There are many unusual things to see in Barcelona.
Unique structures from Gaudí at bunkers of the Spanish Civil War in the hills, the city hides many wonders.
I'll accompany you to discover these works.
Barcelona unusual: article summary
Unusual Barcelona: the Casa Vicens
Visit Casa Vicens of Barcelona is a declared World Heritage Site; a unique oasis of peace with Moorish and Oriental influences, located in the relaxing district of Gràcia. Covered with green and white tiles, Gaudí built the Casa Vicens as a summer residence for the Vicens family.
This house marked the beginning of Gaudí's artistic career and is considered one of the first masterpieces of Modernism. The structure was considered highly innovative and original, a complete departure from the style of anything built in Catalonia. Recently completed, the site opened to the public.
With paintings, ceramics and wall decorations both inside and out, Casa Vicens deserves your full attention.
Practical information
The venue opens :
- Every day 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Entrance fees are as follows:
- 16 € for adults
- 14 € for ages 12 to 25
Younger visitors benefit from free admission.
You can get there with :
- To the metro via line L3 and stop at Fontana or Lesseps station.
- Buses lines 22, 27, 32, 87, 114, N4, V17
Sant Pau Hospital
The Sant Pau hospital is a beautiful building that few people know about. A veritable explosion of color and ornamentation, the Sant Pau was built from 1901 to 1930 on the foundations of a former religious hospital dating from the late 800s, as a magnificent garden city to care for the sick.
The center features an urban garden and a modern village with streets, pavilions and even a church and convent. Patients can also enjoy a view of the Sagrada Familia. Today, since its renovation, the pavilions shine in all their splendor.
Practical information
To get there, you can take :
- Take the metro and stop at Sant Pau station, opposite the hospital
You can visit the plant:
- Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Entrance fees are as follows:
- 16 € per person
- 11 € for children over 12
For the little ones, admission is free.
Unusual Barcelona: Bunkers del Carmel
In the El Carmel district, at the top of the Turó de la Rovira hill, you'll find the Carmel Bunkers. These buildings are former underground military bunkers offering the best view of the city.
One of Barcelona's best-hidden gems, the bunkers were built in 1937 during the Spanish Civil War to defend against fascist attacks. After the war, extreme poverty increased under Franco's regime and the bunkers became social housing and shelters for many inhabitants.
Practical information
The park is open every day of the week, including at night. Admission is free. To get there, I recommend :
- Visit metro and get off at Guinardó station
Calçotada
From the wide variety of Catalan cuisine, who would have thought that an onion could be so appreciated? One of the most widely consumed foods in the northern region of Spain, calçot, is a cross between an onion and a leek.
Originally from Valls, calçot are a sweet, tender and delicious delicacy. Once the calçot have been roasted, you can enjoy them dipped in a delicious hazelnut romesco sauce.
To live this experience every day of the year, head for a calçotadaone of the best places to eat calçots in Barcelona.
Unusual Barcelona: the wall of kisses
Looking for free things to do in Barcelona? Nestled in a small square a stone's throw from the cathedralBarcelona's most interesting street art mural. "El Món Neix en Cada Besada (The world begins with every kiss) is the name of the piece, and it was originally installed as part of Barcelona's tercentenary celebrations. It is so popular with the locals that it has never been removed.
Look closely and you'll see that each mosaic is actually a photograph. Each photo shows an interpretation of love.
Practical information
The easiest way to get there is to take :
- The metro and get off at Jaume I station
During your vacation in Barcelona, I recommend visiting these unusual places in the city. You'll discover a whole new side to the Catalan capital. What's more, they're little-known to tourists, these places are generally quiet and intimate.
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