The 5 Senses in Barcelona
Sight
Nothing prepared me for my first glimpse of the Sagrada Família. Gaudí’s masterpiece towers over the city like something out of a dream, its intricate facades narrating biblical stories through stone. As the morning sun pours through the stained-glass windows, the interior glows in a kaleidoscope of color. The building feels alive—like a cathedral growing straight from the earth. From turtles carved at the base to forest-like columns stretching toward the ceiling, every angle reveals a new layer of beauty.
Sound
The metro has become my daily soundtrack. The rhythmic whoosh of arriving trains, melodic chimes before the doors close, and the swift Catalan conversations around me make each commute feel alive. One moment that stuck with me was when everyone on the bus clapped for the driver—a local tradition I’ve come to admire.
Taste
My first taste of authentic seafood paella at Barceloneta Beach was unforgettable. The saffron-infused rice, filled with mussels, squid, and langoustines, tasted like the sea. I quickly learned about socarrat, the crispy layer at the bottom of the pan that locals treasure. This dish became a weekly highlight and taught me how food can tell the story of a place.
Smell
Every neighborhood in Barcelona seems to have its own scent. In the Gothic Quarter, the air smells of rain-soaked stone and history. Gràcia is filled with the aroma of morning coffee and fresh churros. Along the harbor, salty breezes blend with the scent of sizzling garlic from nearby kitchens. Most surprising of all? The sweet orange blossom fragrance from trees lining the avenues—it’s Barcelona’s natural perfume.
Touch
I’ll never forget the feeling of the sun-warmed mosaic benches at Park Güell beneath my fingertips. Gaudí’s smooth, colorful tiles contrast sharply with the gritty, weathered surfaces of Raval’s street art walls. Even daily greetings are more tactile here—cheek kisses, friendly shoulder taps, and the close bustle of Mercat de Sant Josep.
“We’re Not in Madison Anymore” Moment
During Easter weekend, I found myself watching a solemn parade wind through the streets. I hadn’t realized how prevalent Catholicism is here—53.2% of residents identify with the faith. I observed families gathering in reverence, and I was struck by how traditions are still woven into public life. It was a moving reminder of how deeply culture shapes everyday experiences.
Surprising Discovery
FC Barcelona is more than a soccer team—it’s a symbol of identity. One professor shared that during Franco’s dictatorship, the club became a sanctuary for Catalan culture. Today, its motto, “Més que un club” (“More than a club”), reflects its role as a community force, rooted in values like inclusion and local pride.
Christopher Johns
Major: Political Science
Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Program: IES Barcelona