Football can be compared to a religion in terms of both followers and influence. FIFA data show that the final of the 2018 World Cup was watched by more than 20 million people in France (more than a third of the country's population), 40 million in Brazil (more than a quarter of the population), 23 million in Germany (slightly less than a third of the population). If football is a religion, then stadiums are temples. One of the most iconic places in the football world is the arena of Barcelona Football Club - Camp Nou.
The history of the football arena
The name of the sports facility is translated as “new field”. Along with the arena "Monumental" is one of the most famous stadiums in the world located in Barcelona.
Construction of the Camp Nou began in 1953. Due to the growing popularity of football and the increase in the number of fans, the club's management decided to build a new arena that can accommodate everyone. It took four years to build the stadium, and its opening took place on September 24, 1957.
The original budget of the project, which was developed by the architect Francesco Mithans, was 67 million pesetas. However, over the course of four years, the estimate was gradually increased, and the total cost was 288 million.
It was the significant expenses that allowed the construction of the stadium, which currently has a capacity of 98,934 spectators. It became possible to accommodate such a number of spectators after two reconstructions of the building, which were carried out in 1998 and 2005. In terms of capacity, Camp Nou ranks 12th in the ranking of stadiums in the world
The dimensions of the football field are 106 meters long and 70 meters wide. The world famous slogan “More than a club” is depicted on the spectator platform.
The fans of the Catalan club are some of the most emotional in the world, so for safety there is a special guest sector at the stadium, fenced with glass, bars and nets.
In addition to football matches, the Camp Nou hosts a presentation of new players bought by Barcelona, as well as honoring the club on the occasion of winning another trophy.
But the stadium is famous not only for football events. It regularly hosts fashion shows as well as concerts of world-class stars. At the Camp Nou, Michael Jackson, Luciano Pavarotti, Frank Sinatra, Julio Iglesias and others gave concerts at different times.
Football Club Museum
Perhaps the most visited place loved by tourists is the FC Barcelona Museum.
Its working hours: daily from 9.30 am to 7.30 pm.
The ticket price depends on the age of the visitor: from 18 years old - 25 €, children - 20 €. You need to be prepared for the fact that you will be asked to present a document to prove your age.
The museum consists of three parts:
- Football dedicated to the history and achievements of FC Barcelona. Various photographs, cups, medals, uniforms and other attributes of a football club are kept here. All this helps to plunge into the atmosphere that reigns in Barcelona, to learn about the traditions of the team and the history of the club since its inception in 1899. For an additional fee of 13 €, you can get a photo with the Champions League Cup - the main club tournament in Europe.
- Section Football art, which is dedicated to football. It contains paintings, photographs, and other works of art that showcase the world's most popular sport. You can see board game tables, souvenirs and other football-related items.
- Sections with temporary exhibitions. The theme of this part of the museum is different: certain events in the life of the club, football players, achievements and other significant events in the history of football Barcelona.
How to get to Camp Nou
Transport links during football matches are organized until late in the evening, so that after the game, fans can easily go home.
A significant part of the visitors come to the arena by tourist buses. Drivers always stop at Camp Nou, as it is one of the city's main attractions.
Near the sports facility are the L5 Badal and Callblanc metro stations and the L3 Palau Reial and Les Corts stations. All of them are located at a distance of no more than 700 meters from the stadium.
In addition, half a kilometer from the arena there is a tram stop Avinguda de Xile, which can be reached by trams T1, T2, T3.
A Few Tips
A few simple tips to save time and get vivid emotions from a tour of the stadium:
- Book your tickets online. There are always long queues at the stadium ticket offices who want to buy a guided tour. In order not to waste time, it is advisable to order your ticket online through the official website of FC Barcelona. There is a special entrance for people who bought tickets online. There is no need to show the ticket on it, it is enough to present a smartphone with a booking confirmation image.
- We recommend buying an audio guide before starting the tour. It looks like a small turntable to hang around your neck, with a single earpiece. Tours are available in popular European languages: English, French, German and some others.
During the tour, there are stops indicated by numbers. The digit number corresponds to the audio track number. The track can be paused, as well as re-listened to an unlimited number of times. The stadium diagram will help you not to get lost on the territory, which can be found along the route of the excursion.
Hotels in which to stay
The football arena is located in the Les Court area, which is mainly home to office centers. There are few attractions there, but the Camp Nou itself attracts many tourists. In addition, the area is a 25-minute drive from the Sagrada Familia. Therefore, finding a hotel near the stadium where you can stay is not a problem.
The following hotels are the most popular among tourists:
- NH Barcelona Stadium. Named after the stadium. A special feature is the pillow menu, with which you can choose even incredible pieces of sleeping accessories.
- Hotel Catalonia Rigoletto. Elite and, accordingly, expensive hotel. Located a kilometer from the stadium.
- Hotel Princesa Sofia.
- Madanis Hotel. The modern building was built in 2007. The windows of the rooms overlook the football field.
- Hotel Alguer Camp Nou. Family hotel with budget prices. Located a kilometer away from the football arena.
- Senator Barcelona Spa Hotel. Affordable rates, basic rooms and a rooftop pool.
- Hotel Rey Juan Carlos. An elite hotel with 25 hectares of gardens. Located 15 minutes walk from the stadium.
- Aparthotel Atenea Barcelona.
- NH Collection Barcelona Constanza. The hotel is a 15-minute drive from the railway station.
- Hotel Upper Diagonal. A modern hotel located less than a kilometer from the stadium.
Outcomes
Camp Nou stadium - the base of the legendary football club - one of the attractions of Barcelona, can offer its guests not only exciting matches, but also a museum, star concerts and fashion shows. The stadium's convenient location, several public transport stops and many nearby hotels will make any visit as pleasant and memorable as possible.
