Things to Do in Catalonia

Standing tall in the Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter) of Barcelona, the Santa Maria del Pi is a 14th century church in the Placa del Pi. Its Gothic architecture, including the many gargoyles and the large Gothic arch that frames its entrance, remain well intact. Its octagonal bell tower rises 54 meters high, creating a memorable mark of the history of this area of the city. Its tolling bell can be heard throughout the day while walking around the Gothic Quarter.
Both the church, the square, and the nearby street Carrer del Pi are named for a tall pine tree that once stood in the square. Though it was partially destroyed in a fire in 1936, it was fully restored and reopened in 1940. The basilica has high vaulted ceilings, intricate stained glass windows and lattice work. Its enormous rose window placed at the entrance is of particular note; it is one of the largest of its kind in the world.

One of the most famous points of interest on Montjuïc is the Poble Espanyol. The so-called "Spanish Village" was built for the 1929 International Exhibition to show off models of the architecture specific to each region in Spain.

Visitors ambling through the mixed-and-matched village will find themselves one minute walking down a street characteristic of the Basque region, and the next, standing before a home reminiscent of the Andalucian style. Also included are copies of Galician and Castilian architecture and, of course, Catalan dwellings. 

Filling these buildings are various craft shops left over from the International Exhibition that are still churning out keepsake crafts. There are also several bars, cafes and shops throughout to quench every thirst, appetite and need for a souvenir.

See everything from glass blowing to weaving in the craft shops of Poble Espanyol. Artisans working in every medium imaginable are drawn to this space as somewhere not only to showcase their art but to create it as well. There are a series of exhibition spaces throughout the village that host temporary exhibits, in addition to the Fran Daurel Foundation, which displays a permanent collection of over 300 works by international artists.

Home to more than 4,000 works by the incomparable Pablo Picasso, the Picasso Museum (Museu Picasso) is Barcelona's most visited art collection. It's housed inside five Gothic mansions, meaning the museum's architecture is an attraction all on its own — but it's the artwork and Picasso's connection to the city that truly make this museum a must-see. Among the many famous paintings, you'll find some of his self portraits and his study of 'Las Meninas' by Diego Velazquez.

The Basics
Many of the museum's permanent pieces correspond with the time Picasso spent living in Barcelona, which culminated in his Blue Period. Visitors who want more insight into the art can pay a small fee for audio guides, or join a very limited selection of small-group guided tours that are included in admission (reservations required). If you want to explore with a tour guide on your own schedule, book a separate museum tour that includes admission. Your options include a private tour, skip-the-line tickets, and a combo tour that combines a guided tour of the museum with a Gothic Quarter walking tour that stops at sites important to Picasso's Barcelona, such as the famous Els Quatre Gats café.

• If you want a visual memory of your trip, you'll have to buy something at the gift shop, as photography is not allowed inside the museum.
• The museum is wheelchair accessible and offers free wheelchair service. Monthly guided tours are available for visitors with visual or auditory disabilities; they must be reserved in advance.
• A few temporary museum exhibits can be seen for an additional fee.

How to Get to the Picasso Museum
The Picasso Museum is centrally located and accessible by bus, metro, and Barcelona's public bike system. There is no parking lot at the museum.

When to Get There
The museum is open year round, but be aware it's closed on Mondays and has extended hours on Thursdays. If you're willing to brave the crowds, it's free every Sunday after 3pm and all day every first Sunday of the month.

How Does It Compare to Europe's Other Picasso Museums?
Picasso has close ties to both Spain and France, and each country has two museums to honor him (the others are in Malaga, Paris, and Antibes). Münster, Germany, also features a museum in his honor. However, Barcelona's Museu Picasso was the first, and it was the only museum opened at the request of the artist.