So, if you read my first post, you’ll know that I want to share my explorations with anyone showing interest and if you follow me on Instagram @wulf.willis you’ll see I’ve been doing that for a while now.
However, what you might not know is that I spend a lot of time (more than necessary) looking at everyone else’s posts in the search for the next great place to visit, and this time, Palau Nacional (Catalan for National Palace) was put on my radar.
I kept on seeing posts of Plaza Espanya and panoramas of the city from someplace high (which is usually where they are shot from) and after a consistent barrage of visual stimulus, I took to the only place I could… Google.
Searching high and low, I finally found it and all I needed to do next, was get there.
Palau Nacional you say? But that’s not the title….
I didn’t know at the time that the palace was now an art museum, and has been since 1934 which was actually quite a pleasant surprise, despite having to pay 12 euros to get in…
Getting to this place is easy enough as you can just head to Plaza Espanya by taking either the L1 or L3 Metro line. Then once you’re there, walk between the two large pillars (known as the Venetian Towers), which you can’t miss, and keep walking straight.
On the way up, they’ve kindly installed escalators so you don’t have to worry about hundreds of steps, though there are still a few hills worth of walking up.
Once you get right in front of the entrance, there’s endless views, greenery, statues and much more. Even if you don’t set foot inside the museum, you’ll find yourself more than content with the sights and with a cafe located half way up and at the top, you won’t be too concerned if you forget to bring your lunch.
If however, you decide to pay up and make your way into the museum, there isn’t always the same exhibitions on, so head to the site here and see what’s happening the day you arrive. I was fortunate enough to see Picasso’s work as well as many other pieces of art including furniture, sculptures and propaganda (from wartimes). One of my favourite pieces was a sculpture of two arms labelled right arm and left arm, the simplicity was amusing and impressive.
All in all, this place is definitely worth a visit if you find yourself in Barcelona, and even if you don’t want to actually view the art exhibitions, you can still head to the roof and see the view whilst dining in the restaurant.
Enough about me, here’s a few more shots from my adventure.
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