Barcelona Photoblog

May 12, 2010

Estació de França: Barcelona's Most Charming Railway Station

Estacio de Francia or French Station railway station in barcelona spain

Estació de França or Estación de Francia (France Station) is a magic place for architecture enthusiasts.

As seen from La Ribera quarter on the other side of Marques De L'Argentera avenue the place looks rather dull and does not give you any clue of the beauty inside.

The moment you walk under its gates the light coming through the stained glass both in the domes and walls gently falls on the polished marble floors creating this mysterious soothing church-like atmosphere quite pleasant if you are about to travel. In fact, I felt like skating across the hall in the way a child would do.

The elaborate modernist and art deco motifs and specially those metal spheres hanging from a sort of ring tied to the domes are a pleasure to the eye.

Although the railway station has been there since 19th century the building was rebuilt in 1929 for the International Exhibition by renown Spanish architect Pedro Muguruza who held important positions in Francisco Franco's dictatorial government but that's part of another story.

Soon (not necessarily tomorrow) I will post some details of the ceiling and the train platforms.

Check La Ribera quarter and Estació de França on Google maps.

May 10, 2010

Art on Exterior Wall Panels, Barcelona

Art on Exterior Wall Panels, Barcelona [enlarge]

After a building is demolished it leaves behind traces of old rooms and partitions in houses next to them. Many times the unpleasant view can be avoided with exterior wall panels of assorted materials. If on top of them you add some colorful samples of art, an otherwise lousy corner may become a happy canvas to deter monotony.

May 09, 2010

Guided Bike Tours at La Barceloneta, Barcelona

Guided Bike Tours at La Barceloneta, Barcelona, Spain

I am not a biker myself but I have to admit riding bicycles is fun and at the same time helps to alleviate dense traffic in modern cities. Barcelona is more and more bike friendly thanks to the zeal of local authorities. On the wake of such events, travel agencies and tour operators found a gold streak and started offering guided bike tours covering popular spots in Barcelona. Perhaps riding along La Barceloneta beach is one of the most rewarding tours. Other posts showing groups of bikers listening to their tour guide were: Bike Tours in Barcelona Waterfront and Guided Bike Tours in Barcelona
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