A Walk Around Barcelona

Flea Market

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The decision to check out the Barcelona Flea Market had been made by my older son and as it was his birthday celebration it would have been churlish to refuse. Mind you all the family like nothing more than a look around a good market so there was no real hardship attached to this excursion. Map in hand we trundled off on our first exploration of the City checking out a range of interesting sights on route. We were in no real hurry, but even so we knew that we should not dawdle too long because Barcelona was crammed with potentially interesting things to see. We paused momentarily to check out the City’s bull-fight arena, a fine architectural structure despite the bloody scenes that it must ...Read More

The decision to check out the Barcelona Flea Market had been made by my older son and as it was his birthday celebration it would have been churlish to refuse. Mind you all the family like nothing more than a look around a good market so there was no real hardship attached to this excursion.

Map in hand we trundled off on our first exploration of the City checking out a range of interesting sights on route. We were in no real hurry, but even so we knew that we should not dawdle too long because Barcelona was crammed with potentially interesting things to see. We paused momentarily to check out the City’s bull-fight arena, a fine architectural structure despite the bloody scenes that it must still stage. A glimpse around a commemorative statue with a view down to the city’s arc de triomphe and then we set off with a vengeance.

It was a much longer walk than we’d envisaged and we required a wee bit of instinct to identify the actual site of the market. Well when I say instinct I mean that the place was signposted and it was a matter of looking where the majority of people were coming from and going to. Not too problematic and we were soon in the heart of the market.

We had the immediate instinct to check pockets and bags for security and then clutched onto our possessions for the rest of the visit.

For the greater part this is classic flea market with locals bringing their unwanted goods for barter – in the UK this would be viewed as a car boot sale; individual traders displaying their offerings of bric-a-brac; second hand tools; re-furbished kitchen and bathroom taps; old oil paintings, mirrors. Alongside these conventional flea market stalls were rows of stalls selling CD’s and dodgy DVD’s; second hand clothes stalls; predictably the cheap and tacky stalls were out in abundance; as were the dubious dealers selling second-hand mobile phones and promising to unblock troublesome sim cards.

The market was absolutely packed and a informal “one way system” seemed to operate around the market although it did become more complicated at some of the “junctions”. There were six of us and we wanted to keep each other in sight but after a time we acknowledged that it would be more sensible to meet back at the entrance at 11.00 – this gave us around an hour to check out the stalls.

There was plenty to check out and we were particularly taken by the huge number of bric-a-brac stalls. There were some high quality “modern antiques” but although we looked we did feel prices were a bit high and very few of the stall holders were prepared to negotiate. Indeed both my sons had similar experiences when they expressed interest for some smaller items – particularly glassware.

At the end of our time at the market none of us had bought anything but we’d enjoyed looking!
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Member Rating 3 out of 5 on January 30, 2008

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Picasso Museum (Museu Picasso)

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Attraction | "Picasso Museum"

Picasso Museum Photo - Picasso Museum (Museu Picasso), Barcelona, Spain

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Of course no visit to Barcelona would be complete without checking out the Picasso museum. It’s said to be one of the most visited museums in the city and although we were aware that the real famous pieces were not housed here it still felt like an important and “worthy” place to visit. So we formed an orderly queue behind a hoard of other animated tourists. The numbers in front of us seemed endless (as did those behind us!) but we were pleasantly surprised how quickly we were “processed”.Soon we were being pointed to the courtyard staircase that would lead us to the first floor exhibition centre where we would begin to appreciate the way that Picassso’s work had progressed during his life a...Read More

Of course no visit to Barcelona would be complete without checking out the Picasso museum. It’s said to be one of the most visited museums in the city and although we were aware that the real famous pieces were not housed here it still felt like an important and “worthy” place to visit. So we formed an orderly queue behind a hoard of other animated tourists. The numbers in front of us seemed endless (as did those behind us!) but we were pleasantly surprised how quickly we were “processed”.

Soon we were being pointed to the courtyard staircase that would lead us to the first floor exhibition centre where we would begin to appreciate the way that Picassso’s work had progressed during his life as an artist. I paused on the staircase to take a photograph of the small courtyard and was promptly cautioned by one of the guides. It must have been a health and safety issue because I was invited to return to the courtyard from where he was quite happy for me to use my camera. Having got a couple of shots in, I returned to my ascent to the first floor.

The correct way to proceed around the museum is signed and guides are there to point out the preferred route. This will enable you to view the work chronologically and enable a greater understanding of the development of the great man’s artistic mind – his seeming obsession with stripping out the 3-d layers and transferring them to the flat surfaces of the canvas. I’m not really into interpretative art (much to my son’s frustration) but I did begin to understand some of the processes that Picasso was pursuing. Indeed it almost seemed that the “randomness of his artwork” was in fact extremely structured and the more I examined it the more sense the art made to me.

I use the term “sense” in a generic way as at the end of the day there are far more “acceptable” ways (in my view) of getting the artistic message across without making the subject grotesque. I guess I was a bit surprised about how conventional this art gallery was as I’d been expecting something more reflective of the Picasso way. And if I’m totally honest I was a wee bit disappointed that there wasn’t more of his better known works hung here. That was certainly the view of my eldest who I think would go so far as to say he would have been more happy not to have spent the time in the gallery.

Once again I was the one of the group to keep the rest of my family waiting, although it didn’t seem to be too big an inconvenience as they had gravitated to the gallery’s well stocked shop – full of prints and a wide variety of art books.

I’m glad we checked out this gallery – after all there’s only ever going to be one Picasso – but I wouldn’t rush back. Read Less

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on January 30, 2008

Picasso Museum (Museu Picasso)
Montcada, 15-19
Barcelona, Spain 08003
+34 93 3196310

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Parc de la Ciutadella

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Attraction

Surprise!! Photo - Parc de la Ciutadella, Barcelona, Spain

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It was our last day in Barcelona and we’d walked the streets constantly. My sons were keen to watch the Liverpool football match in one of the local bars, whilst their partners were happy to return to the hotel for a “bit of a rest”. Us ‘oldies’, however, still had things to see so we headed across town to check out the city park.We set off in a purposeful and spritely manner but unfortunately our determined air belied the fact that we were waking in the wrong direction! The fact recognised; we re-checked the map and without too many problems set off in the right direction! The park was only a short stroll away and soon we were in the centre enjoying the vibrancy of this busy public space. I...Read More

It was our last day in Barcelona and we’d walked the streets constantly. My sons were keen to watch the Liverpool football match in one of the local bars, whilst their partners were happy to return to the hotel for a “bit of a rest”. Us ‘oldies’, however, still had things to see so we headed across town to check out the city park.

We set off in a purposeful and spritely manner but unfortunately our determined air belied the fact that we were waking in the wrong direction! The fact recognised; we re-checked the map and without too many problems set off in the right direction! The park was only a short stroll away and soon we were in the centre enjoying the vibrancy of this busy public space. If was really great because there was a carnival feel to the place with a live group performing and street entertainers strutting their stuff.

Of course none of this would distract us from the physical elements of the “people’s parkland”. There is some supreme architecture, amazing statues and the centre feature of the park’s water feature. I don’t mean to belittle this magnificent structure as it is an awesome sight with amazing fountains and grotesque gargoyle-like carvings. It’s a magnificent over-stated extravagance of a fountain that will attract as many ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ as it would have done when first constructed. The Cascada with its waterfall and fountain was built for the 1888 Universal exhibition and was designed by Josep Fontsère, with a loose connection with Rome's Trevi founbtain. Fontsère was assisted by a young student, Antoni Gaudí who of course went on to have a major influence on the architecture of Barcelona.

The central lake was well-used by families enjoying a gentle row on the tranquil waters, whilst others sat at the side just taking in the view. The park was scattered with sculptures with one in particular standing out as being out of place. Tucked away from the classical figures, but having a good sight of the older pieces was a large mammoth. A great attraction with the children, but we enjoyed it too!

In the Parc de la Ciutadella are housed a couple of museums (geological and zoological) we didn’t have time to visit them but the building’s facade is interesting in itself.

The park really feels like a “chill out place” and families and groups of friends were “hanging out” or enjoying a picnic in the shade of the large trees that dominate the park.

One of the park’s more unusual features is the “Homentage a L’Exposicio Universal de 1888” with huge rusty cog wheels surrounded by a small watery canal and overshadowed by a large montage of shiny metal. Not sure when this was constructed but it really does look out of place alongside the traditional baroque sculptures of the park. Still I guess it’s a good conversation piece! Read Less

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on January 31, 2008

Parc de la Ciutadella
Passeig de Pujades
Barcelona, Spain 08005

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Port Vell

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Attraction | "The Port"

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The port area of Barcelona is well worth a visit and although we didn’t spend an age there (we were only in town for a long weekend) it’s a section of town that I’m really pleased we checked out. To mark the centre of the port is the 50-metre tall column of Christopher Columbus. He towers over the surrounds pointing out to sea and seemingly commands everything in his vision. Columbus balances on an ornate orb balancing at the summit of the majestically decorated iron column. For a few euros you can take a lift to a lookout point in the column and share Christopher’s view of Barcelona.Having walked along the broad boulevard we took the pedestrian promenade from the base of the Columbus column...Read More

The port area of Barcelona is well worth a visit and although we didn’t spend an age there (we were only in town for a long weekend) it’s a section of town that I’m really pleased we checked out. To mark the centre of the port is the 50-metre tall column of Christopher Columbus. He towers over the surrounds pointing out to sea and seemingly commands everything in his vision. Columbus balances on an ornate orb balancing at the summit of the majestically decorated iron column. For a few euros you can take a lift to a lookout point in the column and share Christopher’s view of Barcelona.

Having walked along the broad boulevard we took the pedestrian promenade from the base of the Columbus column back towards town and along the water’s edge. Up until the Barcelona Olympics in 1992, the Port Vell was an obsolete harbour surrounded by run-down empty warehouses, poor quality industrial buildings, and a criss-cross of railway yards. With the arrival of the Olympics the Barcelona authorities spent huge amounts of money transforming the area into the vibrant region that it is today. The harbour is now home to expensive pleasure boats and boasts a high quality entertainment centre with a range of decent, although sometimes over-priced, restaurants. Once again Barcelona has been opened up to the sea!

A promenade all the way along the harbour and passes by two large modern jetties - the “Moll d'Espanya” houses the exclusive Club Maritim, a popular aquarium, the IMAX cinema, and a small shopping mall of exclusive and expensive fashion shops. Check out the curvaceous lines of the Rambla de Mar footbridge, the ultra-modern World Trade Centre all in the shadow of the Montjuic castle.

It’s a gentle walk back from the Aduana building, an old renovated customs building constructed in 1902 and everyone is taking it easy as they stroll along appreciating the view. There are sufficient benches to allow the weary tourist to relax and just watch the world go by and that includes the odd local on roller blades and children bounding along enjoying the freedom that this vehicle free zone gives. The promenade is bordered by pleasant palm trees and intermingled with the odd statue on route.

At the far end of the promenade is a brightly coloured statue that ‘demands’ your attention. At 14 metres high 'El cap de Barcelona', designed by “pop artist” Roy Lichtenstein, just leaves you wondering. What on earth and why? The view back along the promenade to the custom’s building with the hills shadowing over the skyline and the sea of masts is superb.

But we only paused momentarily as we pushed on to the row of restaurants in our search for a midday taste of the area with a sea-food tapas. There are plenty of places to choose from but take a step back from the front to get the most competitive prices. Read Less

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on February 2, 2008

Port Vell
Rambla De Mar
Barcelona

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Fundació Antoni Tàpies

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Attraction

A wheel good view! Photo - Fundació Antoni Tàpies, Barcelona, Spain

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Both my sons are into their artwork so it was no surprise that we “stumbled across” a magnificent ‘purposely adapted’ exhibition centre near to the centre of town. None of us had heard of the locally based artist, but he was a prolific worker who had all the accompanying books and catalogues to accompany his work. We decided not to fully explore the building but contented ourselves with watching a video of the artist talking about his work and checking out the basement with its variety of “installations”. The building itself dates back to 1880, and was designed by the modernist architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, and until the early 70’s was headquarters to a publishing house before being t...Read More

Both my sons are into their artwork so it was no surprise that we “stumbled across” a magnificent ‘purposely adapted’ exhibition centre near to the centre of town. None of us had heard of the locally based artist, but he was a prolific worker who had all the accompanying books and catalogues to accompany his work. We decided not to fully explore the building but contented ourselves with watching a video of the artist talking about his work and checking out the basement with its variety of “installations”.

The building itself dates back to 1880, and was designed by the modernist architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, and until the early 70’s was headquarters to a publishing house before being taken over by Antoni Tàpies who created this centre in 1984 as a place in which to study contemporary art, and we later learnt that the library has become one of the most important of its kind in the world. It’s also home to a large collection of Tàpies’ drawings, paintings, sculptures and engravings and there are often impromptu and temporary exhibitions.

The building itself was atmospheric and I couldn’t resist thinking that the strategically placed bicycle outside the entrance was probably part of the artist’s “scene setting.” Certainly if you look up to the very top of the building the “barbed wire” effect is one of Tàpies's avant-garde sculptures.

Immediately inside the skylight gives a flash of pure light into the entrance hall and the bright red light of a stained glass window shines down from immediately in front of you towards the top of this warehouse like building.

Downstairs a double staircase led us to the open exhibition hall with some major installations that most modern homes would find difficult to accommodate. Modern art was hanging from the walls, and although this was a huge exhibition space it was strangely empty, but at the same time there was a sufficiency.

In a corner of the basement was a looped video about the artist. Antoni Tàpies was born in Barcelona in 1923 into “a cultured, middle-class, nationalist family” and with the encouragement of his family he recovered from a early lung disease by painting and drawing and by the 1940’s he was already a major exhibiter. In the 50’s 7 60’s he was in to creating multiple evolutionary images often of a challenging and sometimes “disagreeable” topic. He was a political and social activist and this rang through his work, which used a variety of radical mediums to express the passionate views of the artist. His work is challenging and although I wasn’t keen enough to buy any prints of his work (both my sons did) I was inspired enough to check out more of the man on my return to the UK.

I've since read that the ary gallery will be closed in 2008 for major re-furbishment and to make it more accessible for people with disability. We were lucky enough to see it in its raw state! Read Less

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on February 2, 2008

Fundació Antoni Tàpies
Aragó, 255
Barcelona, Spain 08007
+34 93 4870315

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