10 Historical Monuments in Barcelona 

10 Historical Monuments in Barcelona 

Because of its youthful energy, few people are conscious of the fact that Barcelona, as a city, dates right back to the 1st century AD. Most of the infrastructure still used today owes its existence to the Romans, who came in and set up the very first framework of the city before the Spanish took ownership.

The monuments that have withstood the test of time can still be viewed in and around the city today. Here are some to keep an eye out for:

1. Sagrada Familia in Barcelona

Globally, the Sagrada Familia is probably Gaudi’s most famous work to date. Ironically, this monument is still not complete, in spite of having been in construction since 1882.

Sagrada Familia – by Bernard Gagnon – Wikimedia Commons

Despite not being a finished product, the church is open for public viewing and draws in thousands of visitors each day.

The grand church is visible from just about everywhere in Barcelona with slight elevation. It is expected to live on as one of the most important historical monuments in Europe of all time. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Carrer de Mallorca, 401, 08013 Barcelona, Spain

Metro STATION: Sagrada Familia

2. Park Güell in Barcelona

Another monumental blessing from Gaudi, the Park Güell is Barcelona’s most famous city park.

Built between 1900 and 1914, the park boasts a labyrinth of architectural wonders that will provide a full day’s worth of exploring. One major attraction is Gaudi’s house museum where he actually used to live.

This monument used to be free to enter, but there is now an entry fee of a few euros. Dogs visit free!

Park Güell in Barcelona – by Ronny Siegel – Wikimedia Commons

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 08024 Barcelona, Spain

Metro STATION: Vallcarca

3. Arco de Triunfo in Barcelona

Yes, Barcelona has its very own triumphant archway.

The Arc de Triomf sits on the edge of the Ciutadella Park in Barcelona’s Old Town. It was actually built to be an impressive entrance into the Barcelona World Fair held in 1888.

Today, the arch is continuously used for city events such as marathons and music festivals. It is famously the walkway for Primavera Sound annually.

Arco de Triunfo in Barcelona – by Nikolai Karaneschev – Wikimedia Commons

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Passeig de Lluís Companys, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

Metro STATION: Arc de Triomf

4. Cathedral of Barcelona in Barcelona

Before the Sagrada Familia, the Cathedral of Barcelona was the church everyone wanted to see.

This gothic cathedral boasts grand towers that give panoramic views over the city. The church was built between the 13th and 15th centuries & marks the center of the Gothic Quarter.

Depending on what time you visit the church, you might be asked to pay a “donation” fee. Entrance is free before midday, and then again after 5pm.

Cathedral of Barcelona – by Didier Descouens – Wikimedia Commons

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Pla de la Seu, s/n, 08002 Barcelona, Spain

Metro STATION: Jaume I

5. Columbus Monument in Barcelona

At the very end of la Rambla in Barcelona stands this recognizable monument.

The Columbus Monument was a commemoration for Mister Christopher Columbus himself. It’s a tall, thin podium that stands a total of 57m high.

Interestingly, the Columbus Monument was erected the same year that the Arc de Triomf was nearby, in 1888.

Inside the monument you’ll find an elevator that will take you many meters up into the air for great photo ops.

Columbus Monument – by Andy Mitchell – Wikimedia Commons

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Plaça Portal de la pau, s/n, 08001 Barcelona, Spain

Metro STATION: Drassanes

6. Casa Batlló in Barcelona

Because of Antoni Gaudi’s vast influence over the architecture in Barcelona, it’s no surprise that yet another monument of his has made this list.

The Casa Batlló is actually my personal favorite monument in the city. It’s right in the center, and is considered to be one of his greatest works.

For me, it’s the whimsey and playfulness that the facade of this building embodies. It transports you into somewhat of a fairytale world for a few moments as you take in every unusual curve and curated piece of glass.

Casa Batlló – by Rapomon – Wikimedia Commons

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PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Passeig de Gràcia, 43, 08007 Barcelona, Spain

Metro STATION: Passeig de Gràcia

7. Basílica de Santa Maria del Pi in Barcelona

Lovers of historic monuments need only take a walk through the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona. The churches in this neighborhood are all worthy of a spot on our roundup, but today we’ll look at the Basílica de Santa Maria del Pi.

This gothic space is situated on a historic square. The grand windows and bell towers are a photographers dream. The Basílica de Santa Maria del Pi is free to visit at all times.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Plaça del Pi, 7, 08002 Barcelona, Spain

Metro STATION: Drassanes

8. Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya in Barcelona

This beautiful monument is the site of the once National Palace of Barcelona. Today, the building is used as the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, or MNAC for short.

Situated on a hilltop in the city south, this museum showcases important Catalan art from the 11th to the 20th century.

MNAC – by Rafa Esteve – Wikimedia Commons

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Palau Nacional, Parc de Montjuïc, s/n, 08038 Barcelona, Spain

Metro STATION: Pl. Espanya

9. Casa Milà in Barcelona

One more Gaudi masterpiece for our historic lineup. The Casa Milà is a rough and unconventional structure in the center of Barcelona.

This was an interesting work for Gaudi, who adopted a quarrylike facade during the construction. Come to see the unique exterior, or make your way inside where they host regular exhibitions and concerts.

Casa Milà – by Diliff – Wikimedia Commons

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Passeig de Gràcia, 92, 08008 Barcelona, Spain

Metro STATION: Diagonal

10. Cascada Monumental in Barcelona

Barcelona’s Arc de Triomf might border the Parc de la Ciutadella, but once inside there is another monument worth visiting.

The Cascada Monumental is the impressive 2-tier fountain embedded in the heart of this 19th century park. The statue of Venus under the stone archway makes for a beautiful backdrop against the turquoise water.

This monument is only open to visitors between 10am and 10pm daily.

Cascada Monumental – by Marta Araújo – Wikimedia Commons

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Parc de la Ciutadella, Passeig de Picasso, 21, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

Metro STATION: Arc de Triomf