BARCELONA
Off The Beaten Path
Barcelona isn’t all Gaudi all the time. While the Sagrada and Casa Batlló may be some of the city’s biggest draws, there’s so much more to see. Aside from the extensive roman ruins, the incredible Gothic Quarter, and, of course, Barcelona Beach, there are too many amazing spots off the beaten path to even begin to describe. But, no fear, I’ve listed my absolute favorites below. And the best thing about Barcelona is that damn near everything is within walking distance. Nothing beats a culturally rich city that’s easy to navigate.
Palau de la Musica
C/ Palau de la Musica, 4-6
Maybe this one isn’t exactly off the beaten path, since the balcony’s tiled pillars have exploded on Instagram, but I think the inside far surpasses anything you’ve ever seen.
Only a seven minute walk from Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter is the most ornate music hall ever created. Built in the beginning of the 20th century, this space is adorned in sculptures of cherubs, angels, and winged horses. Crowned by an immense skylight, the ceiling pays mosaic homage to all the greatest composers in time, such as Chopin and Beethoven. The opulence even explodes out to the exterior of the building. It was easily one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to, second probably only to the Alhambra.
Sant Felip Neri Church
Placa de Sant Felip Neri
Far less famous than Sagrada is the Church of Sant Felip in the heart of the Gothic Quarter. While it does receive it’s fair amount of onlookers, there to see the famous post war pockmarked wall, the tragedy seems to get lost in translation, with only one small plaque to commemorate the lives that were lost.
Originally a convent, the church was repurposed during the Spanish Civil War as a shelter for evacuated children. On January 30, 1938, Francisco Franco laid siege to the city. One of his bombs fell onto the church, killing 30, most of which were small children. People flocked to the square, attempting to pull survivors from the rubble, when Franco dropped another bomb, killing 12 more.
The real tragedy here is that for many years Franco lied, spreading propaganda that the holes were proof of terrorists attacking the church and killing priests, not from his own orders to bomb the city’s shelter.
Labyrinth Park of Horta
Passeig dels Castanyers, 1
Hidden away in the heart of Barcelona is this adorable little gem. Originally built in the 1790’s as part of some wealthy dude’s estate, the labyrinth is only part of a much larger park system that now belongs to the city.
Absolutely stunning and incredibly well maintained, the park only allows 750 visitors per day. The park for entry is just under €3 or free on Wednesdays and Sundays.
The World Begins with Every Kiss (Mural)
Place d’Isidre Nonell
Generally I don’t get down with the artsy vibe, but Barcelona’s Kissing Mural really changed my mind about the growing street art scene around the world. What is actually a mosaic of 4,000 personal photos from the community commemorating moments of freedom, the Kissing Mural was originally supposed to be a temporary exhibition marking the Tricentennial Catalonia Day, but was so well received that its become a permanent display.