The 20 Best Places to Take Photos in Barcelona for Instagram

Barcelona overflows with picture-perfect spots for travel photography. From Gaudí's surreal architecture to palm-lined beaches and lively boulevards, Barcelona offers countless visually stunning backdrops. Whether you're a pro toting a DSLR or an amateur snapping smartphone pics, you'll find awesome places in Barcelona to capture postcard-worthy shots. This guide covers the top 20 locations in Barcelona to ignite your social shares. With tips for snagging super shots, you'll be able to fill your Instagram with artistic Barcelona photos that will mesmerize your followers.

1. Sagrada Familia

   No trip to Barcelona is complete without visiting Antoni Gaudí’s magnificent Basilica of the Sagrada Familia, which is a photographer's paradise for Instagram. This awe-inspiring Gothic and Art Nouveau cathedral has soaring spires, intricate details, and colorful stained glass perfect for your Instagram feed. Climb high for a wide cityscape shot or get up close to capture the ornate Passion Façade. The never-ending construction and scaffolds add dynamic angles. Morning light illuminates the textures beautifully for Instagram. Snap photos from unique perspectives to stand out on Instagram. The Sagrada Familia is Barcelona's most iconic landmark and should be at the top of any travel photographer's Instagram bucket list.

   

2. Parc Güell

   Another whimsical Instagrammable masterpiece by Antoni Gaudí, Parc Güell makes for unforgettable photos. Winding pathways, colorful mosaics, and fairytale-like structures create a dreamy Instagram backdrop. Shoot the main terrace overlooking the city or wander the park to discover more photogenic gems like the Gaudí House Museum for your Instagram grid. Frame a selfie on the serpentine bench or against the Hansel and Gretel-style gingerbread gatehouses. Early morning or late afternoon golden hour is best for glowing light. Parc Güell captures Barcelona's magical architecture and is perfect for your Instagram feed.

   

3. Casa Milà (La Pedrera)

   This futuristic-looking apartment building designed by Gaudí is both bizarre and beautiful, making for excellent Instagram photos. The rippling stone facade and skeletal rooftop make dramatic subjects. Pose on the front steps or on the roof among the eerie chimneys resembling medieval warriors for Instagram. At night, Casa Milà is illuminated for a striking, science-fiction feel perfect for Instagram. Shoot upward for patterns against the sky or capture the surreal sculptural details up close. As one of Barcelona's most imaginative buildings, La Pedrera will add artistic flair to your Instagram gallery.

   

4. Casa Batlló

   Gaudí's Casa Batlló dazzles with a facade covered in colorful mosaic tiles and wave-like window frames, creating eye-catching Instagram photos. The roofline resembles a dragon's back, complete with ridge spikes for scales. Capture the fluid forms and marine motifs from street level or get a rooftop view from the rear of the block for Instagram. Inside, snap the skeletal interior columns or light shaft. Photos of Casa Batlló's colorful artistry make great Instagram posts showing Barcelona's modernisme style.

   

5. Montjuïc and Magic Fountains

   Rising above the city, Montjuïc provides stunning elevated views of Barcelona's skyline perfect for Instagram. The hilltop Castillo de Montjuïc fortress has panoramic vistas and old cannon batteries to explore. Come at dusk for a majestic Instagram shot of the port and city below with a pink sky. At the Magic Fountain, capture the colorful lights artistically blurred with slow shutter speed for Instagram. Photos from Montjuïc showcase Barcelona's beauty from above.

   

6. Barri Gòtic

   Barcelona's atmospheric Gothic Quarter is another favorite spot for Instagrammable photography. Wander the medieval labyrinth of narrow cobblestone alleys lined with classic architecture. Photograph soaring 14th century cathedrals, hidden plazas and iron lanterns. For moody Instagram shots, capture the stone arches and shadows. The mix of old and new makes the Barri Gòtic endlessly inspiring. Share your gothic Barcelona photos and transport Instagram followers to the historic heart of the city.

   

7. La Rambla

   Always buzzing with activity, Barcelona's famous La Rambla boulevard offers dramatic Instagrammable street photography. Catch a flamenco dancer in action or snap the living statues posing elegantly. Look for candy vendors in colorful costumes or street performers in inventive costumes. Shoot upward for architectural details on the elaborate buildings along the pedestrian street. Capture the energy and eclectic sights of La Rambla then share your images on Instagram.

   

8. Plaça de Catalunya

   The expansive Plaça de Catalunya square provides a lively Instagrammable urban backdrop. People watch and capture daily local life: street musicians, pigeon feeders, children playing. Photograph friends sitting on the central fountain or statue base. The square links old and new Barcelona; shoot both the modern El Corte Inglés department store and older buildings like the Hotel Colón. The hustle and bustle of Plaça de Catalunya encapsulates the city's lively spirit for Instagram.

   

9. Arc de Triomf

   Barcelona's iconic Arc de Triomf brickwork archway makes a dramatic framing element for Instagram photos. Built for the 1888 World's Fair, this bold neo-Mudejar arch adds a pop of red against the cityscape. Photograph models or friends strolling through the arch or posing in front. For scale, include the whole arch in your Instagram shot. At night, the illuminated Arc de Triomf is perfect for a neon-lit urban snap. Share these monumental Barcelona photos with Instagram fans.

   

10. Parc de la Ciutadella

    This idyllic green space offers a serene natural contrast to the city for Instagram. Capture the towering palm trees, sparkling central fountain, and picturesque gazebos. Row across the lake for romantic Instagram photos on the water. Shoot friends relaxing on the grass or people commuting by bike through the park. Look for birds and other wildlife as photogenic subjects. Share your park snapshots to show the greener side of Barcelona on Instagram.

    

11. Parc del Laberint d'Horta

    Outside Barcelona, this magical 18th-century hedge maze park creates whimsical Instagrammable photos. Shoot the maze from above or send someone inside for adventure shots winding through the labyrinth. Other photogenic elements include the central pond, neoclassical statues, and stone temple ruins. The harmonious landscape allows striking nature photography for Instagram. For magical garden photos to enchant your feed, visit Parc del Laberint d’Horta.

    

12. Tibidabo

    Soaring above the city, Tibidabo Amusement Park provides beautiful panoramic views for Instagram photos. Shoot the ride-filled skyline or pose in front of the vintage Ferris wheel and quirky attractions. Watch the cable car ascend for dramatic overhead shots. At sunset, Tibidabo lights up for golden hour magic. Show off the whole of Barcelona from this elevated vantage point in your Instagram posts.

    

13. La Boqueria Market

    Barcelona’s vibrant La Boqueria food market explodes with colorful Instagrammable photo opportunities. Capture the overflowing fruit and vegetable displays, shimmering seafood catches, and hanging hams. Photograph the busy market activity and characters like fruit vendors in the early morning. Close-ups of ingredients pop against the market backdrop. Foodies and travel photographers alike will delight in La Boqueria’s lively visual feast for Instagram.

    

14. Port and Passeig de Colom

    Along the pedestrian Passeig de Colom, snap Instagram photos of the sailboats and yachts moored in the marina. Look for reflections in the water. Shoot the famous Columbus Monument statue pointing out across the sea. Capture the star-shaped Barcelona Royal Shipyard buildings across the port. At sunrise or sunset, incorporate colorful skies for dramatic seaside Instagram photographs.

    

15. Palau de la Música Catalana

    This concert hall designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner is an ornate vision perfect for Instagram, with mosaic-tiled columns, stained glass skylights, and a gold sculpture-adorned facade. Photograph the exterior details then tour inside for brilliant Instagram photos of the grand auditorium capped by a stained-glass inverted dome. The kaleidoscopic colors and textures make Palau de la Música Catalana a unique Barcelona subject for your artsy Instagram shots.

    

16. Monastery of Pedralbes

    This medieval Gothic convent surrounded by tranquil gardens creates ethereal Instagram photos away from the city hustle. Shoot the three-story cloister gallery and central fountain from different perspectives. Capture the arched walkways framed by vines and flowers. At night, photograph the dramatically lit architectural details. Share this serene spot with your Instagram feed for a moment of Barcelona calm.

    

17. Hospital de Sant Pau

    Architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner designed this early 20th-century hospital complex filled with decorative buildings and gardens perfect for Instagram. Capture the colorful tiled pavilions, stained glass windows, and unique circular windows. Wander for unexpected angles like doorways and passageways. Photos from these whimsical grounds capture innovative modernisme style for Instagram.

    

18. Rambla de Catalunya

    Lined with elegant architecture and chic shops, this upscale thoroughfare attracts Barcelona’s fashionable crowd for Instagrammable shots. Capture mod looks against the Art Nouveau and Art Deco building facades. Look up for intricate ironwork balconies and window frames to photograph. Tree-filled Canaletes square links to Rambla de Catalunya for added scenery. For stylish Instagram street photography, add this posh promenade to your feed.

    

19. Plaça del Sol in Gràcia

    In the charming Gràcia district, this quaint plaza delivers Instagrammable snapshots of daily life. Young families gather at the playground, cyclists traverse the plaza, street musicians strum guitars. Capture the facades surrounding the plaza in geometric patterns interspersed with arches and ornate details. Shoot upward for architectural patterns framed by blue sky. Photos from this lively square spotlight authentic local Barcelona culture for Instagram.

    

20. Old Harbor and Barceloneta

    Along the harbor at the foot of La Rambla, snap Instagram photos of the sail-shaped Columbus Monument against the deep blue Mediterranean Sea. Capture the iconic red and yellow sightseeing boat Golondrinas docked near the waterfront promenade. Shoot the Barceloneta neighborhood’s narrow 18th-century lanes lined with history homes and shops. Photos from the old harbor and seaside deliver classic nautical Barcelona vibes for Instagram.

    

With stunning architecture, lively neighborhoods, markets, and coastal scenery, Barcelona offers endless inspiration for travel photography. Use this guide to capture artistic and distinctive photos at the top Instagrammable spots in Barcelona. For more tips, check out these top Barcelona Instagrammers:

• @xopet1969
• @thebarcelonist
• @barcelonacitizen

Whether you use your smartphone or DSLR camera, Barcelona provides picture-perfect settings for unique images to share on Instagram and remember your travels.

Sant Jordi Fountain Faucet at Barcelona Cathedral Cloister

La Font de Sant Jordi (Saint George Fountain), of which Barcelona Photoblog brings you this faucet detail, is one of the most renown fountains in the city as it is part of the impressive cloister at Barcelona Cathedral, perhaps the second most visited sacred place after Sagrada Familia. 

Although the gothic Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, built in 150 years, is appealing enough once you set foot on the main nave it wouldn't be that remarkable without its cloister, a well-balanced quiet place, where light, water plants, magnolias, palm trees, geese and medieval fountains create that utmost joyous design that we now prefer to call feng shui. 

The fountain as such, crowned by a 1970 figure (by Emili Colom) of Sant Jordi on his horse on top of a mossy rock, was built under the supervision of architect Andreu Escuder in 1449. Nevertheless, the water was spouting here directly from the mountain of Collserola since 1356. 

This octogonal shaped architectural piece is no ordinary fountain, not only because of these beautiful faucets with intriguing faces that might as well represent archangels or demons on whose rump a small kid figure seems to be riding a bird or a horse (this can be the subject of rivers of ink for an unleashed imagination), but because since 1637 during every Corpus Christi Feast it is adorned with flowers and an empty egg that dances frantically on the water jet. Such tradition is known as L'ou com balla (previous post).

Here are some more pictures of the Fountain of Sant Jordi.

Casa Berenguer or Casa Clapes - A Modernist Building with a Textile Past

Walking along the streets of L'Eixample Baix Esquerra (low left part of the Eixample quarter) I come across this beautiful historical restored house: Casa Berenguer or Casa Clapes, located exactly at 246 Diputacio carrer (street) and right in between two well known downtown busy roads, Rambla Catalunya and Balmes. 

This is the story of Casa Berenguer aka Clapes, yet another good example of Catalan architecture: 

It was the start of a century, times of prosperity, of fortunes amassed thanks to the endeavors of the Catalan bourgeoisie not only in Cuba before the war of independence but in the textile industry, the bulwark of the local economy. Bear in mind that it was in Catalonia where the first textile machinery was imported from Great Britain and its leadership in this sector has remained till today (from the 10 top companies in the Spanish textile market 7 are Catalan). Within this context and in combination with an artistic boom in all aspects of life, probably due to the economic bliss, distinguished families of well-being decided to hire famous architects that embarked in one of the most remarkable urban projects of the moment in Europe. Thanks to that spirit, that capitalist greed transformed into a sudden burst of interest in art, now we can admire everyday, for free, these hallmarks of Barcelona city. 

The story of Casa Berenguer begins with the Berenguer family of course and a lime factory in Altes, region of Bages. The years of dedication of Josep Berenguer Vilarasau in that factory inspired his descendants (from a family of weavers) that after his death in 1895, created a textile society called Nephews of Berenguer. The members of this society, Josep, Casimir and Francesc Clapes Berenguer bought a parcel of land from Sons of Antonio Escubos company. 

It was 1905 and the Berenguers decided to commission brothers Bassegoda i Amigo (Casa Bosch Alsina  1891 - 1892, Casa Rocamora 1914) to build a multi-family house that would hold their society headquarters and some rental apartments. The modernist house was finished in 1908. As an anecdote you should know that one of the brothers, Bonaventura Bassegoda i Amigo was a full professor and director at ETSAB (1922 - 1924), old Escuela Provincial de Arquitectura de Barcelona, founded in 1875 and first one in Catalunya. 

Casa Berenguer was remodeled in 1990 by a private company that offers offices for rent. It was thanks to that meticulous renovation that we enjoy the view in the image above of this unique modernist house included in the Architectural Heritage Catalog of the City of Barcelona. 

When we approach the façade of Casa Clapes, we are attracted like bees to flowers and stand amazed at the entryway, one of those ample porticos mostly prepared for carriages, with the elaborate woodwork by Joan Busquets i Jané, famous furniture maker and decorator (1874 - 1949) in the porter's sentry box and the coffered ceiling illuminated by marvelous lamps profuse in ironwork.

Outside, over the ground level, four floors of beauty rise before us, two of them festooned with an enormous tribune or gallery in which textile scenes abound and an upper one boasting two large balconies over which appears the image of a woman in the act of spinning. 

After sharing with you, Casa Berenguer, one of the many works of our artists it is time to keep walking. Who knows what architectural troves we'll find along the way!

Planning Your Wedding in Barcelona? - Find 6 Best Photo Points Here

Photo credit/site Sagrada Familia Cathedral

If you are planning a destination wedding, Barcelona should be near the top of your list. Barcelona is the second largest municipality in Spain. This world-class city by the sea has unique architectural designs that are like no other.

Photo credit site Silhouette Photo of Male and Female Under Palm Trees

Your wedding photography

Every couple wants photographs of this most sacred event in their lives. You may spend months looking for the perfect wedding gown at sites, you decide on the perfect colors for the bridal party, the perfect flowers to accent the attire. You inspect every detail, from the wedding cake to the invitations, You want your day to be as special as your love.

You can have your wedding photographer and videographer, but do not stop there. You are in one of the most beautiful locations on the planet, and you want extraordinary photographs that draw you into the experiences you enjoyed.

An easy way to create a sufficient fund for Wedding in Barcelona

Since Barcelona is one of the most popular cities in the world, it can bring you a lot of joy and happiness but also it can cause the empty pockets.  Renting the restaurant, music, wedding organization, or everything else needed for the special day, plus organizing the plane trip for your beloved ones can be pretty much expensive. There are though the tools that can help you make it happen and help you have a sufficient budget - the HoneyFund. You can ask your friends and family to contribute to the fund for the wedding and in this way make it much more special for everyone!

 Places in Barcelona That Are Of The Most Beautiful Status

     ● The Magic Fountain

                                                  Photo credit site The Magic Fountain

This beautiful fountain has been in operation since 1929. The music, lighting, and patterns it creates are world-class, drawing people from around the globe. In recent years the lights have been replaced with more energy efficient LED lighting. The fountain is driven by three water-recycling pools. During the show, it pumps more than 2600 liters of water per second.

     ● Casa Batllo

Construction on this masterpiece, created by Gaudi, began in 1877. It is made of stone, metals, woods, and ceramics. It is vibrant with many beautiful colors. It has been refurbished several times over the years. Casa Batlló sits in the center of Barcelona. This is a location you do not want to miss.

     ● Sagrada Familia

See the photograph at the introduction of this article for the beauty of Sagrada Familia. This is an unfinished Roman Catholic church, which had a multitude of world-famous architects working in unison on the project. Construction began in 1882. At its highest point, the cathedral stands 566’ tall.

Stunning Wedding Venues in Barcelona

While you, and your guests will be in awe of the beauty of Barcelona, and the photo opportunities your wedding location will bring; there is the wedding itself to deal with.

Barcelona has any jaw-dropping wedding venues that are available to you. These venues leave nothing to chance. Every detail is addressed, and you can rest easy knowing your wedding plans are being attended to even when you are not physically there.

Here are some choice locations for the unique and beautiful destination wedding of your dreams:

      ● Mas Bonvilar

This stunning facility is the perfect setting for an outdoor wedding. The grounds are manicured. Every detail of the ceremony is taken care of. There are beautiful trees with leaves that hang and blow in the gentle breeze. The area is lit with lovely white, twinkling lights, If you want convenience, the home is only 200 meters away from the beautiful Hilton La Mola.

      ● Gran Hotel Don Jaime

Do you want a personalized wedding like no one has ever had before? This is your venue. The beautiful hotel sits on top of a mountain, complete with the beauty of a tower. You look down over crystal clear waters. The hotel is 100% elegant. From outdoor reception areas, to state of the art indoor wedding ballrooms, your dreams will come true. The most elegant settings are provided.

Hotel rooms have full panoramic views of the sea and top-of-the-line accommodations. Only the best wedding coordinators, chefs, staff, and servers are permitted to work for this hotel.

      ● Castell de Sant Marçal

Have you always dreamed of a fairy tale wedding? Then book your wedding at this beautiful castle. The original furnishings, take you back in time. The view is perfect for a wedding and your guests can spend the night in the castle as well. There is no more unique experience than this.

Your wedding is a once in a lifetime event. Make it an event that you and your guests will always cherish. Take advantage of the modern tools of photography and create photographs that will be like nothing you have ever experienced before. Now is the time to book your venues, and Barcelona gives you plenty of choices.

Regarding Wedding Budgets

When it comes to weddings, budgets can help a couple start their new life together on a financially responsible track. It will also help you start that new life without a huge debt!

On average, couples in the US spend almost $26,000 on their weddings, with only half paying less than $15,000. That’s a huge amount for one event, even if you consider everything that goes into a wedding.

The good news: regardless of your income, you can set a budget, stick to it, and still enjoy a beautiful day with your spouse-to-be, friends, and family!

To create your budget you have to consider what’s financially feasible. If you think you’ll only be able to save up $5,000, for example, then set that as your budget and break it down into uses, such as venue, formal wear, flowers, photography, food, etc.

It may also help to identify the things that matter most to you and your fiance. Is throwing a party with great food and drinks the most important? Do you want to focus on having beautiful flowers and photos you’ll cherish for the rest of your life? By knowing what matters most, you can put that first in your budget and divide the rest for the basics.

You can also get a little more frugal with certain aspects of the wedding, such as sending e-invitations instead of paper ones. You’ll save on the cost of material, printing, and postage--money that can be used elsewhere!

Best Local Markets to Cover When in Barcelona

Art and craft, vegetables and meat, trinkets and souvenirs, the markets of Barcelona boast of having the most delicious produce, the most intricate art, dynamic people and energetic atmosphere. Plan your vacation in such a way that you can include all of the wonderful things that the city markets have to offer.

For a true foodie, Barcelona is nothing less than a shrine. Meat, seafood, vegetables and fruits all collected fresh in the morning is a lovely sight to behold. Team it up with local chefs working their magic, the aroma of the fresh spices, and you have the best gastronomic experience one can ever have! For all those looking to take back memories in the form of trinkets, you will find here a number of antique shops giving you precious delicates that will forever be special to you. And for an art lover, adding to the beauty of this ancient city are the modern artists spreading the joy of colours.

Take a look at our list of the best local markets to cover when in Barcelona and plan your trip soon!

Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria

Often called as La Boqueria, this market is the most famous market of Barcelona. A tourist magnet, you will see people flooding the streets of the market to get the best foodie experience of the city. Famous for the fresh produce that it offers, it prides in selling fruits, vegetables, meat, flowers, spices and everything that would tickle your senses.

Mercat de la Concepció

Photo credits: Gerhidt

Famed to be the best “social” market in the city, Mercat de la Concepció aims to bring people together. With excellent food options, this market organises events and activities for people to get to know the city and one another better. A delight to be a part of, this is shopping, dining and mingling at its best!

Mercat de Santa Caterina

The most significant part of this market is its roof. Not as large as the others, but definitely not less diverse, you will be attracted to its atmosphere like a bee is to a flower! Mercat de Santa Caterina flaunts a vibrant design, a work of art by Enric Miralles, Benedetta Tagliabue and the artist Toni Comella. Mosaic art flashing hues of fresh produce, you will not be disappointed by the offerings of this market.

Mercat del Ninot

Photo credits: Jordiferrer

An authentic experience of Barcelona food, this is the market where the locals shop! Fresh produce of vegetables, fruits and meat fill the trays early in the morning, and the fresh aroma is tantalising. A hidden gem in the city, a casual morning shopping tour will only do you good.

Mercadillo de la Plaça de Sant Josep

Mercadillo de la Plaça de Sant Josep is an artist’s haven. Opened as a tradition every week, this market features 15 artists who come to showcase their talents. The hues, the strokes and the emotions that flow through the air are surreal and mesmerising. Also boasting of a fun side to it, artists are more than happy to discuss art, and caricatures can be enjoyed at every other stall!

Mercat de Sant Antoni

Photo credits: Valugi

One place that has it all, Mercat de Sant Antoni showcases to its visitors, clothes, souvenirs, and trinkets, as well as fresh fruits, meat and vegetables. One of the largest markets in the city, it is frequented by locals. To get an exotic shopping experience, don’t forget to include it in your itinerary!

Grand Luxury Hotel Casa Fuster Modernist Landmark of Barcelona

Hotel Casa Fuster by architect Domenech i Montaner - picture by Carlos Lorenzo

Do you want to discover one of the top modernist landmarks in Barcelona? Come visit with me the Grand Luxury Hotel Casa Fuster, member of the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World group, a jewel of Catalan Art Nouveau architecture.

History

Hotel Casa Fuster started being just a casa modernista but it was not any odd house indeed. This beauty was built by the matchless architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner who was commissioned by Don Mariano Fuster i Fuster, illustrious member of the Mallorcan high society apropos of his marriage to Miss Consuelo Fabra i Puig, daughter of the Marquis of Alella.

In fact, Fuster wanted to give this house to his wife as a wedding present and there were no limits for expenses. He put the house under his wife's name and dedicated a rose window to her, on the facade of Jesus Street where you can read her initials CF.

Domenech's work was the first house in Barcelona built with white marble and cost 13 million pesetas, a fortune that made it the most expensive in the city at that time, one year before La Pedrera by Gaudi, which is about 400 meters away down Passeig de Gracia.

Those were times in which houses talked a lot about the class of their owners. The history of this famous street is that of the war of egos among the powerful elite of wealthy businessmen and nobles on each side of the road. Can you imagine this magnificent white marble five story building, shining on top of the hill at the end of Passeig de Gracia? 1,920 square meters of property on the premises of an old chocolate factory demolished in 1905 stating clearly that it was second to none.

Corner of Hotel Casa Fuster facing Gran de Gracia street

 
The works began in 1908 and ended in 1911, the year in which the family entered to live on the noble floor, that is, the first one. The rest of the floors were for rent. This was very common in Barcelona. It really helped covering the ostentatious expenses.

What is today the main entrance of the hotel was the access for carriages that used to go through till the opposite side, a back alley in which there is a church. On the other hand, what we know at present as Café Vienés was the family events room in which there was a staircase to go up to the private floor of the family.

In the early twenties the family had to sell the house. It was impossible to keep such pace, not even by renting the upper floors. Nevertheless the flats remained for rent long after the owners left.

Over the years, businesses such as a barber shop and a grocery store were prosperous in the area of Cafe Vienes famous for its jazz concerts nowadays every Thursday from 9 to 11 pm. Another part of the building, what at present is the Sala Doménech i Montaner in the underground floor used to be a very popular dance hall in the middle of the 50s known as "The Blue Danube". It was a place of reunion for the different social strata in the city.

Famous Cafe Vienes in Hotel Casa Fuster

But that is not all. The house changed from hand to hand several times according to the historical ups and downs of the city so it was not strange to see the consulate of Hitler's Germany or the Italian Institute during Mussolini's dictatorship occupying one of the floors. Although not all was that fascist in its records! The same floor was taken by the POUM (Workers Party of Marxist Unification) to establish their headquarters in 1936. Also the Defense Committee of the Revolution by the Iberian Communist Youth was organized here. In 1939, once Republicans lost the civil war, Franco's Falange settled in the house and also their official Social Assistance institutions.

By the way, this was the house of the famous Catalan poet Salvador Espriu for 30 years! It is said that he did not want to abandon the premises until a leg injury impaired him and made it impossible for him to climb the stairs. 

In 1962 the company ENHER (the Ribagorzana Hydroelectric Company) bought the house for 11 million pesetas. The intention was to tear down Casa Fuster and start a more functional high rise building called Barcelona Tower. There was a tremendous campaign to defend this urban heritage, led by important personalities and publications such as Oriol Bohigas and Destino magazine.

As a result of the general protests ENHER, not only did not demolish the house, but promised to make a restoration of the building.

The Hotel

In 1999 "Casa Fuster" was on sale and in the year 2000 it was bought by Hoteles Center.

It is now the property of a group of companies called GRUPO NOGA (the initials of the name and surnames of the owner). The group's headquarters are in Granada, where the company opened its first hotel in 1992. There are others in Cordoba, Badajoz, Seville and Valencia.

Opened in 2004, Hotel Casa Fuster started attracting foreign and local clients alike. It was a privilege to sleep in such beautiful landmark not only because of the architecture but because of the history. This well deserved fame made it part of the most expensive hotels in the village. You may easily spend here more than 1000 euros per room although the standard ones are about 255 EUR (+VAT). Of its 105 rooms, only 67 are standard bedrooms. The rest are superior rooms, junior suites and suites. The company also owns Suite Center Barcelona apartments in Passeig de Gracia 128, some steps away from the entrance.

Hotel Casa Fuster Front Façade on Passeig de Gracia 132

 
The list of famous guests is countless but as you know a hotel like this strictly protects the privacy of its clients. You'd better Google them up.

Not only you can sleep in an enormous King size bed with a view of Sagrada Familia but you can enjoy the popular terrace from where Passeig de Gracia is all in front of your eyes right until Plaça Catalunya, 10 blocks away.

The hotel has eleven meeting rooms, a gym, a sauna and a massage room. There is the Galaxó Restaurant on the first floor which has an average price of 60 euros and has a menu called 'modernist' for 40 euros. Besides being a place to stay and find solace, Hotel Casa Fuster is much more. It is the central spot for all sort of events and activities, such as weddings, anniversaries, baptisms, bachelor parties, business meetings, congresses, cocktails, spots, movies...you name it.

Guests are pampered by hotel staff from the doormen till the last employee and that is perhaps what makes it so unique on top of the architecture and history.

The Architect

Lluís Domènech i Montaner was a prolific architect. His professional life began in 1874 with the pantheon project for Anselm Clavé, in Poblenou's cemetery in Barcelona, and ended in 1919 with Casa Domènech in Canet de Mar.

During forty-five years he produced more than seventeen buildings among other projects, of which 46% corresponds to housing, 25% to public architecture, 16% to funeral architecture, 6% to monuments, 4% to religious architecture and 3 % to industrial architecture.

Doménech i Montaner, also known for Hospital de Sant Pau and Palau de la Musica, which he build in parallel to Casa Fuster was a modernist architect of international renown and a professor of architecture. In fact, Gaudi was Montaner's pupil in the school of architecture.

His style may look more sober than Gaudi's but it is by no means less solid as he was the father sort to say, of Catalan modernisme.

Check the images above and admire the impressive facades of Casa Fuster, in which the architect avoids the straight lines as much as possible with the intention of creating movement while highlighting representative ornaments of nature like flowers, plants and birds. Remember that Doménech i Montaner was also a botanist! This man was a genius overshadowed by the Messi of architecture, Antonio Gaudi.

Woman Covered With Flowers at Barcelona Cathedral

With this woman literally covered with flowers near Barcelona Cathedral I start my holidays 2017. Let the coming month of August be happy and amusing to many, to those fortunate enough to have some rest from the monotony of a day job. To those who don't, let these days be joyous too. This summer is being terribly hot in Barcelona so I hope this lady gets compensated somehow for her tremendous effort under the sun.

PS: I am trying to revamp the blog. It is taking more time than I thought. A great amount of pictures were hosted in Photobucket.com, a company whose malpractice has ruined the work of many bloggers who trusted them, including myself. I will never choose Photobucket again, you have my word on that!

Nocturne Carnival Thoughts in Some Barcelona Bar

Carnival in Barcelona or in any other part of the world is not just parading and dancing like a wild animal in costumes. Carnival is an attitude, a change of look, a detachment from the usual you and in a way, a special opportunity to release the inner child that still dwells in there somewhere. This girl wearing strange glasses and big flowers in her hair in the most pure bailaora de flamenco style and with reminiscences of La Martirio, has a cool glamorous something under the mysterious lights of the Carnival night and is indeed a good example of what I meant.

Grape Vine Rootstocks of D.O Montsant

Near Siurana town, the latest muslim stronghold in Catalonia, reconquered by Christians in XII, there lies a prosperous community of over 60 cellars integrated under D.O Montsant (Denominación de Origen or Designation of Origin/Wine Apellation).

The Romans used to cultivate vineyards in these valleys located in a vast area of Tarragona province that was once under the sea and where limestone and clay prevail. In fact, this kind of soil has an incredible drainage capacity, something that is ideal for obtaining good wine. These rootstocks in the picture above, are 80 years old! Their roots grow one meter every ten years in search of  subterranean water, so there are 8 meters of root below the surface. Isn't that amazing? Old vines, that is, any of those over 50 years old are more resistant to external factors. Such vines produce less grapes but with a higher quality. The entangled roots of the flowers in the image give the vine the opportunity to retain some water before it inevitably sinks down the natural drain.

Montsant wines due their history of success to Carthusian Monks established on these hills in the Middle Ages although they did not become particularly popular until XIX. These wines are basically an association between Grenache and Carignan grapes although some other varieties are used like Merlot or Syrah for example.

D.O Montsant has gained recognition in the international arena over the last 10 years and has been declared as 'a great discovery' by prestigious magazine 'The Wine Spectator' recently among other outstanding reviews. To conclude, I would like to point out that over 70 % of the total amount of bottled wine in this cooperative of wine makers is sold abroad. According to them, this is due to the fact that their production is relative small and competition is harder in Spain plus a relative lack of trust of Catalans towards local wine. I have to say, that as a local, it is true that many times we choose wine from other D.O's like Ribera de Duero or Rioja. This attitude is clearly changing at the moment as marketing of local wines improve.

Flowers on the Window

 

On the same line as yesterday's post, let's continue with the spring flower topic on Barcelona Photoblog. While I find time to resume my photowalks around Barcelona what better than sharing some colors or some views that delighted my eyes in Spring.

Flowerbed

 

Some flowerbed somewhere in some garden in the afternoon. Seasonal flowers to enjoy the colors of Spring. I thought they looked better from ground level. Very common flowers. I don't even know the name. Who cares? Just some beautiful flowers. Maybe you can classify them for me.

L'Ou Com Balla or The Dancing Egg, Barcelona Cathedral

L'Ou Com Balla tradition at Barcelona Cathedral, Barri Gotic, Barcelona

In the cloister of the Cathedral of Barcelona there is a beautiful fountain decorated with flowers that reminds you of idyllic gardens, of some paradise lost on earth.

It is the Sant Jordi fountain. Surfing over the soft cushion of its water jet once a year you can see a fragile eggshell that seldom falls which is called the L'Ou Com Balla, which translated literally from Catalan means how the egg dances or how dances the egg.

This is not the only place in Barcelona where you can find a dancing egg (there's one a la Casa de l'Arcadia or at Museum Frederic Mares' courtyard for example) but I think this is the one with more tradition, a tradition that goes back to the XIVth century and has to do with Corpus Christi celebrations, the eggshell itself representing the body of Christ.

The exact date to see L'Ou com Balla changes but it takes place at the end of May or in June depending on Corpus Christi Feast.

The New Skyline of Barcelona: Corruption and Hedonism

Near the forum area and Diagonal Mar, new hotels and office buildings see the light of day like flowers in the spring. Once, we were told that the height of new buildings would be controlled in order to respect traditional Catalan architecture in the city. There were times when only Hotel Arts and Mapfre Tower overlooked the sea, as solitary twins down there by the beach. I am not sure if they ever passed the law but it seems that regulations are there to be broken by real estate companies in connivance with prestigious architects and dubious local government representatives and so the story goes, all of a sudden we have a myriad of new tall buildings on the waterfront or along Diagonal Avenue that may be wonderful for touristic revenues and for the city but that have sent the initial good criteria straight down the drain. This modest blogger does like hotels and beautiful skylines but I can't help being astonished at how power tends to corrupt those we vote.

Flamenco Colors: Dresses and Shoes

The colors of flamenco are generally flashy and come in bright, happy combinations although sometimes they maybe more discrete (completely white with just a touch of another color for example). Polka dots (sp. lunares) are very common on these tight dresses that enhance body shape. The many flounces and specially the elegant shoes are worth mentioning as well as the shawl, the flowers on the hair and other adornments like earrings and bracelets. The flamenco dresses on this picture are not definitely the best on the market but I liked the line of shoes. I have to say that this is not a flamenco tablao where you hear the characteristic feet stomping (zapateado), as they were dancing what is known as Sevillanas. The image was captured in Torre Llobeta park, Nou Barris, Barcelona

Casa Enric Laplana or Casa Mundó, Passeig de Sant Joan 6, Barcelona

Last Saturday I went for a walk down Passeig de Sant Joan to test my brand new Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX lens. I stopped before this building attracted by the beauty of the balconies. I did not know the name which I found later when I got home.

After some research online, I learned that it is called three different ways Casa Enric Laplana or Casa Mundó or Casa Estapé and was build by Bernardí Martorell i Puig in 1907.

This Catalan architect born in 1877 belonged to a wealthy family and received a good education. Got his architecture degree in 1902. He worked for some time in the Sagrada Familia and was a friend of Gaudi's.

His work is considered part of late Catalan modernism but some of his buildings have a touch of historicism. Many of his works were religious buildings like the Església de Sant Agustí in Sabadell, Convent de Valldonzella in Barcelona, Església dels Escolapis in Sabadell, Església i Convent del Santíssim Redemptor de les Oblates de Bellesguard in Barcelona or the Col·legi de les Teresianes in Tarragona.

Bernardí was influenced by English neo-gothic and also had a passion for oriental art and architecture. He died in Hospital de Sant Pau in 1937 of acute myocarditis.

But I leave you watching the elaborate ironwork, the orange stucco façade with serigraphed flowers mixed with the bare bricks in the upper floor. In the picture you cannot see the ceramic tile cupola on top or the stone gallery of the first floor but you can follow this link to see the full view of Casa Enric Laplana or check it on the map. The lens worked out fine by the way although I'll save it for street photography.

Flower Macro: Phlox?

Almost two years ago I posted the same flowers and wasn't able to classify them myself. I asked for help. It came out that those flowers maybe were some kind of Phlox. This plant is common in Barcelona parks and gardens but I am a mess when it comes to botany. Maybe someone can find the exact name.

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Purple Bougainvilleas Detail

With this detail of some purple bougainvilleas flowers I want to wish you all a nice weekend. As you know I like to spray some nature here and there in between bricks and stones. Not that I am the flower kind but it is nice to see the colors and feel more alive every now and then.

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Sant Jordi, A Book, A Rose and Lot of People

First of all allow me to congratulate the publishing houses, the book sellers, the florists, the illegal flower mongers for the success. Today I decided to visit the book stands scattered along La Rambla de Catalunya and Passeig de Gracia. It was hot in Barcelona. A beach day. The first very hot day of the year. Fortunately I took my Coolpix instead of the big one. My back was sweating under the backpack. People shoving me all the time. When Sant Jordi comes, you are supposed to buy a book and give away flowers. I couldn't concentrate on the books. I finally bought a small one on digital photography but once I got home, in the nearest bookshop. I did the same with the flowers. It is a real nuisance for me to buy the flowers early in the morning and carrying them around all day till I get home and handle them to my wife and daughter. Why would I do that if I have a florist a block away from home! Oh, no, tradition is tradition and people enjoy some sacrifice. There were authors dedicating books and long lines of people waiting. This year I noticed different flowers. Many red roses were painted or tinted with some blue imitating FC Barcelona colors. Others were strange like these wire flowers.

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Of Why Flowers Are So Farking Beautiful

Have you stopped to think why flowers are so attractive, so appealing to the human eye?.

There is much more symbolism in holding a flower in your hand, even the most modest daisy, than just a blade of grass or a branch. Maybe an olive or a laurel branch could have some, but there are certainly a lot of unconscious or subconscious concepts, images, dreams, memories triggered in our mind by the mere contemplation of some beautiful flowers. Notice that I don't mean just the effect of colors but also the influence of shape and textures.

Take this bouquet I found at Las Ramblas. It is exuberant, isn't it? In what sense? I changed the colors on purpose just to see the effects playing with different channels in Photoshop. The flowers kept looking beautiful in all of them. Maybe it is just the light falling on those petals or the voluptuosity of the turgent bulbs that remind you of lips? I don't know. I finally decided to keep a touch of color but with a burnt sienna layer on top that makes it look like a canvas and much more artistic perhaps.

The hypnotic effect is still there though and I can't explain why. Can you?

Want to learn more about flowers and gardening, check Lamour et Fleurs