BARCELONA ARCHITECTURE & FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF SPAIN

Barcelona has whimsical, playful, and organic architecture that never ceases to amaze. And that was one aspect that captured my interest right away during my first visit to Spain. Barcelona's big city energy feels youthful, lively, and thrilling. So it's fitting to see the architecture reflect those same characteristics. Not only did my sister and I admire the iconic works of Antoni Gaudí. But we also managed to take part in some popular activities to do while in the city, like have tapas on the beach and visit the food markets. Scroll down to see moments of our first Spanish adventure together! (Also to read about our other explorations around Spain, take a look at my blog post about summer in Andalusia here.)

La Sagrada Família

Antoni Gaudí's structures convey the styles of Modernisme, Art Nouveau, and Spanish Gothic. And one of his most famous works is this vivid, organic, sculpture-adorned basilica. Construction began in the 1880s and is still a work in progress today. Touring the interior was even more mesmerizing, knowing that this unfinished building already evokes so much awe. While listening to the guide speak, I watched the morning light shine through the stained glass windows. Warm and cool gradients colored the sandstone, creating an indoor rainbow if such a thing could exist.

A Photo Walk featuring Architecture in Barcelona

As we wandered the Barcelona streets and plazas, we admired more of Gaudi's architecture like Casa Batlló and Casa Milá. Also I enjoyed seeing nature inhabit some urban spaces, like the palm trees standing tall in the Plaça Reial. Then we visited La Boqueria Market to try the food from the stalls, as well as to drink a fresh juice, or zumo. And since the sun was out everyday, we seized the opportunity to enjoy seafood tapas at a chic bar on Barceloneta Beach.

Parc Güell

On our last day in Barcelona, we managed to visit one more infamous piece of art and architecture by Gaudí: Parc Güell. Construction of this green space began in 1900. It is filled with buildings, gardens and other elements, all displaying Gaudí's signature imaginative and free-flowing style.