Michael S. LibermanAlps and Med Day 10: Barcelona
From Barcelona …
Barcelona is known for its mix of Mediterranean culture, historic neighborhoods, and modernist architecture. The city’s skyline is defined by the iconic Sagrada Família. Barcelona also offers the lively street life we saw yesterday along Las Ramblas, beautiful Mediterranean beaches, and a strong Catalan identity expressed through cuisine, language, and traditions.
And it’s an incredibly pedestrian friendly city. The areas we walk through have been converted to 3×3 Superblocks that are car-minimized. Also, buildings at intersections are chamfered so that each intersection is diamond shaped, increasing visibility and light.
Our morning stop is Casa Batlló, Antoni Gaudi’s whimsical and organic building, commissioned by Joseph Batlló. Known as the House of Bones or the House of the Dragon the structure is a prime example of Catalan Modernism architecture.
Lunch is at The Grill with Michelle and Peter and features a firm cheese selection, the jumbo-sized chicken, and an enhanced sangria.
It’s about an hour by bus to our next destination. Originally a housing development and now a municipal garden, Park Güell was also designed by Antoni Gaudí, Sagrada Família’s architect. Construction of the park began in 1900 and the park officially opened in 1924. The park’s common elements feature symbolic references to Catalanism, Catholicism, and Greek mythology.
Under construction since 1882 the soaring towers of the Sagrada Família basilica make it one of the most recognizable structures anywhere. Designed by architect Antoni Gaudí, it’s the largest unfinished Catholic church in the world. But that will change with the expected completion of construction this summer. The design features 18 spires representing the Twelve Apostles, the 4 Evangelists, the Virgin Mary, and Jesus Christ.
Montjuïc, located to the southwest of the city, is just under 200 meters tall. The site of a medieval Jewish cemetery, Montjuïc translates to “Jewish Mountain.” More recently this was the location of the 1929 World Fair and the 1992 Summer Olympic Games. With miles of forests and parks this is the largest “green zone” in Barcelona.
Today is the last day of touring on this trip. Tomorrow we make our way back to the US. But before we leave, tonight’s dinner at El Glop features Paella, a traditional Spanish rice dish from the Valencia region about 200 miles southwest of Barcelona.
