Barcelona: Centre of Art and Architecture

Posted on Friday, April 22, 2011

A major centre of art and architecture in Europe, Barcelona never fails to impress visitors.

The capital of the Catalunya region is unique in the world. It’s easy to explore on your own or take a guided tour to learn more about the artists who lived here and their work.

These are the highlights:

• The Church of the Sagrada Familia is Barcelona’s most famous landmark and the masterpiece of Spain’s greatest 20th-century architect, Antoni Gaudi. The very unusual church is still under construction following Gaudi’s modernist plans.
• Other Gaudi structures include Casa Batlló, Park Guell and Gaudi Casa-Museu, the pink castle-style house where Gaudi lived, now a museum.
• The Museu Picasso displays works from the master’s formative years. It is a few blocks off the Ramblas in the narrow streets of the old town.
• The Miro Foundation was a gift from the artist Joan Miro to his native city. The striking white building showcases Miro’s contemporary art.
• Magnificent mosaic tile work is characteristic of the Palau de la Música Catalana found on the Carrer de Sant Francesc de Paula in old Barcelona. This concert hall in modernist style was designed by Lluis Domènech i Montaner and built between 1905 and 1908.
• The Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya displays art from the Catalan region dating from the Middle Ages to the 1940s.
• The Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona features art from the main movements of 20th century art mostly from Spain and the region of Catalunya.
• Immerse yourself in Surrealism by taking a day trip to nearby Figueras, Salvador Dali’s birthplace and home of the impressive Dali museum.

Everywhere you turn in this stylish city you’ll see something of interest. Barcelona is certainly not to be missed by those who appreciate art, architecture and design.

Enjoy Barcelona's Cuisine

Posted on Monday, December 20, 2010

Paella is the Spanish national dish.  It is a combination of seafood, chicken and vegetables mixed together over a saffon-flavored rice. Typical Catalonian cuisine focuses on fish dishes such as Zarzuela, up to a dozen different types of seafood are used in this dish which is served in a brandy and wine sauce. For dessert, try Crema Catalania, the local version of Caramel Custard. 

Try a Sangría, a blend of red wine, brandy, orange juice, mineral water and fruit. Cava is the world-renown Spanish Champagne produced in the Penedés region just outside Barcelona.  Priorato is a popular local red wine.

Tipping:  In most restaurant a 10% gratuity is acceptable.  Remember that when meals are included with your tour, gratuities have been taken care of for you.

Madrid and Barcelona Vacation: Monograms

Posted on Friday, November 14, 2008

Madrid & Barcelona:  Monograms allows you the chance to discover Spain independently, at your own pace & in your own style. Combine ancient tradition with the exuberance of a progressive seaport city & you've got the most visited destination in Spain, Barcelona! From medieval fortresses & cathedrals to Gaudi's Sagrada Familia & the exciting Las Ramblas area. Simply dive right in as colorful architecture, brilliant cultural performances & charming people await. Then travel westward to Madrid, a city bursting at the seams with world-class arts, grand historical architecture & exhilarating nightlife. Wander through its museums, enjoy tapas, sangria & dance until dawn as Madrid's vitality & warmth show you why Spain is one of the most popular destinations in the world. Monogram vacations also offer the assistance of a local host who provides authentic service and support, helping travelers feel more at ease while in Spain. Prices from $1,929 pp

We invite you to enjoy these slides of Barcelona: