Barcelona UNESCO World Heritage sites – 9 masterpieces to marvel.

When you think of Europe and culture, you think of the major cities such as Paris, Venice, Berlin, London, etc. but it might surprise you to know, that in 2005 UNESCO added more Barcelona sights to its ever-important list, giving the Catalan Capital 9 sites of Historical and cultural importance - overtaking such cities as Florence and Paris in one fell swoop.

It is no surprise that Barcelona’s favourite son, Antoni Gaudi, is behind many of the new and already established sights on the list. The most visited attraction in Barcelona according to visitor statistics (with over 2 million paid visitors a year alone) is the unmistakeable and unfinished cathedral of the Holy Family, or "La Sagrada Familia". The current two facades of the Nativity – which resembles a melted candle – and the more modern Crucifixion façade – which is like a stations of the cross by George Lucas (very storm troopers!) are considered “to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius”. Few would beg to differ. Even if you have no interest in architecture, you cannot fail to be impressed by this amazing edifice and holy place. A visit inside is well worth the entrance fee, with mock-ups of what the finished article will look like (if the current architects do not stray too much from Gaudi’s original plans) as well as work in progress and Gaudi’s own tomb in the crypt of the cathedral.

Another of the heritage sights on the UNESCO list is Park Guell. This was commissioned by Count Guell, a political and religious man who shared many of Gaudi’s views on life and wanted to re-create the English gardens he so loved and admired. The park was originally intended to be an exclusive out of town neighbourhood, but the idea never really caught on, and the park was rescued from nature by the Catalan Government much to the joy of everyman in Barcelona. The current park is an un-missable attraction in the Catalan Capital, and boasts great views down to the port on a clear day, as well as the most ornate entrance to a park you will ever see.

Casa Mila on Paseo de Gracia was nicknamed “The Stone Quarry” by locals and indeed has been known by this name ever since. “La Pedrera” is an outstanding building located on Paseo de Gracia and outstanding not only from its appearance, but also that it is a building with no straight lines at all. An architectural first, one might say – or at least at the time. Entrance fee again is well worth the price and includes a tour of a period-style apartment, the attic with many original blueprints of Gaudi’s other works and the amazing rooftop – always striving to be different, Gaudi designed the most peculiar chimney tops you will fine blazoned across postcards all along las ramblas. One of Catalonia’s main banks “Caixa Catalunya” has an office on the ground floor, and the first floor is always used as an exhibition space, and is generally included in the entrance fee of the ticket.

Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau (Hospital of the holt cross and saint Paul) has a cunning location, diagonally north west of Sagrada Familia cathedral along Avenida Gaudi (Gaudi Avenue), and has to be one of the most striking hospital entrances ever made. Designed by Luis Domenech i Montaner, this brickwork alone makes the building seem overpowering yet welcoming, and the ever-present tile work changes at every hour of the day you happen to pass. This is just a short walk from Sagrada Familia, and well worth the look – joining two beautiful buildings.

The only sight located slightly outside of Barcelona (in Santa Coloma de Cervello) is the Colonia Guell. The aforementioned Textile merchant Count Guell also confided in Gaudi to construct his out of town mansion as far back as 1890. The results are breathtaking, and although it may not be worth the trip out to visit in a short stay in Barcelona, images and prints can be seen inside La Pedrera’s attic museum.

Just a short walk from La Pedrera, is Casa Batlló and is said to pay homage to the patron saint of Catalunya, Saint George. The facade of the building has bone-like window frames and the rooftop is tiled to resemble the scales of a dragon’s back – that same dragon Saint George killed. The building is open for visitors, and is also used as an exhibition space on the first floor.

North east from here, a short walk takes you into the neighbourhood of Gracia with the fabulous “Casa Viçens”. By now, you will be able to instantly recognise the Gaudi touch, and the wrought iron gates will make a big impression. Although you cannot visit this building, the location is such that it’s easily accessible and another notch on your Gaudi belt.

Last, but by no means least, is the second non-Gaudi building to be featured in UNESCO’s list. The famous Lluis Domenech i Montaner (creator of the aforementioned Hospital Sant Pau in Barcelona, among other eye openers) has the “Palau de la Musica Catalana” admitted into the books. This wonderful concert hall has been criticized in the past for the acoustics by musicians but never fails to impress the visitors, located in the Borne neighbourhood of Barcelona. Guided tours (who are endless in their wisdom) will take you around the fascinating interior – with the most striking experience being the illumination taken from the centrepiece of the ceiling in stained glass in the main hall. If you’re lucky enough to visit the city whilst a concert is playing here – forget the critics and go!