Old city New City

So what is Barcelona ? It is a combination of old and new. Some very old world buildings exist with typical Spanish styles. The buildings often have small narrow balconies with shutters to boot. The facades of the old buildings often boast intricate etching/stencilling in the plaster of the walls. Many of the buildings are back to back so they can be very dark and a feeling of claustrophobia does exist. What I dislike the most is the lack of light in so many buildings. I have often sat on the bus and passed buildings where old people are sitting at the windows of upstairs apartments to look outside. In broad daylight, it often appears as if it is night in the apartments, because it is so dark indoors. Windows are small and not plentiful in these older buildings.

Typical Spanish style with little balconies and stencilling in the plasterwork

High Density living

Not too appealing...

There is also another side to the city with a collection of ultra modern buildings. Glass, metal and luminosity are the order of the day. I like the new age minimalist look. There are also some buildings of very odd shapes and designs. In a city which is so crowded and old, a touch of light and minimalism is very welcome. It is quite a contrast finding the ultra new buildings amongst the old ones. Barcelona is so heavily touristed because of its old appeal I guess. So many people enjoy seeing the old quarters of the city such as The Born and Gottico. Those areas really have high density living in some of the oldest buildings I have seen. Some are real eye sores. Some of the people living in those areas are very bohemian of hippy types. Different strokes for different folks!

Ultra Modern buildings on the Northern shore

Very modern and neat

Different shapes and designs

As for old city, new city. I think it is somewhere between the two.