The Palau Reial or Royal Palace of Pedralbes dates back to the 19th Century and houses the Ceramics and Decorative Arts Museums. The throne room is still used for royal receptions. Its combination of royal opulence and cultural exhibitions makes the palace a spot definitely worth visiting while in the upper reaches of Barcelona.

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History

The original palace, built for Count Eusebio Guell in the latter part of the 19th Century, was based on the aesthetic of colonial Caribbean mansions. The Tuscan columns and noucentriste facade were added in the early 20th Century. Inside is an eclectic mix of styles, displaying anything from Louis XIV furniture to more contemporary interiors. The palace also features a neogothic chapel.

Gardens

The gardens were partly designed by Gaudì and feature eucalyptus, cypresses and magnolias beside statues of Hercules, Queen Isabel II and Alfonso XII.

Ceramics Museum

Since 1990 there's been an interesting addition to the site, the Caramics Museum. The exhibitions cover works from Moorish and Mudejar to modern regional traditions. www.museuceramica.bcn.es

Decorative Arts Museum

The Museu de les Arts Decoratives or DHUB boasts glassware from Roman times, late Gothic-era furniture and Spain's finest collection of industrial design exhibits. You can also learn about the evolution of craftwork and its techniques upto the present day.

www.dhub-bcn.cat

Essential Info

Address: Av. Diagonal, 686

Telephone: 932805024

How to Get there: The nearest Metro station is Palau Reial on the green line.

Getting to Barcelona: Barcelona is served by Barcelona El Prat Airport, and Renfe trains connect from all other major Spanish cities to Sants Estacio.