DAY 2

The previous night we stayed up late to plan the rest of our trip (2 and a half days left). We made a list of all the “must see” spots and grouped them according to their locale. The Picasso Museum, Miro Foundation and Gaudi’s works were on top of the list. We didn’t have much time so we needed a plan that could provide us with a fast tour.

My trip to Barcelona

On our second day we woke up early and had breakfast at the hotel, which was not very apealing at all (only the bread rolls and cheese were worth the taste).

1. We went to see the Parc Ciutadella first thing. We strolled around, saw the Three Dragon Castle, and the Parliament Buildings from the exterior and came to the gate of the Zoo. Although we really wanted to go in we decided not to, because it was obvious we would spend the rest of the day there.

2. Next we went on towards the Picasso Museum. The Museum was about 15 minutes walk from the Park. When we came to the Picasso Museum we were happy to find out that there were discounted museum passes available. We could visit the 7 major museums by paying 20€. That was quite a relief since I was estimating the museum fees would cost 100€ for myself only. I already was a great fan of Picasso and I loved seeing all of his displayed in the Museum, especially the work he did on Las meninas. The documentary video show on Picasso’s Las meninas was really worth seeing (I think I’ll write a seperate post on this subject later on).

3. Our next stop was the Barcelona Cathedral (Cathedral of Santa Eulalia). This Cathedral is at Barri Gothic, the old city of Barcelona, and as you can guess is in Gothic architectural style. It is also the seat of the archbishop of Spain. The Church is dedicated to the co-patron saint of Barcelona St. Eulalia, who was a martyr of the Roman era. The Cathedral has a courtyard housing 13 geese which is a symbol of the age St. Eulalia was martyred. We had no time to stall so after a quick tour of the cathedral we left for the Museum of Contemporary Art.

4. The Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art in other words MACBA, designed by Richard Meier, is an important example of neo-modernism. With its minimalist white facades and simplistic forms, the architecture carries on the legacy of Mies van der Rohe’s famous words “Less is More”. The only thing about this building was that the exhibitions were shaded by their container, the building itself. If the exhibited items could have co-existed with the architecture in a more creative way I think the function of being a museum would have balanced the museum being an object of art itself.

5. The Barcelona Centre of Contemporary Culture was our next stop. It is close by the MACBA and has an inner courtyard. The main feature of the building is the modern extension to the old building. The two standing adjacent to each other. We wanted to visit the center but the personnel said that the exhibition would open the day we were going to leave so we passed on that.

6. We were close to the Universitat Metro station so we jumped on and according to plan and schedule by 2 PM we were at the Plaza de España. This square among many is one of the most largest and most important. Before passing the square towards the Venetian Towers we went to see the Dona i Ocell (Woman and Bird) Statue by Joan Miró at the Parc de Joan Miró. This sculpture is covered with mosaic glass and is a beautiful example of his joyful child – like works. I was really getting exited in visiting his museum, hoping we would have enough time left to spend there. We were getting close to its location, and were supposed to be there towards the end of our day’s sightseeing schedule. The Joan Miró Foundation was one of the artspots I really couldn’t miss. So we really had to act fast, but without haste.

7. Next we walked by the Plaza de España, through the Venetian Gates, firstly towards Mies’ pavillion, eager to experience this masterpiece, however we were  disappointed because the pavillion was closed for the day. Observing the building from outside I was disappointed again; although it was obviously a modern architectural masterpiece, the building did not fit in with the monumental environment. It seemed lost among the wide ally, exhibition halls and other structures.

8. We then continued up the monumental stairs to The National Art Museum of Catalonia. This museum is housed by the ornate Palau Nacional, a part of the region selected for the 1929 world fair, including the previously stated Mies van der Rohe’s German national pavillion. I enjoyed the art, especially the paintings of Velasquez, the interior furniture Gaudi, as well as the architecture of the museum.

9. Next we passed on to the Joan Miró Foundation, as I have already said, I was very excited. This is a very modest, playful and aesthetic building just like the art of Miró. His art contains the spirit of a child’s, who is satirical, misetchievous and also modest. One problem about the musuem was that it was too small to house the crowds that came to visit, and thus I got lost in the route and missed visiting the roof.

10. We were very tired of walking and took a bus back to the Plaza de España, and then hopped on to the subway to our next and final step of the day: Gaudi’s Casa Milo, in other words to La Pedrera. Words are never enough to explain Gaudi’s work. The man was definitely thinking and creating in another dimension. The intricate detailing, and the overall design of Gaudi depict a world that is certainly out of time. Although he has been stated to be a modernist, I believe his work cannot be categorized to any one style. The chimneys that resemble soldiers guarding the roof, the mosaic covered architecture, organic structure, details and spaces all must be seen to be appreciated to full extent.

What a day! We had visited so many spots in just one day. All because we had planned our trip so well. That was all for Day 2. To expect more would be insane. We decided to end the day and rest our poor tired feet.

Again at the end of the day I was exhausted, but at the same time very happy to have spent my day so fully. We didn’t go out to experience the Barcelona nightlife, but rested happily that night to be up early the next morning and do some more sightseeing the next day.

Do you want to hear some more? Read about my last day in Barcelona…