Oh my, Barcelona is energetic, active, spirited, full of people from all over the globe, and so worth the intensity of the crowds! It is a vibrant city that will overload your senses with all it has to offer.
We arrived here yesterday afternoon and hit the ground running. For those of you unfamiliar with this amazing city, Barcelona is located on the Mediterranean coast in the Catalonian region of Spain. It is famous for art, architecture, food, museums, parks, markets, and so much more.
Not long after settling into our hotel, we visited Mercado de la Boqueria, the most popular and well known of the markets in the city.
There has been a market on this site for centuries, but La Boqueria, aka the place to buy goat meat, became an official market in 1835. With over 300 stalls offering the finest produce, cheeses, meats, sweets, olives, spices, herbs, oils, and a multitude of other items, it’s a popular spot for local chefs, along with everyone else. They say if you can’t find what you’re looking for here, it’s not worth having.
The influence of Antoni Gaudi, the famous Catalan architect, is felt throughout the city. His primary interests of nature, architecture, and religion, are evident in his work, including Park Güell, Casa Battló, and his most famous creation, Sagrada Família.
Construction began in March 1882, and is not expected to be completed for at least another twenty five years. The first architect on the project was Francisco de Paula del Villar, with Antoni Gaudi taking over one year later. Work on the basilica was interrupted over the years by war, revolution, and fire, which destroyed Gaudi’s original plans. But yet, progress continues. We were completely overwhelmed once we got inside; I can’t even begin to describe the magnitude of the beautiful interior.
Another highlight for us today was the Museu Picasso. Housed in five medieval palaces in the old city of Barcelona, you’ll see how his work changed through the various periods in his life as you progress through the museum.
We’ve only been here for one day, and we have so much more to see and experience. I’ll write more about the Picasso Museum and Sagrada Famila in the coming weeks, along with many more of our upcoming Mediterranean adventures.
Wishing you grand adventures,
Tricia
Travels Through My Lens 
What a building! I’d love to see it. I was really surprised though by the painting by a young Picasso. He certainly did change his style as he aged. Maggie
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Yes, Picasso’s style changed dramatically throughout his life, as you’ll see as you work through the museum. The Sagrada Familia is truly stunning. Thanks for sharing your comments!
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What spectacular views of the Sagrada Familia! I never realized how beautiful it is on the inside.
Looking forward to seeing more…
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Thanks Terri! We were completely blown away, it truly is a masterpiece. Thanks for your comment!
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Lovely! When I visited last Sagrada Familia was closed so I could only see the outside – I really must return. Barcelona is such a cool city 🙂
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I hope you get to go in someday, it truly is spectacular. Barcelona is an amazing place, but very intense. Thanks for your comment!
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Glorious! I’ve been to Barcelona twice, over a ten-year span (2006, 2016…), and I hope to gear up for a return in 2026! It’s certainly a distinctive city in Spain that retains much of its Catalonian culture, and I’m glad you got to check out its sites, including the Sagrada Familia (will it ever be completed??). Looking forward to reading more about your adventures there!
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Thanks Rebecca! I’m glad you enjoyed the post. It is an amazing city. Like you, this is our second visit here, our first was in 2013 right after our daughter graduated college. They say Sagrada will be completed in 2050, although the interior looked completed to my untrained eyes.
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Barcelona is certainly full of iconic sights and shaped by the undeniable architectural genius of Gaudi. I visited some years ago and absolutely loved the creative energy that pulsates on every corner. Beautiful shots from La Boqueria and Sagrada Familia. Glad to hear that you are enjoying exploring the city.
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Thanks Leighton; I appreciate your comments. It certainly is a vibrant city that stimulates all the senses.
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Wow, wow, wow. Adding Barcelona to my list. Thank you for this. Especially for the pic of the realistically executed Picasso painting — created when he was 15. I am always so infuriated by people who say, “My toddler could do that.” (When they are speaking of Picasso’s later abstract art.) Um… No. Your toddler can’t do that. Your toddler didn’t complete the classical training upon which outside-of-the-box artistic exploration can be meaningfully built. Thank you, T. Happy travels.
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It is an amazing city with so much to offer. I agree with you. As you probably know, Picasso’s father was an art instructor, so his training started at an early age; but he also had the talent for art. Thanks Lisa, for your comments!
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That market looks amazing. And I didn’t know a 15 year old could have that much talent. Good grief.
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Yes, La Boqueria is really amazing, there are some great restaurants there too. We learned a lot about Picasso; I’ll be posting about the museum soon. Thanks for stopping by!
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I can see that in Barcelona ones camera should never be too far away! That market … what a lovely place! And wow, the Sagrada Familia is such an impressive building – both outside and inside! I would definitely love to see this with my own eyes!
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Exactly! The market is amazing; we had some amazing meals there. Sagrada Familia is absolutely stunning; we were gobsmacked. I hope you get to visit someday! Thanks for your comment!
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I’ve always wanted to visit this beautiful city! Your pictures of it are just incredible. Don’t mind me while I stare and daydream at your pictures all day 🙂
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Thanks Meg! I’m so glad you enjoyed the photos! Thanks for your comment!
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So, Tricia, who is financing the Sagrada Família? Is it the Spanish Government? And I am somewhat familiar with the back story for this fascinating building but never before saw the interior and your pictures make it look amazing. So what is it that will take another 25 years left to finish it?
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I believe that the funds come from admission fees. 30€ a head, and millions of visitors every year, adds up to a lot of money! Good question on why it will take another 25 years to complete; it looks complete to my untrained eyes. Probably because the work is so extensively ornate and detailed, that it just takes time. Thanks Dave, for reading and commenting!
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Thanks for the response Tricia. A funny comment by George Orwell provoked an out-loud laugh by me, “Unlike most of the churches in Barcelona it was not damaged during the revolution—it was spared because of its ‘artistic value,’ people said. I think the Anarchists showed bad taste in not blowing it up when they had the chance.” I did a little online research and discovered this item has a fascinating history and the revolution almost derailed its construction because anarchists broke into Gaudi’s office and the models were smashed, the plans were burned, and the church’s crypt was ruined in the process. Hard to recover from that. As you suggested, there are a number of decorative elements yet to be created (and in a painstaking manner) and the basilica are what seem to be the remaining elements. Fascinating history!!
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Yes, it has a very interesting history. Construction was halted not only by what you mentioned, but also by war and revolution. Yet, the work continues; that’s dedication.
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