Postcard Wednesday – The Joys of Barcelona

Barcelona in the Catalan region of Spain had been on my revisit list since a brief stop there way back in
1975 and it surely lived up to my expectations, with surprises around every corner. This Art Deco dragon
in Placa de la Boqueria was designed for a former umbrella shop.

The mix of architecture, each with its own stand out features , is always a great fascination for me, so my
camera was kept busy .

The carved details on this building in an area of the Old Town , Barri Gotic , were just quite something.
The Old Town is traversed by the historical Las Ramblas , a wide tree lined walkway that is thronging
with people day or night . The Barri Gotic area is a wonderful maze of streets and alleyways.

The works of architect Antoni Gaudi dominate the city’s psyche as well as its skyline.Antoni Gaudi i Cornet
was born in Reuss into a family of artisans. Gaudi was a leading exponent of Catalan Modernism and his works evoke many elements .The extravagant church of the Sagrada Familia is surely one of his most recognised works. The church is an ongoing work,with a probable finish date in 2026, I do hope I am able
to see the completed church.

The interior is an amazing work of art with its sculptural lines and stained glass.

The carvings above the outside  entrance speak for themselves.

This is another of Gaudi’s works, Casa Batllo, built between 1904-1906, its facade has heavily tiled walls
and curving iron balconies.

The interior showcases the use of both timber and tiles . I was most taken by the rounded door and window frames, the craftmanship is quite something.

The Parc Guell was originally concieved as a housing project (but never reached fruition) . The project was built between 1900 and 1914 and the park was opened in 1926. It is one Gaudi’s most colourful works with
symbolism drawing from nature and mythology.

I hope you have enjoyed a small peak at Barcelona through my eyes.I do hope to return some day as
there is still so much more of this city I still haven’t explored.Also maybe next time the rain will stay away.

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10 Comments

  1. Tiina L
    August 4, 2016 / 7:37 am

    Fabulous photos! But then you know I love Barcelona… And seeing the finished Sagrada Familia is certainly a good reason to go back, don't you think? Just one thing: you don't have a photo of Casa Batllo here but the building next door, Casa Amatller by Puig i Cadafalch (it has this fabulous jewellery shop, art nouveau, on the ground floor).

    • Jill James
      August 6, 2016 / 7:13 am

      Thank you so much Tiina, I think you and I share this love of Barcelona.A finished Sagrada Familia , the best reason to return. Also, I appreciate your correction I somehow mixed up my notes,silly me.

  2. Marea Dotz
    August 4, 2016 / 3:10 pm

    Beautiful pictures. How I would love to go to Barcelona some day. The Sagrada Familia must be one of the most fascinating buildings in the entire world!

    • Jill James
      August 6, 2016 / 7:14 am

      Thank you Marea , I do hope you make it to Barcelona, I know you would really enjoy all it has to offer. The Sagrada Familia most definately is unique.

  3. Laurie Duncan
    August 4, 2016 / 6:12 pm

    Very lovely and fascinating! 🙂

    • Jill James
      August 6, 2016 / 7:15 am

      Thank you Laurie for your interest, it is most fascinating.

  4. Elizabeth g. Arthur
    August 6, 2016 / 4:05 am

    Thank you, Jill for another postcard…amazing art everywhere. The church! What an awesome work in progress. Barcelona looks an amazing place. xx

    • Jill James
      August 6, 2016 / 7:18 am

      Many thanks Elizabeth, so glad you enjoyed my postcard .Barcelona is fascinating,well worth a visit.

  5. Natalia Lialina
    August 7, 2016 / 6:46 am

    How lovely to receive a postcard from you, Jill! It must be an amazing experience to see Barcelona with your eyes, I certainly enjoyed it here. A friend of mine visited many years ago, and she was taken with the city too.

    • Jill James
      August 7, 2016 / 7:35 am

      Thankyou Natalia, my pleasure, so glad you enjoyed my postcard from Barcelona.

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