Bogen wird regelmäßig für verschiedene städtische Veranstaltungen genutzt, darunter Marathons und Musikfestivals. Er ist nicht nur ein wichtiges historisches Wahrzeichen Barcelonas, sondern auch dafür bekannt, den Weg für das jährliche Primavera Sound Festival zu bilden.

“An arch consists of two weaknesses, which, leaning on each other, become a strength.”

– Leonardo da Vinci

Sie können den Bogen auch nachts besichtigen, wenn er sich in helle Bögen verwandelt, die im Mondlicht funkeln. Wenn Sie also auf der Suche nach einem exquisiten Stück Architektur sind, das Sie in Barcelona besichtigen möchten, ist dies der perfekte Ort für Sie. Das farbenfrohe Atrium setzt sich auf beiden Seiten der Straße fort und bietet beeindruckende Ausblicke.

9. Palau de la Música Catalana

Palau De La Musica Catalana 2

Die Palau de la Música Catalana, designed by the great architect Lluis Domènech I Montaner, is an architectural treasure trove of Catalan Art Nouveau and the only music venue in this style to be accepted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The Concert Hall is Palau’s largest and most well-known venue. This 2,146-seat theatre with an elegant glass dome serves as the primary location for concerts and recitals. It was built to house Barcelona’s choir – the Orfeó Catalá. The amateur choir continues to perform at the venue to this day, making Palau de la Musica Catalana one of the most visited historical sites in Barcelona.

10. Nationaler Palast MNAC

Mnac-Museum Barcelona

The MNAC is housed in the Palau Nacional de Montjuic, also known as the National Palace of Montjuic, built-in 1929 for the International Exposition of Barcelona in the city that same year. A total of 32,000m2 was dedicated to constructing the palace, which was influenced by the Spanish Renaissance and the academic classicism that was fashionable at the time. In addition to dominating the vista from Plaça Espanya, the building is a significant tourist attraction.

The MNAC collection is the world’s most extensive collection of Romanesque art, with pieces dating from about 1000AD to the beginning of the Gothic era in the 13th century, which makes this building a fascinating historical landmark in Barcelona. It is home to a fantastic collection of Catalan Romanesque paintings and sculptures, many of which were formerly shown in rural churches around Catalonia. This collection includes several panel paintings, wood carvings, and many other works of art.

Historische Stätten in Barcelona jenseits der Reiseführer

Eine Stadt jenseits von Gaudi: Eintauchen in die Schatten

While Antonio Gaudi’s masterpieces like Casa Batlló and Casa Milà undoubtedly command attention, the true essence of historical sites in Barcelona lies deeper, in the alleys and byways less traveled. For those willing to go off the beaten path, this city has treasures hidden from the common tourist’s gaze.

Die vergessenen Quartiere: Von El Raval bis Ciutat Vella 

Often bypassed in favor of the bustling La Rambla, El Raval is among the historical sites in Barcelona offering an authentic taste of the city’s bohemian past. A walk here will lead you to old ateliers and unassuming tapas bars. Meanwhile, in the heart of Ciutat Vella, beyond the shadows of popular sites, the stories of old Barcelona are whispered by its ancient walls.

Von heiligen Geheimnissen und spirituellen Aufenthalten 

While the magnificence of Barcelona Cathedral captivates many, the city’s lesser-known religious historical sites such as Santa Maria in the quieter quarters offer a deeper spiritual connection. Sagrat Cor, perched atop Mount Tibidabo, offers panoramic views alongside its religious significance.

Unerzählte Geschichten über künstlerischen Einfallsreichtum 

Beyond Museu Picasso, there’s Colònia Güell. As one of the lesser-visited historical sites in Barcelona designed by Gaudi, it doesn’t swarm with tourists, offering a tranquil exploration of his genius. Additionally, the legacy of Lluís Domènech weaves through the city in buildings less celebrated but equally mesmerizing, like Casa Amatller.

Kulinarisch weniger begangene Pfade 

La Boqueria hat ihren Charme, aber für diejenigen, die auf der Suche nach historischen Stätten in Barcelona sind, die mit kulinarischen Genüssen verbunden sind, bieten Märkte in Gegenden wie El Raval oder Poble Sec eine vom Kommerz unberührte Reise.

Discoveries Beyond the City’s Embrace 

A short journey outside the city’s confines reveals more about the historical sites in Barcelona and its surroundings. While Montserrat Monastery is somewhat known, places like Colònia Güell, or the natural wonders around Sagrat Cor are treasures awaiting discovery.

Festivals jenseits des Mainstreams 

Tauchen Sie abseits der üblichen Festivitäten in die lokale Kultur ein. Erleben Sie Traditionen wie den Sardana-Tanz, oder feiern Sie Sant Jordi auf den kleineren Plätzen der Stadt, abseits der großen Veranstaltungen.

Häufig gestellte Fragen (FAQs)

Author’s Note

Wir haben nur die Oberfläche der historischen Stätten in Barcelona angekratzt. Dieses architektonische Wunderland bietet eine Vielzahl von historischen Schätzen, die Sie selbst besuchen können. Dazu gehören Parks, Museen und die beispielhafteste Architektur, die man in Europa finden kann.

Barcelona is perfect if you are seeking a beautiful combination of history, art, and architecture. We hope you’ve enjoyed reading about some of the fascinating treasures of Barcelona. Happy travels!

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