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  • Lara Knight
  • Lara Knight

Barcelona

A short but fine adventure by Lara Read more
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  • Trip start
    September 10, 2025
    Lara KnightBarcelonaTraveler

    Barcelona we have arrived!

    September 11, 2025 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 22 °C

    Hello from Barcelona!
    After a flight delay at Heathrow we finally arrived at our hotel at 2am 😳😳 We are an hour ahead here.
    We grabbed a bottle of coke at the airport in case Ian needs it - called Scot (our daughter’s boyfriend’s name!) so we have brought Scot with us 😆😆
    First impressions driving through at night are mixed, we are staying in the Gothic area, see what today brings!    Read more

  • Lara KnightBarcelonaTraveler
    Outside our hotel room!
    View up from our hotel room doorIan couldn't resist having a go!Beautiful - wet building oppositeIan protecting his rucksack 😉Catalonia day parade3Catalonia day paradeCatalonia day parade22

    Rain!! 😳

    September 11, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    After our late arrival, we decided to take it easy this morning, we got as far as the hotel entrance and discovered torrential rain! The road was also closed for a parade as today is the National Day of Catalonia.
    The parade came and went, the rain stayed put!!!    Read more

  • Lara KnightBarcelonaTraveler
    View to the stage
    Stunning stain glass windows either sideView from the stageTribute to PegasusThe music muses the surround the back of the stageThe music muses the surround the back of the stageThe view above the stageThe mighty 4000 pipe organThe entrance was also stunningThe inverted dome representing the sun and sky - beautifulWhat a beautiful place!Outside on the balconyAnother shot of the entranceEven the staircase was stunning!

    Palau de la Musica Catalonia

    September 11, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    This was one place I hoped we would go to, but hadn’t booked. We were lucky enough to arrive just in time for a guided tour of this stunning concert hall, which was only a few minutes from our hotel meaning we didn’t get too wet!
    Designed by Luis Montaner and built between 1905 & 1908 and built mainly from donations from the public, it is a simply stunning place to visit. So many details all based around music and nature, from the beautiful sculptures, to the roses, the mighty 4000 pipe organ and the stunning glass inverted domed ceiling, designed to improve the acoustics. We were lucky enough to hear the organ play too, just fabulous!    Read more

  • Lara KnightBarcelonaTraveler
    Still stunning despite the obvious construction work
    The star is 7m wide and weighs 5.5 tonnes 🤯The entrance with nativity scenes all aroundThe amount of work and detail in incredibleScale model - grey is complete, the rest need to be completedRandom turtles in the entrance posts - links to natureThat ceiling!Stunning!The light coming through the windows was mind blowingThe sunrise stain glass windowsCeiling again!Place to be quiet and contemplateThe sunset stun glass windowsThe death of Jesus Christ1All numbers across and down add to 33, Ian read about this in one of his books!The fruits on the tops of the building!My favourite part of the church, the rainbow effect from the sunset stained glass window - beautiful1Panoramic pic!It stopped raining!!!

    Sagrada Familia

    September 11, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    The rain finally stopped at 2pm, by which time we had taken the metro to Sagrada Familia and found a spot to shelter and have lunch before our tour of the famous church.
    More stunning architecture, the largest unfinished catholic church in the world! This was designed by Antoni Gaudi, started in 1882, expected to be completed in 2035, despite what Google says! Relying solely on private donations and income from tourists.
    The outside sculptures and towers are all related to the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the inside is reflecting nature.
    Just stunning, so much to see on the outside it’s mind boggling!!    Read more

  • Lara KnightBarcelonaTraveler
    Coffee and chocolate for Ian, strawberry and forest fruits for Lara!
    Avenue GaudiLooking back at Sagrada FamiliaHospital Sant PauMore stunning detailsJust love the buildings hereView to Montjuic from the rooftopCable car1Barcelona cathedral2Much needed!Happy!!!Yum!!View the other side of the rooftop

    Wandering!

    September 11, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    After a well earned ice cream pit stop, we meandered up Gaudí Avenue, came across hospital Sant Pau, designed by the same architect as the music hall. We didn’t go in but the building was another beautiful example.
    Lots of gorgeous buildings en route.
    Ended up back at our hotel about 7pm, rooftop bar for a drink and snack.
    It has been a wonderful day, despite the weather, looking forward to the rest of our stay - wondering if today could be topped?!    Read more

  • Lara KnightBarcelonaTraveler
    Scenery en route
    The monastery very misty when we arrivedView to the funicular railwayStatue of one of the designers of the monasteryEntrance into the siteSt George patron saint of Catalonia, keeping guardClouds clearingPicasso drawing in the museumSalvador Dali picture of his fatherGetting busy!The basilica entrance - inside was where we heard the choirInside the basilica, the Black Madonna is in the centre at the back of the basilicaThe Black Madonna is in the centre of this pictureStunning views22The view from the top of the funicularPanoramic pic4Very slow funicular!!Sound quality not great, but it was lovely in real life!

    Monserrat Monestary

    September 12, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    We took a trip to the monestary in the Monserrat mountain (translates to serrated mountain) , about an hour’s drive inland from Barcelona. Stunning scenery, the monastery is built into the mountain, has approx 70 monks and the Escolonia boys choir. Pilgrims visit the Black Madonna statue in the basilica there, which is in the back at the middle of the basilica, so watched by the public visiting the basilica!
    It was an amazing place, we also heard the boys choir which was lovely. We didn’t have time to go up the funicular railway, one of the steepest in Europe and is 65 degrees steep! An American couple that we met, managed it and sent me a couple of their photos! Certainly something we would go back and do!    Read more

  • Lara KnightBarcelonaTraveler
    Funicular
    Sagrada Familia in the centre!Montjuic CastleMontjuic CastleView across the portView across the 1st levelWent to take a photo - it stank of wee 😳😳Good shot though!Camp Nou - had to be done!Top level is a huge space! Black clouds rolling by but not in 🙌1Panoramic viewPlaca de CatalunyaPlaca de Catalunya - busy!Hard Rock Cafe BarcelonaCool guitar structure over the barMuch needed drinks!2That's better!!!2So is that!And that!!! 🤤Cable car viewOn the return journey - noisy!

    Montjuic Castle and cable car

    September 12, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    After a well earned rest, we ventured out to the funicular and cable car up to Montjuic castle, great views across Barcelona, luckily despite the cloudy skies no rain! A much needed pit stop at the Plaça de Catalunya and dinner at Hard Rick Cafe!Read more

  • Lara KnightBarcelonaTraveler
    The outside is so pretty, 23rd April on St George's day it is covered in red roses 🌹
    Little balconies tooInside is so beautiful & unexpected, every opportunity used to bring light inside takenBeautiful lights tooUnusual fireplace- Gaudi loved curved shapes, as there are no straight lines In nature ....Another pretty light by a lovely windowStunning doorsThis was the living room, how pretty are the windows!Strange ceiling though!View to the terraced garden2Enjoying himself - when he pressed the right button - some things never change!! 😆😆I loved the experience 🥰The back of Casa BatlloMore stunning interior views from the stairsThis one inspired by the seaLoved all the beautifully carved woodwork2Nearly lost him!! 😆Some of the 27 chimneys in the roof topStunning on the roof too!Still listening!!Even the attic was unusualWe had our photo taken on the attic balcony - well we are tourists!! 😉None of the footage does it justice!2Weird crazy video room at the end of the tour, my legs started shaking!

    Casa Batllo

    September 13, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    Early entrance to another stunning Gaudi project, this one where he was given free rein to design both the external & interior building. A very unusual but beautiful place, we had an audio tour of this one, integrated with an iPad type device which when you held up in each room showed an impression of how people lived there, very clever, ended with a room with a very weird video experience, very disorientating! Overall a worthwhile visit and one we would recommend.Read more

  • Lara KnightBarcelonaTraveler
    Casa Mila totally different to Casa Batllo
    Still the curves but with a lot of metal work this timeEntrance to the cafeLooked good from the cafe!More unusual ceilings2That was a good croissant we shared!!The gothic quarterBarcelona cathedral in the distanceQuirky narrow streetsThis one looked like Ian could touch the walks either side!! He didn't try...Lots of pretty parts along the way

    Casa Mila/La Pedrera & Gothic Quarter

    September 13, 2025 in Spain ⋅ 🌧 23 °C

    We meandered to another Gaudi project Casa Mila or more famously known as La Pedrera (quarry stone) we just had a look at the building then went into the cafe for a break, there were views into the entrance of Casa Mila which was interesting.
    We then debated what to do next as the forecast was not great, Ian really wanted to go to Barcelonetta beach, so we took the 50 minute walk through the Gothic Quarter to the beach.    Read more

  • Lara KnightBarcelonaTraveler
    Barceloneta beach and the W hotel
    Gym on the beachAbsolutely pouring down so stopped for a drink, however, the rain started dripping through the coverRain now a drizzle, this was a cool shop, the surf boards going roundHonest GreensVery healthy option!Piri piri chicken for IanMiso salmon for me! DeliciousCute 13 week old girl puppy ❤️Such a cutie 🥰Fancy a juice shot?!Missed another shower luckily!!Clearing slightly, the sea is changing shade 🤞Wheel by the front1Ice cream time! Chocolate & pina colada for me, tiramisu & coffee for Ian 🤤Nice yachts!Las Ramblas Italian restaurantMarguerita 🙌BBQ chicken 🙌2

    Barcelonetta Beach & rain & food!

    September 13, 2025 in Spain ⋅ 🌧 23 °C

    Barcelonetta beach, a couple of beach gyms, lots of places to eat, not as pretty in the cloud & rain! We did have a lovely meal at Honest Greens & met a very cute puppy.
    After an ice cream, wander and metro back to our hotel to rest, we then ended up in Las Ramblas famous for pick pockets 😳 Ian’s leg got covered in something en route, it had rained heavily whilst we rested, not sure if it was a bird or something dripping off a balcony!! Pizza to end a 20K step day 🙌Read more

  • Lara KnightBarcelonaTraveler
    Always inviting views of natureStunning rocks like stalactitesGaudi's houseHe lives his odd looking chimneys!Boulders representing catholic rosary beadsGuell's palatial home, now an elementary schoolStunning structures all over the parkThe back of the central square seats, decorated with mosaics & holes to allow water to drainA lady sculpted into one of the pillarsReally unique structuresGaudi also loved iron work tooThis is underneath the central square, pillars with tubes inside to drain water from aboveSpot the cups and saucers!Beautiful mosaics in the ceiling, summer dances are held here2The famous salamander sculpture - getting busy now...Twisted columnsBack of one of the seats - pretty 😍Iron gates to look like butterfly wingsOne of the houses built for staffWalking underneath the central areaSo pretty, loads of green parrots on the treesStunning location

    Park Guell

    September 14, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    Got a taxi to Park Guell, it’s at the top of a very long hill & after several messages from our tour guide about going to the wrong meeting place we took the safe option!
    Another Gaudi design, originally envisioned as a luxury residential estate for families, with homes built for Gaudi & his patron Eusobi Guell, the concierge & gardener, only one plot actually sold out of a total of 60 available. Eventually Guell had to sell the park, but only the council were interested in buying it. The whole park bar one house is now council owned. Locals can use it for free.
    A beautiful unique place, we loved it.    Read more

  • Lara KnightBarcelonaTraveler
    A long way down!
    Casa Vicens Gaudi's first designTypical iron workSo quirkyMore mosaics & iron work2Quirky balconyLunch time 🙌Tiny place!A few quirky little touches!Pina colada smoothie for me!Berry fruits for Ian!Delicious chicken wraps 😋

    Lunch & Casa Vicens

    September 14, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    After a brilliant time at the park, we walked to Casa Vicens, the very first Gaudi designed house, another beautiful example.
    We then stopped at a tiny place, Coco Social House, as recommended by Google! Delicious food & smoothies - much needed!!Read more

  • Lara KnightBarcelonaTraveler
    Placa d'Espanya
    Venetian towersArenas de Barcelona2Walk to Palau NacionalView looking backOlympic stadiumSculpture oppositeOlympic stadiumOlympic stadiumOlympic stadiumWe saw a parrot too!!2Sangria 🎉Another much needed beerTapasView across to MontjuicThe roof terraceSagrada Familia

    Placa d’Espanya & the Olympic Stadium

    September 14, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    Placa d’Espanya was undergoing a lot of work, the famous Montjuic Fountains are also under renovation, so first impressions a little underwhelming,
    We walked past the Arenas de Barcelona the old bullring which is now a shopping centre, through the towering Venetian Towers, past the Montjuic fountains up to the Palau Nacional - national art gallery, then on to the Olympic stadium - after spending our whole time trying to work out where it was we had found it!!! 🙌 then back to our hotel for tapas on the roof terrace 😊Read more

  • Lara KnightBarcelonaTraveler
    Cathedral of Barcelona
    Cathedral of BarcelonaCathedral of BarcelonaCathedral of BarcelonaPont del BisbePont del Bisbe - underneathPont del BisbePont del Bisbe - statues pointing outwards2Barcelona City HallLove the gothic lightsTypical Spanish barMore gothic quarter - love the variety of buildings tooMore gothic quarter2The Canager - kept seeing these everywhere, characters sat on toilets bring luck & joy😳Quick stop at Basilica de Santa Maria del MarBasilica de Santa Maria del MarMore gothic quarterMore gothic quarterTiny little van!The Hivernacle (conservatory) it was too hot to go inside!!!Parrots!The castle of three dragonsTower on the castleVery pretty park and much needed shade!So many parrots!!

    Wandering the gothic part 1

    September 15, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    We had a few hours to kill before our flight so went to a few places we had yet to see, firstly a proper look at the outside of the Cathedral of Barcelona, impressive from the entrance, then to Ponte del Bisbe, a stunning marble bridge connecting 2 buildings. Next stop the Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar a stunning 14th century gothic church, then on to the Castle of the Three Dragons currently closed for refurbishment, still impressive to look at though! This is also on the corner of Cuitadella Park where we watched lots of parrots being fed!
    It was so much hotter as the sun came out today, we were short on time so just did a circuit, took just over an hour, lovely walk.    Read more

  • Lara KnightBarcelonaTraveler
    Arc de Triomf
    Arc de TriomfArc de TriomfArc de Triomf & us!Pretty views around Arc de TriomfMore pretty gothic quarter shotsLunch - salmon for me 😋Chicken for Ian!Final stop on the roof terrace of our hotel, Sagrada Familia in the sun!2Cheeky complimentary cocktail from the hotel 🙌View down to the bottom floor!Hotel H10 Cubik lobby was really lovely, sat & waited for our taxi.More of the lobbyReception2Goodbye Scott 😆 fortunate not needed on this trip!Cheeky doughnut before the flightBye Barcelona until next time....Just about make out Sagrada Familia the tallest building 🙌2Sagrada Familia centre

    Wandering the Gothic Quarter part 2

    September 15, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    Finally the Arc de Triomf designed as the entrance for the 1888 Barcelona world fair, another impressive sight.
    Then a spot of lunch and back to our hotel.
    We thoroughly enjoyed Barcelona, we felt safe, found travelling around very easy and will definitely be back to see some of the bits we couldn’t see on this visit - perhaps when Sagrada Familia is complete! It is a beautiful city ❤️Read more

    Trip end
    September 15, 2025
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