A 3D Tour of Barcelona

Take a 3D tour around one of the world's most iconic cities and its most famous monuments

By Google Arts & Culture

Sant Bertran quay. Port of Barcelona (1912) by A. CasalsMuseu Marítim de Barcelona

The Mediterranean port city of Barcelona is renowned for its iconic architecture,  world class soccer team, and hosting of major global events - including the 1992 Olympic Games. Originally a Roman city, the urban area is now the fifth most populated in the EU. 

It's a major transport hub, with its port being one of Europe's busiest and main airport dealing with more than 50 million passengers a year. With so many cultural highlights to enjoy, it's no wonder it's so popular with visitors. Let's take a 3D tour of some of the highlights. 

Loading 3D model

La Sagrada Familia

Sagrada Familia

No 3D tour of Barcelona would be complete without a closer look at this magnificent basilica. A UNESCO World Heritage site and magnum opus of legendary architect Antoni Gaudi, building began in 1882 and is yet to be finished, including the addition of ten more spires.

The building has been described as: 'The most extraordinary personal interpretation of Gothic architecture since the Middle Ages'. And when work on the spires is completed, it will stand 170 m high, making it the tallest church building in the world. 

Literary University in Barcelona, Type foundry successor to J. Neufville, 1911, Original Source: Type foundry successor to J. Neufville
,
Roger de Lluria Building, University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Architect: MBM Arquitectes, Photographer: Duccio Malagamba, 2008, From the collection of: Royal Institute of British Architects
,
Plaza del Rey. Barcelona, Type foundry successor to J. Neufville, 1911, Original Source: Type foundry successor to J. Neufville
Show lessRead more

Three more views of some of Barcelona's iconic architecture. 

Loading 3D model

Plaça de la Catalunya

Plaça de la Catalunya

This large square in the heart of Barcelona is generally considered to be the city center. It's also the place where the old city and the 19th century Eixample meet, and where some of the city's main thoroughfares intersect, including La Rambla and Passeig de Gracia. 

The square is well known for its fountains and statues, as well as its proximity to some of the city's most iconic attractions. It also played a key role in the Spanish Civil War as the site of the May Days confrontations. 

,
Tracey Miles - Barcelona 1992, Bob Martin / Getty Images, 1992, From the collection of: The Olympic Museum
,
Peix' (fish sculpture), Hotel Arts and Torre Mapfre, La Marina 19, Villa Olimpica, Barcelona, Photographer: Christopher Hope-Fitch, Architects: Frank O. Gehry (1929-), Iñigo Ortiz & Enrique León Arquitectos, Skidmore Owings & Merrill, 2008, From the collection of: Royal Institute of British Architects
Show lessRead more

Major sporting and international events have been held in the city, bringing it international recognition.

Loading 3D model

Cathedral of Barcelona

Cathedral of Barcelona

Not to be confused with the equally spectacular Sagrada Familia, the Cathedral of Barcelona is actually much older, with much of the major construction work taking place between the 13th and 15th centuries. 

The cathedral is dedicated to Eulalia of Barcelona, a young girl who suffered martyrdom during Roman times in the city. She is one of the patron saints of the city and her body is entombed in the cathedral's crypt. 

Loading 3D model

Font Magica de Montjuic

Font Magica de Montjuic

This huge ornamental fountain was constructed in 1929 for the International Exhibition and has become one of the city's most popular attractions. Each year a large light and firework spectacular takes place here to close the city's main festival. 

The fountain is located at the end of the Avinguda Reina Maria Cristina close to the Palau Nacional. Even when not lit up, the spot offers spectacular views across the city, from the Plaça Espanya to the Tibidabo hill. 

Barcelona, N R Farbman, 1952-01, From the collection of: LIFE Photo Collection
,
Boquería Market, 1840, From the collection of: Real Academia de Gastronomía
,
Painting with light - Barcelona 2, Philippe Echaroux, 2013, From the collection of: Subagora
Show lessRead more

More views of the city - past and present. 

Loading 3D model

Mirador de Colom

Mirador de Colom

The Mirador de Colom, designed by Gaietà Buïgas, is located at the end of Barcelona's Rambla, close to the sea. It was built in 1888 to mark the Universal Exhibition as a tribute to Christopher Columbus. It features a 51m high cast iron column and viewing gallery.

Look north to the Gothic Quarter, cathedral, and bustling Rambla. To the east, you can follow the coastline to the Olympic Marina. To the south stands Montjuïc Hill, with its castle. To the west is the Collserola Natural Park, the vast green lungs of the city.

[The Port of Barcelona with the European squadrons for the Barcelona World Fair in 1888] (1888) by Emili Sivillà i TorresMuseu Marítim de Barcelona

Want to know more?

You can discover more about the naval history of this incredible city here.

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
Home
Discover
Play
Nearby
Favorites