PALACE OF CATALAN MUSIC

In a city bursting with architectural wonders, the Palau de la Musica Catalana (Palace of Catalan Music) commissioned by the Orfeo Catala (Catalan Musical Society) in 1904 and created by local architect Lluis Domenech i Montaner between 1905 and 1908 stands out as one of Barcelona's greatest masterpieces and a symbol of the renaissance of Catalan culture. In 1997 it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The bare brick facade is highlighted with colorful ceramic pillars, fancy windows and busts of Palestrina, Bach, Beethoven and Wagner. The sculptural group projecting from the corner of the building represents popular song. A balcony runs around the building and the main structure is supported by ornate columns that form huge dramatic archways over the entrance.

The interior continues the ornamental theme with a profusion of decoration in the entrance hall, foyer and staircase almost overpowering in its attention to detail The piece de resistance, however, must be the concert hall, with its exquisite roof (an inverted cupola made of stained glass), its sculptures, ceramics and paintings dedicated to musical muses (including Josep Anselm Clave, the great 19th century reviver of Catalan music), and its beautiful balconies and columns, designed to enhance the perspective of the auditorium.

It's no surprise that this is one of the city's main venues for classical music, and, until the restoration of the Liceu Opera House and the opening of the Auditorium, was home to two orchestras, the Liceu and the Orquestra Simfonica de Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya. It's a memorable experience to attend one of the nightly concerts; the acoustics are excellent.