Ho sento, no parlo el català
Trip Start
Mar 20, 2012
1
5
15
Trip End
Apr 04, 2012
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Sagrada Familia:
Construction of Sagrada Família began in 1882, and Gaudí became involved with the project a year later, transforming it with his Gothic and curvilinear Art Nouveau forms. The anticipated completion date of 2026 is the centennial of Gaudí's death.
Casa Milà:
Better known as La Pedrera (meaning 'The Quarry'), this residential building dates back to 1912. It is located in the Passeig de Gràcia (passeig is Catalan for promenade) in the Eixample District of Barcelona. The Eixample is one place where we couldn't afford to shop. It is home to Hermès, Louis Vuitton and Dolce & Gabbana. Syl was drooling at the Jimmy Choo display.
Casa Batlló:
This is a building restored by Gaudí and Jujol, built in the year 1877, and remodeled from 1904 to 1906. It is also located on the Passeig de Gràcia.
Park Güell:
This is a garden complex with architectural elements situated on El Carmel Hill in the Gracie District. It was built between 1900 and 1904.
The focal point of the park is the main terrace, surrounded by a long bench in the form of a sea serpent. The curves of the serpent bench form a number of enclaves, creating a social atmosphere. People congregate here for hours. We found a shady spot on the bench and had lunch. Jamón, pan de leña (baguette) and sangría.
Palau Güell:
The Palau Güell is a mansion near Las Ramblas. It was designed by Gaudí for the Catalan industrial tycoon Eusebius Güell. The home is centered on a main room for entertaining. Guests entered the home in horse-drawn carriages through the front gates, which featured an arch and intricate patterns of forged ironwork. Animals could be taken down a ramp and kept in the livery stable in the basement where the servants resided, while the guests went up the stairs to the receiving room. The ornate walls and ceilings of the receiving room disguised small viewing windows where the owners could view their guests and get a sneak peek before greeting them, in case they needed to adjust their attire accordingly. Must've been nice.
We finished the day with a little shopping in Las Ramblas. Tomorrow we head for Madrid.
Comments
I love the architecture!