Alt Penedes Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in Apr)

Stunning church in Barcelona’s Born

One of the old quarter areas of Barcelona, el Born, guards one of the most impressive religious constructions, the Basilica of Santa Maria Del Mar This construction dates back to the 14th century and it was built in Gothic style. The legend says that it was fully financed by humble people who lived in this neighborhood, most of them fishermen, given that in those times the sea was right next to the area. It is absolutely stunning to witness the tall towers from the surrounding alleys, a contrast of narrow streets and tall slender towers that is eye-catching and worth photographing. Inside the view is also magnificent with very robust yet simple decoration and engraving it provides the sensation of divine. 📍 Plaça de Santa Maria, 1, 08003 Barcelona 🕜daily 9:00-13:00 and 17:00-20:30 🎟️ free entry ❗️check in advance for special events or mass when entry might be restricted #fallingseason

Basílica de Santa María Cathedral

Saint Mary's Basilica Basílica de Santa Maria Plaça de Jaume I, S/N, 08720 Vilafranca del Penedès, Barcelona The Cathedral of Santa María de Vilafranca is located in the center of the medieval town of Villafranca del Panadés, in the Alto Panadés region of Catalonia. The Basilica of Santa Maria in Vilafranca del Penedès is the parish church of the town. This Gothic building began construction in 1285, but was not consecrated until 1484. The Cathedral of Santa Maria is the parish church of Vilafranca del Penedès. Built in 1285 in Gothic style, although it was not consecrated until 1484, it has been a documented ancient small church in the same location since the 10th century. The new Gothic facade was not completed until 1905 and preserves related remains of murals. From the 14th century, there are various stone gargoyles and sculptures on the upper part, and the independent Gothic bell tower with an octagonal tower and two bodies, which was made by the modernist sculptor Josep Llimona in the basement of the Carrara Christ's Advent marble sculpture. The silhouette of this bell tower is the most distinctive element in the villa's silhouette, and you can enter and enjoy the unique landscape it provides from a height of up to 52 meters. The narrow spiral staircase that extends along the entire spine of the bell tower allows you to see the original weather vane angel, the old prison where monks lived, currently occupied by a clock from 1929, and three religious bells.

Basílica de Santa María Cathedral

Saint Mary's Basilica Basílica de Santa Maria Plaça de Jaume I, S/N, 08720 Vilafranca del Penedès, Barcelona The Cathedral of Santa María de Vilafranca is located in the center of the medieval town of Villafranca del Panadés, in the Alto Panadés region of Catalonia. The Basilica of Santa Maria in Vilafranca del Penedès is the parish church of the town. This Gothic building began construction in 1285, but was not consecrated until 1484. The Cathedral of Santa Maria is the parish church of Vilafranca del Penedès. Built in 1285 in Gothic style, although it was not consecrated until 1484, it has been a documented ancient small church in the same location since the 10th century. The new Gothic facade was not completed until 1905 and preserves related remains of murals. From the 14th century, there are various stone gargoyles and sculptures on the upper part, and the independent Gothic bell tower with an octagonal tower and two bodies, which was made by the modernist sculptor Josep Llimona in the basement of the Carrara Christ's Advent marble sculpture. The silhouette of this bell tower is the most distinctive element in the villa's silhouette, and you can enter and enjoy the unique landscape it provides from a height of up to 52 meters. The narrow spiral staircase that extends along the entire spine of the bell tower allows you to see the original weather vane angel, the old prison where monks lived, currently occupied by a clock from 1929, and three religious bells.

The Church of the Nativity of the Sea is also known as the Church of the Holy Virgin Mary, located in the Ribeira area of Barcelona's old town. In 1329, based on the reconstruction of a small chapel built to protect the Holy Eulalia, King Afonso IV of Aragon took a groundbreaking ceremony for himself. 54 years later, the church was completed in 1383. The Ribeira area, where the church is located, is the same as the Gothic Quarter in the old city centre. It also originated in the Middle Ages and was once a place where merchants and fishermen lived. During the period of church reconstruction, the Mediterranean trade gradually began to develop in a large-scale era. The Catalans fought for the smooth sailing and raised funds to build the church. The Virgin Mary is here, like the Mazu of Barcelona. The people go to sea safely. In the church of St. Mary, the first time I heard the musician playing the organ on the spot, it was really atmospheric! Sitting on the bench, listening to the melodious sound of the piano around the church, the light came in through the glass window, beautiful and warm, so that I suddenly returned to that era, sacred, romantic, really want time Still, don't let me go back to reality so soon.

Sant Francesc Church Església de Sant Fra

Sant Francesc d'Assís Church Església de Sant Francesc d'Assís Carrer de Sant Pere, 3B, 08720 Vilafranca del Penedès, Barcelona Sant Francesc de Vilafranca is a Gothic church in Vilafranca del Penedès (Alt Penedès), which is protected as an important cultural asset in the area. It is the church of the Sant Francesc monastery. This is the church of the old Sant Francesc monastery, built in the early 14th century. It includes the Sant Jordi church, restored in 1891, with an altar painting dedicated to Sant Jordi and the Virgin's dedication by Pere Serra. There are also several medieval tombs. The monastery was converted into a hospital in 1835. It has a nave with a small chapel. The apse is more recent than the nave, square in shape, with corner arches, a semicircular arch on the facade, and a rose window at the top. There are some famous tombs inside.

Barcelona, Spain - what to see

Getting There - by flight or train Attractions - Sagrada Família, Park Guell, Casa Batllo, La Ramblas, Camp Nou Hotels - Olivia Plaza Hotek or others Food & Restaurants - tapas, various Shopping - various Sagrada Família (expected date of completion : 2026) which is one of Gaudi famous works is really worth a visit when one visit Barcelona. I was very impressed by the external and internal architecture. In addition, if you look carefully on the 4th photo (magic square), all rows and column add to 33). Park Guell and Casa Batllo is also worth a visit for the architecture. I joined a food walking tour and the local guide brought us to a few local restaurants (not listed on the tourist map) and we got tapas and various food to sample and the guide will also explain the history of these food. It was a very informative tour which I really enjoyed very much. In addition, for those who like shopping, they have a long shopping street with all luxury brands which you can spend hours walking from one end to the other end (a bit like orchard road). One of the retail shop staff told me they had the highest tax refund in Europe. Do check out Barcelona if you get the chance to visit. #unforgettableexperiences #scenicspotguide #travelinspiration #urbanexplorer

La Rambla, also known as Las Ramblas, is one of Barcelona’s main thoroughfares and one of the most visited areas in the city. This fascinating artery is 0.8 miles (1,3 km) long and connects Plaça de Catalunya with the city’s old port.Las Ramblas is always lively, packed with tourists, locals and street artists who pose like living statues. A tree-lined pedestrianmall,its popularity with tourists has affected the character of the street, with a move to pavement cafes and souvenir kiosks. If you have your back to Port Vell and you are looking up towards Catalunya along the Ramblas on your left hand side is the Raval area and on your right-hand side is the Barri Gòtic (or Gothic Quarter). Liceu Theatre, Throughout the years, it has remained open as a cultural and artistic centre and has become one of the city’s iconic symbols.Over the past 150 years, the most prestigious operas have been put on in the Gran Teatre del Liceu with the most renowned and talented singers. Every day, the Gran Teatre del Liceu organizes tours of the Opera House, where an English-speaking guide will take the visitors to the Theatre Vestibule, the Auditorium, the Hall of Mirrors and the Foyer, while explaining the main events that have taken place in this surprising theatre. #mynovgetaway

Barcelona truly has the best of both worlds. You get all the benefits of a buzzing metropolitan city while being only minutes away from one of Europe's most popular beaches. Stay at the centre of the city and visit picturesque Plaza Catalunya and vibrant Las Ramblas. Shop at all the unique boutiques and sample mouthwatering Spanish fare along the way. Check out Gaudi's creative architecture at Park Guell and admire views of Sagrada Familia and the city's skyline from one of the many inviting rooftop bars.  Head to Barceloneta for a fun day at the beach and stop for lunch and sangria at the many eateries lining the promenade.  Make sure the dive into a family size sharing Paella and plenty of seafood during your trip.  A perfect combination of a city break and beach vacation for families or couples looking for culture and charm all in one place. 

The coolest pedestrian street in Barcelona, Spain - La Rambla Avenue.

Barcelona pedestrian street Lanbrada Avenue is the wanderer's street in Yu Qiuyu's pen. It can be said that this is the most vibrant street in Spain, gathering performance artists and tourists from all over the world. During the day, this is a paradise for street performers and foodies (the famous La Boqueria market is located on the street). After the midnight bell rings, it becomes a playground for Barcelona's nightlife (especially in the Raval area to the west, where various themed bars are lined up). La Rambla Avenue connects Catalonia Square and the Mediterranean Bay. Walking along La Rambla Avenue to the beach under the invincible sunshine of the Mediterranean will definitely make you experience the colorful and joyful Barcelona firsthand! If you can't stand the crowded people on the street, you can also choose a pleasing alley at will and explore the Gothic Quarter with a long history to the east or La Raval District to the west, which is popular among hippies (usually they also walk their dogs). But remember to keep an eye on your wallet and valuables.