Gaudi's Architecture: Park Guell

Park Guell is situated at the top of a hill.  Actually a very steep hill that I decided to power walk up.  Not the best idea, considering my left knee has always been a bit weak since surgery.  However, I did feel triumphant when I made it to the top.  

I tried to take a picture half way up the hill, but it doesn't depict the very steep reality of the hill.  And don't be fooled by the escalators.  They weren't working on my journey up.  Honest!

In the Park Guell there was a look out point marked with a big white cross.  The scenery from there was beautiful in the hazy heat of the morning sun.

I didn't realise how high the Sagrada Famillia loomed over the rest of the buildings in Barcelona.  Pretty impressive.  I'm sure it is going to look amazing once completed.

The Gaudi architecture in the park was also stunning.  Although they reminded me of Gingerbread Houses.  I almost feel like they should be edible.

I also love the mosaics he used to decorate the terrace and the exterior of the buildings.  So pretty.

And the dragon that marks the entrance to his houses...

Gaudi's Architecture: Casa Batllo

Casa Batllo was the 2nd building of Antonio Gaudi's that we visited.  Set in the middle of Barcelona's main shopping street, it's unusual design stood out from the rest of the architecture.

The colourful mosaics that decorate the exterior and the unusually shaped windows were what I loved most about this building.

The interior was simple, filled with lots of light, coloured by the stained glass it came through.

The only part that was remotely ornate inside the building were the lamp shades that adorned the ceilings.

And the winding staircase that led to the top of the building.

The multicoloured chimneys on the rooftop were also stunning against the blue background of the sky.

Another beautiful Gaudi building.

Gaudi's Architecture: Sagrada Famillia

Barcelona, amongst many things, is famous for architecture inspired and created by Antoni Gaudi.  There are many key pieces of architecture; The Sagrada Famillia, Casa Batllo and the palace in Park Guell.  All amazingly beautiful in colour and slightly abstract.

Inspired by nature and his environment, The Sagrada Famillia, was the first building of Gaudi's that we visited.  His play on light and colour made the perfect backdrop for many of the statues that occupied the interior of the church.

The interior was also slightly gothic in style.  The image of Jesus on a cross, seemed a lot rawer than the conventional designs that you see in standard churches.

The nativity facade on the front of the church also sets it apart from other basilicas.  So intricate in detail, depicting one of the most well known stories in history.

You can also take a tour of one of the spires.  As you would expect, it is narrow and winding, not somewhere to be if you don't like small spaces.

Rambling Around in Barcelona

It's March and yet it feels like Spring.  Almost summer by UK standards.  I have never been to Barcelona, but the more I walk around, the more I wonder why I haven't visited sooner.

It is such a beautiful place; it's definitely up there on my list of favourite cities and a clear contender for one of my favourite in Europe.

There is the main street that goes through the heart of the city centre, know as The Ramblas.  It is surrounded by different architecture and the streets are lined with market stalls selling souvenirs, Spanish delicacies and artwork.

Just off this street is the main market.  I love markets.  Everything looks how it is meant to; fresh and vibrant in colour.  You forget what really fresh, local produce looks like when you shop in a big supermarket.

Then there is the city edge by the water.  Admittedly everything looks better in the sun when it is shinning.  But most definitely the sea that sparkles a beautiful blue under the gaze of the sun.

The view is almost exotically tropical.  This palm tree makes me feel like i'm somewhere in the Caribbean.

And this surfer dude, soaking up the rays of the sun as he dries off from his surf, makes it look like the temperature is around 30 degrees Celsius, rather than the low 20's it is in reality.

A beautiful 1st day in Barcelona.