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!
Esta ciudad tiene tanto pasado que no puedes evitar sumergirte en él mientras recorres sus salas y pasillos. Cuando piensas en el origen de estos lugares y en cómo se construyeron, te asombras de lo mucho que se ha pensado y amado cada uno de ellos.
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.
Los mejores lugares históricos de Barcelona
1. Iglesia de la Sagrada Familia
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.
Descubra La Sagrada Familiauna maravilla arquitectónica y una obra maestra que nunca se acaba.
2. Parque Güell
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.
Ver una guía para Park Güell (Entradas, Arte y Arquitectura).
3. La Catedral de Barcelona
La iglesia, construida entre los siglos XIII y XV, es el centro neurálgico del Barrio Gótico. Las grandes torres de la iglesia ofrecen unas vistas espectaculares de los alrededores. Es una de las iglesias góticas más magníficas del mundo.
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.
Conozca la historia de la Catedral de Barcelona así como consejos y guías.
4. El Museo 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. Paseo de Gracia
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.
La calle, de un kilómetro de largo, está repleta de boutiques y restaurantes de lujo. También descubrirá arquitectura modernista en esta zona, como La Casa Fuster, La Casa Ametller y La Pedrera. Por lo general, se puede esperar una experiencia gastronómica encantadora aquí debido a la deliciosa cocina; sin embargo, los precios pueden ser un poco caros.
6. The Crypt of Colonia Güell
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. Casa Vicens
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. Arco de Triunfo
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.
El arco se utiliza regularmente para diversos eventos de la ciudad, como maratones y festivales de música. Es conocido por ser la pasarela del festival anual Primavera Sound, además de un importante hito histórico de Barcelona.
“An arch consists of two weaknesses, which, leaning on each other, become a strength.”
– Leonardo da Vinci
También puede visitar el arco durante la noche, cuando se transforma en arcos brillantes que centellean a la luz de la luna. Así que si busca una exquisita pieza arquitectónica que visitar en Barcelona, éste es un lugar perfecto para usted. El colorido atrio continúa por la calle a ambos lados para crear unas vistas impresionantes.
9. Palau de la Música Catalana
los 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. Palacio Nacional MNAC
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.
Lugares históricos de Barcelona más allá de las guías
Una ciudad más allá de Gaudí: adentrarse en las sombras
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.
Los barrios olvidados: Del Raval a 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.
De secretos sagrados y estancias espirituales
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.
Historias no contadas de ingenio artístico
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.
Rutas culinarias menos transitadas
La Boquería tiene su encanto, pero para quienes busquen lugares históricos de Barcelona relacionados con las delicias culinarias, los mercados de zonas como El Raval o Poble Sec ofrecen un recorrido ajeno al mercantilismo.
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.
Festivales más allá de la corriente dominante
Lejos de las fiestas habituales, adéntrese en la cultura local. Viva tradiciones como el baile de la Sardana, o celebre Sant Jordi en las plazas más pequeñas de la ciudad, lejos de la grandiosidad de los actos principales.
Preguntas más frecuentes (FAQ)
Nota del autor
Sólo hemos rozado la superficie de los lugares históricos de Barcelona. Este país de las maravillas arquitectónicas ofrece una gran variedad de tesoros históricos que puede visitar por sí mismo. Entre ellos, parques, museos y la arquitectura más ejemplar de Europa.
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!