Situated on an impressive and commanding site at the northern end of the Parc de Foix, with superb…read moreviews over the impressive Foix reservoir, the Castle of Castellet dominates the small (and rather well-to-do) settlement that has grown up around it. The castle, heavily restored, is famous for its attractive grouping of square and round towers, and the adjacent (and separate) hillside chapel. Built in the 10th century, it is first referred to in a document dated 977AD, although most of what you see today is the result of a series of mediaeval rebuilding, reflecting its major strategic importance during the period of the reconquest of Catalonia by the Christians from the Moors, when it was owned by the Counts of Barcelona, and through the mediaeval period (when it was a possession of the joint Catalonian and Aragonese Crown) until the 16th century. Thereafter, the castle slowly fell into ruin. Restoration began in the 1920s and 1930s, but what you see now is essentially the result of its acquisition in 1999 by the Albertis Foundation, itself sponsored by the large Spanish infrastructure group of the same name, which acquired the castle as a home for its research work on the environment and transport. The renovation has produced a thoroughly modern corporate presentation inside while respecting the fabric of the original castle. It's not an approach normally adopted in the UK, but it at least ensures a safe future for the building. The most notable features are its oval 10th century tower and walls from the 15th century. The castle itself is only open for guided visits on rather limited hours around lunchtime at week-ends. Inside, there is a small museum of the site's history. There's a small car park next to the castle, with a rather larger car park at the foot of the hill. Slightly closer access can be had by parking close to the village's classy restaurant, although this is reserved for patrons when the restaurant is open. Alternatively, the castle lies on a number of long distance footpaths between Sitges, Vilanova i la Geltrú and Vilafranca del Penedès.

Small but perfectly formed, this tiny castle in the centre of la Geltrú was rebuilt between the…read more12th-15th centuries on the base of an earlier 11th century fortification, documented in 1080. It was restored in 1919 by the architect Jeroni Martorell and, after a spell as the town's museum, is now used by the Generalitat Government of Catalonia as an archive. The building preserves lovely decorative elements from the gothic and renaissaince periods in its window and door detailings, especially in the small inner courtyard.

I have visited more churches/cathedrals than i can count but this was so unique. Love those huge…read moregothic churches but they are dark inside. This was stunningly and lots of light. The colored rays from the stained glass was breathtaking and like nothing I've even seen. I hear it changes at different times of day. The outside can be seem from miles away due the the size but once right there the details are so interesting. We signed up for guardi excursion and they got us in quicker as the lines are ridiculous. But they limited our time. I would have stayed much longer. Its nearly finished after all these year and one of the reasons I chose Spain as a travel destination. If you are in Barcelona definitely dont miss visiting here. No matter your relationship with religion this is a work of art. Stunning even though crowded. as with most things the pictures just cant do it justice. I feel so blessed to have been able to finally see it in person. I don't know that Spain and Portugal are places we would return but this was on top of our list for Spain. Designed by Antoni Gaudi construction was began in 1882 and not funded by Vatican or government so depends of ticket and donations. Plus construction was slowed by need to acquire adjacent properties that were anxious to sell. crazy it took over 140 yrs. So its a rare mixture of new and old. Be very aware tickets sell our weeks ahead. This was an added excursion with our go ahead tour. If i were to return to Barcelona I'd def visit all the Gaudi locations again.

This was more than I expected it to be. Our tour was amazing! If you can, book a tour. Our guide…read morewas very passionate and knowledgeable about the basilica. Initially, I thought I knew what we were getting into but quickly found out I had no clue. On top of this being an immense building project, it is also filled with symbolism. Everything in the cathedral has a declarative and deliberate purpose, nothing is random. Also, there is a fantastically assembled museum under the church. Don't miss out on this amazing experience. Enjoy!

We heard it was cool fountain with lights and music similar to Balagio fountain in Las Vegas. We…read morewalked a longggggg way to see only to find its not every night and we had passed through some areas we thought questionable sketchy. So the next night we took taxi to and from. Lots of people but we could still see and enjoy. Later several left and we crossed the street to be close and found spots right upfront. I loved it. Beautiful. Fun watching children play there and enjoying the music.

Font Magica is located next to Espanya's square. The Place of Espanya is one of Barcelona's most…read moreimportant square, built on the occasion of the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition, held at the foot of Montjuic district. The square of Espanya is a central transport hub in Barcelona. A few steps away from Square of Espanya, you will find the Font Magica. I came to Font Magica when it was New Year's Eve. So many tourists and citizens of Barcelona gathered at the Magica because they had known a customary venue when people gather on New Year's Eve. After I checked them by internet, I came to here. Around Font Magica is scalable in the view axis through the two brick towers, which are based on St.Mark's tower in Venice. The Palace behind Font Magica is the museum, National d'Art de Catalunya ( MNAC) After about 300 meters from the towers in the direction, you can find the palace National d' Art de Catalunya. You can see the event in free. At that time, I left the staying hotel at 20;30p.m on December 31, and I arrived at the Espanya square on foot. As soon as I arrived at here, there were so many people around the place. I tried to access near spot of Front Magica, but because of so many people, I couldn't get close to Magica fountain. So, I took my video clips of the event at a fairly distant distance. But I was so excited with this new year's Eve. I want to share this experience with you.

We had a tour Friday and arrived on the mountain around 10:30 via Bus and Rack Railway (Cremallera)…read morefor the last 10 minutes. You get some breathtaking views as you climb towards 1236 ft. and also experience the railway car that has been around since the 1800s with the original car on display at the station. Once we got to the main area of the mountain, there is quite a bit to do and you can spend a full day if you took the time to take it all in. The jagged rock formations of the mountain range give a few photo ops. The main event was the Basilica/Abbey with the Black Madonna and hearing the Escolania Boys Choir. Peaceful, serene and listening to this choir for a few minutes before bed has to help with insomnia. There are plenty of hiking options with a 15 minute hike to the top for more breathtaking views. Would recommend visiting the museum. Many shopping and food options (Cafes) with our tour guide recommending a Buffet restaurant. I tend to stay away from Buffet spots and should have followed my instincts. It was ok and really was at a disadvantage after the meals we had in Barcelona-stick with the Cafes. Overall, well worth the time and visit!

The Montserrat Mountain nearby was a cool shape and religious locals make the pilgrimage there. The…read moretown operates at a slower pace. The Abbey was pretty but small and there are grander ones elsewhere but it is one of the few locations with a Black Madonna. There are cheese vendors in town and I recommend the Mel I mato and Truffle cheese.

This former domestic house on the main Rambla in Vilanova, just by the railway line, is one of the…read moreforemost examples of a Modernista style house in the area. It was built between 1916 and 1921 for the Americano Sebastià Soler i Miró, as a display of his wealth, acquired in Chile during the late 19th Century - like many of his contemporary Catalans, who were given the tag 'Americano' or 'Indiano' on their return. Designed by the architect Josep Mª Miró i Guibernau, it merges classical elements such as doric columns with the sinuous curves and elaborate ironwork of the distinctive Catalan Art Nouveau movement known as 'Modernista', of which Gaudi is the most famous exponent. The house was taken into the ownership of the local authority in 1983, and is now a social centre for pensioners. It has a small garden, also decorated in the modernista style, in which is a fantastical fountain with a pointed top, rather like an elf's hat.

What a special find... an amphitheater from the 2nd century. It's gorgeous overlooking the…read moreMediterranean Sea.

I toured the Roman Amphitheater during the hottest part of the day and still enjoyed it immensely…read more It was built at the end of the 1st century AD and the start of the 2nd century, AD. It has a long rich..dark history. It was incredible to be able to walk around and experience something from so long ago. I spent about an hour here and learned a lot.

Skip the town. Go straight to the crypt. An incomplete, yet amazing church. The arches,…read morebuttresses, just the overall design and beauty of the building are worth the trip and will leave you wondering how one man could be so different than his and my contemporaries and so inspiring. A masterpiece.

The Cathedral of Barcelona, which is also called the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia,…read morewas built in the Gothic style from 1298 to the 15th century. It is an active church that provides masses, confessions, and other sacraments. It also provides tours for 16 euros and up (as of the time of this review). I understand that some people think that a church should be free to enter, but I also understand that many tourists are not practicing Catholics and that the church needs to bring in revenue to pay its bills. My tour guide took my husband and me to the exterior of this church and explained its architecture and history. We did not pay for an interior tour. It is a lovely church to see.

The cathedral was beautiful and the rooftop views were simply stunning. Definitely worth a visit…read morewhen visiting Barcelona.

Stunning sweeping views of the entire city. The rooms inside were under renovation when we went so…read morethey were not open. Bring a jacket because the wind does pic up on the mountain !

My family spent a pretty fun day here we walked both in and out, which is definitely a hike. Bring…read moreyour stroller if you have a baby thank goodness we had ours, but it's really a pretty walk-in and there's places in the park to look at the flowers and the ponds and little play areas for the kids so honestly, I wouldn't do it any other way. The castle itself is pretty cool. We had a nice time exploring. We did not get on one of the guided tours just because of when we visited and stuff like that but those can be a little tough with young kids anyway we ended up eating in the restaurant on site and I walked away with terrible terrible food poisoning from the croquettes. It happens but definitely made the rest of our trip not quite as fun.