Barcelona
Barcelona was the destination of one of my earliest trips abroad. I spent a few days there in June 1990. Mostly I remember that it was damned hot!! Actually, it is a fantastic, vibrant city, with some amazing architecture. Some of the most extraordinary are the work of Antonio Gaudí, including the Church of the Holy Family with its graceful, soaring spires. Another famous citizen, of course, was Pablo Picasso, whose paintings aren't quite MY cup of tea, but for those who are interested, there is an excellent museum in Carrer de Montcada. Barcelona has an excellent public transport system, but I never used it, preferring to walk everywhere and just soak up the atmosphere. Fun, and very rewarding, but the blisters hurt!
Click on the pictures for the full size photos.
This was my first image of the city. Dropped by a taxi in the Placa de Espana, lots of traffic rushing past. On one side, the bullring, on the other, these huge pillars marking the start of the broad avenue up to the National Palace.
The area round here, from the pillars, up the avenue, and around the mountain of Montjuic itself, was widely developed for the 1929 World Fair held in the city. The best of the buildings still stand, and the avenue is bordered by the commercial exhibition grounds.
The National Palace stands at the end of the avenue, just below the heights of Montjuic. Built as recently as 1929 for the World Fair, it houses the Museum of Art of Catalonia, one of the world's greatest collections of medieval art. Climbing the mountain behind is a tad strenuous, especially on a hot afternoon, but the views from the top are worthwhile. It's also very pleasant to stroll around up top, where you will see the Municipal Stadium, also built for the World Fair.
Moving swiftly across town, this photo is of Placa Reial - found just off La Rambla - a perfectly proportioned arcaded square. Busy at the best of times, on a Sunday morning it is turned into a market place by the many stamp and coin collectors who set up stalls here!
La Rambla - a broad street in which the middle section is pedestrianised - is a great place to stroll. Or ramble. It's Barcelona's best-known promenade, and runs for about a mile. Take your time and enjoy the little shops, cafes and kiosks all along the way. It's lively and busy, and there's always something to see!
Just off La Rambla I saw the entrance to the Mercat de Sant Josep.
It dates from the 19th century and you can find everything from fruit and vegetables to meat and fish.
This is Il Templo Expiatorio de la Sagrada Familia - the Church of the Holy Family. It's one of Gaudi's masterpieces, begun at the end of the 19th century, and as far as I know still being built! It certainly hadn't been completed when I was there. Photographs don't do it justice; the flowing lines of the sandstone spires make it a quite stunning structure. It really took my breath away - I've never really seen anything like it!
This picture shows the wonderful carvings over one entrance. I seem to remember spending a lot of time wandering inside the church - which had no roof in place! - and just gazing around in awe. In fact, on leaving I did something unusual; I turned around and went back inside for another look!
Some images from the Barri Gótic - the Gothic Quarter. In total contrast to the modern, bustling streets of the city, this area is steeped in history, 15 centuries of it in fact. What a wonderful place to spend a few hours wandering the ancient streets and squares...
These may just look like steps (right)...but they are no ordinary steps! This is the Saló del Tinell in Placa del Rei, where Columbus was received by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain on his return from his epic voyage to discover the New World! That's the rumour, anyway!
Another view in the Gothic Quarter...evocative images at every turn....
....In contrast, another of Gaudi's great designs - this is Casa Batlló in Passeig de Grácia, in the area of the city called Ensanche, which is the newer part of the city that grew up beyond the walls of the medieval city in the 19th century.
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