Barcelona Photoblog

May 20, 2006

Heron City Barcelona: Kids at Play

Heron City Barcelona: Kids at Play


Today I choose a snapshot of some kids playing at Heron City Barcelona. While my wife and daughter were shopping I stopped to watch the show, a couple of actors impersonating a copper and a thief wandered through the crowd. Grownups avoided them ashamed of being the center of attention, but children let their imagination fly and were having a wonderful time. It is quite a normal image but I like the moment of the action, the funny pose of the small girl in pink who was lashing the poor mime with a branch in a sudden burst of joy.

For information about Heron City Barcelona and links to the official site check my previous post Shades and Colours

See Heron City Barcelona Picture on a Google Earth Map

May 19, 2006

Barcelona Street Artist X: Paella Tête-à-Tête

Barcelona Street Artist X: Paella Tête-à-Tête

Paella n. A saffron-flavored Spanish dish made with varying combinations of rice, vegetables, meat, chicken, and seafood originating in the town of Valencia. Hum...not exactly. As you see the element of surprise was missing in the definition. Not that I disapprove having paella at Las Ramblas, where you can enjoy the view and stretch your tired tourist legs under the effect of huge Sangrias served in "buckets", but an experimented native gourmet would say it is almost a sacrilege. Maybe this sort of parody was meant to warn innocent tourists, we will never know. If you want another angle, there you go.


May 18, 2006

Columbus Monument at Las Ramblas, Barcelona

Columbus Monument at Las Ramblas, Barcelona


I am finding it really hard to post today, as Barcelona FC has won the Champions League (Soccer Final Cup) against Arsenal, and I can only hear horns blowing in the street and people shouting...God, I wish I had a picture of Ronaldinho, Eto or Belletti to show you. I know that for most of you who may not be soccer fans this doesn´t really mean much but at least you would have had a great time watching.

I couldn´t find anything more appropiate than the statue of Columbus a notable symbol of Barcelona, showing the way with pride. (My admiration goes to Arsenal FC, a powerful and elegant opponent). Once it is all said, we shouldn´t forget Columbus Monument: A 60m high column designed by Gaietà Buigas i Monravà for the Universal exhibition of 1888 located at Plaça de la Porta de Pau facing Port Vell. In case you decide to take the lift, you will enjoy a panoramic view of Barcelona Port and Las Ramblas in the back. Wow, now they start with fire crackers! It is going to be a long night.

See Columbus Monument Picture on a Google Earth Map

May 17, 2006

Barcelona Port: Lady at Rambla de Mar

Barcelona Port: Lady at Rambla de Mar


Today I show you Rambla de Mar a narrow plank walk departing from Moll de la Fusta towards Port Vell and Maremagnum. Modern in design and free from protective barriers it is the ideal place for reading, basking in the sun, jogging, or meditating. I was taking pictures nearby, when I came across this lady holding a bunch of flowers, a look of despair in her eyes, lost in her own thoughts as hypnotized by the reflections of the sea. The image was enhanced by the presence of a big ferry sailing to the Balearic Islands in the background, a Golondrina (sightseeing boat covering the port area) and the Teleferic, an aerial cable car going over the city from the mountain of Montjuic. Here you have another shot a little bit closer.

See Rambla de Mar at Barcelona Port on a Google Earth Map

May 16, 2006

Barcelona Street Artist IX: Come with Mama!

Barcelona Street Artist IX: Come with Mama!


If you take a look at my previous post about Barcelona fast food and Mediterranean diet, you will notice that the artist in the picture was talking to a friend during a break. Well, today I came back and caught "her", but paying a big price. The moment I gave her my coin she stepped forward and plunged my head between her huge breasts. From here I would like to encourage all those tourists who got the image to contact me so we can reach an agreement before starting with the blackmail. See here a side view that illustrates the junk food issue I raised then (in the background you see a delivery van, guess what they sell: fried potatoes!). One extra photo here with better sight of bottle of beer lodged right there.

See Barcelona Street Artist IX Picture on a Google Earth Map.

May 15, 2006

Bridge over Barcelona Forum Water

Bridge over Barcelona Forum Water

My Barcelona picture today goes about a bridge, in fact a small footbridge over the new sports harbour at the Barcelona Forum premises. Notice the odd irregular shape and take a look at the marina photo. Besides admiring the innovative design, don´t miss the benches on both sides where you can rest and let your mind fly looking at the sea.
See Footbridge over Sant Adria Marina Picture on a Google Earth Map

May 14, 2006

Modernisme: Casa Batlló

Modernisme: Casa Batlló

Casa Batlló one of the most exuberant and renowned representatives of Modernisme or Catalan Art Nouveau in Barcelona, by Antoni Gaudí, is located at Passeig de Gracia, 43.

Built between 1875 and 1877, became the property of Josep Batlló Casanovas by 1900 who first thought of demolition but then fortunately after four years decided to commission Gaudí to renovate the building.

These few words are just an introduction to the whole story which you can discover along with excellent pictures at the official Casa Batlló Site.

You almost have to stand in line for a good shot here, flashes firing all over your head, so I guess I must be traveling in somebody's photograph on the way home.

See Casa Batlló Picture on a Google Earth Map

May 13, 2006

Port Vell, Barcelona: Ictineu II Submarine

Port Vell, Barcelona: Ictineu II Submarine by Narcís Monturiol

At the harbor of Barcelona, in front of the Imax Port Vell cinema and near Maremagnum shopping center  there is a reproduction of The Ictineu II, the first combustion driven submarine and anaerobic engine, invented by Narcís Monturiol i Estarriol who was born in Figueres, Catalonia (Spain) in 1819.

The first successful combustion powered submarine was launched the 2nd of October 1864.

Monturiol died tragically and impoverished in Barcelona in 1885.

Check Ictineu II Submarine on a Google Earth Map

May 12, 2006

Recycling and Poverty in Barcelona

Recycling and Poverty in Barcelona

Many people in Barcelona make a living gathering cardboard, metal or plastic scrap from regular garbage or recycling containers. I was taking coffee when I saw this man passing by with an enormous cart, he was going very fast so I had to run two blocks after him to shoot. Sometimes it seems kind of cruel to photograph people in such situation, I just wish my image humbly contributes to cause a stir in the consciousness of our community.
See Picture of Carrer Industria on a Google Earth Map

May 11, 2006

Barcelona Sculptures: A Stroll in Montjuic

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

May 10, 2006

Modernism in Barcelona: Hospital de Sant Pau

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

May 09, 2006

Sagrada Familia: Longinos and the Sacred Spear

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

May 08, 2006

Barcelona Forum: Open Spaces and Modern Design

Barcelona Forum: Open Spaces and Modern Design

Strolling around the Barcelona Forum esplanade you immediately recognize the use of modern design and architecture applied to open spaces, oriented to a better functionality and visual stimulation. Notice how almost every object along this walk follows a suggested perspective. Even this bicycle seems to be running faster towards the horizon.
See Barcelona Forum on a Google Earth Map

May 07, 2006

Heron City Barcelona: Shades and Colors

Heron City Barcelona: Shades and Colors

This curious design caught my attention while visiting Heron City Barcelona, a modern complex combining shops, restaurants, movie theaters, and a tower hotel. Heron City Center is next to a brand new El Corte Inglés (major chain of stores in Spain), to Can Dragó municipal sports center and an old beautiful cemetery (yes, I know it is weird).
See Heron City Barcelona Picture on a Google Earth Map

May 06, 2006

Hotel Arts: Accommodation in Barcelona

Hotel Arts: Accommodation in Barcelona

Today I show you Hotel Arts. Built for the Olympics, it is a predominant building in the skyline of Barcelona and the beach area. A combination of luxury, modern design, and functionality gives this five star hotel a high rank in top lists all over the world. Recently you could see Harrison Ford or Mourinyo staying there. It was the place where Ronaldiño lodged when he came to Barcelona. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Arts Barcelona was designed by the notable architecture firm Skidmore Owings and Merrill and it has 44 floors.
General Statistics for Barcelona Tourism year 2005
In 2005 there were 10.931.637 hotel stays, more than 49.235 hotel rooms and 5.052.766 visitors according to official figures.
See Hotel Arts Picture on a Google Earth Map

May 05, 2006

B from Barcelona

B from Barcelona

Not very far from the city of Barcelona, near a town called Sant Feliu de Codines and while visiting Cim d'Àligues (the eagles peak) I took the classical kind of picture of bee roaming around flower. The group was listening to a detailed explanation on the habits of birds of prey and I went aside for some macros on the beatiful flowers in the vicinity. By now, you are wondering what this Cim d'Àligues is after all. It is a "center created for the study, breeding, exhibition and free-flight of birds of prey" for educational purposes. A wonderful place that I recommend. Perhaps I´ll show a couple of shots some other day.
See Picture on a Google Earth Map

May 04, 2006

Barcelona People: Oh Happy Days!

Barcelona People: Oh Happy Days!

What can be more comforting than watching children play. Just for a little while set aside all your adult prejudice, your daily stress and sulkiness and try to remember where the joy of life really is!. Recall the old days when you were not thinking about the past or the future and all you cared about in this world was to run and laugh, to shout and have some fun. The snapshot was taken at shopping center La Maquinista. There are some distracting elements in the background but kids wouldn´t wait!

May 03, 2006

Barcelona People: Pride

Barcelona People: Pride

Today I didn´t feel in the mood for color. I thought a little try at BW would be just fine and what is better than people for this purpose. On the bus from work bored as hell on my half an hour ride, I was playing with my camera and caught the expression of pride in this lady's face. I think I will start taking pictures of people every once in a while, people from Barcelona of all kind. Wish me luck, I'm too shy!

May 02, 2006

Barcelona Forum Reflections

Barcelona Forum Reflections

While walking at the Barcelona Forum building premises I spotted this square reflective light shaft. The chaotic geometric figures that it casts still surprise me. At first, I did not notice the noise caused by the pedestrian protection fence in the image that finally turned out to be an extraordinary reference point to get a much better idea about distorsion. Some more information about this place can be found in my previous post: The Forum Building
See Barcelona Forum on a Google Earth Map

May 01, 2006

My Own Piece of Sky for Free

My Own Piece of Sky for Free

This is what I sometimes see from my window. At this time of day everything seems magical and the clouds adopt different shapes perfect for a nice picture. The view is what I call my private piece of sky, but of course you are free to share it with me!
See My Own Piece of Sky for Free on a Google Earth Map

April 30, 2006

Laberint D'Horta: The Grotto of Echo and Narcissus

Laberint D'Horta: The Grotto of Echo and Narcissus

According to Greek mythology, Echo, the beautiful nymph condemned by Hera ("You shall still have the last word, but no power to speak first") was in love with Narcissus who shun her. Narcissus was punished to always look at his reflection on a lake and falling in love with himself. Echo eventually went to hide in caves and finally stabbed herself to death and from her blood on the ground a white flower, purple within came out: A Narcissus. Remember to check previous post for more information about Horta Maze and Gardens.

See Laberint D'Horta Picture on a Google Earth Map.

April 29, 2006

Morning Daisies in Bellaterra

Morning Daisies in Bellaterra

Just some flowers that I caught with my camera while staying at some friends' garden in Bellaterra a growing neighborhood of Cerdanyola del Valles beyond the outskirts of Barcelona city where Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona is.

See Bellaterra on a Google Earth Map

April 28, 2006

Avinguda Diagonal: Casa Comalat



...and as promised, the second chapter, the main façade of Casa Comalat, not so colorful and much more symmetrical, but a masterpiece of cutting edge architecture. 

Salvador Valeri i Pupurull (1873-1954) was the second generation modernist architect who designed the building. Notice the whimsical frieze, the iron work on balconies and the stone carvings on windows. The sky is a fake, it is really awful to take pictures at noon, specially in an upward shot, this is my only free time but your attention well deserves a briefer lunch.


April 27, 2006

Catalan Modernisme: Casa Comalat

Catalan Modernisme: Casa Comalat

If you liked yesterday´s butterfly you surely will enjoy watching Casa Comalat, one of the most spectacular houses representing Catalan modernisme built from 1909 to 1911 by Salvador Valeri i Pupurull.

Imagine yourself walking along Avinguda Diagonal near Passeig de Gràcia, you get to number 442, come across a breathtaking building with these elaborate balconies and impossible design windows, you take some good pictures and go around the block for something to drink, let´s say at carrer Còrsega right behind. You wouldn´t believe your eyes, the same Casa Comalat appears again with a completely different look: a polychrome rear façade with wooden modernist balconies and wonderful ceramic work. There you go thirsty again for another half hour!

Check here the main façade or watch my video of Casa Comalat on instagram

See Casa Comalat Picture on a Google Earth Map

April 26, 2006

Plaça Espanya: Modernist Butterfly at Casa Fajol

Plaça Espanya: Modernist Butterfly

Casa Fajol also known as Casa de la Papallona ("butterfly house") is located at carrer Llança just in front of Las Arenas bullring in Plaça Espanya. Built by Josep Graner i Prat in 1912 and named after the big trencadis butterfly on top, it is another great expression of Catalan Modernisme in Barcelona.

Trencadis is a variety of mosaic technique used by Gaudi and his followers during the Art Nouveau period in which broken (trencat in Catalan) painted tiles are layed in a way that differs from traditional mosaic. I would have preferred to take the picture from another angle but the fence surrounding the enormous coliseum at the construction site on my back was a big obstacle. 

See Casa Fajol Picture on a Google Earth Map

April 25, 2006

Barcelona Mou-te B Campaign: A Giant Step

Barcelona Mou-te B Campaign: A Giant Step

This high top sneaker is part of the Mou-te B campaign promoted by the Barcelona City Council to encourage the use of public transport, bicycle, or walking through the city. There are other similar campaigns that combine Catalan word and B from Barcelona, like Fem-ho B (let´s do it right) or Recicla B (recycle well). My free translation for Mou-te B would be "move properly". 

The big tennis shoe was first seen at Plaça Universitat and it was supposed to be kept somewhere safe during weekends. Now it seems to stay for good next to Picornell Olympic swimming pools where it is succumbing little by little to vandalism. Hurry up, you don´t have much time to take your picture.

See Mou-te B sneaker Picture on a Google Earth Map

April 24, 2006

Sant Jordi Patron of Catalonia

Sant Jordi Patron of Catalonia

Yesterday Barcelona celebrated Saint George's Day (Sant Jordi), patron of Catalonia. It is the day to buy flowers, mainly red roses and books. This year is the 80th anniversary of the Book's Day (1926). Since 1930, it takes place the same day as Sant Jordi. You should know that April 23rd is also the day Shakespeare and Cervantes died in 1616. 

Sant Jordi's Day was declared holiday in the city of Barcelona in 1456. Saint George is also patron of England, Greece, Georgia...so much for the introduction. I have chosen a picture with some beautiful roses you could buy at a stall just in front of the Diputació de Barcelona building (the Barcelona Provincial Council). To have an idea of how many people attended the event check this other picture.

See Diputació de Barcelona on a Google Earth Map

April 23, 2006

Hunting Scene

Hunting Scene: Click to resize

When dealing with art you should always have your hunting scene. This sculptural group can be seen near La Caixa building at Avinguda Diagonal. It is located at one side of the entrance to a very small park and although quite sober in appearance I admire the way in which the artist caught the expression of despair of this beautiful deer, standing on its feet at the very moment of giving up to his fatal destiny.

See Picture on a Map

April 22, 2006

Barcelona Architecture: Casa de les Punxes

Barcelona Architecture: Casa de les Punxes

Located at the intersection of Avinguda Diagonal and Carrer Roselló rises La Casa de les Punxes (The House of "Spikes") an imponent building also known as Casa Terrades built in 1905 by architect Puig i Cadafach.Medieval in appearance and influenced by Nordic style somehow, it features ellaborate ornaments of stone in windows and doors and an admirable forged iron work on balconies. See details of windows and balconies. It is just some blocks away from Passeig de Gracia, don´t miss it!

See Picture on a Map

April 21, 2006

Barcelona Fast Food: Supersize Me

Barcelona Fast Food: Supersize me

This is what happens when you don´t follow a Mediterranean diet, fast food or junk food kills you. Walking down Las Ramblas I came across another street artist who was distractedly talking to a friend during a break. Probably he/she enjoyed watching the Supersize Me documentary by Morgan Spurlock. It must be quite an uncomfortable outfit to wear anyhow. Just one more anonymous history of sacrifice to make ends meet in Barcelona.

See Picture on a Map

April 20, 2006

Barcelona Modern Architecture: The Forum Building



We shift again from classical art into modern architecture. Do you think you can digest another Forum picture?. I am sure you can. 

The Forum Building is a big triangle that reminds me of an enormous blue vessel sailing the Mediterranean Sea. The structure is surrounded by Diagonal Avenue, Rambla de Prim and the Ronda Litoral. Designed by Herzog and De Meuron it features an auditorium with a capacity to hold 3,200 people right under the Forum Plaza. The building measures 180 meters and rests on 17 pillars. From it, the exhibit hall and the roof of the auditorium are suspended. The exhibit hall covers nearly 5,000 m2. Check one corner of the triangle in this picture and one pillar here.

See Picture on a Map

April 19, 2006

Hush...

Bigger Hush

Remember the other statue from Palau de la Merce near Plaça Espanya. Today you have the chance to admire another good example of art, so often ignored and yet so valuable. Again I found the shot more interesting from behind, you don´t see the face but still you get some feeling of relaxation by watching her against the splendor of the sky. I could have cropped the upper part of the picture a little but I wanted to emphasize time and space. Besides the link to the previous post check this view of Barcelona from MNAC.

See Picture on a Map

April 18, 2006

Barcelona Zoo from a Bird's Eye

Barcelona Zoo from a Bird's Eye

During my recent visit to Barcelona Zoo this bird, I think it is a sort of crane, called my attention standing there on top of the rocks in a privileged position overlooking the park being able to escape and still tied up to the place somehow.
See another image.

See Picture on a Map

April 17, 2006

Get Lost in The Green Maze of Horta

Get Lost in The Green Maze of Horta

Parc del Laberint d’Horta (Subway Line: Green, Stop: Mundet) located near a small hill of Sierra de Collserola has the oldest garden in Barcelona and it is a remarkable example of XVIII neoclassic gardens. The estate belonged to Joan Antoni Desvalls, Marquess of Llupià i d’Alfarràs whose family owned the place until the end of last century (70s), when it became property of the City Council. As the name suggests the main attraction is the central maze, but you can also rejoice contemplating the architecture, the sculptures, the water fountains and the surrounding Mediterranean woods. See the gardens from a better perspective.

See Picture on a Map

April 16, 2006

Universal Forum of Cultures: Solar Panel

Universal Forum of Cultures: Solar Panel

Today as I promised I post a new picture of the Universal Forum of Cultures, a place I highly recommend if you come to Barcelona. The photo voltaic cell is located in the Forum Esplanade and consists of a 10,500-m2 surface that captures solar energy and delivers it to the electric public utility system. From under the structure the view is simply breathtaking. You can see it from a lower angle here.

See Picture on the Map

April 15, 2006

Gathering Stones at Barcelona Forum

Gathering Stones at Barcelona Forum

This metal structure sustained with cable tensors and bags of stones as counterweight can be seen next to the new artificial "beach" created in the Forum area and it is my selection for participating in this week's Photo Friday contest. If you feel you have any picture that in a way has to do with something "Full" you may also take part and luckily be selected as noteworthy. Every week you have a different theme, to publish either a new photograph or some other from your archives.

Turning back to the image, it is funny that many of us here in Barcelona have not visited this fantastic place yet. The sights are incredible so I will be showing some more photos soon. To have something in advance you can check this panoramic view with the above structure included or if you prefer to watch the stones from another angle.

See Picture on the Map

April 14, 2006

Hospital de Sant Pau: Gargoyles

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.

April 13, 2006

Landscapes of Catalonia: Vallverd D'Urgell

Landscapes of Catalonia: Vallverd D'Urgell, LLeida

This landscape picture was taken last month during a visit to Vallverd d'Urgell, a very small town in one of the most beautiful provinces of Catalonia: Lleida

Vallverd is famous for the Castell del Remei good wine cellars and recently for L'Estany d'Ivars i Vallverd, an old pond dried up by man that will be recovered with an ambitious 8.500.000 euros environmental plan and turned into a natural park intended to attract long gone species of birds to their primitive habitat among other purposes. I definitely enjoyed the intensity of the blue skies over the vast prairie.

April 12, 2006

Sagrada Familia: The Passion Façade Gates

Sagrada Familia: The Passion Façade Big Gates

The impressive portico of the Passion Façade at Sagrada Familia is full of precious details of religious scenes, verses, symbols and austere geometric forms as it is supposed to represent the Passion and Death of Christ. This part of the temple was begun in 1954. The sculptures by Josep Ma. Subirach of stern and sober design, look modern if compared to the ones on the Nativity Façade. As a "modest" sample of all that can be admired here, I show you this engraved metal gate, where among other things you can read a passage from a verse in Mathew 26:39.

April 11, 2006

Barcelona Zoo: Peacock on Ice

Barcelona Zoo: Peacock on Ice

No, there's no ice in Barcelona Zoo, though the peacock originally was white as snow, which makes it an ideal subject for image inversion. You should not leave the city, specially if you travel with kids, without visiting Parc Zoologic de Barcelona where a great variety of animals can be seen in a reproduction of their natural environment.

April 10, 2006

Just One Flower From Barcelona Zoo

Just One Flower From Barcelona

This morning I visited Barcelona Zoo (Metro Ciutadella - Yellow Line, L4) one more time and from all of the pictures taken I prefer the image of a flower to contribute to the collection of spring photos posted by the City Daily Photo family.

April 09, 2006

Hotel Arts and Torre Mapfre: Almost Twins

Hotel Arts and Torre Mapfre: Almost Twins

As seen from Sagrada Familia's "watch tower" these almost twins, Torre Mapfre and Hotel Arts stand all alone overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Though the average height of buildings along the coast is growing bigger there is still a certain concern for following a reasonable criterium that does not alter too much the city skyline.

April 08, 2006

Trade Center: Stairways to Heaven in Barcelona

Trade Center: Stairways to Heaven in Barcelona

The first modern office complex in Barcelona was designed by José Antonio Coderch de Semenat in 1968. This high-rise building (any high tower under 35 meters, otherwise it would be a skyscraper) is located at Avda. Carlos III in Les Corts just behind shopping center El Corte Inglés and it is called the Trade Center Complex.

April 07, 2006

Street Artist X: Barcelona Graffiti

Street Artist X: Barcelona Graffiti


Today I post another picture about Barcelona graffiti, this time showing the other wall, see previous work in Street Artist IX: Barcelona Graffiti. The image could be easily called: A Fantasy from Hell, as it looks as the devil devouring sinners' souls, but of course you could all help me reinterpret the scene.

April 06, 2006

Palau de La Mercè: Top of the Hill

Palau de La Mercè: Top of the Hill


Palau de la Mercè with the MNAC (National Art Museum of Catalonia), is the perfect place to enjoy a panoramic view of Plaza España (red or green subway lines) and the rest of the city. If you take the escalators at the end of the walk from the square to the palace you will meet several statues of classical style which look great against the sky.

April 05, 2006

Sitting On the Dock of the Bay

Sitting On the Dock of the Bay


Just like the song by Otis Redding you can sit at the end of this wharf just in front of Maremagnum "wastin time" with beautiful Barcelona right behind you.

>> Sittin' in the mornin' sun
I'll be sittin' when the evenin' come
Watching the ships roll in
And then I watch 'em roll away again, yeah

I'm sittin' on the dock of the bay
Watching the tide roll away
Ooo, I'm just sittin' on the dock of the bay
Wastin' time <<

April 04, 2006

Painting at Port Vell in Barcelona

Painting at Port Vell in Barcelona


When you visit Maremagnum as you sure will, don´t forget this shaded arcade between the shopping center and the aquarium. Surrounded by terraces where you can hide from the summer heat you can find these permanent exhibitions of paintings performed live for you by the skillful artists that abound in this area. Art together with some coffee or a couple of beers is a perfect blend.

April 03, 2006

Maremagnum: The Tourist Paradise

Maremagnum: The Tourist Paradise


Today it was really warm (about 22 Cº) so we decided to take a walk and head for Maremagnum , a combination of shopping mall and leisure center including the aquarium, imax cinema, and lots of restaurants and disco bars on the very edge of Barcelona's Port Vell ("old harbor") waterfront. Standing on the planks of the wooden platforms by the sea you can take pictures like this. 

The word "maremagnum" is derived from Latin and can be translated as "great sea" or "large body of water." The name reflects its waterfront location, with views of the Mediterranean Sea. Maremagnum is a popular destination for both locals and tourists due to its convenient location near the city center and its wide range of offerings. 

The shopping center houses numerous stores selling fashion, accessories, electronics, books, and more. There are also several dining options, including restaurants, cafes, and fast-food outlets, catering to different tastes and budgets. 

In addition to shopping and dining, Maremagnum features a cinema complex, a bowling alley, and a variety of entertainment venues. It is known for its vibrant atmosphere, particularly during weekends and holidays when visitors can enjoy live performances, concerts, and cultural events. 

Maremagnum's waterfront location makes it an attractive spot to relax and enjoy views of the sea. It has outdoor terraces and seating areas where visitors can soak up the Mediterranean ambiance. Overall, Maremagnum offers a combination of shopping, dining, entertainment, and scenic surroundings, making it a popular destination for people looking for a diverse experience in the heart of Barcelona.

April 02, 2006

Street Artist IX: Barcelona Graffiti

Street Artist IX: Barcelona Graffiti


Signed by street artist Peri-Kain (I don´t want to infringe copyrights) this graffiti can be seen on the walls of a small alley inside shopping mall La Maquinista, a big commercial area near Sta. Coloma de Gramanet in the outskirts of the city. To my surprise Nicola from Wiesbaden, Germany, another member of the Citydailyphoto Family had already published a photo about this type of urban art today. As I took the picture this morning and I had my mind made up I decided to post it anyway and give her my today's "recommended link" thus reinforcing our common topic. By the way the image this time is no digital art trick, I only used more shadows to avoid reflection on hair on the right and a little touch of color temperature.

Recommended Link to a Dailyphoto friend Wiesbaden (Germany) by Nicola

April 01, 2006

Street Artist VIII: Silence is Golden

Street Artist VIII: Silence is Golden


After so much architecture I think a photo of people will keep up the good spirit. Let's return to Las Ramblas and admire this Oriental character that swiftly adopts different poses each time a coin makes some noise giving you a sudden start with his rod. Do not disturb the artist while he is working, for him silence is golden.
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