Barcelona
Think Barcelona, think Sagrada Familia. It is the largest unfinished Catholic church in the world. Started in 1882, its original architect only lasted one year before being replaced by Gaudi and the last of 18 bell towers is expected to be finished in 2033. Interrupted by the Spanish civil war Gaudi's plans were lost, then recreated over 20 years.
The windows create cold green and blue light to the north and warm red and yellow light to the south. There are intricate mosaics and stone carvings to represent Jesus life. Gaudi used these as tools to tell Christ's story.
There’s controversy as the local council is looking at demolishing a whole block of buildings in front of the church to create an open square opposite the entrance in line with Gaudi's original plans.
Our tour takes us up on to Montjuich, the Jewish Hill, birthplace of Barcelona from where the city is laid out before us. Back to the streets and past buildings adorned with roses, St George’s day is approaching and purchasing roses is expected. We'll be elsewhere by then.
On to Casa battlo, or house of bones, a house designed by Gaudi. There are mosaics, few straight lines and an arched roof. Not a design you’ll see every day.
We walk home then it’s a farewell tapas dinner with our last two travelling companions and goodbye to Jose, our guide.
Morning and it’s time to take the challenge of the local public transport system as we seek out a couple of hidden recommendations from Rose, one of our fellow travellers in Morocco. First stop is the Palau de La Musica Catalonia built from 1905-1908. An impressive foyer, a grand staircase and an amazing concert hall.
There’s a tour group here and their guide plays a short piece on the organ, magnificent. We wander up Las Ramblas to the Mercat de Le Bocaria, a huge market, so much fresh food, and then to the Hospital de Sant Pau.
Rose has told us that it’s a couple of old hospital wards recreated in their original style. Sounds interesting and from outside the entrance looks good but we’re not prepared for what we find inside. The original hospital of Santa Creu became too small and was rebuilt in the 1930's as a health complex of 12 Art Nouveau pavilions linked by paths, underground tunnels and gardens.
We’re quite stunned and it’s interesting as we explore the complex and read its history.
One final Gaudi experience at Park Guell. The park originated when a housing development failed and the developer commissioned Gaudi to design a park. No such philanthropy these days.
Gaudi lived here and wanted functionality in his design. He recycled broken plates and teacups to create mosaics, a reflection of nature as no two pieces are the same and made the design on columns at the back higher than at the front to create an illusion of space. As our guide said, architects don’t have to explain.
By the time we get home we’re beat and to add to our dilemma the local chicken fast food is shut. Who knew that the local supermarket sells prepackaged meals, has a microwave and a space to sit down and eat. Surprisingly tasty.
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