Barcelona Sculptures: A Stroll in Montjuic

If you are an art lover, specially if you appreciate sculptures go for a stroll in Montjuic. You have several ways of access as it is a mountain and statues are scattered all over the place. Today I show you this skinny man obviously an athlete, under the shadow of a tree near Palau de la Mercè and not very far from Palau Sant Jordi. I like the fragile but agile complexion of the body, almost feline emulating the shape of the spires in the background.

See Sculpture near Palau de la Mercè on a Google Earth Map

Modernism in Barcelona: Hospital de Sant Pau

Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, is a modernist complex designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner (see my April post: Gargoyles).

The access pavilion at the intersection of carrer Sant Antoni Maria Claret and carrer Cartagena is covered with exposed brickwork, and features a tower clock on top.

Inside you can admire the excellent stained glass by Mario Maragliano, a richly wrought staircase and these purple ceilings, that recall Islamic architecture.

From all the amazing things I discovered inside (when I carry my camera I am much more aware of minor details around me) I prefer this precious lamp.

 Try to discover what's on top.

See Hospital de Sant Pau Picture on a Google Earth Map

Sagrada Familia: Longinos and the Sacred Spear

Ask me how I feel now. I had prepared an inspired post about the legend of Longinos the character in my picture and I was using Picasa function called Blog This. After more than an hour of work, I click on publish and there it goes down the drains. Can I swear here? So now I can only "thank" Blogger and Picasa for the big help.

Summary: Cayo Casio Longinos was the soldier who pierced the dead body of Christ with a spear, the sacred spear. His eyesight was impaired but he got cured when splashed by the gushing blood coming out of Jesus wound. Converted to the faith he went on a pilgrimage carrying a metal cup, containing the blood, which is also known as the Holy Grial.

You can see more pictures of the Passion Façade here and some more information in my previous post about the gates of this Sagrada Familia portal.

See the Sagrada Familia Picture on a Google Earth Map