The northeast region, Eixample, is home to the many works of the architect Antoni Gaudí and is therefore unique in design. Gaudí, along with other architects, is responsible for the rise of Modernisme in the 19th century. The Sagradra Familia is perhaps the most well-known of Gaudí's works. This unfinished cathedral was begun in 1882, but was halted upon Gaudí's death and the Civil War. After the war, public donations allowed for a continuation of work on the church, which is still taking place today. Casa Mila "La Pedrera" was the famous house of Gaudí. The facade of the building is wavelike and abstract. As a matter of fact, there are no straight walls anywhere in the entire structure. Today, the house serves as a museum dedicated to Gaudí's influence in Barcelona. In the outskirts of the city, Gaudí built Parc Güell as his most colorful creation. The park contains a three dimensional mosaic lizard that captures visitors' attention and a set of mosaic serpentine benches. The location of the park makes it a perfect look-out point over the entire city. Other Gaudí works are scattered about the region of Eixample.
Old Town Barcelona is where the 14th century cathedral is located. Also in this sector is the famous avenue, Las Ramblas. This street is lined with shops, newsstands, flower stalls, tarot readers, mimes, and trees.
The final portion of Barcelona is Montjuic. This sector of the city lies on a hill 213 meters above the port. In 1969 this hill served as the location for the International Fair and in 1992 it is where the Olympic Games took place. Due to these two international events, Montjuic is now home to many buildings and national-class sports facilities. Areas of interest are Palau Nacional, Poble Espanyol, Font Magica, and the Olympic Stadium. [I]
Sights to See:
Sagrada Familia
Casa Mila
Parc Güell
Poble Espanyol
Bullring
Cathedral