Casa Batllo
by Marinel
Gaudi Architecture is among one of my favorite things in Barcelona.
Antonio Gaudi
(b. Reus, Spain 1852; d. Barcelona, Spain 1926)
The son of a coppersmith, Antonio Gaudi was born in Reus, Spain in 1852. He studied at the Escola Superior d'Arquitectura in Barcelona and designed his first major commission for the Casa Vincens in Barcelona using a Gothic Revival style that set a precedent for his future work.
Over the course of his career, Gaudi developed a sensuous, curving, almost surreal design style which established him as the innovative leader of the Spanish Art Nouveau movement. With little regard for formal order, he juxtaposed unrelated systems and altered established visual order. Gaudi's characteristically warped form of Gothic architecture drew admiration from other avant-garde artists.
Although categorized with the Art Nouveau, Gaudi created an entirely original style. He died in Barcelona in 1926. Casa Batllo Commentary
"Mighty pillars that appear to resemble the feet of some giant elephant are the first thing to meet the eye of the passerby from street level. The roof reminds him of a completely different animal: it is bordered by a jagged line similar to the backbone of a gigantic dinosaur. A facade extends between the two, including a number of small, elegantly curved balconies that seem to stick to the front of the house like birds' nests on the face of the cliff. The facade itself glitters in numerous colours, and small round plates that look like fish scales are let into it. There are no edges or corners here; even the walls are rounded in undulations and have in essence the feel of the smooth skin of a sea serpent about them."
Walking in Barcelona
by zumodemango
One of the best things in Barcelona is walking all around. Of course, there are many interesting museums but i think Barcelona is a city to walk and discover throught its streets, squares, churches, buildings and palaces.
To see life in the streets, listen to the music or the bells, enjoy a drink in a terrace. Day or Night Barcelona is alive. Every time i go to Barcelona i feel happy but at the same time sad, remembering good things for the three years i lived there. Hopefully, in the future i will be back to live there.
I have lovely memories: the Port, the sea, the beach in early summer, la Plaça Reial, el Laberint d'Horta, Plaça St.Felip Neri, Santa Maria del Mar, Casa Batlló. Small streets in Barri Gotic, shops and cafes in El Born. Sant Jordi, 23th April, the city full of book street markets and roses. One of the best concerts i've been: U2 in Montjuic(1997).
Beer thing
by Raimix
Seems Catalonian people are not so beer lovers as Lithuanians or Czechs ;) Actually as I guess the most loved here is a wine.
In Lithuania the “normal” beer is 0,5 liters bottle or a mug. Here, in Spain, normally is purchased 0,3 liter capacity beers. Actually the most known beer here is San Miguel, but I liked Estrella more.
Go on a food tour
by s.metterfield
My parents gifted us with a food tour on our first night in Barcelona with a company called The Barcelona Taste. It was awesome! They took us around the Gothic neighborhood and we ate and drank in 4 different restaurants and little shops, had some great Spanish cheese and tapas and more tapas from the Basque area of Spain and some killer desserts. It was a great gift! Highly recommend!
Placa del Pi and its Weekend Art Fair
by dlytle
Placa del Pi is a medieval area that grew outside the former Roman era walls. The Catalan gothic church (also lining Placa Josep Oriol) Basilica Santa Maria del Pi was founded in the 10th century although the present structure is mostly from 1322. It is a very nice church to visit and photograph.
Near here the Bar del Pi is an old style cafe where artists and bohemians hang out.
On the weekend, there is an art fair and food market centered in the areas surrounding the old church. It is a really neat place to see and look around for both art and area crafts and food.
The small street at the end of the Placa del Pi is Calle Petritxol., a nice spot to sip a hot chocolate--a 'suizo' is with cream-- 'churros' (a donut-like pastry) in one of the many typical old cafes.
Las Ramblas, Barcelona
Casa Battlo from the bus.
TAVERNA DEL BISBE
A jungle!
