Las Arenas Bullring in Plaza Espanya, Barcelona

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As I have not much time lately I am tidying up my archives, now that I can post bigger images. I once published a small image about Las Arenas Bullring, that mastodontic engineering work in front of Plaza Espanya. Summing up, it consists in lifting up the whole coliseum that once held the arena where bullfights took place by means of huge jacks and props to make way for an underneath path among many other things and...check full details or links in the post. Feel free to ask once you come back. Another image here, showing the left side and what used to be the main entrance in this other.

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Barcelona Port: WTC, Cruisers and...Pigeons?

Here is a view of Barcelona Port, specifically Port Vell (Old Port) with World Trade Center building in the back, some cruisers and a lot of pigeons baking in the sun. I would like to mention my friend Kris from Little Town in Hungary who also included pigeons in her post yesterday. Once, long ago, in my childhood days I thought they were beautiful. I reckon they might be for those of you living in places where they are not crawling and creeping like rats as it happens here and in many countries. 

The other day I was fighting over a McDonald's hamburger with one of those predators. No wonder they swarm freely in the harbor area, they don't have natural enemies, just hunger, viruses and maybe seagulls, another growing menace in modern cities. Hey, don't misinterpret me, I love animals...birds too, but not THAT many!.

Relevant information: Barcelona World Trade Center, located at the end of Moll de Barcelona (Barcelona Wharf) was created by US architects, Pei, Coob, Fred & Partners, authors of the glass pyramid at the Louvre Museum. For more details check the official site mentioned above. Cruisers like the ones in the picture depart from international seaport terminals on both sides of Barcelona wharf. The big metal structure is the tower of Jaume I, communicating the port with a neighboring hill called Montjuic by means of a cable car known as the Montjuïc Teleféric. Amazing view from there!  

La Diputació: Barcelona Provincial Council - The Building

This is a balcony on La Diputació de Barcelona (Barcelona Provincial Council). The building is located at Rambla de Catalunya, 126, almost touching Avinguda Diagonal.

This modernist house called Can Serra, was built from 1900 to 1907 by architect Puig i Cadafalch. In 1986 a new building was raised behind Can Serra, which really holds the administration offices.

Barcelona Provincial Council is divided into 12 departments that implement its program in the province of Barcelona: a network of 311 municipalities. Changing the subject, sure I can show you a more pragmatic shot of La Diputació building. Remember there was a previous post of mine back in April related to Sant Jordi where I published another picture of the council.

Photography Tutorials: Luminous Landscape, sober in design but extremely useful.

Casa Batlló: Harmony and Chaos

An unusual sight of Casa Batlló, the famous building by Antoni Gaudi. I had already shown the modernist house in an older post, but I had this close up of the façade and I didn't like the blown sky in the image, so I thought to go and give it an "artistic" look with photoshop. In case you think I shouldn't have massacred the photograph this way, take a look at the original here. I had a good time though. As to the title chosen, I think Gaudi conceived this chaotic mask-like balconies using that harmonious perfection only complex mathematics can create but that sometimes geniuses easily produce using that mysterious inner inspiration you call gift.

Façade in Bergara Street, Barcelona

Remember yesterdays' picture about Hotel Regina, well, turn around and look across the street at this precious old building's façade.

Recommended Links: High Dynamic Range Photography Tutorial

Google Maps Image of Bergara Street and Hotel Regina in Barcelona, Spain.

Regina Hotel in Barcelona: Wrought Iron Marquee Detail

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Best Western Regina Hotel is just a block away from Plaza Catalunya and not very far from Las Ramblas, at carrer Bergara 2-4. It features 4 stars, has 99 rooms, was built in 1917 and restored in 2002. As this is not a hotel guide I am not going to analize its services but just suggest you admire the beautiful marquee in blue with stained glass, excellent representative of Catalan Art Nouveau or modernisme.

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MACBA: Contemporary Art Museum of Barcelona

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MACBA: Contemporary Art Museum of Barcelona, is meant to be "a purveyor of different services for different subjects" instead of a "mere producer of exhibitions" according to their own definition. The building by Richard Mier was inaugurated in 1995. The American architect plays with the use of light in creating spaces. See another Macba photo here where part of the façade is detached from the main building to let the light flow inside. There are some cozy terraces to sit in the sun at least at this time of the year. The big squares surrounding the museum are a good place to relax and read, although depending on the amount of skateboarders that think modern esplanades and walls are the ideal place to practice.

Google Maps Image of Macba: Contemporary Art Museum of Barcelona

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La Font de Canaletes: Barcelona City's Icon

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The upper part of Las Ramblas in Barcelona, is called La Rambla de Canaletes, precisely because it features La font de Canaletes (Canaletes Fountain). A brief history of Las Ramblas, now that I issued the topic, will introduce you to this icon of FC Barcelona fans and the city. As some of you already read in my previous posts, Las Ramblas were just a muddy path next to the city walls and a stream carrying rain waters towards the sea - the name Rambla in Arabic means strand or riverside. That was long before the walls were extended beyond the path, engulfing the Raval quarter, taking the city limits to nowadays' Avinguda del Parallel. The path turned into a wide road lined with trees by the end of the XVIII century. Part of the old city walls had been demolished and houses were being built along the way. In the second half of the XIX century, the second line of walls fell too, and the city grew as well as the flourishing Ramblas, which were divided into five imaginary parts: Rambla de Santa Mónica, named after a church, Rambla dels Caputxins, after a Capuchin friars' convent, Rambla de Sant Josep or Rambla de les Flors (due to the many flower stalls), Rambla del Estudis, named after a XVI demolished university, and Rambla de Canaletes, where our old XIX iron fountain is. Tradition says all those who drink from Canaletes return to the city. Of course try not to coincide with a day in which FC Barcelona soccer team fans celebrate a victory (quite often lately), as the place is stormed traditionally by a jubilant crowd being the fountain their highest totem and one of Barcelona's most appreciated landmarks.

Recommended: Footloose in Spain’s Capital of Style, Barcelona, an article by Matt Gross that recently appeared in the Travel section of New York Times. And second best, Gridskipper, the Urban Travel guide, also featuring Barcelona (with a group photo pool on Flickr).

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Street Artists at Work in Las Ramblas: Cleopatra

With today's post I think my series about Las Ramblas street artists or living statues is over, at least for now. I leave you with these lovers from different epochs. The modern Romeo is a tourist of course and the queen is Cleopatra I suppose, judging by the scepter, bracelets or familiar tiara. For a small amount she would hold your hand and caress it with her cheeks, for quite a long time.

Ronaldinho Gaucho in Las Ramblas, Barcelona

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Don't you leave Barcelona without posing next to Ronaldinho Gaucho, winner of so many awards with FC Barcelona, Brazilian soccer virtuoso, featured in so many TV spots, video games, and even in cartoons. Look at this lucky tourist side by side with her idol, isn't she plethoric?...Yes, I know, shame on me. How do I dare! Don't tell me there is no resemblance though. Sorry Ronnie, just joking. Care for a link, here it is Ronaldinho Gaucho Official Web Site. See this other picture of the artist impersonating Ronaldinho. It took him a lot to smile, wearing such big false teeth, but he was funny saluting the surfer's way.

Recomended: Search for Ronaldinho's Bio or anything related to him and Barcelona FC in my FCBarcelona swicki.

Now a different suggestion: Visit Digital Photography School, for tips and lessons.

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Barcelona Living Statues: Scary Embrace

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I know many people will take pictures similar to mine in Las Ramblas but I do not collect images of Barcelona street artists or living statues for the sake of art, but to share them with those of you who have not visited our city. I was lucky this time to be on the right spot for a fortunate combination: a beautiful girl in the hands of evil. By the way, is he some sort of Star Wars' Darth Maul in black and white sent by Sith forces. Wasn't he red?. Any help here? I chose another one, closer, so you could better appreciate the artist and the improvised model.

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Street Artist at Las Ramblas, Barcelona: Equilibrium

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Barcelona street artists are experts in disguising and improvisation. They will do just about anything, including levitation to squeeze a couple of bucks out of your pockets. The trick is self evident here but you have to accept that we wouldn't have thought of doing that. I like the expression of surprise in the face of that boy, tiptoeing backstage to determine whether the yogi is really floating on thin air or not.

To be examined: JPG Magazine- you post your best pictures there and in case you are published in the print edition, you win a yearly subscription and 100$. Important, you hold the copyright. Worth trying? Maybe I check that.

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Weekend, Barcelona: Turistic Bus Stop in Plaza Catalunya

On any Saturday or Sunday morning in the neuralgic spots of the city you see this image which is becoming more and more frequent as the flow of tourists grow beyond expectations. A huge number of people standing in line waiting for the Bus Turistic to come. I was waiting in front of the Triangle for my wife, and took my camera and shot at the innocent victims (not mine) suffocating under the morning sun.

Google Maps Aerial Image of Plaça Catalunya in Barcelona

Nativity Portal at Sagrada Familia: Three Wise Men

Gold, Incense and Myrrh in the Hands of Gaudi's Three Wise Men. 

A magic moment immortalized by the craftsmanship of this master of architecture. Notice how the figures seem to be carved out of the very stone and the capricious pleiade of ribbon-like protuberances or adornments on the cathedral's walls. 

The Nativity Façade or Nativity Portal has been covered in previous posts, so feel free to browse or search for Sagrada Familia or Gaudi in my photoblog. I have used Photoshop in this picture, specifically Fred Miranda's fantastic BW Workflow Pro plugin.

Pottery at Mercat de les Flors Wall in Barcelona

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This pottery exhibition mounted on a wall at Mercat de les Flors just in front of Institut del Teatre always calls my attention. It is a good wall to play with perspective but little illuminated as it is in a sort of corridor between the two buildings. It was midday, bad time for pictures, but there was no choice. Watch detail on the corner of the building.

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Modernist Ceiling at C&A Pelayo in Barcelona

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You all know C&A: A department store with good prices and some nice stuff to buy (unless it has not been ransacked by clearance sales-o-holics). What nobody had told me was that I was going to come across with this beautiful modernista ceiling in white crowning what seems to be the attic or some upper gallery. The only thing I know is that the shop is located in carrer Pelayo, 54 and that it must have been an old modernist house like many in this area. If anyone can provide some more information I could post it somewhere. Here is another view of the ceiling.

Recommended:
As you can see I have implemented some new stuff, like the Diggit! and Del.icio.us links embedded in the 'post footer' section of my template. Thanks to Techwrap for code and instructions.

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Catalan Modernisme: Antigua Casa Figueras in Barcelona

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Antiga Casa Figueras at Rambla, 83 ("antiga" meaning "former") is a patisserie built in 1820 and decorated by Antoni Ros i Güell in 1902. If you visit this small exponent of Catalan Modernisme you will be able to admire a widespread selection of mosaics, wrought iron, stained glass,stucco and furniture (see detail here). The shop is currently Pastisseria Escribà, a delicatessen and pastry shop in the hands of Christian Escriba, son of Antonio Escriba, the "Chocolate Magician". Christian Escriba is a renown artist who blends pastry with design and fashion. His works have been sold or exposed in most famous shops in Europe.

Recommended: Now that we mention this exquisite pastry shop, I suggest you take a Barcelona: Chocolate Tour at this interesting blog called In Praise of Sardines.

Google Maps Image of Antigua Casa Figueras or Escriba Pastry Shop in Barcelona.

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Living Statue at Las Ramblas, Barcelona: Devil's Work

I have seen the Devil at Las Ramblas, Barcelona, he wasn't wearing Prada though. Who says the Devil does not rest. One of Barcelona's most famous living statues and mysteriously ignored by my camera until now, was taking a break after a hard day's work. There was no smell of sulfur, like Chávez said of Bush, but it was terribly hot that day. Damn it!

Some other devils captured at Barcelona Photoblog:

Evil mask

Ramblas Devil: Dial 666

Bolivian Devil

Lucky Devil Indian Bobber Harley-Davidson

Le Diable Vert Absinthe

Barcelona Living Statues: Cowboy

 

Today I resume my Street Artist or Living Statues series, with an updated picture of the Ramblas Cowboy, as I call it. This time using a larger size photograph, which suits him very well. This time it is a closer take from a lower angle.

Google Maps view of Las Ramblas in Barcelona, Spain

Eagles Peak or Cim d'Aligues near Barcelona

Back in May, in my post B from Barcelona, I explained what Cim d'Aligues natural reserve was (a "centre created for the study, breeding, exhibition and free-flight of birds of prey"), but I didn't get to publish any photo showing the birds, except for the ones you could see if visiting the official site link. Today I present you with two shots: one of the girls in charge of the animals holding an eagle and a vulture in this other photo.

Tibidabo Amusement Park, Barcelona: Airplane

Now that we are in Tibidabo (check last post) let's take a look at one of the most traditional attractions, the airplane. Located over the cafeteria, it goes round and round monotonously since 1928, stopping at night of course. One of the most boring of them all and yet surrounded by a halo of classic style, like a collector's toy. Here is a closer Tibidabo plane photograph against the sky. I thought a slight view of the balcony projecting over the city would make a better shot than just plain sky.

Barcelona Hotel nearby: Gran Hotel La Florida, (the picture I took)

Magic Mirrors at Tibidabo: Self Portrait

As I felt like posting people today, particularly kids, I decided to pick up this picture taken back in June and the sequel to a similar image published then: Tibidabo Park: Kids in the Magic Mirror. I think I invaded the scene enough this time, so why not call it "self portrait", me in the back and the kid we all have inside in front, or is it the other way around?. Trivia: These distorting mirrors are called literally "haha" mirror in Chinese (thanks Lisi).

Google Maps Barcelona, Spain: Tibidabo Amusement Park.

Santa Maria del Mar Church: Barrio Gotico, Barcelona

And now for a little change, we deviate our attention from concrete to marble and old mossy stones. Today I leave you with a front view of Santa Maria del Mar church in Barri Gotic. One of the most representative buildings of Catalan Gothic. Looted during Spanish Civil War, it features a sober but beautiful interior. This is a review by Fodor's Travel

Google Maps Barcelona: Santa Maria del Mar Church in Barri Gotic

The Three Chimneys in Sant Adria del Besos, Barcelona

During the first decades of the XXth century, Sant Adria del Besos in Barcelona, was populated with huge industries such as FECSA's thermoelectric plant. Its remains are known as the Three Chimneys, and they are a sad landmark, part of Barcelona's skyline.

Situated on the left bank of river Besos, facing the sea, they witness the fast growing buildings rising next to them, including a marina which is already built and there is a debate on whether to destroy this testimony from the past or to remodel them for sentimental reasons. At present they are in very bad state but make a splendid subject for some industrial pictures.

The three Fecsa chimneys can be seen from almost every elevated point in Barcelona and are quite near to the forum on one side or Badalona beaches on the other. Check this other image with only two of them but taller.

Romanic Hermitage at Sant Miquel del Fai, Barcelona

This is the Romanic hermitage of Sant Martí at Sant Miquel del Fai. It was not shown in my previous posts (Bell Detail, Priory House and Sant Miquel Del Fai Cliffs) about this fantastic natural park near Barcelona so I thought I might exhibit it in my photoblog along with this kid playing football. He got in the way and saved my boring picture about ancient religious buildings in Catalonia.

Theater Institute in Barcelona

The Theater Institute of Barcelona or Institut del Teatre, designed by architects Ramon Sanabria and Javier Comerón, is an eleven storey high building, four of which are underground and houses the four schools attached to the centre, the Dramatic Art College, the Professional Dancers' Training College, the College of Performing Arts Techniques, and the Secondary School for Dancers in Training plus a documentation centre and the Museum of Performing Arts. The Chinese dragon and musicians are part of the activities organized during last Asia Festival 2006.

Google Maps Picture of Theater Institute or Institut de Teatre in Barcelona

Theater City: Teatre Lliure, Mercat de les Flors, Institut del Teatre

Theatre City or La Ciutat del Teatre is a cultural space integrated by three buildings: Teatre Lliure (the one you see in the image), Mercat de les Flors and the modern Theater Institute. If you remember my post titled Fountains at Montjuic: Passeig de Les Cascades in Barcelona from Sept 19th, this complex is located at carrer Lleida, near Paralelo avenue. The three emblematic buildings face Margarita Xirgu square which you can see in the photograph above. 

As a result of the 1929 International Exhibition some buildings were built on the slope of Montjuic mountain, like the Palau de l’Agricultura, where Mercat de les Flors (see this other picture), and Teatre Lliure are. The Theater Institute is a relative new building dating from 2000, with a surface area of 20.000 sq. meters.

Barcelona Street Artist: Living Statue

This Barcelona street artist, posing as a living statue is not giving the serious, stern, hardened by a thousand battles kind of look, oh no, he was really fed up with my pictures.

Minutes later and without previous warning, he turned his back on me and sat down for his lunch break. The irascible mood perfectly matches the character though.

As you know there are many living statues like this along Las Ramblas, and some of them have been captured in my previous posts and pictures.

Here is my list of Barcelona Street Artists: Living Statues for you to browse

Caesar and Man in Flower Costume

Miner

Bicycle and Skeleton

Cowboy and Tourist

Winged Centaur

Winged Golden Man in Smoking

Chinese Warrior

Fat Woman

Paella

Man Holding Lamp Post

Caesar

Winged Man with Kids

Cowboy

Google Maps picture of Las Ramblas in Barcelona, Spain

Parc del Laberint or Laberynth Park in Horta, Barcelona

This is not the first time you see Horta Laberynth Park or Parc del Laberint. It appeared in this photoblog by mid April 2006 as Get Lost in the Green Maze of Horta or Grotto of Echo and Narcissus at Laberint d'Horta. Those were small size images so I hope you enjoy a little bit more this time. In the photograph you can see a fountain and a father with his daughter, taking some rest at the intersection of the labyrinth's paths. I was standing on a balcony that overlooks the maze and from which people use to tell lost explorers the right way to take. Right below me, is the statue of Echo and behind my back the rest of the park, which is a romantic garden with a lot of history, some comfortable nooks and many sculptures to admire.

The park is on the slope of a hill in Collserolla mountains at the upper part of the city. You can get there taking Subway Line: Green (Stop: Mundet)

A Google Maps aerial picture of Parc del Laberint in Horta, Barcelona.

Monjuic Magic Fountains and Plaza España: Panoramic View of Barcelona

This panoramic view of Monjuic Magic Fountains and Plaza España is the perfect match to what you can see from Sacré-Coeur basilica in Montmartre, Paris or at least I got that impression when I visited this country back in August. Remember yesterday's post? Well, this time you take the elevators or climb up the stairs all the way up and rest for a while at the entrance of National Museum of Art of Catalonia (MNAC). You will enjoy the architecture of Fira de Barcelona from there, or maybe you just sit and relax thinking about going back to the hotel for lunch, but don't forget to pick up your camera and freeze some Barcelona images to show your friends. This place is a must see, and behind the museum you have a full range of important places to visit. Remember that every Sept. 24th we celebrate La Mercè (patroness of Barcelona) just in front of these stairs, and that Montjuic Magic Fountains are fully illuminated for the occasion, not just with spotlights but by the light of a huge fireworks exhibition.

Google Maps Image of Barcelona: Plaza España, Montjuic Magic Fountains, Fira de Barcelona, MNAC and Olympic Ring

Fountains at Montjuic: Passeig de Les Cascades in Barcelona

Once you take the elevators and get just below MNAC and Palau Nacional, follow the Passeig de les Cascades, that is, the path to your right or left and you will reach these recently restored staircases adorned with beautiful fountains and blue tiles hidden under the shadow of the trees. You will be really walking along the historic Eix dels Muntanyans (Mountaineers Axis or Way) built during the 1929 Barcelona International Exhibition and the first transversal avenue communicating palaces located East with western areas of the park and Poble Espanyol. So, where were we?, oh yes, I remember now, if you choose the left path, and you keep on going till the end you descend to carrer de Lleida where Teatre Lluire is (a coming post). Taking the opposite direction will lead you up to Montjuic Olympic Ring. Here is a wider picture including some more people. It was hard to decide which one to post so I included three photos. The last one, is taken from the distance where you can better appreciate the staircase.

Aerial Picture of Fountains at Montjuic in Barcelona, Spain.

If you are traveling to Barcelona soon or you are already in the city, try this fantastic list of Popular Things to Do in Barcelona provided by Virtual Tourist. Anything from Casa Mila to Barri Gotic or from Joan Miro to Nou Camp, you name it, concise and image illustrated.

Panoramic View of Barcelona: World Trade Center

Today, I present you with another shot taken from Montjuic of one of the wharfs at Barcelona port. Notice this enormous and luxurious hotel, with an exquisite design at the very end of the pier: it is the Barcelona World Trade Center, on the right side of the picture next to the cable car tower. I would recommend it if it weren't for the fact that it is not made for the pocket of common mortals like us, are you?
Cruisers sailing the Mediterranean sea depart from the same wharf, what a coincidence!.

Panoramic View of Barcelona from Montjuic

When in Barcelona do as the Barcelonians do: go, climb Montjuic mountain and take a look at the city from El Mirador del Alcalde or the Castle of Montjuic. If you are lucky and you pick up a bright fine day like this you surely won't regret it. That's Columbus monument in the middle (right under the helicopter) and Hotel Arts to your right. To the left, in the background, the omnipresent Agbar tower.

Modern Architecture: Mies Van der Rohe Pavilion in Barcelona

Here is another view of Mies Van Der Rohe Pavilion, mentioned back in August in these two posts: Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe Pavilion in Barcelona and Barcelona Chair by Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe. You can admire the beautiful design of the Barcelona Chair from another angle here. I hope you enjoy the work of this renown German architect as much as I do. In case you didn't notice, this is the City of Barcelona flag.

Maremagnum: A Leisure Resort in Barcelona Port

As many fellow bloggers know, this is not my first post about Maremagnum, the leisure resort in Barcelona Port, so today I will concentrate on the image. As in previous photos taken at Port Vell water front, I chose reflections of the people at the cafeteria out in Maremagnum Shopping Center's terrace. I like the way in which the glass panels tend to distort the image creating optical illusion. To find out more examine my previous posts: Maremagnum Mare Nostrum Reflections, Escalators at Maremagnum in Barcelona, Spain, Sitting on the Dock of the Bay and specially Maremagnum Tourist Paradise. I think there are some more. I hope you enjoy them along with...

Tower at Barcelona Fair Venue near Montjuic

This small tower is part of Fira de Barcelona (Barcelona Fair) venue. Easily spotted at the foot of the elevators leading to MNAC (National Art Museum of Catalonia) in the Palau Nacional, these beautiful towers are on almost every corner of the palaces on each side of the staircase. If you climb up till the museum you will appreciate the little turrets better and enjoy a panoramic view of Barcelona.

The Fira of Barcelona compound exists thanks to the celebration of 1929 International Exposition (World's Fair) at the slope of Montjuic hill. From that time are: Palau Nacional, the famous Font Màgica fountains full of colors and firecrackers during La Mercé celebrations (September 24th), Mies Van der Rohe Pavilion (rebuilt), the Olympic Stadium (remodeled) or Poble Espanyol. Here is another picture of a different tower.

Sant Miquel del Fai Church near Barcelona: Bell Detail

How many times have this old bell tolled since medieval times?...Located at one of the walls along the corridor where the cloister of Sant Miquel del Fai Romanic church used to be, the bells (there are two) are silent witnesses of centuries of quietness and meditation under the cliffs that overlook river Tenes and neighbouring towns of Bigues and Riells.

Check my previous post for more Sant Miquel del Fai information.

Sant Miquel del Fai near Barcelona: Priory House

Sant Miquel del Fai is a natural park situated in a valley basin about 35 kms away from Barcelona. You can go there by bus or by car, and you have to pay for the entrance (6€ more or less). Besides the incredible view of caves, small waterfalls falling at river Tenes and the imposing sedimentary rock cliffs, it features the Romanic hermitage of Sant Martí already important by the IVth Century, the Sant Miquel Church buried inside a grotto and a monastery known as the Priory House (closer look), built upon an enormous legde in the mountain walls at the beginnings of the XVth Century. Because of the geological nature of the park, this zone is rich in Neolithic archeological findings, mainly remnants of Iberian settlements.

Google Earth Satellite Picture of Sant Miquel del Fai near Barcelona.

Sant Miquel Del Fai Cliffs and Catalan Flag

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Today is September 11th and besides the sad anniversary of tragic events at twin towers in United States, Catalonia and Barcelona as a part of it, celebrate the National Day of Catalonia, called La Diada. Many Catalan flags hang up from balconies for the occasion so I chose this flagpole with La Senyera billowing over Sant Miquel del Fai, a natural park in the province of Barcelona with amazing views which I will show you in coming posts. Maybe you would like to know in advance what this place is: Sant Miquel del Fai. Find out more about La Diada.

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Wall Lamp at Paseo de Gracia in Barcelona

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Just next to the entrance of Happy Books (a nice bookstore at Paseo de Gracia), you find this admirable wall lamp, anonymously lighting your way and yet so ignored by passerbies unaware of its ancient beauty.

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La Pedrera: A Barcelona Landmark

Going for a walk down the city center I captured these tourists desperately taking pictures of La Pedrera, one of the most outstanding landmarks of Barcelona on Paseo de Gracia street.

The sightseeing bus wouldn't stop so there was not much time to take a good snapshot of the modernist building at sunset.

I took another photograph, this time with a modernist lamp post in the way.

Mesón del Café at Barri Gotic in Barcelona

In all good cities or towns there is always a place to drink a nice cup of coffee and Barcelona is no less: The Mesón del Café (Coffee Inn), one of the oldest coffee bars in Ciutat Vella, was inaugurated in the 50's by Antonio Peligros Callejas and its prestige has been recognized on many occasions by the local authorities. Conveniently located in one of the most visited parts of Barcelona, the Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter), the famous Cafe at carrer Llibreteria is a must for locals and tourists alike.

Besides pastry or sandwiches, coffee, the main star, can be tasted in many different ways, but I would particularly suggest you try Cappucino and Picardía (a mixture of coffee, condensate milk and whisky). Of course there is much more to choose according to your taste. Check the map for location, or take down the address:

Bar Cafetería Mesón Del Café
Street: Llibreteria , 16 (not very far from Plaça Sant Jaume)
Ciutat Vella, Barcelona

Google Earth Map Image of Mesón del Café at Barri Gotic in Barcelona

Joan Miró: Woman and Bird (Dona i Ocell)

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Woman and Bird (1982) known in Catalan as Dona i Ocell was included in an old post of mine back in March, 2006 (Joan Miró: A Photo in Pastel). It was a time when I didn't know much about publishing large pictures. I think this sculpture well deserves a second chance. Notice trencadis work in red, yellow and blue or the sexual symbology invoking fertility and strength associated with ancient Mediterranean cultures. Miró as you know was a painter, a sculptor and a ceramist. Barcelona 1893 - Mallorca 1983, a life of creativeness and innovation. Not fond of being classified he was defined as a surrealist by many and had Dada influences as well, maybe because he believed in the art of automatism, that is drawing or creating in a state of unconciousness or hypnosis, maybe we would call it improvising now. Please complete this succinct information with Joan Miró, Surrealism and Dada at Wikipedia. And then with all that fresh knowledge visit these two magnific sites: Joan Miró Foundation and Pilar i Joan Miró Foundation in Mallorca.

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Google Maps View of Joan Miro Park
Google Earth Map Image of Joan Miró Parc or Parc de l'Escorxador in Barcelona.

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Paper Sculpture on Subway Vent at Paseo de Gracia

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Walking along Paseo de Gracia in Barcelona I discovered this man reading and totally unaware of the marvelous paper sculpture billowing over a subway vent just like Marilyn's skirt in Seven Year Itch. The artist, roll in hand, smiles with complicity.

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Catalan Modernisme: Sant Pau Hospital's Ceiling

Catalan Modernisme and Hospital de Sant Pau are also themes commented in previous posts that you can explore on this site. This is an old cellphone picture. 

Gothic cross-vaulted ceilings used to house the administration department, kitchen and laundry in Sant Pau, not it is open to the public and patients were moved to the new hospital nearby.

Mirador at Pedraforca Massif

Pedraforca as you know is not a new topic in my posts. This impressive massif was previously dealt with in Landscapes of Catalonia:The Pedraforca Massif, Landscapes of Catalonia: Pedraforca , Climbing the Pedraforca Massif: June Post and Climbing the Pedraforca Massif: July Post. Some landscapes will help calm down the stress these first days of September.

Santa Maria del Mar Church: Door Detail

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This a small door at Santa Maria del Mar Church which you can find along a side street. Soon I will show you a couple of front pictures of this marvelous gothic church in Barcelona and a detailed explanation about its history.

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Frederic Marès Museum Garden at Barri Gotic in Barcelona

Gardens of  the Royal Palace of Counts of Barcelona (Frederic Mares Museum)

This is an image of the garden in the old Royal Palace of Counts of Barcelona, at present Frederic Marès Museum.

Going along the narrow streets of Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter), Comtes de Barcelona street in particular, you find the stairs down this patio adorned with a beautiful fountain in the middle of exuberant orange trees.

At the opposite end you find the entrance to the museum. Of course it is a recommended place to stretch your legs in the shade after a long walk in the old part of the city.

Frederic Marès Museum holds the most important collection of Hispanic sculpture from XII to XIX in Spain.

There's a fine collection of Romanesque and Gothic religious art.

Last but not less, you shouldn't miss the fantastic exhibition of antique children's toys.

Sightseeing in Barcelona: Las Golondrinas

This is a picture I took at Barcelona Port just in front of Columbus Monument in which you can appreciate one of Las Golondrinas, sightseeing ships you can board to travel along the coast.

For more information check the for tourist boat company address:
"Las Golondrinas" - "Sirenas SA"
Pl. Portal de la Pau, 1
08002 - Barcelona
Tel. +34 93 442 31 06