During our month on the Erasmus programme in Barcelona, we – Letizia, Martina and Beatrice – had the opportunity to enjoy an experience that was very significant from both an educational and a personal perspective. All three of us are art students and, for this very reason, we focused much of our time on exploring the city’s artistic and cultural heritage, gaining a deeper understanding, first-hand, of what we often only study in books. During our stay, we visited some of Barcelona’s most significant sites. These included Park Güell, one of Antoni Gaudí’s masterpieces, where art blends seamlessly with nature through original forms, vibrant colours and distinctive mosaics. We also visited Casa Batlló, which impressed us with its innovative architecture and the decorative details that make it a truly unique work of art. Another key stop was the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC), where we were able to view important works of art from various historical periods and deepen our understanding of Catalan art.
Among the places we chose to visit, El Petó de la Mort (The Wall of the Kiss) particularly struck us for its symbolic significance and the message it conveys through contemporary art. Finally, the visit to the Sagrada Família was one of the most moving experiences: the grandeur of the building, the stained-glass windows and the extraordinary attention to detail allowed us to gain an even better understanding of Gaudí’s creative genius.
As well as the artistic aspect, this experience gave us an insight into the world of work. Martina and Beatrice undertook their work placement at a company that runs a bicycle hire service for tourists and visitors. This experience ties in with the sustainable mobility projects promoted by the city of Barcelona, which is expanding its network of cycle paths to encourage cycling. This helps to improve public health, reduce air and noise pollution, and make the city more sustainable and accessible.
Letizia, on the other hand, undertook her work placement at a hotel, gaining direct experience of the tourism hospitality sector. This experience can be linked to art because many visitors choose Barcelona precisely for its extraordinary cultural and artistic heritage. Hotels are often the first point of contact between tourists and the city, and providing information on monuments, museums and cultural itineraries helps to promote the area’s art and history. Furthermore, cultural tourism is one of the city’s main resources and enables millions of people to discover and appreciate works such as the Sagrada Família, Casa Batlló and the MNAC.
In conclusion, our Erasmus programme in Barcelona was a significant opportunity for personal, cultural and professional growth. Thanks to the places we visited and the work placements we undertook, we have broadened our artistic knowledge, developed new skills and gained an experience that will stand us in good stead for our future studies and careers.
