Barcelona …

Hola!

As soon as we crossed the border into Spain the skies parted, the sun is shining and the temperature is warming up. (Sadly, there’s still a strong wind blowing just to remind us of home. )

The most popular tourist attraction in Barcelona is Antonio Gaudi’s Templo Expiatorio de la Sagrada Familia. Started in 1882 and financed through private donations and admissions (40 euros for DSC_0478 (Medium)the three of us) it’s expected to be complete by  2025. The most interesting  part of this imposing structure is the artistry of the church from the outside. There are no real walls to make up the sides of this church. Rather, it looks like a slice off the top of a church with an abundance of odd shaped spires, sculptures, mosaics and bronze work.

To view inside this renowned attraction is a little underwhelming. There is scaffolding everywhere DSC_0491 (Medium)and you can hear the sound of the workmen and their tools as they continue to build. That said, there are some stunning stained glass windows here that are modern in design and more reminiscent of Picasso’s work than the more sculpted work of Gaudi. 

 

The Picasso Museum is situated in the heart of old Barcelona which is also known as the gothic area of the city. DSC_0841 (Medium)Picasso lived in Barcelona from 1895 to 1904 and it is said the city had an influence on his early years as a struggling artist. Historically, Barcelona is built on the old Roman town of Barcino. In this area there are a number of churches and plazas as well as historical Roman walls, remains of houses and Roman ruins. It gives you a sense that you are walking in a medieval town.

 

We stopped at a charming cafe that had a mix of local residents and tourists alike.  DSC_0892 (Medium)We enjoyed cafe con leche, pizza, churros and hot chocolate. The hot chocolate reminds you of chocolate pudding. They must sell lots of it as it is served out of a large stainless steel urn.

The Plaza Catalunya is the start of La Rambla. This long rambling street, said to be the heartbeat of Barcelona, while busy at day’s end, is still relatively easy to get around and window shop during low season! The tell tale hints of luxury are everywhere – looking around you see the Rolex, Louis Vuitton and Cartier shops.

DSC_0947 (Medium)This area is where many of the modernist buildings are located in what is known as the Block of Discord or Illa de la Discordia. Some of these buildings DSC_0955were also designed by Gaudi and you can see his influence in the sculpted design of the buildings.

 

We visited Parc Guell which was also designed by Antonio Gaudi and declared a UNESCO world heritage site. Parc Guell was originally intended to be a private, exclusive garden city with 60 residences on its grounds. With little interest in DSC_0713 (Medium)this concept, the development failed and the site wound up being turned over to   the city who transformed it into a spacious and artistic public park! This park takes on a presence of a Flintstones cartoon. Gaudi lived here while he was designing the grounds. The Gaudi Museum contained furniture that was either designed by or his own personal pieces. The park’s town square had a pair of musicians playing their cello and violin in a concert hall. With only two instruments, the music coming from this acoustically sound design rivalled any full orchestra.

 

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Our visit to this park was fantastic and more than made up for the disappointing visit to la Sagrada Familia.

 

 

DSC_0867 (Medium)Before heading back at day’s end we stopped to visit the Basilica de Santa Maria de la Mar.  We happened upon it by accident and were pleasantly surprised to see among the many stained glass windows this one of a sunflower!

 

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