As per each city stop, we enjoyed the obligatory panoramic tour. We began on the slopes of Montjuic Hill, and the Castell de Montjuic, a 17th century fortress. Scattered along the hillside are the remnant buildings of the 1992 Olympic Games and the National Museum of Art of Catalan built for the 1929 Worlds Fair.
After we walked the narrow streets of the old city,visiting cathedrals, and ending up for lunch at a bar serving Pinxos (pronounced pinchos) - a variety of appetizers, speared on a large toothpick (for counting how many you eat) and the excellent local wine. Each item is individually charged, but the 5 we had were more than enough. The local tradition is to graze from bar to bar and socialize.
Later in the PM we walked the Ramla, the main pedestrian thoroughfare and took the metro back to the hotel, stopping to see Gaudi's Casa Batiló.
Our first stop this day is high in the mountains outside the city in Montserrat (serrated mountain). The beauty of the complex is overwhelming as it the natural beauty encircling the area. Home to the Benedictine abbey, which hosts a Black Madonna statue - the Virgin of Montserrat, attracting many devout pilgrims.
Although we have toured many wineries thought the world, today provided a glimpse into the history and production of "Cava" Spain's answer to champagne. The Codorniu Winery is one of the major players in the production of cava and their buildings are also very impressive designed in the Catalan Modernist style, famous in the area.
After touring both on the surface of the property, and deep into their cellars, we were treated to tastings of red and white cavas. Although not a fancier of this drink, one could appreciate what goes into producing the resulting effervescence which gives the pallete a tingle and appreciation for more sensitive tastes that follow.
After touring both on the surface of the property, and deep into their cellars, we were treated to tastings of red and white cavas. Although not a fancier of this drink, one could appreciate what goes into producing the resulting effervescence which gives the pallete a tingle and appreciation for more sensitive tastes that follow.
SCENES FROM THE PARK
SCENES FROM THE MARKET
Another ‘discovery’ took us on a walking tour through the narrow streets of Barçelona to a park to people watch on this holiday of November 1st, to The Peoples Cathedral of the Sea - Santa Maria del Mar Barcelona , Barçelona Gran Theatre del Liceu (Opera House), Palau de la Musica Catalana (Palace of Catalan Music), and in the evening, the Magic Fountain, a Barçelona event where music meets a colorful dancing fountain before returning for another excellent dinner.
Barçelona Slide Show
Our last day in Barçelona and we focus on Antonio Gaudi, the famous Catalan architect, his buildings and most importantly, the Sagrada Familia, (started in 1882, it is hoped to be completed on the anniversary of his death in 2026) one of the most visited monuments in Spain. Gaudi’s works transcend mainstream Modernism, and today his work find admirers (and detractors) among architects and the general public.
To enter this edifice, one can hardly escape the grandeur, the imagination and the interpretation of these successors looking at this kaleidescope of color, shapes and immensity.
To enter this edifice, one can hardly escape the grandeur, the imagination and the interpretation of these successors looking at this kaleidescope of color, shapes and immensity.
MORE OF BARÇELONA
Exhausted from touring these three vibrant Spanish
cultural capitals and gaining some insight into the
history, geography and political makeup of its people
we reluctantly pack for our return home.
Where next...............??? South America, Europe, or something on my other page - "Other Photography". Watch your Inbox for a notice.
cultural capitals and gaining some insight into the
history, geography and political makeup of its people
we reluctantly pack for our return home.
Where next...............??? South America, Europe, or something on my other page - "Other Photography". Watch your Inbox for a notice.