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Daytrip 2008-04-16 daytrip by: rooney_blue
75% positiv | 2 VOTINGS
rooney_blue's note for Santa Maria del Mar:
Located in the trendy and wonderful medieval neighborhood of El Born, Santa Maria del Mar is the perfect example of Catalan Gothic style. This style is characterized by large bare spaces, simplicity and octagonal towers. The Saint Mary is (among her other roles) the patroness of all sailors, that's why in a city of navigators and merchants this basilica was built so quickly, in just 55 (!) years - 1329-1384. I recommend going inside and spending some quiet minutes for a spiritual experience. The gracefulness of this church can bring up a believer even in an atheist for some time :) ADDRESS: Placa de Santa Maria Barcelona, Spain OPEN: Mon-Sat: 9am-1.30pm, 4.30pm-8pm; Sun 10am-1-30pm, 4.30pm-8pm. Admission free TRANSPORT: Metro: Jaume I PHONE: +34 93 310 23 90
Located in the trendy and wonderful medieval neighborhood of El Born, Santa Maria del Mar is the perfect example of Catalan Gothic style. This style is characterized by large bare spaces, simplicity and octagonal towers. The Saint Mary is (among her other roles) the patroness of all sailors, that's why in a city of navigators and merchants this basilica was built so quickly, in just 55 (!) years - 1329-1384. I recommend going inside and spending some quiet minutes for a spiritual experience. The gracefulness of this church can bring up a believer even in an atheist for some time :) ADDRESS: Placa de Santa Maria Barcelona, Spain OPEN: Mon-Sat: 9am-1.30pm, 4.30pm-8pm; Sun 10am-1-30pm, 4.30pm-8pm. Admission free TRANSPORT: Metro: Jaume I PHONE: +34 93 310 23 90
rooney_blue's note for La Gavina ("The Seagull"):
Entry: free! At the beginning of his career, Gaudi was only supported by the rich industrialist Eusebi Güell, who also commissioned Park Guell, wanting to create a stylish park for Barcelona's aristocracy. Not easy, if not impossible, to describe, this park, containing amazing stone structures, a walkway supported by twisting rock pillars, stunning tiling, fascinating buildings and a terraced area with view of the park and of Barcelona City, welcomes you with the Gaudi dragon fountain, said to have something rather hypnotic and magical about it. Tip: Plan to spend at least half a day there - due to its location and size. It is well worth it... ADDRESS: Carrer D'Olot 0 Barcelona, Spain OPEN: opening:10am, closing time depending on the season, mostly around 7pm TRANSPORT: Green Line: Lesseps, Vallcarca
Entry: free! At the beginning of his career, Gaudi was only supported by the rich industrialist Eusebi Güell, who also commissioned Park Guell, wanting to create a stylish park for Barcelona's aristocracy. Not easy, if not impossible, to describe, this park, containing amazing stone structures, a walkway supported by twisting rock pillars, stunning tiling, fascinating buildings and a terraced area with view of the park and of Barcelona City, welcomes you with the Gaudi dragon fountain, said to have something rather hypnotic and magical about it. Tip: Plan to spend at least half a day there - due to its location and size. It is well worth it... ADDRESS: Carrer D'Olot 0 Barcelona, Spain OPEN: opening:10am, closing time depending on the season, mostly around 7pm TRANSPORT: Green Line: Lesseps, Vallcarca
rooney_blue's note for Merendero de la Mari:
Barcelona's Montjuïc Castle has been towering over the city since 1640. The castle which presently houses the military museum, was once the sight for many historical events and was once a symbol for oppression throughout the centuries. ADDRESS: Castell de Montjuïc Barcelona, Spain PHONE: 93 329 86 13
Barcelona's Montjuïc Castle has been towering over the city since 1640. The castle which presently houses the military museum, was once the sight for many historical events and was once a symbol for oppression throughout the centuries. ADDRESS: Castell de Montjuïc Barcelona, Spain PHONE: 93 329 86 13
rooney_blue's note for Moncho's Barcelona:
Venturing to the La Pedrera is much like entering the intense dreamworld of Antoni Gaudí. This masterpiece was built between 1905 and 1910 and is now considered as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site called the "Works of Antoni Gaudí." Formerly known as the Casa Milà, the structure's rippling wave-like effect, cliff-like walls (a reason why it also known as "the quarry) and intricate sculptures make this location a mind-blowing experience and should not be missed. ADDRESS: Carrer de Provença 261-265, Barcelona, Spain OPEN: Hours: mid-Jun-late-Jul: Fri-Sat 21:30 - 00:00 ; Aug-early Jun: 10:00 - 20:00 TRANSPORT: underground rail, Diagonal PHONE: 90 240 09 73 WEB: www.fundaciocaixacatalunya.es
Venturing to the La Pedrera is much like entering the intense dreamworld of Antoni Gaudí. This masterpiece was built between 1905 and 1910 and is now considered as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site called the "Works of Antoni Gaudí." Formerly known as the Casa Milà, the structure's rippling wave-like effect, cliff-like walls (a reason why it also known as "the quarry) and intricate sculptures make this location a mind-blowing experience and should not be missed. ADDRESS: Carrer de Provença 261-265, Barcelona, Spain OPEN: Hours: mid-Jun-late-Jul: Fri-Sat 21:30 - 00:00 ; Aug-early Jun: 10:00 - 20:00 TRANSPORT: underground rail, Diagonal PHONE: 90 240 09 73 WEB: www.fundaciocaixacatalunya.es
rooney_blue's note for Moncho´s Bar and Restaurant:
This park contains a lot of attractions, including the Natural History Museum, a boating lake and more than 30 pieces of imaginative statuary. Beside the lake, which has recently been renovated, is the Cascade, an ornamental fountain topped with Aurora's chariot on which the young Gaudí worked as assistant to Josep Fontseré, the architect of the park. On the old parade ground in the middle of a small pond is one of the most stiking sculptures of Catalan Modernisme: El Desconsol (Grief) by Josep Llimona. Not to be missed are Fontseré's slatted wooden Umbracle ('shade house'), which provides a pocket of tropical forest within the city, and the elegant Hivernacle ('winter garden') designed by Josep Armagós in 1884, an excellent example of the iron and glass architecture of the Eiffel Tower period. Outside on the Passeig Picasso is Antoni Tàpies's A Picasso, which is a giant Cubist monument to the artist. If you go the Parc de la Ciutadella in the afternoon you can see many young people sitting on the grass, playing their guitars, singing and just having fun. You shouldn't miss that! ADDRESS: Passeig Picasso 0 0 Barcelona, Spain OPEN: 10am - sunset daily TRANSPORT: metro: "Arc the Triomf" or "Barceloneta"
This park contains a lot of attractions, including the Natural History Museum, a boating lake and more than 30 pieces of imaginative statuary. Beside the lake, which has recently been renovated, is the Cascade, an ornamental fountain topped with Aurora's chariot on which the young Gaudí worked as assistant to Josep Fontseré, the architect of the park. On the old parade ground in the middle of a small pond is one of the most stiking sculptures of Catalan Modernisme: El Desconsol (Grief) by Josep Llimona. Not to be missed are Fontseré's slatted wooden Umbracle ('shade house'), which provides a pocket of tropical forest within the city, and the elegant Hivernacle ('winter garden') designed by Josep Armagós in 1884, an excellent example of the iron and glass architecture of the Eiffel Tower period. Outside on the Passeig Picasso is Antoni Tàpies's A Picasso, which is a giant Cubist monument to the artist. If you go the Parc de la Ciutadella in the afternoon you can see many young people sitting on the grass, playing their guitars, singing and just having fun. You shouldn't miss that! ADDRESS: Passeig Picasso 0 0 Barcelona, Spain OPEN: 10am - sunset daily TRANSPORT: metro: "Arc the Triomf" or "Barceloneta"
rooney_blue's note for Restaurante Portonovo:
For a truly relaxing day in Barcelona, head to the city's San Sebastiá Beach (also known as La Barceloneta) which is a lined with a diverse array of delicious eateries and restaurants. This lively beach is often filled with exuberant locals and travellers during the summer months and is a nice place to stroll and chill-out during the winter season. ADDRESS: Barcelona, Spain TRANSPORT: Metro: Barceloneta
For a truly relaxing day in Barcelona, head to the city's San Sebastiá Beach (also known as La Barceloneta) which is a lined with a diverse array of delicious eateries and restaurants. This lively beach is often filled with exuberant locals and travellers during the summer months and is a nice place to stroll and chill-out during the winter season. ADDRESS: Barcelona, Spain TRANSPORT: Metro: Barceloneta
rooney_blue's note for Taller de Tapas:
The magic fountain of Montjuïc's first performance was on May 19, 1929 during the Great Universal Exhibition. The designer Carles Buigas submitted his plans one year before the exhibition and many thought that the project was too ambitious to be created, let alone completed on time. Over 3000 workers were commissioned to work on the project and less than 1 year later the magic fountain was born. The magic fountain is a spectacular display of colour, light, motion, music and water acrobatics - if you mix all these elements together in just the right combinations, you end up with pure magic! ADDRESS: Plaça d'Espanya 0 0 Barcelona, Spain OPEN: MAY-SEPT 8-11.30pm Thur-Sun; music every 30mins 9.30pm-midnight. OCT-APR 7-9pm Fri, Sat; music every 30mins 7-9pm TRANSPORT: metro: Espanya WEB: www.bcn.es/fonts
The magic fountain of Montjuïc's first performance was on May 19, 1929 during the Great Universal Exhibition. The designer Carles Buigas submitted his plans one year before the exhibition and many thought that the project was too ambitious to be created, let alone completed on time. Over 3000 workers were commissioned to work on the project and less than 1 year later the magic fountain was born. The magic fountain is a spectacular display of colour, light, motion, music and water acrobatics - if you mix all these elements together in just the right combinations, you end up with pure magic! ADDRESS: Plaça d'Espanya 0 0 Barcelona, Spain OPEN: MAY-SEPT 8-11.30pm Thur-Sun; music every 30mins 9.30pm-midnight. OCT-APR 7-9pm Fri, Sat; music every 30mins 7-9pm TRANSPORT: metro: Espanya WEB: www.bcn.es/fonts
rooney_blue's note for Café de l'Acadèmia:
Best to start with one of Gaudi's most famous works in Barcelona if interested to follow his traces all across town. The construction of this giant temple started in 1882 not expected to be completed for another 30 to 80 years. Until his death in 1926, Gaudi played an active role in directing the construction while today new materials are being used which Gaudi himself may not have used, all noticable in the contrasts in the stone colour as well as the actual style of construction of the new and old parts of the building. You will be stunned by the extensive decorative elements of the façades in bright colours as well as the main front of La Pasión decorated with a cryptogram- besides the door of El Nacimiento.Anyway, not yet familiar with Gaudi's work, this magnificent building is a good staring point and an absolute must-see if visiting Barcelona!!! Admission 8€. ADDRESS: Calle Mallorca 401 8013 Barcelona, Spain OPEN: depending on the season, definitely daily 9am-6pm PHONE: +34 932073031
Best to start with one of Gaudi's most famous works in Barcelona if interested to follow his traces all across town. The construction of this giant temple started in 1882 not expected to be completed for another 30 to 80 years. Until his death in 1926, Gaudi played an active role in directing the construction while today new materials are being used which Gaudi himself may not have used, all noticable in the contrasts in the stone colour as well as the actual style of construction of the new and old parts of the building. You will be stunned by the extensive decorative elements of the façades in bright colours as well as the main front of La Pasión decorated with a cryptogram- besides the door of El Nacimiento.Anyway, not yet familiar with Gaudi's work, this magnificent building is a good staring point and an absolute must-see if visiting Barcelona!!! Admission 8€. ADDRESS: Calle Mallorca 401 8013 Barcelona, Spain OPEN: depending on the season, definitely daily 9am-6pm PHONE: +34 932073031
rooney_blue's note for Les Quinze Nits:
Antoni Gaudi's first major work for his patron and friend, industrial tycoon Count Eusebi Güell. The luxurious palace close to La Rambla was commissioned by Güell in 1880 and finished by Gaudi around 1888. The place where it stands was in that time the center of Barcelona. Palau Güell has been designed as a town residence for this enormously rich family, where they could entertain their high society guests - Güell was fond of music and arranged concerts in his house. The facade has two parabolical arches big enough for horse-drawn carriages to enter the mansion through one of them (with direct access to the stables) and to leave through the other - that's how guests entered the palace. Gaudi had little place but plenty of credit, so he centered the whole Art-Nouveau house around the huge, 3-storey-high central chamber with an amazing dome that lets the light in through plenty of openings, reminding us of a star-covered firmament. On the roof you will find the most wonderful, colourful chimneys you've ever seen, decorated with tiles in a typical Gaudi way - each and every one of them unique. Palau Güell was closed for renovation for last 3 years (except for the roof and - at times - the stables). The stables are also an attraction: during the Spanish civil war 1936-39 political prisoners were held there (it served as a secret police dungeon to the Republicans). The palace should finally re-open this year, so, if you're into architecture, don't miss this Gaudi gem just a leap away from La Rambla. ADDRESS: Carrer Nou de la Rambla 3 08001 Barcelona, Spain TRANSPORT: Metro: L3 (Liceu); Buses: 14, 38, 59, 91 PHONE: +34 93 317 39 74
Antoni Gaudi's first major work for his patron and friend, industrial tycoon Count Eusebi Güell. The luxurious palace close to La Rambla was commissioned by Güell in 1880 and finished by Gaudi around 1888. The place where it stands was in that time the center of Barcelona. Palau Güell has been designed as a town residence for this enormously rich family, where they could entertain their high society guests - Güell was fond of music and arranged concerts in his house. The facade has two parabolical arches big enough for horse-drawn carriages to enter the mansion through one of them (with direct access to the stables) and to leave through the other - that's how guests entered the palace. Gaudi had little place but plenty of credit, so he centered the whole Art-Nouveau house around the huge, 3-storey-high central chamber with an amazing dome that lets the light in through plenty of openings, reminding us of a star-covered firmament. On the roof you will find the most wonderful, colourful chimneys you've ever seen, decorated with tiles in a typical Gaudi way - each and every one of them unique. Palau Güell was closed for renovation for last 3 years (except for the roof and - at times - the stables). The stables are also an attraction: during the Spanish civil war 1936-39 political prisoners were held there (it served as a secret police dungeon to the Republicans). The palace should finally re-open this year, so, if you're into architecture, don't miss this Gaudi gem just a leap away from La Rambla. ADDRESS: Carrer Nou de la Rambla 3 08001 Barcelona, Spain TRANSPORT: Metro: L3 (Liceu); Buses: 14, 38, 59, 91 PHONE: +34 93 317 39 74
rooney_blue's note for El Gran Café:
The 1.2 km street of the Las Ramblas encapsulates the vivacious, sultry, and intoxicating spirit of Barcelona. Made up of a series of small streets (Rambla de Canaletes, the Rambla dels Estudis, the Rambla de Sant Josep, the Rambla dels Caputxins, and the Rambla de Santa Monica) with the Port Vell on the south, the Placa Catalunya on the North, and the Raval and Barri Gothic on both sides, cruising through this hotbed of activity is inevitable. With a plethora of things to do, see and experience-from costumed street performers, interesting animals for sale to quirky shops-there is no room for boredom. It's also a great spot to people watch and observe the camera-wielding tourists and vendors hawking their goods to passerbys. The La Boquera food market, with its colourful array of vegetables, nuts, sweets and fruits, is not to be missed. Another must-see is the mosaic in the middle of the Las Ramblas created by Joan Miró which is located between the Liceu Theater and Liceu Metro stop. You can even see Miró's signature on one of the tiles. Other things to see in this busy area are the: Wax Museum, Erotica Museum, and interesting boutiques. Though it must be noted that Barcelona, most especially in the Las Rambl ADDRESS: Las Ramblas 0 0 Barcelona, Spain
The 1.2 km street of the Las Ramblas encapsulates the vivacious, sultry, and intoxicating spirit of Barcelona. Made up of a series of small streets (Rambla de Canaletes, the Rambla dels Estudis, the Rambla de Sant Josep, the Rambla dels Caputxins, and the Rambla de Santa Monica) with the Port Vell on the south, the Placa Catalunya on the North, and the Raval and Barri Gothic on both sides, cruising through this hotbed of activity is inevitable. With a plethora of things to do, see and experience-from costumed street performers, interesting animals for sale to quirky shops-there is no room for boredom. It's also a great spot to people watch and observe the camera-wielding tourists and vendors hawking their goods to passerbys. The La Boquera food market, with its colourful array of vegetables, nuts, sweets and fruits, is not to be missed. Another must-see is the mosaic in the middle of the Las Ramblas created by Joan Miró which is located between the Liceu Theater and Liceu Metro stop. You can even see Miró's signature on one of the tiles. Other things to see in this busy area are the: Wax Museum, Erotica Museum, and interesting boutiques. Though it must be noted that Barcelona, most especially in the Las Rambl ADDRESS: Las Ramblas 0 0 Barcelona, Spain
rooney_blue's note for Jamboree/los Tarantos:
The charming area of the Poble Espanyol (Spanish Village) aims to showcase an architectural overview of all the Spanish communities throughout the country. This lively district is also a great place to learn about the different regional crafts, as well as enjoy the many shops and traditional Catalonian restaurants in the area. ADDRESS: Av. Marquès de Comillas 13 Barcelona, Spain OPEN: mon: 09:00am-08:00pm, thu: 09:00am-02:00am, 09:00am-04:00am TRANSPORT: Metro Espanya, Bus 13, 50 PHONE: 93 508-6300
The charming area of the Poble Espanyol (Spanish Village) aims to showcase an architectural overview of all the Spanish communities throughout the country. This lively district is also a great place to learn about the different regional crafts, as well as enjoy the many shops and traditional Catalonian restaurants in the area. ADDRESS: Av. Marquès de Comillas 13 Barcelona, Spain OPEN: mon: 09:00am-08:00pm, thu: 09:00am-02:00am, 09:00am-04:00am TRANSPORT: Metro Espanya, Bus 13, 50 PHONE: 93 508-6300
rooney_blue's note for Zarabanda:
The Barri Gòtic ('Gothic Quarter' in Catalan) is the centre of the old city of Barcelona. Anyway, whether beautiful and romantic Barri Gòtict is truly Gothic is the subject of endless debate,it is, on the other hand, definately the most evocative neighborhood in Spain. So stroll around the small labyrinthine streets opening out into squares, come across gurgling fountains, vintagestores, and ancient fortifications and get inspired, the way artists like Picasso and Mir� were. The later was actually born in these very streets. Many of the buildings passing by date from Medieval times, some from as far back as the Roman settlement of Barcelona and remains of the squared Roman Wall are still preserved in this quarter, closed to regular traffic. ADDRESS: Plaça de Sant Jaume 0 Barcelona, Spain
The Barri Gòtic ('Gothic Quarter' in Catalan) is the centre of the old city of Barcelona. Anyway, whether beautiful and romantic Barri Gòtict is truly Gothic is the subject of endless debate,it is, on the other hand, definately the most evocative neighborhood in Spain. So stroll around the small labyrinthine streets opening out into squares, come across gurgling fountains, vintagestores, and ancient fortifications and get inspired, the way artists like Picasso and Mir� were. The later was actually born in these very streets. Many of the buildings passing by date from Medieval times, some from as far back as the Roman settlement of Barcelona and remains of the squared Roman Wall are still preserved in this quarter, closed to regular traffic. ADDRESS: Plaça de Sant Jaume 0 Barcelona, Spain
rooney_blue's note for La Cereria:
La Sagrada Família (Catalan, 'The Holy Family') is a large Roman Catholic basilica under construction in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. Its formal title is Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família. Antoni Gaudí worked on the project for over 40 years, devoting the last 15 years of his life entirely to this endeavour. On the subject of the extremely long construction period, Gaudí is said to have joked, "My client is not in a hurry." After Gaudí's death in 1926, work continued under the direction of Domènech Sugranyes until interrupted by the Spanish Civil War in 1935. Parts of the unfinished building and Gaudí's models and workshop were destroyed during the war by Catalan anarchists. The design, as now being constructed, is based both on reconstructed versions of the lost plans and on modern adaptations. Since 1940 the architects Francesc Quintana, Isidre Puig Boada, Lluís Bonet i Gari and Francesc Cardoner have carried on the work. The current director and son of Lluís Bonet, Jordi Bonet i Armengol, has been introducing computers into the design and construction process since the 1980s. Sculptures by J. Busquets, Etsuro Sotoo and the controversial Josep Subirachs decorate the fantastical façades. According to the newspaper El Periódico de Catalunya, 2.26 million people visited the partially built basilica in 2004, making it one of the most popular attractions in Spain. The central nave vaulting was completed in 2000 and the main tasks since then have been the construction of the transept vaults and apse. Current work (2006) concentrates on the crossing and supporting structure for the main tower of Jesus Christ as well as the southern enclosure of the central nave which will become the Glory façade. Recently, the Ministry of Public Works of Spain (Ministerio de Fomento in Spanish), has projected the construction of a tunnel for the high speed train just under where the principal façade of the temple has to be built. Although the ministry affirms that the project has no risk, the promoters of the temple and the neighbours association "AVE pel litoral" have begun a campaign against the construction of the tunnel. Also many architects and technicians of all the wall have support that the construction of a tunnel under a building like this, puts its stability in danger. ADDRESS: Calle Mallorca 401 8034 Barcelona, Spain OPEN: 9:am-6pm (Oct-March)/ 9am-8pm (April-Sept) TRANSPORT: Metro Line No 5 Station
La Sagrada Família (Catalan, 'The Holy Family') is a large Roman Catholic basilica under construction in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. Its formal title is Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família. Antoni Gaudí worked on the project for over 40 years, devoting the last 15 years of his life entirely to this endeavour. On the subject of the extremely long construction period, Gaudí is said to have joked, "My client is not in a hurry." After Gaudí's death in 1926, work continued under the direction of Domènech Sugranyes until interrupted by the Spanish Civil War in 1935. Parts of the unfinished building and Gaudí's models and workshop were destroyed during the war by Catalan anarchists. The design, as now being constructed, is based both on reconstructed versions of the lost plans and on modern adaptations. Since 1940 the architects Francesc Quintana, Isidre Puig Boada, Lluís Bonet i Gari and Francesc Cardoner have carried on the work. The current director and son of Lluís Bonet, Jordi Bonet i Armengol, has been introducing computers into the design and construction process since the 1980s. Sculptures by J. Busquets, Etsuro Sotoo and the controversial Josep Subirachs decorate the fantastical façades. According to the newspaper El Periódico de Catalunya, 2.26 million people visited the partially built basilica in 2004, making it one of the most popular attractions in Spain. The central nave vaulting was completed in 2000 and the main tasks since then have been the construction of the transept vaults and apse. Current work (2006) concentrates on the crossing and supporting structure for the main tower of Jesus Christ as well as the southern enclosure of the central nave which will become the Glory façade. Recently, the Ministry of Public Works of Spain (Ministerio de Fomento in Spanish), has projected the construction of a tunnel for the high speed train just under where the principal façade of the temple has to be built. Although the ministry affirms that the project has no risk, the promoters of the temple and the neighbours association "AVE pel litoral" have begun a campaign against the construction of the tunnel. Also many architects and technicians of all the wall have support that the construction of a tunnel under a building like this, puts its stability in danger. ADDRESS: Calle Mallorca 401 8034 Barcelona, Spain OPEN: 9:am-6pm (Oct-March)/ 9am-8pm (April-Sept) TRANSPORT: Metro Line No 5 Station
rooney_blue's note for Las Ramblas:
ADMISSION CHARGES: General ticket: Viewpoint + Garrison Courtyard + Museum: 3.00 € Reduced Charges: Viewpoint + Garrison Courtyard: 1.00 € 50% reduction: Over 65 years of age Students with credentials (Card, For-Less, Carnet Jove) under 25 years old Free admission: Schools and children under 8 years old OPENING TIMES: From the last Sunday of March until the last Saturday of October: Tuesday to Sunday: 9.30 am to 8 pm. From the last Sunday of October until the last Saturday of March: November and March Tuesday to Friday: 9.30 am to 6.30 pm. Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: 9.30 am to 8 pm. December, January and February Tuesday to Friday: 9.30 am to 5 pm. Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: 9.30 am to 7 pm (except Christmas period in which the opening hours are the same as November and March) Closed on Monday The 17th-century fortress was rebuilt in its current form after Philip V's troops broke the siege of Barcelona in 1714. From its vantage point overlooking the city, the central government was able to impose its will on the unruly populance until the death of Franco. From here, in 1842, the city was bombed to repress an uprising against the government's policies. In this fortress many Republicans were executed after the Civil War. However, the new Socialist government ceded formal ownership of the castle to the city of Barcelona in 2004 and approved a law that allows for the pardon of Civil War victims. ADDRESS: Carretera de Montjuïc 66 08038 Barcelona, Spain OPEN: see above TRANSPORT: Underground L3 and L2 stop “Paral-lel” and connect with Montjuïc tourist train (Funicular) to Av. Miramar where you can take the bus “Parc de Montjuïc” up to the Castle OR Underground L3 (summertime), stop “Drassanes” and connect with the bus “Montjuïc Turístic” from “Plaça Portal de la Pau” OR Underground L1 and L3 stop “Plaça Espanya” and connect with the bus “Parc de Montjuïc”. During summertime also connect with the bus “Montjuïc Turístic” PHONE: + 34 93 329 86 13 FAX: + 34 93 329 86 13 MAIL: mmmdireccion@telefonica.net WEB: http://www.ejercito.mde.es/ihycm/museo/barcelona/
ADMISSION CHARGES: General ticket: Viewpoint + Garrison Courtyard + Museum: 3.00 € Reduced Charges: Viewpoint + Garrison Courtyard: 1.00 € 50% reduction: Over 65 years of age Students with credentials (Card, For-Less, Carnet Jove) under 25 years old Free admission: Schools and children under 8 years old OPENING TIMES: From the last Sunday of March until the last Saturday of October: Tuesday to Sunday: 9.30 am to 8 pm. From the last Sunday of October until the last Saturday of March: November and March Tuesday to Friday: 9.30 am to 6.30 pm. Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: 9.30 am to 8 pm. December, January and February Tuesday to Friday: 9.30 am to 5 pm. Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: 9.30 am to 7 pm (except Christmas period in which the opening hours are the same as November and March) Closed on Monday The 17th-century fortress was rebuilt in its current form after Philip V's troops broke the siege of Barcelona in 1714. From its vantage point overlooking the city, the central government was able to impose its will on the unruly populance until the death of Franco. From here, in 1842, the city was bombed to repress an uprising against the government's policies. In this fortress many Republicans were executed after the Civil War. However, the new Socialist government ceded formal ownership of the castle to the city of Barcelona in 2004 and approved a law that allows for the pardon of Civil War victims. ADDRESS: Carretera de Montjuïc 66 08038 Barcelona, Spain OPEN: see above TRANSPORT: Underground L3 and L2 stop “Paral-lel” and connect with Montjuïc tourist train (Funicular) to Av. Miramar where you can take the bus “Parc de Montjuïc” up to the Castle OR Underground L3 (summertime), stop “Drassanes” and connect with the bus “Montjuïc Turístic” from “Plaça Portal de la Pau” OR Underground L1 and L3 stop “Plaça Espanya” and connect with the bus “Parc de Montjuïc”. During summertime also connect with the bus “Montjuïc Turístic” PHONE: + 34 93 329 86 13 FAX: + 34 93 329 86 13 MAIL: mmmdireccion@telefonica.net WEB: http://www.ejercito.mde.es/ihycm/museo/barcelona/
rooney_blue's note for Castell de Montjuïc:
The busy street in the heart of Barcelona is also known as la Rambla or les Rambles / las Ramblas, meaning an intermittent water flow, deriving from the Arabic 'Ramla' meaning 'sandy riverbed'. So flow down the tree-lined pedestrian mall connecting Playa de Catalunya in the center with the Christopher Columbus monument at Port Vell, which is packed with street theatre, cafés, market stalls and most of all: crowds of people. Overall, this street seems to represent the livelyness of Barcelona and the people living here. ADDRESS: La Rambla 0 Barcelona, Spain
The busy street in the heart of Barcelona is also known as la Rambla or les Rambles / las Ramblas, meaning an intermittent water flow, deriving from the Arabic 'Ramla' meaning 'sandy riverbed'. So flow down the tree-lined pedestrian mall connecting Playa de Catalunya in the center with the Christopher Columbus monument at Port Vell, which is packed with street theatre, cafés, market stalls and most of all: crowds of people. Overall, this street seems to represent the livelyness of Barcelona and the people living here. ADDRESS: La Rambla 0 Barcelona, Spain
rooney_blue's note for Park Güell - Gaudi:
Located in the beautiful "Palau del Mar" (Sea Palace) building, next to yacht harbor of Barceloneta. A large sea-view terrace (for about 400 people).Good catalonian food, excellent desserts.
Located in the beautiful "Palau del Mar" (Sea Palace) building, next to yacht harbor of Barceloneta. A large sea-view terrace (for about 400 people).Good catalonian food, excellent desserts.
rooney_blue's note for Castell de Montjuïc:
An excellent catalan cuisine. Situated in the so-called "Palau de Mar" (Sea Palace) in the hip Barceloneta-district by the sea. Nice view over the yacht-harbor. They serve mainly fish and different paellas, like the famous "black paella" colored with cuttlefish ink. Not cheap due to its popular location and really good cuisine. A dinner for 2 will cost about 60-80 euros, but it's certainly worth it. ADDRESS: Placa Pau Vila 1 08039 Barcelona, Spain OPEN: 13-16; 20:30 - 23:30 TRANSPORT: Metro L4-Barceloneta PHONE: +34 932213141 WEB: www.merenderodelamari.com
An excellent catalan cuisine. Situated in the so-called "Palau de Mar" (Sea Palace) in the hip Barceloneta-district by the sea. Nice view over the yacht-harbor. They serve mainly fish and different paellas, like the famous "black paella" colored with cuttlefish ink. Not cheap due to its popular location and really good cuisine. A dinner for 2 will cost about 60-80 euros, but it's certainly worth it. ADDRESS: Placa Pau Vila 1 08039 Barcelona, Spain OPEN: 13-16; 20:30 - 23:30 TRANSPORT: Metro L4-Barceloneta PHONE: +34 932213141 WEB: www.merenderodelamari.com
rooney_blue's note for La Pedrera:
Make sure you're really hungry when you go to Moncho's! Because there you'll get a buffet where you can choose everything from starters, veggies, salads and - the best part! - a variety of shellfish (prawns, gambas, crabs...) plus 5 different meat courses served grilled on the skewer. But it's still not it yet: the last course is fish kebab that will probably make you regret eating too much from the buffet. The price for this culinary exuberance is more than modest: 25 Euros. Moncho's is part of a chain of places with different names but following the same philosophy: good fresh Galician and Catalan food. Some other restaurants of the group: Costa Gallega (Passeig de Gracia, 71), El Chiringuito (Ronda Litoral, 36). ADDRESS: Travessera De Gràcia 44 08021 Barcelona, Spain TRANSPORT: Metro: Diagonal or Hospital Clinic PHONE: +34 934 146 622 WEB: http://www.monchos.com/flash/
Make sure you're really hungry when you go to Moncho's! Because there you'll get a buffet where you can choose everything from starters, veggies, salads and - the best part! - a variety of shellfish (prawns, gambas, crabs...) plus 5 different meat courses served grilled on the skewer. But it's still not it yet: the last course is fish kebab that will probably make you regret eating too much from the buffet. The price for this culinary exuberance is more than modest: 25 Euros. Moncho's is part of a chain of places with different names but following the same philosophy: good fresh Galician and Catalan food. Some other restaurants of the group: Costa Gallega (Passeig de Gracia, 71), El Chiringuito (Ronda Litoral, 36). ADDRESS: Travessera De Gràcia 44 08021 Barcelona, Spain TRANSPORT: Metro: Diagonal or Hospital Clinic PHONE: +34 934 146 622 WEB: http://www.monchos.com/flash/
rooney_blue's note for Parc de la Ciutadella:
This restaurant looks like a boat from inside, totally baroque in style and very very unfashionable but here I had one of my best tapas menu during my trip to Barcelona and for only 25 euros (drinks included) you can eat as much as you want from the buffet which is assorted with all kind of fresh vegetables, fresh fish and fresh meat. Tremendously NICE! BTW, I have a weakness for boats so I actually loved the atmosphere :) some of you could find Moncho´s interior design a bit cheesy and way to 80´s like...but hey, this place knows how to make food! ADDRESS: Travessera de Gràcia 44-46 08021 Barcelona, Spain PHONE: 0034934146622 FAX: 00344142290 MAIL: info@monchos.com WEB: www.monchos.com
This restaurant looks like a boat from inside, totally baroque in style and very very unfashionable but here I had one of my best tapas menu during my trip to Barcelona and for only 25 euros (drinks included) you can eat as much as you want from the buffet which is assorted with all kind of fresh vegetables, fresh fish and fresh meat. Tremendously NICE! BTW, I have a weakness for boats so I actually loved the atmosphere :) some of you could find Moncho´s interior design a bit cheesy and way to 80´s like...but hey, this place knows how to make food! ADDRESS: Travessera de Gràcia 44-46 08021 Barcelona, Spain PHONE: 0034934146622 FAX: 00344142290 MAIL: info@monchos.com WEB: www.monchos.com
rooney_blue's note for San Sebastia Beach:
An "insider tip". The place is not at all touristic, attended mainly by locals. Galician cuisine in Catalonia at its best, a great variety of tapas. A very simple and rustic interior. Jamon serrano and fish dishes are delicious at Portonovo! The restaurant is situated near the famous park of Montjuic, so afterwards you can go there and see the "Magic Fountains" if you like. ADDRESS: Carrer Creu Coberta 25 08014 Barcelona, Spain TRANSPORT: Metro: Espanya or Hostalfrancs PHONE: +34 933 255 848
An "insider tip". The place is not at all touristic, attended mainly by locals. Galician cuisine in Catalonia at its best, a great variety of tapas. A very simple and rustic interior. Jamon serrano and fish dishes are delicious at Portonovo! The restaurant is situated near the famous park of Montjuic, so afterwards you can go there and see the "Magic Fountains" if you like. ADDRESS: Carrer Creu Coberta 25 08014 Barcelona, Spain TRANSPORT: Metro: Espanya or Hostalfrancs PHONE: +34 933 255 848
rooney_blue's note for Font Màgica de Montjuïc:
Very large selection ofg freshly made tapas, not quite cheap but definitely worth the money. You can sit outside and watch the busy Rambla Catalunya while indulging on regional specialties such as chipirones (small fried cuttlefish) navajas de la plancha (razorshell clams) or patatas bravas (fried potatoes with a delicious garlic sauce) ADDRESS: Rambla Catalunya 49 80087 Barcelona, Spain OPEN: Open for lunch and 7:30 PM - 12 PM TRANSPORT: Metro Universidad PHONE: 934 87 48 42 MAIL: info@tallertapas.com WEB: tallertapas.com
Very large selection ofg freshly made tapas, not quite cheap but definitely worth the money. You can sit outside and watch the busy Rambla Catalunya while indulging on regional specialties such as chipirones (small fried cuttlefish) navajas de la plancha (razorshell clams) or patatas bravas (fried potatoes with a delicious garlic sauce) ADDRESS: Rambla Catalunya 49 80087 Barcelona, Spain OPEN: Open for lunch and 7:30 PM - 12 PM TRANSPORT: Metro Universidad PHONE: 934 87 48 42 MAIL: info@tallertapas.com WEB: tallertapas.com
rooney_blue's note for La Sagrada Familia - Gaudi:
Enjoy a breakfast among the suits from the nearby town hall or bask in the sunshine over lunch at one of the tables outside. The regular menu of Catalan classics offers value and has had no need to change direction over the years, so you can expect to find home-made pasta, creamy risotto with foie, guinea fowl with a tiny tarte tatin and lots of duck. ADDRESS: C/Lledó 1 0 Barcelona, Spain OPEN: 9am-noon, 1.30-5pm, 8.45pm-1am Mon-Fri TRANSPORT: mtro: Jaume I PHONE: +34 93 319 82 53
Enjoy a breakfast among the suits from the nearby town hall or bask in the sunshine over lunch at one of the tables outside. The regular menu of Catalan classics offers value and has had no need to change direction over the years, so you can expect to find home-made pasta, creamy risotto with foie, guinea fowl with a tiny tarte tatin and lots of duck. ADDRESS: C/Lledó 1 0 Barcelona, Spain OPEN: 9am-noon, 1.30-5pm, 8.45pm-1am Mon-Fri TRANSPORT: mtro: Jaume I PHONE: +34 93 319 82 53
rooney_blue's note for Palau Güell:
The "Fifteen Nights" is popular with tourists and locals. Very good quality for a reasonable price, which results in queues during the dinnertime despite that the restaurant has two floors and a posibility to sit outside. Fresh products and creative mediterranean cuisine (including pasta), simple but nice interiour decoration. Order salads, soups, seafood - and a good meal is guaranteed. Main courses about €6-€10; no reservation needed. Queues are shorter at their other branches, eg. in "La Dolça Herminia" in C/Magdalenes or at "La Fonda" in C/Escudellers. ADDRESS: Plaça Reial 6 0 Barcelona, Spain OPEN: 1-3.45pm, 8.30-11.30 daily TRANSPORT: Metro Liceu PHONE: +34 93 317 30 75 WEB: http://www.lesquinzenits.com/
The "Fifteen Nights" is popular with tourists and locals. Very good quality for a reasonable price, which results in queues during the dinnertime despite that the restaurant has two floors and a posibility to sit outside. Fresh products and creative mediterranean cuisine (including pasta), simple but nice interiour decoration. Order salads, soups, seafood - and a good meal is guaranteed. Main courses about €6-€10; no reservation needed. Queues are shorter at their other branches, eg. in "La Dolça Herminia" in C/Magdalenes or at "La Fonda" in C/Escudellers. ADDRESS: Plaça Reial 6 0 Barcelona, Spain OPEN: 1-3.45pm, 8.30-11.30 daily TRANSPORT: Metro Liceu PHONE: +34 93 317 30 75 WEB: http://www.lesquinzenits.com/
rooney_blue's note for Rumble through the Las Ramblas:
Main courses: €11.80-20.35 Set lunch: €12.85 Fluted columns, bronze cavroting nymphs, suspended globe lamps and wood panelling successfully replicate a classic Parisian vibe, as do the cornerstones of brasserie cuisine: onion soup, duck magret, tarte tatin and crêpes Suzette. The Catalan dishes spliced into the menu also work, but what is less convincing is the waiters' need to sport headphones. ADDRESS: C/Avinyó 9 08002 Barcelona, Spain OPEN: 1-4.30pm, 7.30pm-midnight daily TRANSPORT: metro: Liceu PHONE: +34 93 318 79 86
Main courses: €11.80-20.35 Set lunch: €12.85 Fluted columns, bronze cavroting nymphs, suspended globe lamps and wood panelling successfully replicate a classic Parisian vibe, as do the cornerstones of brasserie cuisine: onion soup, duck magret, tarte tatin and crêpes Suzette. The Catalan dishes spliced into the menu also work, but what is less convincing is the waiters' need to sport headphones. ADDRESS: C/Avinyó 9 08002 Barcelona, Spain OPEN: 1-4.30pm, 7.30pm-midnight daily TRANSPORT: metro: Liceu PHONE: +34 93 318 79 86
rooney_blue's note for The Poble Espanyol:
Admission: €5 Every night Jamboree hosts jazz, Latin or blues gigs by mainly Spanish groups; when they're over, the beatbox comes out. On Mondays particularly, the popular What the Fuck (WTF) jazz jam session is crammed with a young local crowd waiting for the funk/hip-hop night that follows. Upstairs, sister venue Los Tarantos stages flamenco performances, then joins forces with Jamboree as a smooth-grooves chill-out place. ADDRESS: Plaça Reial 17 08002 Barcelona, Spain OPEN: 8pm-11am daily, gigs: 8.30pm, 930pm, 10.30pm daily PHONE: +34 93 319 17 89 MAIL: info@masimas.com WEB: www.masimas.com
Admission: €5 Every night Jamboree hosts jazz, Latin or blues gigs by mainly Spanish groups; when they're over, the beatbox comes out. On Mondays particularly, the popular What the Fuck (WTF) jazz jam session is crammed with a young local crowd waiting for the funk/hip-hop night that follows. Upstairs, sister venue Los Tarantos stages flamenco performances, then joins forces with Jamboree as a smooth-grooves chill-out place. ADDRESS: Plaça Reial 17 08002 Barcelona, Spain OPEN: 8pm-11am daily, gigs: 8.30pm, 930pm, 10.30pm daily PHONE: +34 93 319 17 89 MAIL: info@masimas.com WEB: www.masimas.com
rooney_blue's note for Barri Gòtic - 'The Gothic Quarter':
Main courses: €6.50-€9.50 Zarabanda is probably the only place in town to have a shared bowl of nachos as a signature dish and attracts students looking for somewhere more comfortable than a bar but cheaper than a restaurant. Its cosy vibe is nudged along with low lighting, creative paintwork and the much sought-after space on the one, battered, sofa. The food is decent and good value, particularly the salads and the crêpes. Occasional flamenco, jazz and even electro take over the tiny stage. ADDRESS: C/Ferlandina 55 0 Barcelona, Spain OPEN: 7.30pm-midnight daily TRANSPORT: metro: Sant Antoni
Main courses: €6.50-€9.50 Zarabanda is probably the only place in town to have a shared bowl of nachos as a signature dish and attracts students looking for somewhere more comfortable than a bar but cheaper than a restaurant. Its cosy vibe is nudged along with low lighting, creative paintwork and the much sought-after space on the one, battered, sofa. The food is decent and good value, particularly the salads and the crêpes. Occasional flamenco, jazz and even electro take over the tiny stage. ADDRESS: C/Ferlandina 55 0 Barcelona, Spain OPEN: 7.30pm-midnight daily TRANSPORT: metro: Sant Antoni
rooney_blue's note for Sagrada Familia - Antoni Gaudi:
This charming cooperative cafe is a great way to revitalize the body and spirit with its tasty yet healthy delights. Its hippie vibe and organic vegetarian pizzas, bocadillos, salads, mouth-watering desserts and cheap beer will have you coming back for more. The La Cereria's outdoor tables in the Passatge is also a great place to people-watch or muse over the plaque commemorating the Catolonian artist, Joan Miró. ADDRESS: Baixada de Sant Miquel 5, Barri Gòtic Barcelona, Spain OPEN: Mon-Sat 07:00 - 24:00 TRANSPORT: La Cereria PHONE: 93 301 85 10 (info)
This charming cooperative cafe is a great way to revitalize the body and spirit with its tasty yet healthy delights. Its hippie vibe and organic vegetarian pizzas, bocadillos, salads, mouth-watering desserts and cheap beer will have you coming back for more. The La Cereria's outdoor tables in the Passatge is also a great place to people-watch or muse over the plaque commemorating the Catolonian artist, Joan Miró. ADDRESS: Baixada de Sant Miquel 5, Barri Gòtic Barcelona, Spain OPEN: Mon-Sat 07:00 - 24:00 TRANSPORT: La Cereria PHONE: 93 301 85 10 (info)
rooney_blue's note for L'Aquàrium:
Learn about the mysterious world under the sea in Europe's largest and most popular aquarium. With over 11,000 fishes from the Red Sea, Caribbean and the Great Barrier Reef, the L'Aquàrium which opened in 1995 has the world's best collection of Mediterranean marine life. The most popular attractions include the large section known as 'The Sharks' which allows visitors to walk through and experience the natural environment of sharks in the Mediterranean sea, the fun three-level interactive centre which showcases everything from eels to penguins as well as many other exploratory sections of the aquarium. ADDRESS: Moll d'Espanya, Port Vell Barcelona, Spain TRANSPORT: underground rail: Barceloneta, Drassanes, bus: 14, 17, 19, 36, 38, 40, 45, 57, 59, 64, 91, 100 PHONE: 93 221 74 74 (info) MAIL: info@aquariumbcn.com WEB: info@aquariumbcn.com
Learn about the mysterious world under the sea in Europe's largest and most popular aquarium. With over 11,000 fishes from the Red Sea, Caribbean and the Great Barrier Reef, the L'Aquàrium which opened in 1995 has the world's best collection of Mediterranean marine life. The most popular attractions include the large section known as 'The Sharks' which allows visitors to walk through and experience the natural environment of sharks in the Mediterranean sea, the fun three-level interactive centre which showcases everything from eels to penguins as well as many other exploratory sections of the aquarium. ADDRESS: Moll d'Espanya, Port Vell Barcelona, Spain TRANSPORT: underground rail: Barceloneta, Drassanes, bus: 14, 17, 19, 36, 38, 40, 45, 57, 59, 64, 91, 100 PHONE: 93 221 74 74 (info) MAIL: info@aquariumbcn.com WEB: info@aquariumbcn.com