Barcelona from above. Europe from a bird's eye view of the Gothic Quarter and the Cathedral

After Moscow views from the Ostankino TV tower, today we will look at another city from above - Barcelona. Let's compare the architecture.
This is the main tourist pearl of Spain and the second most populous city in the country, the capital of the autonomous region of Catalonia. Barcelona has a population of 1.6 million people, making it the tenth city in the European Union. It is worth adding that 3.2 million people live in the suburbs, and the province has 5 million inhabitants.
Of course, for most, Barcelona is inextricably linked with the name of the architect Antoni Gaudi

Photos and text by Slava Stepanov
Barcelona is located on the Mediterranean coast, 120 km from the French border.

The Eixample or "New Town" is the most populated area of Barcelona. The rectilinear layout was first used in Barcelona and remains one of its attractions:

The straight and wide streets of Eixample, designed by the architect Ildefons Cerdà, form rectangular blocks with characteristic chamfered corners. This street layout allows traffic to move freely and provides good lighting and ventilation. Thanks to the octagonal shape of the blocks, improved visibility at intersections is achieved, and currently the additional free space at the corner of each block is used for short-term parking:

Avenue Diagonal is a street that crosses the city diagonally from the border with the municipality of Esplugues de Llobregat to the sea:

Gran Via is one of the most important streets in Barcelona. The length of Gran Via is about 13.1 kilometers, making this street the longest in all of Spain:

The main attraction of Barcelona - Sagrada Familia also known as Sagrada Fam"ilia. The main creation of Antonio Gaudi:

The temple has been built with private donations since 1882, making it one of the most famous long-term construction projects in the world:

Facade of passions. The towers of the Sagrada Familia are topped with pinnacles with ceramic decoration and hide spiral staircases inside:

According to Gaudi's plan, the temple will be crowned with eighteen towers. Twelve of them, four on each facade, ranging in height from 98 to 112 meters, will be dedicated to the twelve apostles.

Four 120-meter towers above the middle cross in honor of the Evangelists will surround the central 170-meter tower of Jesus, and the slightly smaller bell tower of the Virgin Mary will be located above the apse. With the construction of the central tower the church should become the tallest in the world.

Nativity facade:

The speedy completion of construction is hampered by the complexity of making stone blocks that form the eccentric shape of the structure. According to the computer model, each of them requires individual processing and adjustment. In addition, difficulties arose due to the fact that Gaudi worked without drawings. According to the Spanish government, the cathedral will be completely completed no earlier than 2026.

Gaudi himself dedicated 40 years of his life to the temple. When he was asked if he was afraid of not having time to complete the Cathedral during his lifetime, he answered: “I have a lot of time, since my main customer is the Lord, and he is in no hurry.”

Until the end of his life, even leaving his architectural practice, Gaudi continued to build a temple, considering this the main thing in his biography. At the end of his life, Gaudí became very eccentric due to religious fanaticism. He practically never left his workshop. The architect's absent-mindedness led him to death under the wheels of a tram.

House Mila. Residential building built in 1910 by Antoni Gaudi. This was Gaudí's last secular work before he devoted himself entirely to the Sagrada Familia. In 1984, Casa Mila became the first 20th-century structure to be included on the UNESCO World Heritage List:

Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina street, which ends at Piazza di Spagna:

Agbar Tower. 34-story skyscraper on Diagonal Avenue. The exterior of the entire building is covered with rectangular glass panels that can move based on signals from temperature sensors on the outside of the tower:

Hotel W Barcelona. Slightly reminiscent of the Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai) Also read the article “Burj Al Arab - the most luxurious hotel in the world”:

Barcelona Olympic Port:

Balmins Beach:

La Monumental Stadium. The last bullfight in the history of Catalonia was held in this stadium in 2011. The authorities banned the centuries-old tradition under pressure from animal rights activists:

Camp Nou Stadium- This is the largest stadium in Europe. Its capacity is 99,354 spectators. It is the home stadium of the Barcelona football club:

Olympic Stadium. Lewis Companys. It was the main arena of the 1992 Summer Olympics. Capacity: 70,000 spectators:

Olimpic village.

The panoramic views of Barcelona are breathtaking. In order to appreciate the beauty of the city, you need to look at it from high. The city is located between the sea and the mountains, so there are many areas from which a unique view opens. In this article we will tell you where you can see the most beautiful view of Barcelona.

Barcelona from above

Tibidabo is a mountain that is the highest of the mountain range Serra de Collserola, which surrounds Barcelona. Its height reaches 512 meters. The foot of the mountain can be reached by tram, which was launched back in 1901. When you get off at the final station, Plaça Dr Andreu, you will have a unique view of Barcelona. But in order to get to the top of the mountain, you will need to take a train that departs from the same station. You can also climb the mountain on foot along mountain trails. The view that opens from the top of the mountain will not leave anyone indifferent. At the top of the mountain there is also a very beautiful church, Temple de Sagrat Cor.

Mount Montjuic

This is a small mountain near the center of Barcelona. This is a very popular recreation area, as there are a lot of gardens and parks on the mountain, where people often have picnics. Also, it is on Mount Montjuic that there are such attractions as the Museum of National Art of Catalonia, the Museum, the Spanish Village, the Luis Companys Olympic Stadium, and at the top there is a fortress. Panoramic views of Barcelona open up right at the entrance to the Museum of National Art of Catalonia, which is reached by majestic stairs from Plaza de España. From there you can watch the performance of singing fountains. The spectacle is amazing.

From the very top of the mountain, near the Montjuic fortress, one can see breathtaking views of the sea, the port and the whole of Barcelona. You can watch large liners enter the port, or watch small yachts sail. At night the panorama is as attractive as during the day.

Park Guell

First of all, this park is known for its extraordinary grand architecture. Incredible stone structures, “gingerbread houses”, a lizard fountain, columns and mosaics delight visitors from the first minutes. The park is located a little far from the city center, in a mountainous area, which allows you to enjoy not only the modernist architecture of the park, but also the architecture of the whole of Barcelona and sea view.

Sagrada Familia Cathedral

This is a large Roman Catholic church in Barcelona, the “calling card” of Barcelona and its creator -. - This is a truly unique architectural phenomenon. Over the course of two centuries, this structure has been built, growing, and changing. Despite the fact that the construction of the temple is still far from complete, it is open to the public. To enjoy a magnificent view of Barcelona bird's-eye, you need to climb one of the towers.

Hotel W

Barcelona is the main tourist pearl of Spain and the second most populous city in the country, the capital of the autonomous region of Catalonia. Barcelona has a population of 1.6 million people, making it the tenth city in the European Union. It is worth adding that 3.2 million people live in the suburbs, and the province has 5 million inhabitants.

Of course, for most, Barcelona is inextricably linked with the name of the architect Antoni Gaudi, who created a unique image of the city. Most of his creations are concentrated in Barcelona.

Photos and text by Slava Stepanov

Barcelona is located on the Mediterranean coast, 120 km from the French border.

The Eixample or "New Town" is the most populated area of Barcelona. The rectilinear layout was first used in Barcelona and remains one of its attractions:

Avenue Diagonal is a street that crosses the city diagonally from the border with the municipality of Esplugues de Llobregat to the sea:

Gran Via is one of the most important streets in Barcelona. The length of Gran Via is about 13.1 kilometers, making this street the longest in all of Spain:

The main attraction of Barcelona - Sagrada Familia also known as the Sagrada Família. The main creation of Antoni Gaudi:

The temple has been built with private donations since 1882, making it one of the most famous long-term construction projects in the world:

Facade of passions. The towers of the Sagrada Familia are topped with pinnacles with ceramic decoration and hide spiral staircases inside:

According to Gaudi's plan, the temple will be crowned with eighteen towers. Twelve of them, four on each facade, ranging in height from 98 to 112 meters, will be dedicated to the twelve apostles.

Nativity facade:

Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina street, which ends at Piazza di Spagna:

Hotel W Barcelona. Slightly reminiscent of the Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai)

Barcelona Olympic Port:

Balmins Beach:

Camp Nou Stadium- This is the largest stadium in Europe. Its capacity is 99,354 spectators. It is the home stadium of the Barcelona football club:

Olympic Stadium. Lewis Companys. It was the main arena of the 1992 Summer Olympics. Capacity: 70,000 spectators:

Olimpic village:

Telecommunications tower Montjuic. The 136-meter tower is installed in the center of the Olympic Park and depicts an athlete holding a torch with the Olympic flame.

Barcelona from a bird's eye view is something that can capture your imagination and leave the most vivid impressions and memories for many years to come. Just imagine, fabulous houses that look more like medieval palaces, intricate streets, neo-Gothic buildings and the strict geometry of the New District blocks. Is it possible to deny yourself such pleasure? Of course not. Therefore, today we will go with you on this exciting trip and get to know one of the most beautiful cities of modern Spain better.

Barcelona is a dynamically developing business center of Spain, which has somehow managed to preserve intact what has been created over centuries. Walking along its streets, tourists enthusiastically admire the newly built sculptures and buildings of the Gothic, Baroque and Modernist styles. But it is not only the interesting and unusual architecture that attracts travelers, but also the fairly long beach season. The beach itself is located in the very center of this village.

Many people, before coming to a particular country or city, often study various sites on the Internet and ask tour operators about which places they must visit. So what do guides in Barcelona offer tourists? Of course, the most popular excursions include the creations of the great architect Gaudi. You have an excellent opportunity to see with your own eyes the majestic Sagrada Familia Cathedral of rare beauty, Casa Batllo, the La Mila building and Park Guella.

Throughout the year, townspeople organize mass celebrations, holidays and other exciting events. Museums hold special promotions and open days almost every week. And this only means that, knowing the exact time of your visit, you can visit the museum complexes completely free of charge. For example, in the cultural center of Barcelona, employees welcome such guests every Sunday from three o'clock in the afternoon to eight in the evening. But at the Picasso Museum you can admire exhibits for free only once a month. In the spring, two specific dates have been set for such visits to Palais Güell - May 8 and April 23. We also advise you to definitely go to the Virreina palace complex and take a walk through the old districts, in particular the Gothic Quarter with La Rambla.

Of course, the spectacular and large-scale event called the Parade of Giant Figures deserves special attention. By the way, it is in this city that the largest aquarium in Europe was built. Don't forget about the world-famous flamenco evenings.

Interesting fact! Who doesn’t dream of returning again to where he felt good? So, it is believed that if a person tries the waters from the Canaletes spring, he will certainly come to this beautiful city again after some time.

La Rambla

When you first set foot on Spanish soil, you will, of course, head to your booked hotel room to settle in, unpack and relax after a long journey. And after regaining your strength, be sure to go for a walk. So where should you start? Of course, from exploring La Rambla.

It originates from the Columbus Monument, which is located in the Old Port. Local residents know firsthand that this is where the bulk of tourists flock, so many of them are trying to make money from it. It is not surprising that there is perhaps an incredible concentration of dancers, actors and artists here.

Interestingly, the boulevard continues to remain in the unchanged form in which it appeared to residents back in the 18th century. By the way, once upon a time a stormy river flowed in this place. All she managed to leave behind were light wavy lines on the tiles.

While walking past houses, buildings and other cultural heritage sites of ancient eras, be sure to pay attention to the Palace of Guell, the pedestrian bridge, the opera house, the Joan Miró mosaic, the Canaletas fountain, and the Boqueria market.

Advice! Every year in September a bright and colorful performance takes place here. The La Merce festival, dedicated to the patroness of the city who saved it from a locust invasion, attracts thousands of travelers from all over the world to the country. During the show, you can admire theatrical performances and dance to the sounds of passionate and hot music.

Sagrada Familia

As we wrote earlier, the great architect Antonio Gaudi had a hand in its creation. This majestic Catholic church was built over more than a century and a half. On the façade there are compositions telling parishioners about the difficult life of Christ. The central entrance is decorated with huge support columns of bizarre shape. Construction of the building was abandoned in 2008 because the architects refused to continue the work, citing the fact that it required precise and expensive computer processing to proceed. But authorities say that the site will begin to be developed again in the near future for the benefit of posterity.

It should be noted that a museum has been allocated on the territory of the current complex, which is open almost all the time throughout the year. Also, everyone can climb the tower and admire the beauty of Barcelona from above. By the way, if you want to visit the cathedral itself, be prepared to stand in lines for about an hour, since tens of thousands of people come here every day.

Gothic Quarter

This place is considered one of the oldest in the city. A huge number of merchant buildings, churches and other architectural objects are concentrated here. Once there were only Roman buildings here, which went to the liberated Spaniards. And now the most beautiful buildings have been built on their ruins, the sight of which simply takes tourists’ breath away!

There are many squares concentrated in the territory, the most famous of which are the King's Square, St. James Square, the Royal Pine Square and Sant Jaume Square. Some buildings date back to the fifteenth century, for example, the world-famous Cathedral.

Attention! B Arcelona has never been a safe place. Thefts are common here, so never wear a backpack on your back, keep money as close to your body as possible, and do not hang your camera around your neck. Be especially careful at railway stations and public transport stops.

Marine life on land

As mentioned earlier, this is where the largest aquarium in Europe was built. This project involves research into fauna in the Mediterranean Sea. The exhibition presents different tropical systems. Here you can see the inhabitants of the Great Barrier Reef and the Red Sea.

Imagine how much impressions you and your children will get while visiting this aquarium. The building has an interesting, one might even say unique, long tunnel through which tourists walk and look at marine life. How surprised will you be when you see huge killer sharks swimming above you, completely oblivious to you? And if such pictures whet your appetite, you can satisfy your hunger with the help of light snacks and fruits, which are sold right in the building.

On a note! Spanish cuisine is very diverse and colorful, so don’t miss the opportunity to sit in street cafes or restaurants and taste national dishes.

Children's entertainment

Of course, if you are married and have small children, the issue of their leisure time in a foreign country is extremely acute. And since Barcelona is full of interesting and noteworthy buildings and objects, we will try to tell you which ones may appeal to your heirs.

It should be said right away that almost all the attractions included in this category are concentrated within the city. Naturally, the first excursion should be spent in the Aquarium with the famous tunnel. Also be sure to visit the Columbus Statue. The building has an elevator and an observation deck. There is a wax museum on Rambla, and living sculptures at Drasanes metro station.

If you've already taken a look at the sea creatures, it's time to head to the unusual IMAX cinema located nearby. Children will certainly enjoy the setting, the atmosphere, the smell of sweets, and, of course, cartoons.

Another point on the route is Barcelona beach. Nearby there is a cable car and a zoo with wild animals and dolphin shows. Parque Ciutadella has the Castle of the Three Dragons and a zoological museum with a huge number of exhibits.

If your child is drawn to exact sciences, take him to the museum of the same name. There are dozens of laboratories on its territory, in which employees empirically prove to visitors the fact that the laws of physics are undeniable.

Advice! Our children are always energetic and always want to find exciting things to do. Therefore, in order to avoid the capricious mood of your offspring, try not to burden them too much with trips to churches, temples or museum complexes. It is better to visit festivals or stroll along the alleys, where you can see many dancers, mimes, actors or artists.

Spain is a beautiful country with a centuries-old history and culture. The population honors the traditions of their state, which have developed over centuries and even millennia. For example, the famous flamenco dances, from which you can’t take your eyes off, or colorful events and festivals.

Barcelona was simply created to be admired and praised. Hundreds of thousands of tourists come here every year. Some travel in splendid isolation, others accompanied by friends or a significant other, and others in large families with children. But none of them left here in complete disappointment and despondency. It should be said right away that even a few weeks will not be enough for you to visit all the significant attractions of this city, so we recommend that you take a longer vacation. We wish you a pleasant stay and bright impressions!

Photographer Amos Chapple took amazing photographs of European cities from the air. By attaching a camera to a small drone, he was able to reach places that were inaccessible to most people. Now not only pilots, but also “flightless birds” can see Europe from a bird’s eye view. Amos visited countries such as: Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Hungary, Turkey, Russia, Georgia, Armenia. Look at Europe “from above” :-) with us.

14 PHOTOS

1. Barcelona, Spain.

The Eixample district, in the center of which you can see the Sagrada Familia, the famous project of Antono Gaudi. (Photo: Amos Chapple).

2. Trieste, Italy

Vittoria Light or Victory Lighthouse is a functioning lighthouse in the Gulf of Trieste. This is the tallest lighthouse in the world, its height is 68 meters. (Photo: Amos Chapple).

3. Bourtange, Netherlands.

Star-shaped fort in the town of Bourtange. The last cannon shot rang out here three centuries ago, now this place is a museum and the center of a “sleepy town” in eastern Holland. (Photo: Amos Chapple).

4. Abkhazia.

Russian vacationers on the beach. According to the photographer, he usually tries not to shoot in places where there are a lot of people. But there was such a brisk trade on the beach that no one even paid attention to the noise made by the drone. (Photo: Amos Chapple).

5. Pillar of Katskhi, Georgia.

For the past twenty years, a Georgian hermit lived there who wanted to be “closer to God.” (Photo: Amos Chapple).

6. Yerevan, Armenia.

Giant statue of Mother Armenia. The photographer loves to work in places where there are few tourists, and he came to Armenia to visit his best friend. (Photo: Amos Chapple).

7. Paris, France.

Sacré-Cœur in the fog at dawn. (Photo: Amos Chapple).

8. Tbilisi, Georgia.

The winding Kura River winds its way throughout the capital. (Photo: Amos Chapple).

9. Budapest, Hungary.

Buda Castle on St. Stephen's Day, which is a national holiday in Hungary (August 20). (Photo: Amos Chapple).

10. Magdeburg, Germany.

A barge floats across a water bridge over the Elbe River in eastern Germany. (Photo: Amos Chapple).

11. Barcelona, Spain.

Templo Expiatorio del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús, which is located on the top of Mount Tibidabo in Barcelona. (Photo: Amos Chapple).

12. Istanbul, Türkiye. 13. Budapest, Hungary. 14. Peterhof, Russia.

The Cathedral of Peter and Paul in Peterhof is the “Russian Versailles”. (Photo: Amos Chapple).

Amos Chapple began his career as a photographer for a newspaper in New Zealand. Later he worked on a UNESCO project - photographing sites included in the World Heritage List. Amos is currently a freelancer and specializes in photography of unknown and beautiful parts of the world.