This morning started off with a cycling tour of the city to fill my historical knowledge black hole regarding Barcelona. Learnt lots about the state of Catalunya and its ongoing fight for independence from Spain. (Very current - most residents fly the flag of independence from their balconies). Also some interesting bits and pieces about Columbus and of course Gaudi.
One of the places we visited were these gardens, partially designed by Gaudi as a young man
Some old church that had young girls murdered for openly non conforming
Gorgeous streets with plant filled balconies. Min you, due to it being August, over 80% of the shops in Barcelona were closed for the whole month! So zero shopping/strolling to be done really, just desolate streets other than ones like this in the tourist precinct.
Markets!
And then. Of course. La Sagrada Familia
For those of you that don't know, Antonio Gaudi is one of histories most visionary architects. His most famous piece is this basilica (consecrated by the pope in 2010) which he began work on in 1882. Gauspdi knew upon design that It could take more than 80 years to construct, so left detailed plans for work to be continued after his death in 1926. Now, one major fire (destroying many of the original plans and models) and well over 100 years later, it is still under constant construction. And it really really is like nothing you've ever seen before. Truly the most amazing art.
Inside the basilica is an amazing mix of creams white and bright colours. Nothing like the dark churches of old.
The ceiling! The pillars are meant to be trees....
Off to Park Guell that afternoon. A few buses out of town but another Gaudi classic.
And Blake ran in to one of his host families from Italy!!
Final night out. I hunted online and found a rooftop bar. It was very high class, and in the middle of a hotel, but I played the part and we got access to the private elevator and made our way to the bar.... Very fun to 'play' rich in an exclusive place we should probably not have known about. An awesome way to spend my last night in Europe.
No comments:
Post a Comment