Sights of Catalonia. Regions of Spain: Catalonia What attractions of Catalonia must be visited

World Travel

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28.06.17 11:02

For many, the attractions of Catalonia are limited only to its heart, the capital of the colorful Spanish region, Barcelona. Indeed, there are natural attractions of Catalonia - the Mediterranean Sea, historical attractions of Catalonia - the Gothic Quarter, architectural attractions of Catalonia - the masterpieces of Antoni Gaudi and a vibrant urban culture. But Catalonia is much more than this Mediterranean resort!

From the capital to the foothills of the Pyrenees: incredible sights of Catalonia

Barcelona is magnificent: the heart of the region

The Gothic Quarter, where time stands still

And yet, we will open the review of the main attractions of Catalonia with Barcelona - and according to its status, it is not for nothing that it is the second largest city in Spain and the capital of the region! You can study Barcelona for a very long time, and there will still be many “blank spots”. But what can't you miss?

First of all, visit the Gothic Quarter to admire the feeling of “frozen time”, wander through the delightful narrow streets, atmospheric alleys and squares where locals gather to gossip. Here you can often meet street musicians, whose sweet guitar strums will make you feel absolutely happy.

The lively Rambla

Outside the Old Town there are wide alleys that lead to beautiful beaches along the harbour. The busiest street in Barcelona and one of the attractions of Catalonia is Rambla with many shops, outdoor cafes and colorful spontaneous markets. There are trees on both sides of the boulevard.

The surreal "legacy" of Antoni Gaudi

Walking along this street, don’t miss the Güell Palace, a masterpiece of avant-garde architecture by the Catalan Antoni Gaudi, its massive “front doors” cannot be confused with anything!

Other works by the architect include the surreal Basilica of the Sacred Heart, which towers over the city, several fancy mansions, and the UNESCO-listed Park Güell, which is fantastic, with intricate walls, fountains, buildings, benches and stairs.

With more than 70 (!) museums and 24 Michelin-starred restaurants in Barcelona, ​​you'll love Catalan cuisine.

Seaside beauty Tarragona

Luxurious beaches and Roman amphitheater

The beautiful seaside city of Tarragona seems to have it all: interesting ancient historical sites of Catalonia, convenient beaches, national flavor. This port city on the Costa Dorada is located about 100 km from Barcelona, ​​and if you visit the capital, it would be a shame to miss Tarragona!

Much of the city overlooks the Mediterranean Sea; tourists love the magnificent Playa del Milagro beach, located a short walk from the historical center. Lovers of antiquity will be enchanted by the Roman buildings scattered throughout Tarragona, and especially by the incredible, well-preserved Roman amphitheater from the 2nd century.

El Serrallo fishing harbor

Tarragona has a charming Romanesque cathedral and medieval streets. For delicious seafood, take a stroll to El Serrallo, a fishing village with an old world atmosphere.

Sitget: luxury resort

The upscale seaside resort of Sitges is a striking natural (and other) attraction of Catalonia. From Barcelona it is only 42 kilometers. Sitges attracts tourists with its golden beaches, the main one - Blue Flag - with its calm waters ideal for swimming. A yacht marina and golf courses add to the chic resort atmosphere. The historic center of Sitges is famous for its two ancient churches.

At the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries, monumental monuments in the Art Nouveau style were erected in the city, for example, the Cau Ferrat house, in which the Spanish artist Santiago Rusiñol lived. His art studio became a gathering place for painters, craftsmen and intellectuals, and now it is a museum.

Medieval Shy Vic

The strange medieval town of Vic (72 km from Barcelona) stretches along the banks of the Meder River; this is another very interesting attraction of Catalonia. Vic has two historical quarters: the area around the Castillo de Montcade and the area around the city's cathedral. Vic has a unique artistic heritage, collected in the Episcopal Museum. It displays masterpieces of religious sculpture and painting from the Romanesque and medieval periods.

Tourists looking to take a break from long walks should head to Vic's central square, Plaza Mayor, where there are cafes with pleasant outdoor terraces. Excellent national dishes are served here.

Salvador Dali Theater Museum in Figueres

Don't miss one of the main attractions of Catalonia - the Salvador Dalí Theater Museum in Figueres. This traditional Spanish town is located in a quiet river valley, and the museum is its crowning jewel. Housed in a 19th-century municipal theatre, the museum presents all aspects of the surrealist genius and showcases some of his greatest painting masterpieces. The Theater Museum also has a film library with audiovisual content collected by Dali himself. In August, the museum also opens at night - from 10 pm to 1 am, when a magical atmosphere reigns in the courtyard and halls.

Cadaques is a wonderful place on the Costa Brava (170 km from Barcelona). The rugged and rocky coastline of the artists' village hides quiet coves with unspoilt nature and magnificent hidden beaches. Although some of them are not entirely sandy, there are also pebble areas, calm waters and an intimate setting attract romantic tourists. Coves are amazing natural attractions of Catalonia!

You will certainly be charmed by the historic quarter of Cadaqués, with its narrow passages and whitewashed houses, the walls of which embrace lush shoots and colorful inflorescences of plants.

The village has cast a spell on artists for centuries, and you won't be able to resist it either.

Monastery of Santa Maria de Poblet: pride of the Cistercian Order

The architectural (and historical) attractions of Catalonia include the monastery of Santa Maria de Poblet, located in a beautiful location (among vineyards), listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This wonderful monument of medieval architecture was founded in the 12th century for Cistercian monks. The Order still uses these walls for spiritual worship.

The complex has two museums, one located in King Martin's Palace and exhibiting Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque religious art, and the other, the Restoration Museum, illustrating restoration work. Inside the monastery church are the tombs of the kings of Aragon.

Besalu: as if straight out of a fairy tale illustration

The medieval town of Besalu is simply perfect! It's a wonderful jumble of cobblestone streets and quiet squares lined with impressive historic buildings: Besal seems straight out of a Gothic fairy tale. The city has an atmospheric old Sephardic quarter with medieval Jewish baths, which were used for ritual ablutions. Ancient Christian monuments are represented by the Benedictine monastery of the 10th century, its coeval chapel of Santa Maria, and the Romanesque church of the 13th century.

One of the most colorful attractions of Besalu (and Catalonia) remains the ancient Viejo Bridge, built in the 11th century and restored in the 14th century.

Atmospheric Olot and Garrotxa Volcanic Park

The picturesque foothills of the Pyrenees are a natural attraction of Catalonia. At their foot, 112 kilometers from Barcelona, ​​there is the town of Olot, characterized by a relaxed atmosphere and vibrant cultural life. The city has several art galleries, and the regional museum displays a collection of modernist paintings. Visit the 18th-century parish church with its wonderful Baroque altar, stroll along tree-lined alleys, admire elegant aristocratic mansions, and sit in quaint open-air cafes.

From Olot, excursions are organized to the Garrotxa Park, a wooded area characterized by a phantasmagoric landscape. The terrain is “dictated” by long-extinct volcanoes.

Multicultural Ancient Girona: Barcelona's Rival

Two districts of the Old City

We round off our list of top attractions in Catalonia with Barcelona's rival, medieval Girona, which prides itself on its multicultural atmosphere. This is a real gem of the region, 103 km from Barcelona, ​​a medieval fortress with a rich heritage left by the ancient Romans, Moorish-era Arabs and Jews. The old city was built on the right bank of the Onyar River - these are bright colorful houses surrounded by fortress walls.

Old Girona is divided into two districts. This is Força Vella, the original Roman town founded over 2,000 years ago, and the medieval part that expanded Girona in the 14th and 15th centuries. Atmospheric historical quarters with pedestrian streets and medieval buildings leave lovers of antiquities in awe.

The arcaded pedestrian street Rambla de la Libertat is the heart of Old Girona, where streams of tourists flock. Shops with sparkling windows, smaller shops, cafes right next to the sidewalks, benches under the trees - everything is conducive to relaxation.

Outstanding religious monuments

Romanesque Cathedral of St. The Virgin Mary, a unique architectural landmark of Catalonia and Girona, was completed in the 11th century and renovated in the 17th century. Therefore, the facade, to which a massive staircase leads, is made in the Baroque style, and the interior is Gothic. The massive nave of the temple is the widest medieval sanctuary in the world.

Other interesting religious monuments of Girona are the Romanesque church of San Nicolau, now used as an exhibition hall, the 12th-century Benedictine (St. Daniel) monastery and the Gothic monastery of San Domenech, surrounded by luxurious gardens.

Legacy of the Moors and Jews

The cultural heritage of the Moors can be discovered in the Arab baths of the Capuchin monastery, an Islamic-style columned pavilion topped by an octagonal dome.

And another attraction of Catalonia in Girona is the Jewish quarter (El Call), which is better preserved than all its Spanish counterparts. In the Middle Ages, centers for the study of Kabbalah and a synagogue were opened in this quarter.

List of amazing places near Barcelona.

Not far from Barcelona there are many amazing places that may interest curious tourists. All these mysterious places are located just an hour’s drive from the capital, therefore, having had their fill of the sights of the metropolis, tourists can always admire something new:

1. The ancient Spanish city of Vic. This medieval city deserves special attention. Vic is known for his delicious sausages! You can get to this place by train. In addition, there are remains of an ancient Roman settlement from the 2nd century, and the ancient Roman market still exists today! On the main square of the city you can buy everything from all kinds of small items to exquisite delicacies - a gourmet's dream.

2. Spanish sparkling wine factories Freixenet and Codorniu. These two factories are a real paradise for champagne lovers! Freixenet is the most popular brand of quality sparkling wines all over the world! You can organize a tour of the factory and see with your own eyes how the famous Spanish cava is born. The Gaudi-style Codorniu sparkling wine factory is located nearby. If you wish, you can visit both factories on the same day, go to the shops at the leading sparkling wine factories and buy a few bottles for yourself and friends.

3. The city of Sitges is a seaside town located southwest of Barcelona. Sitges is known as the city of art. Carnivals are regularly held here and you can get acquainted with the diversity of Spanish culture. The headquarters of the International Film Festival of Catalonia is also located here.

4. Sau Reservoir - a place where a large amount of water is concentrated and magnificent red mountains. In this place, in the 60s, during the construction of a dam, San Roma was flooded along with the valley. Barcelona needed water and it was simply necessary then. The local church was flooded along with the village. For 40 years, tourists could only see its bell tower. In 2010, there was a drought in Spain and a 20-meter building ended up on dry land. While the reservoir was empty, people came from all over the world to see the church. Now the church is under water again.

5. The city of Carcassonne is a medieval city located 300 km from Barcelona. Once upon a time it was one of the most powerful and reliable defensive structures in Europe, protecting the local population from the attacks of foreigners. Today the city is a concentration of historical, cultural and architectural monuments.

6. Girona is an ancient Spanish city, stunning with its exquisite architecture, as if woven from the finest lace. Here you can get acquainted with the Jewish Quarter, located in the historical center of the city, with many churches made in Gothic and Romanesque styles, and medieval monuments.

7. Spanish Venice (Empuriabrava) is a unique place located on the Costa Brava. This crowded place is chosen by fans of sailing, yachtsmen and simply lovers of nature and boat trips on the water. Empuriabrava's extensive network of canals is now included in the Guinness Book of Records.

8. The pearl of Catalonia is the city of Cadaqués. This city was once one of the favorite places of the famous artist - Salvador Dali. Cadaques is a coastal city that attracts tourists with its magnificent mountain scenery and natural beauty. In 1920, S. Dali said: “I spent a delightful summer in the beautiful and dreamy city of Cadaques. In this place, on the seashore, I was literally overwhelmed by the light and the richness of the colors.” Cadaques is perfect for those who want to relax in peace and quiet, in solitude with nature.

9. A secret place in the Pyrenees Mountains - Val de Nuria. This amazing corner is located in the Eastern Pyrenees. It is from here that you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of 300 mountain peaks surrounding a real natural oasis.

10. Mountain lagoons of El Torrent de la Habana. These protected exotic lagoons are located just 100 km from Barcelona in the Pyrenees Mountains. They are famous for their pools with emerald water, cascades of waterfalls and mountain streams with fish swimming in them. All this splendor is more reminiscent of an unreal reality or a fairy-tale world, which can only be observed in Thailand!

Take a walk with me through the towns and parks of Catalonia.

Girona is one of the most ancient cities in Catalonia. It is located just 35 km from the Costa Brava. This city has retained its medieval face: majestic walls, Gothic and Romanesque churches, the historical center of the entire Jewish Quarter - all these places demonstrate tourist and historical significance to visitors. Girona is a dynamic and modern city located on two banks of the river. He managed to maintain his original, pleasant and peaceful appearance.

Find out about all the attractions in Girona.

Cadaques

Cadaques is the most picturesque town on the Costa Brava. This small settlement is cut off from the noisy world by the Cap de Creus mountain range. In the 20th century, Cadaques was a fishing village - a favorite place for poets and artists in Spain. Salvador Dali spent a huge period of his life in Cadacas: he lived there throughout his childhood, and later bought a house nearby. At the moment, this house houses a museum in his memory. Besides him, Marcel Duchamp, Joan Miró, Rene Magritte, Garcia Lorca, and Pablo Picasso loved to create here.

House-Museum of Salvador Dali in Cadaques

The Salvador Dali House Museum in Cadaqués is entirely dedicated to the artist. The museum was opened in 1996. It consists of a huge number of fishermen's houses that Salvador Dali built in the form of a labyrinth. Tourists are invited to see the famous artist’s studio, rooms, library and winter garden.

Tossa de Mar

Tossa de Mar

Tossa de Mar is a gorgeous little town located in eastern Spain. It is located about 90 km from Barcelona. The city is part of Catalonia and is one of the beautiful cities on the coast. Tossa de Mar is a source of inspiration for many creators. For many centuries this place was considered a resort for wealthy Europeans. Today, little has changed: prices have become more affordable, but the town still remains so picturesque. This place is perfect for a family holiday.

Montserrat Monastery

The Montserrat monastery was built back in 1025 by the Abbot of Rippol, Oliba. Of course, this is not the first temple that appeared there, because the first monasteries were built back in the 9th century. It was then that this territory was conquered from the Muslims. Montserrat is a large mountain range located in northern Spain, in the center of Catalonia. These mountains are simply incredibly beautiful, they have a bizarre shape, in some places they look like sand castles. Another monastery is located directly in the mountains.

Sitges

Sitges is a close party and noisy resort town that can compete even with Ibiza. It is impossible to say for sure where there are more nightclubs, 24-hour restaurants or bars. It should also be noted that this city is the capital of Spanish gay culture, as well as the most popular venue for all the informal carnivals and processions in the country.

Rupit

Rupit is an ancient city of unprecedented beauty. It is located in Catalonia, just before the cliff itself. This is a very small city, because there are not much more than 300 inhabitants living in it, and it was built in a gorge on solidified lava. This lava was formed after a volcanic eruption more than 11 thousand years ago. Tourists occasionally visit Rupit, but experienced tourists will never ignore it. The landscapes in this city are some of the most beautiful: Rupit is located on a cliff, where you can see the clear blue sky from any direction. In ancient times, this city was called the “city of witches”, because it was to this place that warlocks were taken and executed. People believed that any forces lose their power here.

Besalu

Besalu is a real open-air museum. It is a jewel of Catalan medieval architecture and is also the historical capital of the province of La Garrotxa. This city began its existence as a fortress, which was built by the ancient Romans. This fortress seemed to connect the center of the Empire and the conquered lands of the Iberian Peninsula. Historians have not come to a consensus when this town was founded. However, it is known for certain that the “golden period” in its history is the time after the overthrow of Muslim rule.

Lloret de Mar

Lloret de Mar

Lloret de Mar is one of the most famous resorts on the Spanish coast. Only connoisseurs of antiquity will appreciate the typical Spanish buildings and the ancient church. The infrastructure is well developed, there is a huge network of various hotels. Also, the city is simply replete with countless shops and entertainment centers. A huge coastal strip stretches along the entire city, bordered by a rocky coast. For lovers of active recreation, there are plenty of offers here, including water sports. The city does not sleep at night. Millions of lights are lit, excited crowds of tourists take to the streets, and numerous clubs and restaurants begin to open.

Salou

Salou is the largest resort on the Costa Dorada, which is also its capital. Everything here is created for a good holiday: mild Mediterranean climate, sandy beaches, warm sea, a huge number of parks and interesting places.

The city is filled with various historical places that you simply must visit. At the very beginning of the city there is an information stand where all the famous buildings are indicated. The stand contains unique places of the city and a map of the area. I would like to note that the stand is compiled in 8 languages.

Port Aventura

Port Aventura

In close proximity to the city there is a huge amusement park. It is divided into several thematic sectors. A huge number of attractions that your children will definitely enjoy are located here. You can walk here from the city or take a minibus.

Tarragona

Tarragona is a town located on the Mediterranean coast, 100 km from Barcelona, ​​which is the capital of the province of the same name. Today the population of Tarragona is about 110 thousand people. One of the largest commercial ports in Spain is located here. There is also an active oil refinery here.

The city was founded in the 3rd century BC. Then it had a higher status than the current capital of Spain.

My reports from Catalonia:

Costa Brava coast

The Costa Brava is the most picturesque place in Spain. This is the northern coast of Catalonia, which stretches from the French border to the city of Blanes. Translated from Spanish, Costa Brava means “wild coast”. Every year this place is visited by thousands of tourists who want to enjoy the incredible beauty of this place.

Barcelona and football

Catalonia is the heart of Spanish football. This is where the national team of the Autonomous Community of Catalonia within Spain settled. The organizer of this community is the Football Federation. The general population of the Spanish province has the right to play for this Spanish club. Catalonia joined UEFA and has membership in FIFA.

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Spain is a diverse and original country that many tourists dream of visiting. One of the most visited regions of this European state is Catalonia. This autonomous community, located in the north-eastern part of the Iberian Peninsula, has an enormous cultural and historical heritage that has developed over several centuries. To see the best attractions of Catalonia, travelers will have to move around different cities. The most convenient way to do this is by car, which you can always take upon arrival in Spain.

In addition to transportation, tourists on vacation will need a detailed guide to Catalonia. From it you can learn in advance about the most interesting cultural sites and see how they look in the photo. To avoid getting lost in Catalan cities, travelers can navigate using a tourist map of the area.

Historical reference

The autonomous region of Catalonia, whose capital has been Barcelona for many years, received its separate status in 1979. Since that time, the region has its own government - the Generalitat. Also during this period, the Catalan language was officially recognized, which became one of the main state languages ​​of the autonomous region along with Spanish.

Today, more than seven and a half million people live in Catalonia. This isolated region, part of Spain, is divided into four provinces: Barcelona, ​​Tarragona, Girona, Lleida (another name is Lleida). The administrative centers of the provinces are the cities of the same name. These are where the most significant and interesting sights of Catalonia are located.

Barcelona

Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain. Tourists who decide to spend their holidays in this bright, picturesque place will be able to see many unusual architectural objects, many of which were built by Antoni Gaudi, a famous architect whose name everyone knows. Travelers will be able to look at such creations of the legendary architect as:

• Calvet house;
• Figueres house;
• Mila's house;
• Sagrada Familia (Cathedral of the Holy Family);
• Park Guell, etc.

In addition to the works of Gaudi, Barcelona has other equally interesting attractions:

• Gothic Quarter;
• Tibidabo amusement park;
• Plaza Catalunya;
• National Palace;
• Montjuic Park;
• Olympic Park;
• Church of Santa Maria del Mar;
• Camp Nou stadium, etc.

Girona

This city is considered one of the oldest cities in Catalonia. It contains various medieval buildings, Gothic temples, fortress walls, etc. The most frequently visited and popular attractions in Girona are the following places:

• Cathedral;
• Benedictine monastery;
• Bishop's Palace;
• Gironella Tower;
• Jewish Quarter (El Kal);
• the monastery of St. Peter Galligans;
• Arab baths;
• Church of Sant Feliu, etc.

Tarragona

Tarragona is another attractive city in Catalonia for tourists. It is home to a large Spanish port and has many clean beaches, gardens, parks and vineyards. Travelers who decide to visit this city will be able to visit such attractions as:

• Mediterranean balcony (observation deck located on a high cliff);
• ancient Roman amphitheater;
• Archaeological Museum;
• Modern Art Museum;
• Cathedral;
• house with a false facade;
• Roman aqueduct;
• Arena Tarraco Plaza, etc.

Lleida (Lleida)

Tourists planning a holiday in Catalonia often choose the city of Lleida for their holiday. This Spanish resort is distinguished by its nature. In Lleida, travelers will be able to see waterfalls, lakes, mountains, rocks, cliffs, striking in their beauty and pristine nature. In addition to natural resources, Lleida has various cultural and historical sites that have become attractions that the whole of Spain is proud of:

• St. Mary's Hospital;
• Moorish quarter;
• Cathedral of Seu Vella;
• fortress de La Souda;
• Champs Elysees Park;
• Gardeni Castle;
• water museum;
• Gothic courtyard, etc.

Interesting sights of Catalonia

Each of the Catalan attractions is interesting in its own way. However, there are several of the most famous places located in this Spanish region:

1. Monastery of Montserrat. This Benedictine monastery is located on a high mountain (more than 700 meters above sea level) near Barcelona. The monastery, built in the 11th century, is considered the main shrine of Catalonia. The monastery houses the famous statue of the Black Madonna. To see her live, thousands of pilgrims from different countries of the world come to the monastery every year.
2. Pablo Picasso Museum. Those who are not indifferent to Picasso's paintings should definitely visit this Barcelona museum. In it you can see various works by the Spanish artist, most of which date back to the early period of his work. The entrance ticket to this museum costs 14 euros.
3. Barcelona Zoo. This Spanish zoo is home to several thousand animals, including such rare animals as Iberian wolves, snow leopards, etc. A tour of the zoo will interest both adults and children. The cost of a ticket to the zoological park is 19.6 euros.
4. Port Aventura. This huge amusement park is located near the city of Salou. Tourists of all ages will find attractions to their liking in Port Aventura. The park has a special children's area (the magical land of Sesame) and several thematic areas corresponding to different corners of the globe. For lovers of water activities, there is a water park on the territory of the park.
5. Gardens of Saint Clotilde. This chic park, created in the Art Nouveau style, is located in the Catalan resort of Lloret de Mar. Tourists who decide to visit the gardens of Saint Clotilde will see beautiful sculptural compositions, flower beds, and original trimmed gazebos. Travelers will be able to stroll along landscaped alleys, sit in cute gazebos and cozy terraces.
6. Theater-Museum of Salvador Dali. This museum was founded in the 70s of the XX century. It is located in the Catalan city of Figueres. An exhibition is always open for tourists in this museum, which presents more than one and a half thousand works by Salvador Dali, including not only paintings, but also sculptures, as well as various installations.
7. Park Catalunya in miniature. Tourists who dream of seeing as many sights of Catalonia as possible, but do not have the opportunity to travel around many Spanish cities during their vacation, can go to a park complex located 17 kilometers from Barcelona. This park features miniature replicas of all the main Catalan attractions - cathedrals, monasteries, museums, monuments, bridges, palaces, stadiums, etc. All buildings are exactly like the originals. Miniature buildings are built on a scale of 1:25. In addition to the buildings, the landscape is reproduced in the park, lakes, mountains and trees corresponding to a particular area of ​​Catalonia are recreated. To explore all of little Catalonia, you will need at least a couple of hours. The most convenient way to move around the park is on a special train consisting of two carriages.