I have had the greatest fortune of being able to visit Barcelona, Spain on many occasions and I can honestly say that it is one place I wouldn’t mind relocating and living. Barcelona, the cosmopolitan capital of Spain’s Catalonia region, is known for its art and architecture. The fantastical Sagrada Família church and other modernist landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí dot the city. Museu Picasso and Fundació Joan Miró feature modern art by their namesakes.(Google)

From my hotel stay downtown, to my railroad travels, shopping, tourist sites, and cuisine (especially the red wine), I have done nothing but enjoy my stay each and every time. I have visited the La Sagrada Familia with every arrival and each time, there is something new to behold as construction progress on the massive structure is said to last for the next 100 years.

The Basílica de la Sagrada Família, also known as the Sagrada Família, is a large unfinished Roman Catholic minor basilica in the Eixample district of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. Designed by Spanish/Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, his work on the building is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

I wanted to offer you a glimpse through a few pictures from my last tour. While every single inch of the historic landmark does something to me, there are a few key parts that are most endearing.

A BIT OF HISTORY

I love the fact that the old and new testament portions of the bible are actually carved into and around the structure. In addition, the scriptural references on what appear to be 20 foot doors are equally as marvelous. The fact that the inside only boasts tall columns and no walls is amazing. I am a collector of old books so once I saw that a rare and old book collection was part of the museum display, I wanted to jump right in. I was forced to settle for a picture, but that means almost as much.

You can sign up for an elevator tour as part of your total experience and then walk down the spiral staircase back to the ground level. Upon entry you are provided headphones so you can listen to the walking audio tour that guides you throughout the basilica as if following a paint by numbers picture. The history behind the structure, would tickle any buff’s fancy. The architect, Gaudi, wanted to build a place where people of all nations and beliefs could come and pray. They even conduct mass on site and there are places where you can sit in peace and meditate. As a believer I can tell you that I definitely sensed the presence of God and believe I was met by that presence with each visit. Truth be told, that is probably why I keep going back.

I’ve found that it is always better to purchase your tickets in advance. In case you are preparing to take a trip, you can purchase your tickets HERE.

TOURISM

There are many other sites that bring the Barcelona Brilliance and Magnificence to one’s life experience:

Gaudi’s Park Guell, Casa Mila, Casa Batllo, La Rambla, and Mercado de la Borqueria to name a few. One of the most prominent newspapers in Spain is 20Minutos. If you are trying to brush up on your Spanish fluency, this is a must read.

TRANSPORTATION

If you need transportation from the airport, Aerobús is the official shuttle bus service that connects Barcelona and you can buy your tickets here.

CUISINE

For some of the best cuisine Barcelona has to offer, eater names Hetta as #1 and note that Hetta is the combined experimental work of executive chef Olof Johansson and chef de cuisine Alberto Sambinelli, both with Michelin pedigrees. To see the other 37 on their top 38 list, visit eater.  And for more insight on restaurants, Trip Advisor is a great go to.

SHOPPING

Barcelona has a style all its own and the shopping options are endless. If you are feeling daring, a complete shopping experience all your own would be to hire a personal shopper, and guess, what, it’s available and within reach.

BOOK YOUR FLIGHT

I only fly American Airlines, and you can book flights direct to Barcelona from many of their hubs including Miami and New York. The international First and Business Class service on American is unmatched. The airline has been one of the most notable for air travel, and has boasted a reputation for being a First Class experience for decades. Get your tickets and book today, you will not be disappointed!

 

 

 

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