The Blog of hanselmusic

This is my first time visiting Barcelona, and after nearly a full day of travel from Bogotá, Colombia, I’ve finally arrived.

As is tradition, one of the first must-see stops is the iconic Sagrada Familia. As you probably know, it’s a basilica designed by Antoni Gaudí, among other architects, and stands as a striking example of Catalan Modernism. I had always wondered why every photo of the Sagrada Familia shows scaffolding. Well—now I know: the basilica is still under construction!

After visiting the site, I walked through Plaça de Gaudí, a lovely park that offers beautiful views of the Sagrada Familia from multiple angles. Around the area, you’ll also find shops and vendors selling items inspired by the monument and its legacy.

Later, I took the metro and arrived at La Dreta de l’Eixample, a neighborhood full of fascinating, nontraditional architecture. Walking along Avinguda Diagonal, I noticed how the layout of the city was clearly planned with social equity in mind—making urban life more balanced and functional for all.

As wealth grew among Barcelona's residents, many homeowners began competing for attention through their architecture. Their house facades became more extravagant and artistic, turning the streets into an open-air gallery of modernist styles.

One great example is La Pedrera, also known as Casa Milà, another of Gaudí’s masterpieces. Interestingly, the name La Pedrera ("the stone quarry") was originally a derogatory nickname. The house caused conflict between Gaudí and the Milà family, who didn't fully appreciate his vision at the time. A fun fact: the famous hexagonal tiles seen on the surrounding sidewalks were originally designed for the home's interior, but were rejected by the owners. The city later adopted them to decorate nearby streets!

Further along, I visited the “Block of Discord” (Manzana de la Discordia), where several modernist architects showcased their unique styles side by side. This created an informal competition, letting people compare and choose their favorite buildings. It's a striking display of creative rivalry frozen in architecture.

To wrap up this part of the journey, I headed to La Rambla, where I explored La Boquería Market—a lively place full of traditional Spanish foods and delicacies from nearby regions and countries. It's a vibrant spot that reflects the diversity of the city.

This is just the first part of my adventure in Barcelona, where I’m exploring the most iconic tourist sites. In the coming days, I’ll try to discover lesser-known corners of the city to share a more unique perspective.

See you soon!