Barcelona

Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia and the second largest city in Spain.

It is famous for its architecture, especially the Sagrada Familia.

It has been under construction since 1882, and is almost complete.

It is Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi's masterpiece, and was consecrated as a basilica by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010.

You are able to take an elevator to the top of the Basilica and walk down the stairs in one of the towers.

The weird shape of the building and the construction work makes being at the top of it kind of unnerving.

You have to go to the top to appreciate many of the colorful details there.

You will get dizzy descending the staircase.

A demon holds an Orsini bomb used at the bombing of the Liceu opera house in 1893.

The walls in one of the chapels

Turtles all the way down

Less-ancient aliens

The Sagrada Familia is a world wonder

Montjuic Castle overlooks the city of Barcelona.

Montjuic was originally a Jewish cemetery; this tombstone is from 1306.

Catalans still bear some ill-will towards the central Spanish government...

The Port of Barcelona is the 9th largest port in the EU.

Montjuic Castle was built in 1640 and used by the Spanish government to suppress Barcelona on numerous occasions by firing into the city.

Now its a peaceful spot with great views of the city.

There is a convenient cable car to get from downtown Barcelona up Montjuic Hill.

It also has great views.

The Catalan Museum of Archaeology has some interesting pieces, including these rock paintings from 1000s of years ago.

It is unclear who founded Barcelona, but archeological evidence shows Iberian tribes there traded with the Greeks.

And the Etruscans.

A unique votive offering

Romans turned Barcelona into a military camp around 15 BC and was probably the 2nd largest Roman city in Catalonia, after Tarragona.

A very neat display recreating a damaged mosaic found in Catalonia

Barcelona was conquered by the Visigoths in the 5th century, briefly occupied by the Arabs, and then turned into a March by Charlemagne's son Louis.

A successful Roman political from Barcelona left his fortune to the city so the interest could be used to pay low ranking officers and priests.

Looks tasty!

The National Art Museum of Catalonia is not to be missed.

It also has commanding views of the city.

Many paintings from historic churches from around Catalonia are now housed here, like this one from the 1100s.

Saint Climent in Taull, from ~1123

Bird sirens

Limoges enamel!

The interior of the museum is a unique space.

In 1137, Aragon and the County of Barcelona merged through marriage, and in 1229 the Crown of Aragon seized Majorca from the Almohad Caliphate.

Part of a 13th century tomb

The Miracle of Mount Gargano, 15th century

Descent of Christ into Limbo, 1475

Barcelona Cathedral was another of my favorite spots in the city.

It was mostly built in the 14th century.

The cathedral is dedicated to Eulalia of Barcelona, a Catalan martyr from Roman times.

The choir stalls have the coats-of-arms of the knights of the Order of the Golden Fleece on them.

You can walk around on the roof of the cathedral.

Saint Eulalia's Crypt

Cloister geese!

There was a traditional dancing festival outside the Cathedral when we visited.

There are a number of other beautiful old churches to visit in downtown Barcelona, including the Chapel of the Virgin of Montserrat, one of the Black Madonnas.

Statues for the Giant Parade

The History Museum of Catalonia has some fun displays.

The Barcelona History Museum has Roman ruins under it.

It also has a beautiful medieval ceiling.

There are many Roman ruins scattered throughout downtown.

Barcelona has many amazing tapas bars and restaurants.

Seafood at Paco Meralgo

Lunch at Santamadre near the art museum

Small bites and drinks at Babula Bar 1937

A unique drink/snack combo from Bobby's Free speakeasy

Tapas at El Quim de la Boqueria

We managed to get a reservation at Disfrutar, which was the highlight of our trip.

Where else can you wash your hands with smoky whisky and eat deserts from tree branches? Magical!