How Spanish city of Barcelona inspired Star Wars with architecture that looks like Darth Vadar and the evil Empire’s stormtroopers
Spanish city boasts stunning architecture, not to mention gorgeous beaches and tasty food
A LONG time ago in a city far, far away, Darth Vader was conceived.
Not on the planet Tatooine, but on the roof of a building in Barcelona.
There, perched on Casa Milà, stand a row of chimneys that resemble the Star Wars villain and the evil Empire’s stormtroopers.
It is said these stone funnels gave George Lucas the inspiration for the characters’ masks when he visited the Catalan capital in the Seventies.
And the force is definitely strong with this building.
It is one of NINE sites in the city to be awarded World Heritage status by Unesco.
Architect Antoni Gaudi is responsible for SEVEN of them.
Casa Milà is one of his most ambitious projects and considered one of the most famous buildings of the Catalan Art Nouveau period.
His stunning architecture thrives here.
Casa Batlló, with its radical human bone-like pillars, broke all city by-laws during its construction, but was later crowned building of the year.
However, the astonishing La Sagrada Familia — arguably his most famous work — has been in construction since 1892 and is still not finished.
Although, when Gaudi was appointed chief architect in 1883, he insisted: “My client is not in a hurry.”
It was supposed to be the world’s tallest church, with 18 magnificent towers.
Today, it looks more like the Millennium Falcon.
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Completion is not expected until 2026 but that hasn’t stopped it becoming Barcelona’s No1 tourist attraction, with three million visitors a year.
There’s much more to Barcelona than architecture.
The city is home to Lionel Messi’s football club.
A stadium tour of Barcelona’s 99,354-capacity Camp Nou is well worth doing.
The city was also given a huge makeover for the 1992 Olympic Games.
It led to the redevelopment of its Port Vell harbour district, which now houses Europe’s largest aquarium.
Part of the transformation also saw a 4.5km stretch of reclaimed land form seven Blue Flag beaches, leading to National Geographic voting Barcelona the best beach city in the world.
A short walk from the Olympic Park is the Montjuic hill, where Queen frontman Freddie Mercury sang Barcelona with opera soprano Montserrat Caballe.
There, you will also find the Magic Fountains, where coloured lights and water jets dance to music.
Another must-see is the Gothic Quarter, with its narrow alleys, bullet-scarred walls and city cathedral, which is free to visit before noon.
Barcelona has England’s own St George as a patron saint, too.
And all around the Gothic Quarter are sculptures depicting his legendary dragon-slaying.
The area also houses the oldest shop in the city — a candle store that first opened for business in 1761.
Less than two hours from London, Barcelona is an ideal destination for a city break.
I stayed in the trendy 4H Barcelo Raval hotel, within easy walking distance of the Gothic Quarter and vibrant Las Ramblas area.
Opened in 2008, its spectacular rooftop terrace offers 360-degree views of the city.
Its sister hotel, the space station-themed Barcelo Sants, has a working replica of Star Wars’ R2-D2 robot whizzing round the lobby.
One of the best ways to whizz round Barcelona yourself is on a bicycle.
E-bike Rental Tours provides a guide and electric bikes to cope with the steep hills.
Alternatively, walking tours can be organised through Context Travel.
Of course, you cannot visit Barcelona without sampling traditional Spanish tapas.
The Ultramarinos restaurant, at the port-end of Las Ramblas, is well worth a visit.
At night, try the buzzing Cerveceria Moritz, with its on-site brewery and Michelin-starred restaurant.
While the downstairs restaurant serves meals on French porcelain plates costing £300, the food on the main floor is reasonably priced and fit for a princess (Leia or otherwise).
With food, architecture and beaches, Barcelona certainly has a lot to offer.
So go there, you must.
Go: Barcelona
GETTING THERE: Monarch flies year-round from Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds Bradford with fares from £39 one-way or £69 return.
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STAYING THERE: Rooms at the Barcelo Raval are from £119 per night based on two sharing, including breakfast.
To book, go to or call 0034 933 201 490.