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Articles > Europe > Spain > Barcelona > A to Z of Barcelona, Spain
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A to Z of Barcelona, Spain
A is for Agbar. The Torre Agbar in Barcelona is one of those you either love it or you hate it buildings. Being compared to a phallic symbol, a warhead and an asparagus, it is one of the world's most contemporary buildings, and is best seen at night when the 145 metre structure is lit up to different colours of blue and red through over 4000 LEDs.
B is for Boqueria. Saint Joseph's Market, or "La Boqueria" is one of Europe's biggest food markets and is a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds! This fantastic space sells fruits you will never have seen, local specialities, and faw away delicacies like bugs, too! You definitely have to check it out!
C is for Catalan. Barcelona is the Capital of Catalonia, one of the autonomous regions in Spain. Catalonia has its own national language, Catalan, and along with Spanish is the official language of Catalonia. The Catalan people are very proud of their heritage and history and Catalan is spoken as a first language, often despite efforts to meet halfway with a little broken Spanish by tourists. The Catalan language was repressed during the Franco years and has bounced back with a stubborn and fierce nature. Fear not, though, as many visitors to the city who speak no Spanish may not even realise the difference.
D is for Domenech i Muntaner, Luis. This architect's achievements are perhaps dwarfed by all of Gaudi's excellent additions to the Barcelona skyline, but it's a little known fact that Barcelona has 9 UNESCO World Heritage sites, and only 1 of them is NOT designed by Gaudi. The Palau de la Musica (Music Palace) is a fantastic example of Modernista architecture, and well worth a guided tour.
E is for Eulalia – the forgotten saint of Barcelona. A girl of only 13 years, little Eulalia questioned how the then governor of Barcelona, Dacian, persecuted the Christians. Outraged at the cheek of the young girl, Dacian ordered punishments for each of her 13 years. These were particularly gruesome punishments including scalding with hot oil, put in a barrel with fleas, another one with nails and broken glass, lashed with hooks etc. Each of the punishments was suffered in silence until she was finally crucified!
F is for food. Ferran Adria's nearby El Bulli restaurant is regarded by many as the best in the world, and this has spawned many offspring including his brother's offering in El Borne of Comerç 24 amongst others. However, you don't need a big budget to enjoy the amazing foods of the region. The markets in Barcelona provide an alternative to restaurants, and if you do fancy eating out, try the midday menu of the day, which is a very reasonable way to sample the local delicacies.
G is for Gaudi. Antoni Gaudi is Barcelona's most famous name and is responsible for 8 of the 9 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Barcelona. This amazing visionary challenged the laws and nature of common architecture, and even now, years after is death, is buildings still seem some of the wackiest and amazing edifices to be born of the 19th Century. Works not to miss are the Sagrada Familia Cathedral – his unfinished masterpiece (read on) – La Pedrera, or Stone Quarry – a fantastic corner building with no straight lines, and nearby Casa Batllo paying homage to Saint George the patron saint of Catalunya, and the fantastic downtown (recently re-opened) Palau Güell commissioned by the same Count that gives the name to the incredible Park Güell in the north of the city.
H is for Horta maze. This immaculate garden is tucked away in the north east of the city, and receives few visitors, but is well worth the tip if you have some spare time. This is a labyrinth made from hedges, and is great fun.
I is for International. Barcelona is one of the most International and multi-cultural places you can visit today, and this means there is a wealth of different sights and sounds to experience, as well as some of the best restaurants from around the world. There is also the fusion of those immigrants who have borrowed the best from the Mediterranean cuisine and combined with their own countries specialities creating some amazing combinations!
J is for Sant Jordi. Saint George is the patron saint of Catalonia, and the 23rd April is not only a national holiday in Catalonia, but a fantastic day to be in the Catalan Capital. Barcelona's streets fill with flower sellers and book stalls, bakers are also full with special breads and cakes. Tradition means the girls receive a rose from the boys, representing the blood of the dragon slain by Saint George. The boys receive a book – the date coincides with Cervantes' anniversary.
K is for Keys. I kind of have to cheat on this one, as the letter K doesn't really exist in either Spanish or Catalan. Renting a holiday apartment in Barcelona is a great way to see the city, and makes it feel like a real home away from home with your own keys, making it possible to come and go as you please. There are many benefits of renting an apartment over a hotel, and it0s something I strongly recommend.
L is for Liceu. This is the city's Opera house was gutted by a fire just over 10 years ago, but since then has regained it's fame and has many sell-out performances and also encourages modern Operas as well as the traditional classics. The Building itself on Las Ramblas is a magnificent edifice and surely inspired the oldest café in Barcelona – Café de la Opera, just over the road.
M is for Montjüic. One of two "mountains" in Barcelona, but it's only a hill, really. Montjüic houses the Olympic stadium and installations, as well as the Spanish Village, Poble Español. There are two cable car rides - one from the bottom to the top, where the castle looms over Barcelona, and the other which leaves Miramar and crosses the Mediterranean Sea to the old fisherman's village of Barceloneta. Add to this Botanical gardens, Cactus parks, the Miro foundation and Greek theatre and breathtaking views and it's easy to see why people make sure they visit this mount.
N is for Nou Camp. FC Barcelona's incredible stadium is one of the biggest stadiums in Europe and has seen some amazing nights of football over the years. Also, huge pop concerts (the likes of U2) have also filled this amazing space. If you have the chance to see a a game, then I can highly recommend, and if not, the stadium tour is well worth a visit. Barça is more than just a club – indeed that it the official motto of the club, like Glasgow Celtic – it's a way of life. One of the most glamorous clubs in European history, Barcelona has always attracted big name players.
O is for Olympics. Not since the triumph that was Sydney has the Olympics seen such a marvellous Olympic Games as Barcelona in 1992. Records broken, a fantastic reception from the locals and the amazing backdrop of the Catalan capital made the games such memorable ones. Who can boast a better view from the Olympic Diving boards, for example? You'd be hard pressed to find an equal, I can guarantee you!
P is for Pata Negra. Iberian cured hams are some of the finest the world has to offer, and no trip to Barcelona is complete without sampling the acorn-fed, black hoofed variety, which is the most exquisite. Featured on BBC's Saturday kitchen amongst many others, this versatile meat is enjoyed in chorizos (spicy sausage), as well as simply cut of the leg in speciality tapas, and the art of carving the leg is another joy to be seen.
Q is for Quatre Gats. 1897 saw the birth of "4 cats" – spawned from Parisian Cabaret by Pere Romeu, a waiter in Paris who wanted to re-create the piano-lounge café bar in Barcelona. The privileged location nowadays just off Portal del Angel in the Gothic Quarter, plus the fame of being a favourite haunt of the young Picasso means that this is one of the main attractions featured in the guide books of today and is worth a mention, even if prices are hiked up a little for prosperity.
R is for Raval. The central neighbourhood of the Raval is one of the most culturally diverse locations on the planet. A recent census noted that for square metres, the Raval had more nationalities registered as residents than any other place on the planet of the same size. No surprise then, that this vibrant barrio in central Barcelona has a wealth of restaurants, bars, shops and languages being heard as well as some of the city's best sights, including the oldest church in Barcelona, Sant Pau del Camp, the city's Opera House, Liceu, and the Modern art museums of MACBA and the CCCB.
S is for Sagrada Familia. Previously mentioned, the masterpiece of Antoni Gaudi and "the people's Cathedral" has a special place in every Barcelona heart. Work has been ongoing for 125 years, and is still along way from completion, but the funds are solely from donations and profits from other Gaudi works in the city, meaning that the original wish of the Cathedral being for the people is coming true, slowly but surely – no corporation will finish it in 5 or 10 years for the sponsorship deals, etc.
T is for Tibidabo. Towering over Barcelona and looking down to the Mediterranean sea, this mountain is a natural border for the city, and houses Norman Foster's Communications Tower, and the wonderful Sacred Heart church blessing the city from atop. Recent additions have been the fantastic Hotel Florida and the renovation of the theme park with brand new rollercoaster ride – much to the annoyance of the locals who prefer to keep the woodland and surrounding forests free of the rollercoaster and keep it as home for the Iberian wild boars.
U is for UNESCO Heritage sites. Barcelona boasts 9 sites of cultural importance as deemed by UNESCO. These include Casa Mila, Sagrada Familia, Casa Viçenc, Palau Güell, Park Güell, Colonia Güell, Palau de la Musica Catalana, Hospital Sant Pau, and Casa Batllo. Unsurprisingly, 8 are from Gaudi, and see letter "D" for the other!
V is for Villa Olympica, or the Olympic Village. The two towers visible from the sky were the buildings that housed the athletes during the Olympic Games, and the surrounding area now boasts some of the city's best nightclubs and restaurants, as well as the city's Casino. The towers are now the 5 Star Arts hotel and an insurance company office block, but the area continues to thrive and is a tourist hot spot.
W is for Water. There are various reasons for including water to the list. First and foremost is the Mediterranean Sea, of course. Barcelona has an extensive coastline, from the comings and goings of the Port, then the beaches stretching from the old fisherman's village of Barceloneta to the Forum building. Also at the top of Las Ramblas, you have the Fountains of Canaletes – legend has it that if you drink from the fountains you will one day return to Barcelona. And finally the Magic Fountains at Montjüic – this fantastic light and sound display is un-missable, and the water jets and spurts, dancing to the themes played.
X is for Museu de Xocolata – the Chocolate Museum in el Borne is a great place to visit, with fantastic chocolate sculptures, history, and creative workshops – and of course plenty to test, try and buy!
Y is for Yachts and boats. Barcelona harbour is one of the most sought after places in Europe to dock your boat – recently the residents who had lived here for many years were forced out due to a huge hike up in prices. A stroll around Port Vell, crossing the bridge to Maremagnum or walking around to Barceloneta, you can imagine which boat you'd buy when you win the lottery!
Z is for Zoo – the obvious choice for the letter Z, but the Barcelona Zoo is a great day out. Located in the "garden of Barcelona", La Cuitadella Park, the city zoo is fairly big and has those great little buggies to get around on if you don't fancy walking. Until recent years "snowflake" the albino Gorilla was the main attraction, but despite not being there now, it's still a great family day out.
B is for Boqueria. Saint Joseph's Market, or "La Boqueria" is one of Europe's biggest food markets and is a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds! This fantastic space sells fruits you will never have seen, local specialities, and faw away delicacies like bugs, too! You definitely have to check it out!
C is for Catalan. Barcelona is the Capital of Catalonia, one of the autonomous regions in Spain. Catalonia has its own national language, Catalan, and along with Spanish is the official language of Catalonia. The Catalan people are very proud of their heritage and history and Catalan is spoken as a first language, often despite efforts to meet halfway with a little broken Spanish by tourists. The Catalan language was repressed during the Franco years and has bounced back with a stubborn and fierce nature. Fear not, though, as many visitors to the city who speak no Spanish may not even realise the difference.
D is for Domenech i Muntaner, Luis. This architect's achievements are perhaps dwarfed by all of Gaudi's excellent additions to the Barcelona skyline, but it's a little known fact that Barcelona has 9 UNESCO World Heritage sites, and only 1 of them is NOT designed by Gaudi. The Palau de la Musica (Music Palace) is a fantastic example of Modernista architecture, and well worth a guided tour.
E is for Eulalia – the forgotten saint of Barcelona. A girl of only 13 years, little Eulalia questioned how the then governor of Barcelona, Dacian, persecuted the Christians. Outraged at the cheek of the young girl, Dacian ordered punishments for each of her 13 years. These were particularly gruesome punishments including scalding with hot oil, put in a barrel with fleas, another one with nails and broken glass, lashed with hooks etc. Each of the punishments was suffered in silence until she was finally crucified!
F is for food. Ferran Adria's nearby El Bulli restaurant is regarded by many as the best in the world, and this has spawned many offspring including his brother's offering in El Borne of Comerç 24 amongst others. However, you don't need a big budget to enjoy the amazing foods of the region. The markets in Barcelona provide an alternative to restaurants, and if you do fancy eating out, try the midday menu of the day, which is a very reasonable way to sample the local delicacies.
G is for Gaudi. Antoni Gaudi is Barcelona's most famous name and is responsible for 8 of the 9 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Barcelona. This amazing visionary challenged the laws and nature of common architecture, and even now, years after is death, is buildings still seem some of the wackiest and amazing edifices to be born of the 19th Century. Works not to miss are the Sagrada Familia Cathedral – his unfinished masterpiece (read on) – La Pedrera, or Stone Quarry – a fantastic corner building with no straight lines, and nearby Casa Batllo paying homage to Saint George the patron saint of Catalunya, and the fantastic downtown (recently re-opened) Palau Güell commissioned by the same Count that gives the name to the incredible Park Güell in the north of the city.
H is for Horta maze. This immaculate garden is tucked away in the north east of the city, and receives few visitors, but is well worth the tip if you have some spare time. This is a labyrinth made from hedges, and is great fun.
I is for International. Barcelona is one of the most International and multi-cultural places you can visit today, and this means there is a wealth of different sights and sounds to experience, as well as some of the best restaurants from around the world. There is also the fusion of those immigrants who have borrowed the best from the Mediterranean cuisine and combined with their own countries specialities creating some amazing combinations!
J is for Sant Jordi. Saint George is the patron saint of Catalonia, and the 23rd April is not only a national holiday in Catalonia, but a fantastic day to be in the Catalan Capital. Barcelona's streets fill with flower sellers and book stalls, bakers are also full with special breads and cakes. Tradition means the girls receive a rose from the boys, representing the blood of the dragon slain by Saint George. The boys receive a book – the date coincides with Cervantes' anniversary.
K is for Keys. I kind of have to cheat on this one, as the letter K doesn't really exist in either Spanish or Catalan. Renting a holiday apartment in Barcelona is a great way to see the city, and makes it feel like a real home away from home with your own keys, making it possible to come and go as you please. There are many benefits of renting an apartment over a hotel, and it0s something I strongly recommend.
L is for Liceu. This is the city's Opera house was gutted by a fire just over 10 years ago, but since then has regained it's fame and has many sell-out performances and also encourages modern Operas as well as the traditional classics. The Building itself on Las Ramblas is a magnificent edifice and surely inspired the oldest café in Barcelona – Café de la Opera, just over the road.
M is for Montjüic. One of two "mountains" in Barcelona, but it's only a hill, really. Montjüic houses the Olympic stadium and installations, as well as the Spanish Village, Poble Español. There are two cable car rides - one from the bottom to the top, where the castle looms over Barcelona, and the other which leaves Miramar and crosses the Mediterranean Sea to the old fisherman's village of Barceloneta. Add to this Botanical gardens, Cactus parks, the Miro foundation and Greek theatre and breathtaking views and it's easy to see why people make sure they visit this mount.
N is for Nou Camp. FC Barcelona's incredible stadium is one of the biggest stadiums in Europe and has seen some amazing nights of football over the years. Also, huge pop concerts (the likes of U2) have also filled this amazing space. If you have the chance to see a a game, then I can highly recommend, and if not, the stadium tour is well worth a visit. Barça is more than just a club – indeed that it the official motto of the club, like Glasgow Celtic – it's a way of life. One of the most glamorous clubs in European history, Barcelona has always attracted big name players.
O is for Olympics. Not since the triumph that was Sydney has the Olympics seen such a marvellous Olympic Games as Barcelona in 1992. Records broken, a fantastic reception from the locals and the amazing backdrop of the Catalan capital made the games such memorable ones. Who can boast a better view from the Olympic Diving boards, for example? You'd be hard pressed to find an equal, I can guarantee you!
P is for Pata Negra. Iberian cured hams are some of the finest the world has to offer, and no trip to Barcelona is complete without sampling the acorn-fed, black hoofed variety, which is the most exquisite. Featured on BBC's Saturday kitchen amongst many others, this versatile meat is enjoyed in chorizos (spicy sausage), as well as simply cut of the leg in speciality tapas, and the art of carving the leg is another joy to be seen.
Q is for Quatre Gats. 1897 saw the birth of "4 cats" – spawned from Parisian Cabaret by Pere Romeu, a waiter in Paris who wanted to re-create the piano-lounge café bar in Barcelona. The privileged location nowadays just off Portal del Angel in the Gothic Quarter, plus the fame of being a favourite haunt of the young Picasso means that this is one of the main attractions featured in the guide books of today and is worth a mention, even if prices are hiked up a little for prosperity.
R is for Raval. The central neighbourhood of the Raval is one of the most culturally diverse locations on the planet. A recent census noted that for square metres, the Raval had more nationalities registered as residents than any other place on the planet of the same size. No surprise then, that this vibrant barrio in central Barcelona has a wealth of restaurants, bars, shops and languages being heard as well as some of the city's best sights, including the oldest church in Barcelona, Sant Pau del Camp, the city's Opera House, Liceu, and the Modern art museums of MACBA and the CCCB.
S is for Sagrada Familia. Previously mentioned, the masterpiece of Antoni Gaudi and "the people's Cathedral" has a special place in every Barcelona heart. Work has been ongoing for 125 years, and is still along way from completion, but the funds are solely from donations and profits from other Gaudi works in the city, meaning that the original wish of the Cathedral being for the people is coming true, slowly but surely – no corporation will finish it in 5 or 10 years for the sponsorship deals, etc.
T is for Tibidabo. Towering over Barcelona and looking down to the Mediterranean sea, this mountain is a natural border for the city, and houses Norman Foster's Communications Tower, and the wonderful Sacred Heart church blessing the city from atop. Recent additions have been the fantastic Hotel Florida and the renovation of the theme park with brand new rollercoaster ride – much to the annoyance of the locals who prefer to keep the woodland and surrounding forests free of the rollercoaster and keep it as home for the Iberian wild boars.
U is for UNESCO Heritage sites. Barcelona boasts 9 sites of cultural importance as deemed by UNESCO. These include Casa Mila, Sagrada Familia, Casa Viçenc, Palau Güell, Park Güell, Colonia Güell, Palau de la Musica Catalana, Hospital Sant Pau, and Casa Batllo. Unsurprisingly, 8 are from Gaudi, and see letter "D" for the other!
V is for Villa Olympica, or the Olympic Village. The two towers visible from the sky were the buildings that housed the athletes during the Olympic Games, and the surrounding area now boasts some of the city's best nightclubs and restaurants, as well as the city's Casino. The towers are now the 5 Star Arts hotel and an insurance company office block, but the area continues to thrive and is a tourist hot spot.
W is for Water. There are various reasons for including water to the list. First and foremost is the Mediterranean Sea, of course. Barcelona has an extensive coastline, from the comings and goings of the Port, then the beaches stretching from the old fisherman's village of Barceloneta to the Forum building. Also at the top of Las Ramblas, you have the Fountains of Canaletes – legend has it that if you drink from the fountains you will one day return to Barcelona. And finally the Magic Fountains at Montjüic – this fantastic light and sound display is un-missable, and the water jets and spurts, dancing to the themes played.
X is for Museu de Xocolata – the Chocolate Museum in el Borne is a great place to visit, with fantastic chocolate sculptures, history, and creative workshops – and of course plenty to test, try and buy!
Y is for Yachts and boats. Barcelona harbour is one of the most sought after places in Europe to dock your boat – recently the residents who had lived here for many years were forced out due to a huge hike up in prices. A stroll around Port Vell, crossing the bridge to Maremagnum or walking around to Barceloneta, you can imagine which boat you'd buy when you win the lottery!
Z is for Zoo – the obvious choice for the letter Z, but the Barcelona Zoo is a great day out. Located in the "garden of Barcelona", La Cuitadella Park, the city zoo is fairly big and has those great little buggies to get around on if you don't fancy walking. Until recent years "snowflake" the albino Gorilla was the main attraction, but despite not being there now, it's still a great family day out.
About the Author
David Brydon is an Englishman living in Barcelona, Spain. He is married and has 2 children. He has been working in the vacation apartment rentals business for 7 years. David writes about Cheap Barcelona apartments.
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