Gargoyle at Plaza del Rey, Barcelona

In the previous post we talked about witches and mystic places so why not keeping the same mood to contemplate in awe this devilish gargoyle at Plaza del Rey. A horrible creature twitching every muscle, stretching to howl in a sinister gesture. I try to imagine the creepy sound while a shiver comes down my spine. Fortunately there is only silence, a trail of water perhaps coming out of the snout. You know what, this twisted cry reminds me of the Scream by Munch. You don't hear it but it gives you the creeps.

I would like to suggest today some Photoshop Killer Tips by Matt Kloskowski via Layers Magazine

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The Gargoyles of Death, Plaza del Rey, Barcelona

Half-bred uncanny creatures, stalking from above and ominously spitting rivers of water as if announcing the downfall of man and the arrival of an ignote, unfathomed gloomy world. 

Sunday morning on your way to church. A long, long time ago. You have a sudden urge to pray. Things are not going too well lately. Mysterious deaths scamper through the city. Hundreds, perhaps thousands of people are doomed by now and nobody knows why. Is it God's wrath? Is it one of the seven plagues? 

Some say it comes in the air or that it dwells in the pestilent waters of the outskirts. Almighty God! What is that! A filthy rat!. Get out of my way, you abominable evil creature. I wonder why there are so many. Stop looking at me, you hideous gargoyles...

In 1589 1/4 of the population in Barcelona, 12.000 to 13.000 approximately, succumbed to bubonic plague. Here is Plaça del Rei, the place where the gargoyles are.

Hospital de Sant Pau: Gargoyles

Hospital de Sant Pau, a magnificent representative of modernism in Barcelona was projected by the architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner in the year 1901. Construction finished in 1930. Of course this is a place you cannot miss if you are an art lover and it is just one subway stop away from Sagrada Familia.

Eusebi Arnau and Pau Gargallo were the sculptors of the stone figures among which you can admire these beautiful gargoyles. The pavilions have been restored and are part of a modernista complex now open to the general public. All of the previous services of the hospital were moved to the new Sant Pau Hospital  built just behind the premises.