Excerpts from Barcelona - 02
A weekly glimpse into my Catalan adventures
It’s still raining and cold here in Barcelona, but that hasn’t stopped me from getting up to new adventures and explorations. The weather has allowed me the chance to slow down, enjoy some indoor activities, and settle into a routine.
My week started off with a visit to the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya. I visited on Saturday afternoon, since visits are free as of 3 p.m. I also got to skip the line by reserving my tickets in advance. I was so impressed from start to finish. The grounds are incredibly beautiful and the museum, housed in the Palau Nacional, makes it feel like you’re entering a castle. I’ll definitely be going back because 3 hours felt super rushed. The collection is huge and features a vast selection Romanesque church paintings, Catalan graphic and poster art, and Art Nouveau.
The Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya is housed in the Palau Nacional de Montjuïc, designed by Eugenio Cendoya and Enric Catà.
On Sunday, we were graced with nice weather and sunshine, so I took the opportunity to visit the Gothic Quarter. In the maze-like streets, you can find street art, hanging plants, Catalan flags, and quaint shops everywhere you turn. I’m eager to return on a weekday and see what the neighbourhood is like on a regular day.
The rest of my week consisted of a trail run up to Tibidabo, which you can read more about below, and a quick pit-stop at la Sagrada Família. I was initially skeptical about spending the €30+ on a visit to the famous site, but after seeing how grandiose it is up close, it’s now super high up on my list. When the time comes — I’ve been told I should wait until a sunny day, to fully appreciate the light entering the church and casting a warm glow through the stained glass — I think I will also opt for the guided tour and tower. La Sagrada Família feels too special to go in blindly and on my own.
This week’s highlights
Oz Bakery, Gràcia
With no loud signage or in-your-face logos, Oz Bakery goes unperceived in the Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia. I was recommended the Za’atar and whipped feta pastry by the employee working that day and wow. Tangy yet nutty, topped with sage and a hint of a slight sweetness - maybe honey? Definitely one of the best savoury pastries I’ve tasted. Plus, all that while a trio jammed out on the flute, saxophone, and clarinet in the square. What more can I ask for?
Running up to Tibidabo
Last week I ran up to Passeig de les Aigües and was mesmerized by the incredible view over Barcelona. This week, I wanted to go a little further away on the trail, and I’m so glad I did. The 400+m up to Tibidabo was part trail, gravel, and road. Hard, of course, since I’m used to running with no elevation gain. The view along the way was incredible and the church at the top, Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor, was beautiful. The trail can also be hiked or you can take the funicular to Tibidabo.
A glimpse at next week…
Mirador de Joan Sales: Situated near Park Güell, this viewpoint supposedly has magnificent views of Barcelona. I’m thinking of making this a destination for one of my runs.
Museu d’Història de Catalunya: a museum dedicated to the history and culture of Barcelona and Catalonia. I’m also super intrigued by their current temporary exhibition: On the run. Refugees.
Joining a free walking tour of Barcelona. Right now I’m eyeing Luca’s Hidden Old Barcelona: the Gothic and El Born Tour, Gastronomic Gems of Barcelona, and Free Tour of the Old Town of Barcelona.
Walking around more frequently, without the help of Google Maps, has only added things to my to-do as I spot interesting cafes, restaurants, or historical sites on my daily walks. But amidst the endless list, overall, it’s nice to be getting into a routine, and getting back into running, while still exploring everything that Barcelona has to offer.