Balancing medieval charm with the beauty of modernist architecture, Barcelona is considered one of Europe’s most visually stunning cities. Located on the northeastern coast of Spain, the city is the second most populous in the country and the sixth in the European Union.
First Financial Security will set sail from the Port of Barcelona, one of Europe’s premier seaports, to start its wondrous tour of the Mediterranean aboard the Seven Seas Splendor. While you’re here in Barcelona, you can marvel at the unique architecture and art scene before shipping off on your fantastic voyage.
The City of Precious Architecture
Barcelona’s charm comes from a harmonious balance of architectural styles—Gothic and Art Nouveau, known as Modernisme—which has become the city’s aesthetic trademark. The movement took over Europe between 1880 and 1914, greatly influenced by its introduction in 1888 at the Universal Exposition.
The style is full of organic lines and forms, partly to protest the technological advancement of the Industrial Revolution, with elaborate curved lines replacing the boring, straighter ones. Look for buildings adorned with intense ornamentation, engraved flowers, and decorative excess—like in the grand auditorium of the Palau de la Música Catalana—to see the best examples of the beauty of Modernisme.
The Art Nouveau streets spiral toward the oldest and most historic part of Barcelona, known as the Gothic Quarter, resting right at the city’s center. This fascinating part of town contains portions of the city’s ancient wall from when was ruled by the Roman Empire, as well as several other landmarks dating from medieval times including Ell Call, the medieval Jewish Quarter.
Barcelona’s charm comes from the balancing of the historic with the modern.
Museums Galore!
Barcelona is one of the artistic capitals of the world. Don’t miss your chance to see the many wonderful museums in the city, starting with the Museu Picasso, or the Picasso Museum. Housing a permanent collection of nearly 4,000 originals, the Museu Picasso is unique in showcasing Pablo’s young and formative works from years in art school, as well as his more avant-garde later works. The museum offers an unparalleled reflection on the development of the artist throughout his many creative phases, from his Blue Period through Cubism, and everything in between.
Also, be sure to check out the Fundació Joan Miró, one of the most beautifully designed museum buildings in the world. Dedicated to Joan Miró, a master of surrealist painting and sculpture, this museum weaves art with architecture and contains a massive art collection that includes all of Miró’s graphic work.
Looking for something a little different? Check out the Chocolate Museum. Housed in a former monastery, this gallery maps the history of chocolate in Europe from the 15th century to modern times. If you have time, book a workshop where you can learn to be a chocolatier, making everything from truffles to lollipops. Delicious!
Don’t miss your chance to see the many wonderful museums in Barcelona, starting with the Picasso Museum.
Work Hard This Year to Qualify for DDC21
Start the year off strong and you just might qualify for Dream Destination 2021, giving you the chance to see this beautiful city. Whether you’re looking at the amazing art and architecture, or just passing flamenco dancers on a stroll through the boulevards, your time in Barcelona will be an amazing starting point for your tour of the Mediterranean.