I’ve lost count how many times I’ve been to Barcelona…
Maybe a dozen or so? We usually go there once a year (twice last year), around my birthday. It’s Professor M’s (my wonderful husband) birthday treat for me.
I’ve also featured Barcelona on the blog before: I’ve written about shopping, food, even hotels… And because I don’t want to repeat myself, I decided to focus on something different in this post, namely the fabulous architecture and design.
Well, you’ve probably heard of Gaudi…
Nope, didn’t visit la Pedrera this time, either, even though we stayed in the neighbourhood, just a few blocks away… There’s just something about queueing I don’t like…. so I don’t do it. As my 50th birthday present to myself I decided that now I’m old enough that I don’t have to do, eat or wear anything I don’t like…
Anyway, I should tell you that my interest in architecture is not very deep. Or rather, it’s as deep as my interest in most things: very superficial. And in this case ‘interest’ means that I take pictures of anything I find interesting. Details, mostly, as there are tons of books by far better photographers about entire buildings and history.
But, about the details: this is Loewe flagship store on Passeig de Gracia. In my dreams I will actually go in one day (in my dreams I have enough money to do that…)
And I find this tower across the street a bit further down just fascinating:
But what I find even more fascinating is how ordinary buildings are made more interesting by adding some unexpected design elements:
We always stop by this little gallery to get our art fix. In his dreams, Professor M would be rich enough to buy a painting there… In reality we sometimes get (a much smaller) picture at a (significantly more affordable) little gallery in Barri Gotic…
I’m always fascinated by the design aspect of everyday objects. And Barcelona is of course one of the best-known Art Nouveau (or ‘Modernisme’ in Catalan) towns in Southern Europe (BTW: Helsinki is one of the best-known Jugend / Art Nouveau towns in Northern Europe…). So, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that street lights look like this:
So, obviously there’s a lot I didn’t get to see in Barcelona. Which means of course that we have to go back… next year.
What do you want to see when you go on holiday?
Tiina
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Linking up with: A Compass Rose, A Keane Sense of Adventure, Sara Sees
A delightful tour, thank you. And indeed, your photos would fit splendidly in any book!
Thank you so much, Liz!
I love looking at photos of interesting architecture possibly because I love textures so much. And these are delightful and quirky. I've yet to get to Barcelona. It's on my hit list as I'm longing to immerse myself in the flamboyance of Gaudi. And thanks for the nod about Helsinki. I didn't know that and I'm drawn to Art Nouveau.
Barcelona is definitely worth seeing! I've been there so many times I can't even remember, but there's always something new to explore. And Helsinki… well, it's small (compared to most capitals) and compact and there are lots of beautiful Art Nouveau buildings and entire neighborhoods (and I wish I could say I lived in one of those, but no…)
I too love architecture.. maybe coming from a relatively 'new' country like Malaysia, we are limited when it comes to ancient structures. Both me and Captain are history, so museums are our thing. Must visit Barcelona one day… must.
Yes, Barcelona is a must! But be careful: there is so much to see, and you might want to come back, again and again…
Beautiful photos! Wandering around Barcelona sounds like just the perfect birthday! Popping over from Travel Tuesday 🙂 http://www.simplysaratravel.com
Thanks, Sara! Barcelona has been one of my favourite destinations for a long time, and there is always something to do.
I would loooove to visit Barcelona one day, Spain in general. Sounded like a great birthday trip! Thanks for linking up on Travel Tuesday 🙂
Thanks, Christine! Yes, it was a great trip, and you should definitely see Barcelona.
I think I would go photo crazy in Spain, it looks so beautiful! The architecture is really unique. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Andrea. It was difficult to choose the pictures, trust me…
I enjoyed your Barcelona shots, such wonderful buildings. We are hoping to come to Europe next year so a return visit to Barcelona is on the list. I was there in 1975 but only briefly so I really want to explore, so I am finding your travel tips very handy.
There is a lot to see in Barcelona, and it is probably impossible to see it all in just a few days. But that's a great reason to always go back… Of course, you coming to Europe is a bigger project and you'll probably want to take your time exploring a lot of places.
Barcelona has been top of my travel list for so long, and yet I have never been! It looks beautiful. Still top of my list. I'm like you with the random architectural details – I'm one for finding my own beauty!
You should go and see it! There's something for everyone.