The Catalan Capital of Barcelona has fast become a popular destination for visitors to Spain, many often choosing the city over Spain’s capital, Madrid. It’s easy to see why: sandy beaches, hills and mountains, some of the world’s best architecture, parks and gardens and a heritage left behind from Roman times means that Barcelona is a feast for the eyes.

The city boasts nine UNESCO World Heritage sites, seven of which have been forged by the hand of Catalan architect Antonin Gaudi and his distinctive Modernista style. Buildings such as Casa Mila in downtown Eixample neighbourhood cannot fail to impress any visitor; a building with no straight lines or right angles which mirrors the seas waves and other natural forms. This essence is carried throughout many of Gaudi’s works, with an attempt to utilise natural forms such as shells, trees and animals in as much of his works as possible. Nearby Casa Batllo has a facade often compared to a lily pond painted by Monet, and its tiled roof represents the scaly dragon’s back slain by Saint George – Catalonia’s patron saint.

Perhaps the most famous building in Barcelona is the Sagrada Familia or holy family cathedral, again the hand of Gaudi was at work here until his untimely death – he was run over by a tram outside the Cathedral and is buried in its crypt. Each of these buildings is striking amongst their neighbouring buildings, but it is at night when they come alive. Casa Mila is eerily lit and makes heads turn on the corner of Passeig de Gracia boulevard. Casa Battlo is often lit from below in different colours, such as reds and greens. Sagrada Familia needs no colours to highlight its features and is bathed in white light, casting shadows and illuminating each façade the complete opposite way round from the daylight. The result is a photo opportunity not to be missed with the nativity façade resembling a melting candle, and the crucifixion façade highlighting the linier aspects of the arches and naves, with the figures depicting the stations of the cross almost robotic.

Another amazing building to view by night is the Torre Agbar – originally met with a mixed reception, the building has over 4000 individual LED devices which can be turned on to form different colours, in a wave of images or collages. This is the third highest building in Barcelona, and stands pretty much alone in the Plaça Glories in the new urban regeneration project of 22@.

What night visit could be complete without a visit to the musical, magical fountains at Montjüic? This showpiece from the 1992 Olympics has evening shows at varying times through the year, and is a great place to visit with young or old. The jets and streams of water “dance” to light and music – anything from classical to pop, and even the classic “Barcelona” theme song from the Olympics! So what’s the best way to combine all of these night-light viewings? Well, you’re in luck! From June to September, the city’s Tourist Bus runs a night route, starting at the city’s main square, Plaça Catalunya at 20:30 and ending at Plaça Espanya and the fountains at around midnight. Expect to be wowed by many of the city sights at night, not only those mentioned here, but a world more! It’s highly recommended as an alternative “night out” in Barcelona, and still leaves time afterwards to sample some of the great Barcelona nightlife, too as everything doesn’t really get going until way after midnight!

David Brydon has been living in Barcelona for 10 years and writes about Apartments for rent in Barcelona and Apartments for groups in Barcelona.

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Animals form part of many cultures and pagan rituals involve many animals both fictional and non-fictional. Although Spain is a Catholic country, Barcelona in particular is not a particularly religious Christian community, and has a proud heritage. Many of the city’s festivals and traditional processions involve animals – or rather models of giant animals, such as dragons, Eagles, horses, and unrecognisable beasts, too.

Of course, perhaps the most famous beast in Catalonia’s history is the dragon. Saint George is the Patron saint of Catalonia, and is paid homage in many different ways throughout the city – not least the UNESCO world Heritage site of Antonin Gaudi’s Casa Battlò, in downtown Passeig de Gracia Street. This building has a curved tiled back, representing the scales of the dragon’s back. This image is repeated in Gaudi’s Park Güell, with the ornate entrance to the park housing a magnificent dragon fountain which is reproduced all over the city on postcards, shop fronts, and even bakers’ windows.

Another medieval animal to figure predominantly in processions and Barcelona folklore is the bat. Yes, the nocturnal winged creatures have a long history in Barcelona traditions as a sign of strength. This can be seen in a few select areas – for example the magnificent Palau Güell in Barcelona’s old town (also another UNESCO World Heritage Site, designed by Gaudi), the rooftop has a collection of chimneys which usually grab the most attention, but the weather vane atop the building is that of a bat. And of course one of the most famous bats is that of the Rum Bacardi – whose founders were born in nearby Sitges, and moved to Cuba in the 1830s.

A selection of these Barcelona animals can be seen in the Institute of Culture Building on Las Ramblas – Barcelona’s famous boulevard, dissecting the old town. Inside, the models are on permanent display, and only taken out for special celebrations such as Corpus Christi, and the patron of Barcelona, Our Lady of Mercy’s celebration in late September, La Merçe. In here the Eagle model plays a predominant role, seated at the front of the display, and as the official information explains; “The Barcelona Eagle is mentioned in documents as far back as 1399 and was part of the municipal cortège, it was subject to strict protocol and was indispensable at all solemn city celebrations and on the aldermen’s journeys.

The Eagle lived its golden age in the 17th century when it was the subject of a number of dances and tunes. It disappeared in the first third of the last century and was recovered in 1989. The Eagle is part of the historic bestiary of Barcelona, together with the Lion, the Big Mule, the Bull, the Viper, the Dragon, the Monster and the little horses”. There are plenty of real animals and beasts to see in the city zoo or aquarium, but those with history and culture get my vote!

David Brydon has been living in Barcelona for 10 years and writes about Apartments for rent in Barcelona and regularly contributes to this Great Barcelona Guide.

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