La Padrera--Gaudi's Architecture
by VeronicaG
La Padrera (The Quarry) is one of architect, Antoni Gaudi's designs. I can't say that I am a fan of his style of architecture, but he certainly is famous in Barcelona.
Our city bus tour guide made sure we paused long enough in front of this building to hear all the important facts about La Padrera.
Three facades are incorporated into this structure, which are connected by undulating curves and railings forming the balconies. This apartment building was constructed for the Mila' family between 1905-1910 and boasted one of the first parking garages.
I think the reason it appears rustic and cave-like is because the building has a stone coating. One has to admit that Gaudi's creations are truly distinct from other designs from that time period.
If you wander inside, you can see a small museum and apartment set up to depict that of a wealthy 20th century family which can be toured. In the summer, roof top mini-concerts are performed.
La Padrera was recognized as a World Heritage Site in 1984.
Address: Carrer de Providencia Telephone: 261-265 at 902-400973. Hours are 9am-8pm Mar.-Oct; 9am-6:30pm Nov.-Feb.
Casa Batllo
by Klod5
The colorful Casa Batllo (Batllo House) is an apartment building located at No. 43 Passeig de Gracia in Barcelona. It was totally renovated by Gaudi from 1904 to 1906 on a commission from the textile industrialist Josep Batlla i Casaanovas. Along with two Modernista works, the Casa Amatller by Puig i Cadafalch (1900) and the Casa Lleo Morera by Domenech i Montaner (1905), the Casa Batllo makes up the Mançana de la Discordia (Block of Discord), an allusion to the mythological Judgment of Paris.
One of the architect's most complete works, Casa Batllo reflects an intense yet abstract naturalism. Decorated with polychrome ceramics of both brilliant and subtle colors, it produces an indefinable sensation of lightness in spite of the profusion of forms and motifs. At the first floor level of the undulating facade is a striking stone structure in the form of a loggia (roofed open gallery) supported by columns that frame windows decorated with stained glass. The ceramics and multi-colored glass mosaics of the upper part are interrupted by aggressive iron balconies in the form of masks.
Crowning the whole is a suggestive tile roof over double garrets which evokes the back of a fantastic dragon. Also on the roof is a round tower with a floral dome topped with a four-branched cross, one of Gaudi's favorite motifs, behind which stand the colorful sculpted chimneys with their allusions to sturdy guardians. The interior impresses as well. An splendid hall stands at the entrance with winding stairs and attractively designed windows which are cast with changing blue tones according to the graduated colors of the ceramic tiles. The first floor was decorated by Gaudi who created some of his best interior design pieces for it in magnificently built fireplaces, wooden floors, furniture, stained glass, and wrought iron elements.
Corridas de Toros
by lolitajane
As you may know, the "corridas de toros" are one of Spain's most important traditions. And although they are usually carried out in Pamplona --San Fermin-- you will come across "arenas" in every city in Spain.
camp nou
by quartinb
one of the 5 best club in the world and the richest one helds an impressive football stadium. inaugurated in 1899 and renovated a couple of times, camp nou attendant capacity of 68.800 seats, makes it the second larger in the world. is a source of immense pride to Barcelona?s supporters not only because of the sheer size of the stadium, but also due to the architectural design. modern facilities available here make it by far the best football stadium in Europe (well, next to benfica stadium of course:-).
a well deserved UEFA five-star rating , a category reserved for the very few.
outstanding.
The Olympic Stadium.
by JulesH
The Olympic Stadium. I'm sure many people come here, but it was so quiet when we were there I have to list it as off the beaten track. The view from the front of the stadium towards the Telefonica antenna is like something out of a science fiction movie. The perfectly manicured lawns and water features along with the strange sculptures and paved areas leading down to the antenna, which stretches into the blue sky like a rocket ready for launch, make this a view of utopia unlike any I've seen. If I'd seen a UFO land on the grass, I wouldn't have blinked!
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Barcelona and the sea from Montjuic
Just walking on Passeig Colom
Cable car ride to parc de Montjuïc
Beautiful parks
