Students in Hamilton’s Academic Year in Spain (HCAYS) program visited Barcelona Nov. 4-6. As the capital of Catalonia, Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain and the country’s most important Mediterranean port.
Barcelona offers a wide diversity of cultural experiences. The students were able to explore the city´s unique personality, language and culture, and experience firsthand its strong sense of identity and uniqueness.
Many great painters and artists have worked in Barcelona and their influence is still evident around the city. Picasso and Miró are just two of the natives who have museums dedicated to them.
During their visit, the students were able to witness the city’s impressive modernist architecture and masterpieces by Antonio Gaudi, one of the area’s most famous architects.
The group visited the Basilica of La Sagrada Familia, which has been under construction since 1882. They also had the opportunity to visit other important sites like Mueso Picasso, Parque Guell, Casa Batlló and Casa Milá (popularly known as La Pedrera).
The cultural trip ended at a large amusement park situated 1680 feet above sea level at the highest point of El Tibidabo, a mountain overlooking Barcelona. Built at the turn of the 19th century for a world exhibition, the amusement park still functions today, with both old and new rides, and offers spectacular views over the city and the coastline.
