Things to see and do Catalonia

The train station that provided the first link between Barcelona and Mataró was replaced in 1929 by a new station called Gare de France. Restored in 1992, and despite a very small traffic, this Art Deco station has kept a great deal of charm with its metal structure and glass glass high over 30 m.

With an area of three hectares, Plaça de Catalunya, linking the historic center to the Eixample, is the starting point of the main arteries of the city. The first stage of urbanization of the square dates back to 1902, followed by various projects, such as that of Josep Puig i Cadafalch in 1923. Finally, the inauguration by Alfonso XIII did not take place until 1927. Considered the social and cultural epicenter of the city, this square is a veritable open-air museum with sculptures by Clarà, Marès, Gargallo and Llimona, among others.

The museum is housed in the arsenals of the Crown of Aragon, built in the 13th century by order of Peter the Great. Modified until the 18th century, the Drassanes are a jewel of civil engineering and are one of the few examples of Gothic-style naval infrastructure. The museum traces the Catalan maritime history through an important collection of maps, models and paintings. Don't hesitate to visit the schooner Santa Eulàlia, dating from 1918, one of the first boats restored and refloated by the museum.

Itinerary with sailing along the coast of Barcelona (five squares and an instructor): you small sailing lessons once on board will be. Cross cava to celebrate your baptism at sea. Olé!

In front of the port chosen by Christopher Columbus to disembark on his return from the Americas, stands the monument in his honor, erected by Gaietà Buïgas. Eight bronze lions stand guard at the foot of the Corinthian-style column. It is 51 meters high and was inaugurated on the occasion of the 1888 Universal Exhibition. Take time to observe the bas-reliefs: they illustrate the key moments of the explorer's life. The figures of the Catholic Monarchs and other key figures in the discovery of the New World envelop the pedestal. Carved in the lower part of the column, you will notice the arms of Catalonia, which frame caravels. At the top of the monument, the figure of Columbus, a seven-meter high sculpture by Rafael Atché, emerges from the crown of the County of Barcelona. The navigator holds a map in his left hand and points to the sea with the other. Against all odds, while one would be tempted to think that he is pointing to America, it is Italy, his native land, and more particularly Genoa, that is shown. An elevator allows access to the viewpoint. Don't worry: the ascent, which took four minutes with the old hydraulic system, only takes a few seconds! Once up there, you'll enjoy a breathtaking view of the entire city, with the silhouettes of the Sagrada Familia, the Agbar Tower and the Montjuïc Castle to the south. If possible, avoid rush hour: it is not always easy to get close to the windows!

This park was built in 1986, on the location of old railway warehouses. Some elements have been preserved in this urban landscape, in the form of waterfalls and the Arab patio.

Located between the beaches of Barceloneta and Nova Icària, this port was built in 1991 to accommodate the sailing competitions of the 1992 Olympic Games. Several architects participated in its design, including Oriol Bohigas, Josep Martorell and David Mackay through the MBM Arquitectes agency. At the foot of the Mapfre towers and the Arts Hotel, the port is home to a high concentration of restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Here stands the sculpture of Frank Gehry's Peix d'or, icon of the Vila Olímpica, representing a golden fish.

Book accommodation on the premises, to learn on the site and its visit.

This very pleasant park was built in 1919, along with the Royal Palace for Alphonse XIII. The Font del Drac (Dragon Fountain) was designed by Gaudí.

Sants Estació

Pl. dels Països Catalans, s/n

Main hall

M°: Sants-Estació

Every day from 8:00 to 20:00.

Plaça Sant Jaume

C/

Ciutat, 2

M° Jaume I

Monday to Friday of 9:00 to 20:00. Saturday from 10:00 to 20:00. On sundays and holidays 10:00 to 14:00.

Plaça Catalunya

17 Plaça de Catalunya

Mº: Catalunya

Open every day from 8:30 to 20:30.

Rambla

Rambla dels Estudis, 115

Mº: Catalunya

Open every day from 8:30 to 20:30.

Mirador de Colom

Del Portal de Pau placed

M°: Drassanes

Every day from 8:30 to 20:30.