On a boat trip you can see different buildings of Barcelona from the sea and enjoy the skyline of the Olympic city, full of avant-garde and modernist architecture.
Have you ever seen Barcelona from the sea? In case the answer is negative, today we are going to offer you information in this publication about the views that you can observe and enjoy on a boat trip along the coast of the Olympic city. In the event that your answer is affirmative, we read you in the comments.
We are going to talk about the history of the Olympic Port of Barcelona, and its current remodeling, about the different buildings of Barcelona that can be seen from the sea, and about different symbols visible from its coast. The Olympic city is a benchmark in architecture, modernism and avant-garde, as are other buildings of Barcelona.
The Olympic Port of Barcelona: history and remodeling
The Olympic Port of Barcelona is one of the most emblematic places in the city. This marina was built to host the sailing competitions of the 1992 Olympic Games, and has been one of the most important tourist spots in Barcelona ever since.
The architect Oriol Bohigas and the engineer Albert Viaplana designed the Olympic Port project, and its construction began in 1986 and ended in 1991. During this time, many infrastructures were built and innumerable works were carried out to condition the area and prepare it to host the Olympic Games.
The Olympic Port has a marina with capacity for more than 700 boats. It also has a wide variety of buildings and structures, among which the Mapfre Towers and the Hotel Arts stand out. These two skyscrapers, designed by the Spanish architects Enric Miralles and Benedetta Tagliabue, were built to house the athletes and tourists who attended the Olympic Games, and have become notable icons of the city’s skyline and Barcelona’s architecture.
The Mapfre Towers are 154 meters high and have a glass and steel façade, while the Hotel Arts is an impressive 44-storey building with a very characteristic shape. In addition, the Olympic Port has other buildings and structures of great beauty, such as the Olympic Sailing Pavilion, the Barceloneta Lighthouse and the Marina Bridge.
Photo of the Olympic Port of Barcelona, where some of the most outstanding buildings in Barcelona are located
After the Olympic Games, the Olympic Port became a very touristic place in which leisure stood out. The area was filled with restaurants, bars, nightclubs and shops, since then becoming a meeting place for young people and tourists who visit the city. In addition, the Barcelona marina has become a very popular place to practice water sports such as sailing, windsurfing and paddle surfing, and of course, to go on a boat trip.
The Olympic Port of Barcelona is an emblematic place that is part of the history of the city. This marina, built for the 1992 Olympic Games, has become one of the most visited and popular places in Barcelona, thanks to its impressive buildings and structures, its marina and its wide range of leisure activities.
Who has not been to a disco night in the area or has enjoyed its gastronomic offer? We are excited, and also sad, as the last restaurants closed in January of this year. But don’t worry, in the current renovation, gastronomy plays a very important role in revitalizing the area.
Remodeling and updating of the port: the America’s Cup in the spotlight
The remodeling of the Olympic Port affects an approximate area of 9,500 m2, with an investment of around €8.3M. The works began in 2022 and its completion is scheduled for the first four months of 2023.
The transformation of the Olympic Port has different objectives: to turn this space into a place committed to citizenship, to renovate the area so that it is the epicenter of the blue economy, sailing, gastronomy, and the sea. Some important challenges for the tourist, sports and civic development of the city.
The horizon for these works, and one of the first tests for the new facilities, is the 2024 America’s Cup, which will coincide with the celebration of this world sailing sport event. I am sure that the inaugurations will be some of the most talked about buildings in Barcelona and sports and maritime facilities.
Sustainability is also one of the backbones of the improvements to the Olympic Port, so that it becomes a benchmark for environmental management. Maintaining a natural marine ecosystem alive and in balance requires an effort on the part of citizens, companies, organizations and institutions. Catvents has that commitment in its DNA.
The main buildings of Barcelona and works of art that you can see from the coast
These are the main buildings of Barcelona visible from the Mediterranean Sea. One of the best skylines on the planet.
The Holy Family
The iconic temple designed by Antoni Gaudí is one of the most famous attractions in Barcelona. Its towers and unique architectural details are easily distinguished on a boat trip. It is currently under construction and its completion date is expected for 2026.
Agbar Tower
This striking modern glass tower, designed by Jean Nouvel, stands out against the Barcelona skyline. Its cylindrical shape and its night lighting make it an easily recognizable landmark, and it is the butt of jokes in racy circles.
Hotel W Barcelona
It is popularly known as “Hotel Vela” because its shape is reminiscent of a boat sail. This luxurious hotel is located on the Barceloneta beach. It is an emblematic structure of the city and can be clearly seen from the sea.
Palau National
This palace is located on the mountain of Montjuïc, the Palau Nacional is an imposing building built for the International Exhibition of 1929. Currently, it houses the National Museum of Art of Catalonia and its majestic façade is visible from the Mediterranean Sea.
Mapfre Tower and Hotel Arts
These two twin towers are located in the Port Olímpic and are two of the tallest buildings of Barcelona. The Mapfre Tower is recognizable by its dark glass façade, while the Hotel Arts, similar in shape but with light tones, stands out for its luxury and contemporary design.
We can also distinguish the gold fish, the work of Frank Gehry, one of the most renowned Canadian architects in the world. It is known and recognized by the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. The fish floats over the Mediterranean and seems to jump into the Mediterranean Sea. It measures 56 meters long and 35 high. It is characterized by the absence of tail and head. The sculpture also has a certain mystery culture associated with its creation by supposed esoteric organizations. It is made of bronze-colored steel and when the sun falls directly on its figure it can be seen golden, as if it were a monumental jewel. It is an icon of the city already consolidated.
Photo of the twin towers of Barcelona
Modernism and avant-garde are very present in Barcelona
Modernism and avant-garde are two very important artistic and cultural movements in the history of Barcelona, and one of the most prominent.
Modernism emerged in the late 19th century and early 20th century. It is an artistic current that was characterized by its elaborate decoration, the use of organic forms inspired by nature, and by the incorporation of modern construction technologies such as iron and glass. Modernism was reflected in the architecture, design and decoration of many Barcelona buildings and public spaces. Three clear examples are Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia, the Palau de la Música Catalana and Park Güell.
Avant-garde emerged at the beginning of the 20th century and was characterized by its interest in experimentation, its rejection of artistic conventions, and its interest in innovation. In Barcelona, the avant-garde manifested itself in movements such as Surrealism and Dadaism, and in artists such as Joan Miró and Salvador Dalí. This contemporary style is also reflected in buildings of Barcelona.
The two movements had a huge impact on the culture of Barcelona and remain an important part of the city’s identity. They are engines of cultural activity and tourism.
At Catvents we offer you our boat trip services along the coast, and you will be able to appreciate the main buildings of Barcelona, and much more. Enjoy, relax and share time with your loved ones, coworkers, and companions on your vacation. Our quality and attention will make your experience unique and memorable. Come and admire the buildings of Barcelona, the Olympic Port, and the most representative works of art from another point of view, and remember that we also offer physical visit services to these emblematic monuments of the city.
To make your reservation you can contact us through our WhatsApp / phone 639 433 079 or by filling out our contact form. Don’t stay with the desire!
Julián Guisado
