4 prestigious music venues in Barcelona

Barcelona is a creative city, and the performing arts are widely celebrated here. There are some excellent music venues in Barcelona – some modern, whilst others are more historic. If you’re a music fan, check out these four top venues in Barcelona and find out what’s on during your upcoming stay. A Modernist masterpiece: Palau de la Mùsica Catalana This Modernist building was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997. It was created by Lluís Domènech i Montaner, who is widely regarded as one of the most renowned architects of Catalan Modernism. His other masterpiece, the Hospital de Sant Pau was also recognized by UNESCO in the same year. The Palau de la Mùsica Catalana has an ornately decorated exterior with mosaic columns, a frieze, and countless colourful details. Its rich lavish interior fills many elegant rooms. There is also a bar where visitors can sit in the terrace by day and enjoy a moment’s quiet in the city centre. The main concert hall has an enormous stained glass mosaic centerpiece. Statues of famous composers and the classical muses line its perimeter. As for the concerts, expect world class performances here as not only are the acoustics excellent, it is a privileged venue that attracts the very best classical music performers. Tickets are available online or from the box office. You can also chose to take a guided tour of the venue, and your guide will offer plenty of fascinating insights into Catalonia’s music history and the social and cultural background behind the construction of this building. C/ Palau de la Musica 4-6 Gran Teatre del Liceu Opera House Located half way down La Rambla, the Liceu Opera House can easily be spotted next to the Boqueria market. It is a magnificent venue, and its distinguished guests have included states people, royalty and celebrities from around the world. It was built in 1847, and was severely damaged by fire only 14 years later. Towards the end of the same century, anarchist bombs partially destroyed it again. It suffered another fire in 1994. This run of bad luck may be a coincidence, but there are some who claim that it is cursed, as it was built over an execution site from the Middle Ages. Macabre history aside, if you’re into classical music and opera, then we definitely recommend you treat yourself to a good seat at the Liceu’s current performance. It is one of the largest opera houses in Europe, with 2292 seats. La Rambla 51-59 Classical performances at Barcelona’s Auditori This modern complex was built as part of the urban redevelopment of the Glòries neighbourhood. It was completed in 1999, and is a masterpiece of modernity. The acoustics were carefully studied with special project engineers, and its interior design was optimized for excellent sound quality and natural lighting. Next door you’ll find the Museu de la Mùsica, which offers a snapshot of music throughout the ages and cultures, from early instruments to the discography revolution of the 20th century. Classical concerts take place regularly, and since the Barcelona Symphonic Orchestra has its headquarters here you can be sure that they play often. Guest orchestras and choirs perform regularly, and there are theme festivals and special events throughout the year. C/ Lepant 150 Big gigs at Palau Sant Jordi Located in the Olympic area of Montjuïc, the Palau Sant Jordi is the largest indoor structure that was constructed for Barcelona’s legendary 1992 Olympic Games. This multi-purpose sports hall also doubles as a large-scale venue with a 24,000 capacity for when the pop and rock heavyweights come to town. Madonna, Beyoncé and Coldplay have all wowed the sold-out crowds here, and so have countless other big name bands and top solo performers such as Frank Sinatra, Tina Turner and Van Morrison. There are a seating areas around the sides and a large standing room area in the centre. Passeig Olímpic 5-7 Sandra Roig is Marketing Director at Apartment Barcelona. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.