Picasso Museum in Barcelona

Barcelona's Picasso Museum celebrates both the great artist and his unique relationship with the city, via a collection of over 3,500 paintings and artworks by the co-founder of cubism. The museum also has space for nine separate halls for temporary exhibitions, meaning that visitors have the chance to view work produced across the course of Picasso's life. With the artist having lived in Barcelona between the ages of 14 and 23, the city was the setting for some of his key formative influences. A series of early works ranging from early masterpieces to scribbles done in school give a unique insight into the formation of Picasso's artistic sensibility. Current special events include an examination of how the circuses of Barcelona intrigued Picasso as a young man, a fascination that culminated in the Acrobat Family painting of 1905. The exhibition also studies the figure of the Harlequin, who featured as an alter-ego for Picasso in many of his subsequent works. However, the displays are not limited to exclusively Barcelona-centric paintings, as Picasso's Blue Period and famous cubist works are also featured. Similarly, collections from other artists are often featured, with exhibitions of other famous cubist artists, and other movements such as the Russian avant-garde, often being displayed. Undoubtedly one of the finest tributes to an artist found anywhere in the world, and now well into its fifth decade of existence, the Picasso Museum seems likely to continue providing inspiration to both Barcelona citizens and visitors alike for many years to come.

Bathe in Barcelona

People looking to indulge in a relaxing bath or treat themselves to a steam room session may be pleased to hear that after a revamp the Arab baths in Barcelona are now open once more. The Aire de Barcelona offers a range of soothing experiences, from hot, warm and cold baths, to steam rooms, salt water baths, saunas and jacuzzis. Guests can also enjoy the sounds of soothing music as they swim or relax on a hot marble bench with a glass of tea. Located in the Spanish city's Bonne region, the baths are housed in a former warehouse, which was renovated by renowned architects Luis Alonso and Sergi Balaguer. The baths are open daily from 10:00 local time to 02:00 the following morning, allowing plenty of time for indulgence. Visitors to Barcelona may also enjoy seeing the city's sights on a guided tour. Barcelona Tursime's latest newsletter notes that people can choose from a variety of walks, including a trip to the city's Gothic Quarter, on a Picasso Tour which involves a stroll around the famed artist's old haunts. For food lovers there is also the Gourmet Tour which takes participants through the city's old town, taking in some restaurants and including a tasty sample or two.

La Pedrera in Barcelona

Barcelona's Casa Mila, commonly known as La Pedrera, is one of Europe's most distinctive buildings and hosts a number of cultural and artistic events throughout the year.The La Pedrera nickname, translated as 'The Quarry', was given to the building in the early 20th century by unappreciative city residents, but the structure is now internationally acknowledged as a great architectural work. Designed by Antoni Gaudi and built between 1905 and 1907, the Casa Mila forms part of the Unesco World Heritage site focusing on the works of the famous architect.The building has a unique wave-like appearance and its roof, supported by 270 brick arches, holds several elaborate mosaic-covered chimneys. The arches are found in the Espai Gaudi, which holds original documents outlining the architect's designs and plans for La Pedrera. The Espai was refurbished late last year, and now devotes more space to helping visitors understand the styles and theories behind Gaudi's works. Other events held within the Casa Mila include frequent lectures on the past, present and future of arts heritage and education.The complex was originally built as a residential facility, and has been home to a select group of Barcelona citizens since 1911. La Pedrera's matchless style makes it a must-see for visitors enjoying a break in the Catalan capital.

Catalan cool

Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia and Spain's second city, has transformed itself in the last decade and has now established a reputation as one of the coolest places to be. Following the regeneration of the city ahead of the 1992 Olympic Games, Barcelona became a major tourist destination thanks to a major overhaul of its infrastructure, including its rail network. It is now very easy to reach by rail and the underground system takes you to the heart of the city in minutes with minimal fuss. From there, you can take in the wonderful Las Ramblas, the wide, tree-lined street full of street performers, bird sellers and all sorts of merchants. Nearby lies the Boqueria market, which houses every Spanish foodstuff imaginable, plus plenty more besides. Spain is synonymous with paella and Barcelona is one of the reasons why. Sitting as it does on the shores of the Mediterranean, the city makes good use of its location in its restaurants, which are full of a wide variety of fish, with the jewel in most restaurants' crown being seafood paella. Architect Antonio Gaudi used Barcelona as his own personal playground in the latter half of the 19th century, populating the Eixample region with his unforgettable creations, not to mention Parc Guell, where his wavy style of construction gives everything a sense of movement. Buildings such as Casa Batlo and Casa Mila are preludes to his magnificent, yet still incomplete, La Sagrada Familia, a cathedral that dominates the Barcelona skyline.

Palm Sunday in Barcelona

Holy days are often celebrated in Barcelona with pomp and processions - and Palm Sunday is no different. Each year, a parade of children march in a route that takes in the cathedral and the smaller parishes, carrying a palm leaf to be blessed. Spend Palm Sunday in Barcelona.

See Barcelona and Madrid in the same break

Have you ever wished that you could experience the beauty of both Barcelona and Madrid in the same weekend? Now, those wishes have been answered by the establishment of Europe's longest ever high-speed rail line. Barcelona and Madrid are the perennial favourites for most people heading to Spain for a few days away - and now people can visit both in the same trip. Thanks to the new AVE high-speed train, travellers can fit a stay at both of these Spanish gems into even the briefest of breaks. Previously, journeys between the cities took the best part of five hours, but now that has been almost halved to just over two and a half hours. Now, those who had wished to see the spires of the Gaudi's Sagrada Familia as well as the Almudena Cathedral, but simply did not have the time, can do so on the same day. Travelling between the cities on the AVE train is an experience in itself. The high-speed rail carriages come equipped with bars and a range of music and video channels. If passengers would like to break up the journey, they can disembark at Zaragoza, which offers something different again with its mixture of Arabic, Roman and Aragonese influences. Book yourself on a high-speed trip between Barcelona and Madrid

The National Day of Catalonia

The National Day of Catalonia is celebrated throughout Barcelona on September 11th. The day is celebrated with a number of concerts, demonstrations and parades. In addition, local dignitaries will leave floral offerings at the statues of Rafael Casanova and Josep Moragues.Celebrate the National Day of Catalonia in Barcelona.

Next on: 11th Sep 2012

Other Dates:

• From 11th Sep 2013 to 11th Sep 2013 (over 1 day)