Culture and traditions

In 2005, seven buildings designed by Antoni Gaudí were inscribed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Six of them are extremely well known: the Sagrada Família, La Pedrera, Casa Vicens, Parc Güell, Palau Güell and Casa Batlló. However, the seventh architectural gem in the list, the Crypt of the Colònia Güell, is much less famous. It’s an architectural masterpiece in which the author of impossible works tested his considerable intellect.

Home to some amazing heritage, the ten towns listed below are set in locations that will take your breath away or tell you about the history of Catalonia. They’re must-see places to visit during your stay in the regions of Barcelona. You’ll fall in love with their architectural and natural heritage, and they’ll lead you to hidden corners you probably didn’t know existed. Are you ready?

Sometimes, to rediscover the miracle of existence, all you have to do is look up at the sky: far from the light pollution of big cities, you can see the grandeur of the cosmos quite clearly. However, if you want to do it properly, you will need to visit an astronomical observatory. These stargazing centres are located in privileged locations, with stable atmospheric conditions and unpolluted skies, and have such powerful telescopes that, when opened, a superb show unfolds before our eyes. In the regions around Barcelona, there are several of these perfect places for stargazing. Do you know where they are? 

Do you like old shops? Those where everything is designed to display the products and make them stand out. Those where, wherever you look, you find giant mirrors, columns, staircases, giant cash registers and hidden details that transport you to another era. Many towns and cities have made an effort to keep the shops as they were, without modernising them unnecessarily. You can find examples just walking around, but there are places where these shops have become their own identity feature. Do you know where they are? 

Have you been eagerly following every season of Game of Thrones? Or are you a fan of classic films such as Chimes at Midnight? Or do you prefer comedies like El pregón (The Opening Address)? Any film and series buff can visit an array of film locations in the regions around Barcelona. Below, we review some of the most notable locations, which are great for visiting and turning your getaway or outing into a day at the movies!

Some of the best writers and poets of Catalan literature were born, lived or died in the regions around Barcelona, and they admired its corners so much that they ended up immortalising them in their works. Natural landscapes, haunted houses, open-air markets and cobbled streets you can now explore thanks to the well-signposted literary routes. Are you ready for an unforgettable tourist experience?