Barcelona, where Roman foundations meet Gaudí's fantastical creations, has captivated travelers for generations—becoming the ninth most visited city worldwide.
Antoni Gaudí's Sagrada Familia Basilica, has been under construction for over a century. At Park Güell, Gaudí's connection with nature manifests in colorful mosaics and whimsical structures. The Casa Batlló, with its dragon-spine rooftop and ocean-inspired interiors, offers an immersive experience through cutting-edge digital tours.
Barcelona also reveals architectural treasures like Luis Domènech i Montaner's Palau de la Música Catalana—a concert hall of unparalleled beauty—and the Hospital de Sant Pau, designed with the concept that beautiful surroundings promote healing. The Gothic Quarter's labyrinthine streets lead to hidden courtyards and medieval squares, while nearby Las Ramblas pulses with the energy of street performers and market vendors.
Barcelona offers tapas culture at its finest. From simple pan con tomate to elaborate seafood paellas, the city's gastronomic scene bridges traditional and innovative cooking. La Boqueria market is a must.
September's La Mercè features the spectacular human towers called castellers, while April's St. Jordi's Day transforms Barcelona into a celebration of literature and romance through the exchange of books and roses.
Whether exploring expansive Collserola Park, taking day trips to Montserrat's jagged mountain monastery, or simply soaking in Mediterranean coastal vibes, Barcelona leaves visitors "spiritually, mentally, and physically fulfilled." Join us to discover why this Catalan capital continues to enchant travelers from around the world.
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Guest Angelo Carotenuto is founder of LivTours designing small group tours throughout Europe, exploring and preserving local cultures while engaging in sustainable tourism. One of his very favorite destinations is Barcelona.
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Podcast host Lea Lane has traveled to over 100 countries, and has written nine books, including the award-winning Places I Remember (Kirkus Reviews star rating, and 'one of the top 100 Indie books of the year'). She has contributed to many guidebooks and has written thousands of travel articles.
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Our award-winning travel podcast, Places I Remember with Lea Lane, has dropped over 115 travel episodes! New episodes drop on the first Tuesday of the month, on Apple, Spotify, and wherever you listen.
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Website: https://placesirememberlealane.com
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