Our second stop after Munich: a week in Barcelona. Talk about a city I loved spending an extended amount of time in. It was so much fun to explore with a little more time to settle in. We stayed in Old Town (aka Ciutat Vella), which was perfectly charming and wonderfully historic. Our hotel was right on the Rambla–perfect for what we like to do most–ramble.
Barcelona is the 2nd largest city in Spain and the capitol of Catalonia.
Catalonia is like the party, beachy region of Spain. It’s also the richest region of the country, not just because of tourism, but manufacturing as well.
Barcelona is known for it’s art and fanciful architecture. It’s a beautiful mix of old and new.
Plaza Reial is a popular spot for night life, but just as fun during the day.
We were so impressed by how clean the city is.
It’s no wonder with the incredible amount of street cleaning that goes on.
Mercado de La Boqueria has morphed a lot since 1217. While it’s changed structure and location many times, the metal roof it’s under now was constructed in 1914.
La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona’s most iconic structure, was designed by Catalan architect Antoni GaudĂ.
While construction began in 1882, it estimated that it won’t be completed until 2026.
GaudÒs unique vision merged both Gothic and Art Nouveau.
GaudĂ’ famously said that “my client is not in a hurry.”
It’s no wonder construction has lasted for 140 years.
When GaudĂ’ died, only roughly 15-25% of the church had been completed.
The organ in La Sagrada Familia is made up of 1,492 pipes.
GaudĂ’ intended the columns throughout to look like trees and branches.
GaudĂ’s work can be found all over the city. Casa BatllĂł, pictured below is another one of his masterpieces. The locals call it Casa dels ossos, which translates to House of Bones.
La Pedrera-Casa MilĂ , built in 1912, was the last private residence designed by GaudĂ.
La Rambla, Barcelona’s most famous pedestrian street
the patio off our hotel room, with beautiful views of La Rambla
While my husband enjoyed Spanish beer and wine, I polished off a liter of milk.
Pregnancy heartburn is a beast, but at least we had good views!
And we’re off yet again! Where do you think we headed next?
Hint: we didn’t have to travel very far to get there.
for the love of nike 