Private Barcelona's Architecture

Private Architecture of Barcelona Tour (Placa Espanya, Montjuic Hill)
From $100.00/person to $399.00/person (Select "Individuals" below) Price varies based on number of individuals in your group
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Summary
Tour Details

Private Barcelona's Architecture

The 20th century was the era of design, a new way of understanding things around us, of giving functional objects originality and charm. Barcelona has always been at the cutting edge of industrial and architectural design, and this is reflected in the city itself, making it a reference of design, in Spain and indeed in Europe. Let an expert show you the buildings and design spaces you really should not miss, some of which changed the concept of architecture.

Your Barcelona architecture tour begins with a nod to some earlier Barcelona architecture. The Placa Espanya is one of Barcelona's most important squares, built for the 1929 International Exhibition. It is an eclectic gathering of buildings, monuments and two Venetian Towers that rises 154 feet high. Nearby is the Plaza de Toros Les Arenes, a bullring of Moorish Revival style that was built in 1900. Enjoy the modernist Art Nouveau style of the Casaramona Textile Factory at the foot of the hill. Built in 1911 of brick after a fire destroyed the first factory, it was voted the Best Building of the Year in 1912.

You will then explore several structures located on Montjuic Hill. The German Pavilion, the Olympic Ring, and the Palau St. Jordi are some of the buildings you will see on your tour of Barcelona's best architectural wonders. The Palau St. Jordi is an indoor arena, now used for musical and sporting events, and was one of the early intelligent buildings where everything can be self-graduated: temperature, light, air, sound and image screens.

Driving along the seafront, you will see the World Trade Center, El Cap de Barcelona, and Frank O. Gehry's sculpture 'Fish' near the Olympic Port. The port was designed for the Olympics and built in only two years, using prefabricated materials. Nearby, overlooking the port area, is the Hotel Arts building, the tallest building in Barcelona. Keep your eyes open for the Abraham Centre, which is shaped like a fish. Admire the Forum building, shaped like a large, navy-blue triangle, the roof of which is covered with a layer of water to shield against the sun, reflecting its rays and minimizing heat absorption.

Turning towards the city center, you cannot miss Jean Nouvel's AGBAR Tower, one of the latest additions to the city's skyline. The tower, built of cement, has more than 4,500 windows, is covered with glass, and is lit with an innovative LED system of lights. In addition, it has temperature sensors that regulate the opening and closing of the window blinds, reducing the consumption of energy for air conditioning. See the brilliant work of American sculptress Beverly Pepper, who led the design team that shaped The Parc de L'Estacio del Nord. She used large geometric forms covered in blue and white tiles to define both positive and negative spaces.

Drawing closer to the center of town, you will pass through the El Raval neighborhood. It is also known as Barri xin's, meaning "Chinatown," although it is currently the home to a very diverse immigrant population. It is also becoming one of the hippest up-and-coming neighborhoods of Barcelona, where many artists live and work. Here, you will see the Centre de Cultura Contemporania de Barcelona, a building that is a mixture of old and new styles, dating from the early 18th century. Across the way is Richard Meier's Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA). The main building's architectural style has strong references to modernism, while opposite the museum is another part of the museum in a medieval Convent. It's the perfect summary for a Barcelona architecture tour, old and new in harmony.

See the most beautiful buildings in Barcelona's with an expert on this one-of-a-kind architecture tour.

Shore Excursion Size
Private
Shore Excursion Type
Scenic
Tour Duration
3 Hours 30 Minutes
Activity Level
Moderate
Shore Excursion Leaves From
Ship pier pick up and hotel pick up are available. Please select the appropriate option above when booking. (Full details will be provided in your electronic ticket upon confirmation.)
Food/Beverage Provided
Not Included
Recommended Dress
Comfortable clothing and sensible, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Sun glasses and sunscreen are suggested.
Restrictions
Guests must be able to walk on paved, as well as cobblestone surfaces. There are steps and steep curbs in some areas. This tour is not wheelchair accessible.