Sagrada Familia
The first city I have ever heard of from Spain was Barcelona. I remember telling myself that one day I’d be able to visit the beautiful city people all over the world come to see. When you think of Chicago, you can’t help but think of the bean. When you think of San Francisco you can’t help but think of the Golden Gate Bridge and when you think of Barcelona, you can’t help but think of Gaudi’s famous Sagrada Familia. The Sagrada Familia is a beautiful temple that was built in the 1880’s and is still being built to this day. The temple will finish being built in year 2026. The temple’s interior is just as fascinating as the exterior. When you walk into the doors you can’t help but notice the incredible detailing the building has. It is a mix of unique naturalistic architecture with symmetrical palm trees towering over colorful stained glass windows, and Christ at the center of it all. People of all race, ethnicity, and religion come to look at the impressive architectural work it has taken decades to complete. Like many other temples, the Sagrada Familia is filled with individuals who come to pray. What is so unique about this temple, is that many individuals from various religious backgrounds come to pray irregardless of what their religion is.
Pablo Picasso Museum
ย Pablo Picasso is one of the most influential artists from the 20th century. He was born on October 25th, 1881 from Malaga, Spain. He devoted nearly his entire life to his art pieces that are still incredibly known to this day. His most notable painting was known as the Guernica. My international relations class has taught me the major events that occurred during the first half of the 20th century. Before studying in Spain, I knew of the art piece Guernica, but not about it. It wasn’t until my international relations course that I learned about the importance and value of Pablo Picasso’s art piece, Guernica. In my own words, I will explain what the battle of Guernica was. After War World II, The Treaty of Versailles was signed that prohibited Germany from expanding their military and air force technology. Hitler who was beginning to take power in Germany had the opportunity to test out his weapon technology on the innocent people of Guernica. Dictator Franco from Spain allowed for Hitler to test out his weaponry before War World II. It is unfortunate that an event like this happened, and Pablo Picasso at the time took that event and painted it in his cubism art form that is known to this day.
Cathedral de Barcelona
ย Another must thing to do in Barcelona is to climb on top of the Gothic cathedral and enjoy the beautiful views of Barcelona. The Cathedral which is located in the Gothic Quarter has the beautiful outdoor balcony that stretches at the central of the tower and overlooks the gothic quarter. Up top you are surrounded by seagulls, and if you look out into the distance you can’t help but notice the sea.