Flower Bouquets at Flower Stall, La Rambla, Barcelona

These colorful flower bouquets I found at one of the flower stalls along La Rambla. 

It was a holiday in Barcelona as today it was the day of Catalonia, that is, La Diada that happens to coincide with the anniversary of the terrible events of the twin towers on September 11th or what we all know as 9/11. 

I went to see if I captured some new images of street artists so abundant in the area and I managed to take some pictures in the end. I will show you in coming posts since on second thought I preferred to post the flowers to honor 9/11 victims and commemorate our Diada.

As you probably know it is common to find flower stands along this famous street, in fact this part is called Ramblas de les Flors or Flower Ramblas because of the big assortment of flowers. 

There is a great offer of bouquets, made not only of natural plants but also of dried colorful flowers, some of them even painted.

Here are some links to examples of some flower bouquets of Las Ramblas, Barcelona as shown in other posts:

1.  Flower Bouquet at La Rambla dels Flors
2.  Carnation Fresco in Flower Stall
3.  Flower Stock Photography
4.  Small Colorful Bouquets of Paper Flowers
5.  Purple Flower Fantasy in Las Ramblas
6.  Pink Flower Fantasy in Las Ramblas

Sailboat Coming In Barcelona Port

A sailboat coming in Barcelona Port towards the marina at Port Olympic. While on board of a Golondrina (swallow) which is the name of the sightseeing boats in Barcelona harbour, I took this picture of the vessel sailing past our wake. There in the background, you can see some tiny fishermen at the far end of the port's mouth. For a better idea about this area please follow this link to my Barcelona port label.

Recommended: Today I would like to suggest a new search engine implemented on top of Barcelona photoblog. This is a Google searchbox customized to look up for photography terms. It feeds from top photography sites and it is going to grow as I increase the number of sources. If you know about top-notch photography sites please drop me a line and I will add them right away.

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Classic Marionettes at Tibidabo Amusement Park: Clown

Marionetarium at Tibidabo Amusement Park

Since one picture wasn't enough here is a second marionette: the Clown. In fact at Tibidabo they have a workshop where experts make new marionettes for the park and preserve the old ones which are part of Herta Frankel's collection.

Herta was a famous Austrian puppeteer that came to Barcelona in 1942 and became very well known for her TV series for children.

Tibidabo's show only lasts about half an hour but you are going to see authentic collectionist antiques there. The place is called Marionetarium.

Classic Marionettes at Tibidabo: Trapezist

These are classic trapeze marionettes you can admire inside Tibidabo Amusement Park.

The trapezists were hanging from the ceiling on our way to the small room where the marionette show was about to start.

I am sorry if the picture appears to be upside down. There are many flaws because the image was snatched in a hurry. It was totally forbidden to take pictures of the marionettes.

Gold Fish by Frank O. Ghery, Barcelona

The Gold Fish or Peix D'Or by Frank O.Ghery near Hotel Arts and Paseo Marítimo is located in the middle of a complex of restaurants, shops and discos known as the Olympic Port which is one of the most visited spots in the city specially at night. Check a previous post with the Gold Fish silhouette in the distance. The sculpture built in 1992 for the Olympic games acts as a canopy for some of the restaurants and a fountain in the underground floor.

Red Flowers in Memoriam

How much I admire a person with a gift. Not the mundane kind of gift like when you have a talent to make money or to memorize the yellow pages, but the sort of gift that transforms an individual into a unique person, a historical character, a reference for generations to come. Most people have to die first so others become aware of their imprint on history but a few are lucky enough to leave this world with the satisfaction of not being just a number but an idea, a spirit, a name, flowing in the stream of the collective mind till the end of times. I did not have any particular reason to post these red flowers today but one item of news called my attention this morning: Luciano Pavarotti dies at 71. One single headline lost in a sea of tragic stories but ladies and gentlemen we should rise and give his eternal soul a stand-up ovation and throw a thousand red flowers in memoriam.
Una Furtiva Lagrima - Luciano Pavarotti

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Keith Richards and Woody Allen - Paper Mache - Barri Gotic, Barcelona

Is it possible to see Keith Richards and Woody Allen in Barcelona, both in the same room, considering that the only thing in common that they have is they are weird and play an instrument? 

I had the chance to live such mystic experience in front of a souvenir shop in Barri Gotic, but both celebrities were made of paper mache. I had my doubts with Keith though!. Keith cost about 220 euros as I read on the tag hanging from his "cigarrette". 

Don't say it wouldn't be great to have one of these somewhere around the house just for the fun of it, if affordable of course.

Palau Sant Jordi Sports Center and Concert Hall in Montjuic, Barcelona

Palau Sant Jordi, not far away from the tower in yesterday's post (yes, that white tip is not on the roof) is a totally different building both in design and functionality. This time we are facing a wide almost square building (see the Palau Sant Jordi on Google Earth) that in spite of looking big standing at the entrance, seems to be terribly flat from the distance as proportions are deceiptful in the enormous square of the Olympic ring on Montjuic Hill (check Palau Sant Jordi in an old post to see what I mean). Palau Sant Jordi was meant to be a sports center and as such was inaugurated in 1992 for the Olympic Games in Barcelona. Nevertheless, designers were wise enough to conceive the facilities as a multiuse space that can shift from a skating rink to a tennis court, a swimming tank, a basketball court and what's best, an important concert hall where famous bands and singers have performed. The building was designed by the Japanese architect Arata Isozaki & Associates. Find out about what other important works by Arata Isozaki here: Arata Isozaki & Associates via Emporis.

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Santiago Calatrava's Montjuic Communications Tower, Barcelona

This is Santiago Calatrava's Communications Tower standing against the sun in the middle of the big square at the Olympic Ring on Montjuic Hill. The structure is located near Palau Sant Jordi sports center, Picornell swimming pools and the Olympic Stadium. 

When you think of this artist, Calatrava, you think about impossible structures of steel and glass that resemble skeletons, carcasses with exposed ribs, sails, etc. In this case we are just talking about a 136 meter high tower that was meant only for telecommunications. But still it doesn't look like one of those horrible antennas full of dishes. It is weird I know but elegant at the same time. 

The tower's white steel structure with the tip tapering like a flame, does recall the Olympic torch or perhaps the jet engine of some extraterrestrial airship and oddly enough it doesn't stand in the way, maybe because of the line of nearby columns illuminated at night or the immensity of the square that evokes Soviet or Maoist grandiloquent and megalomaniac architecture. I digress. 

Some brief facts about Calatrava then: Born on July 28, 1951 in Valencia, Spain, he studied architecture in the Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura (Valencia) and later on took post-graduate courses in civil engineering in Zurich. His work is well known all over the world so I will not deal with the many projects in his prolific career that you can consult in the following useful links:

• Santiago Calatrava: The Official Site
• Wikipedia: Santiago Calatrava 
• Santiago Calatrava's Buildings Communications Tower: Another Approach 
• Calatrava's Montjuic Communications Tower: Previous Posts

Door Ironwork at Casa Mila or La Pedrera

This is a frontal view of the fabulous ironwork door at Casa Mila aka La Pedrera by Gaudi.

Check this great link: Iron and Metals in the Works of Gaudi

Nativity Façade: Herod's Soldier Slaying Baby

This sculptoric group or scene on the Nativity Façade at La Sagrada Familia is by far one of the most sinister and dramatic representations I have ever seen in sculpture: Herod's soldiers at Bethlehem are sent to kill all boys under the age of 2.

Turtle Holding Pillar at Sagrada Familia

One of the pillars holding part of the Nativity Façade where you can appreciate this turtle, one of the many animals that adorn La Sagrada Familia. Remember natural elements such as plants or animals were a leitmotif in Catalan Art Nouveau, especially in the works of Gaudi.

A Face-Like Flower

A face-like flower, or at least this is the impression I always get from the distance whenever I come accross with them, is what I have today to bring a colorful note after the dull image in the previous post.

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Agbar Tower

The Agbar Tower, an office building designed by Jean Nouvel, is the headquarters of an important water supply company in Barcelona by the same name: AGBAR (Aguas de Barcelona). It is also known as the "suppository" and it is inspired on the shape of some monoliths on top of Montserrat mountains some kms away from the city.

View From Sagrada Familia Spires

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Dr. Robert Foundation in Sant Pau Hospital: Tile

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Scale Model By Gaudi

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Sant Pau Hospital: Tower

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Port of Barcelona

This is a view of Port of Barcelona as seen from Montjuic Castle on top of a nearby promontory.

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Montjuic Cannons Facing Barcelona Port

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Classic Cars Exhibition: Auto Retro in Barcelona

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Classic Cars Gallery in Barcelona

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Classic Cars Series: Volkswagen

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Classic Cars: Citröen DS

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Classic Cars: Citroen DS

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Classic Cars Series 2

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Classic Cars Series

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Classic Cars: Beetle VW in Blue

According to Wikipedia, the Volkswagen Beetle—officially the Volkswagen Type 1, informally in German the Käfer (meaning "beetle"), in parts of the English-speaking world the Bug, and known by many other nicknames in other languages—is a two-door, rear-engine economy car, intended for five occupants (later, Beetles were restricted to four people in some countries), that was manufactured and marketed by German automaker Volkswagen (VW) from 1938 until 2003. 

The need for a people's car (Volkswagen in German), its concept and its functional objectives were formulated by the leader of Nazi Germany, Adolf Hitler, who wanted a cheap, simple car to be mass-produced for his country's new road network (Reichsautobahn). Members of the National Socialist party, with an additional dues surcharge, were promised the first production, but the war shifted production to military vehicles instead. Lead engineer Ferdinand Porsche and his team took until 1938 to finalise the design. Béla Barényi is credited with first conceiving the original design for this car in 1925,—notably by Mercedes-Benz, on their website, including his original technical drawing,—five years before Porsche claimed to have done his initial version. 

The influence on Porsche's design of other contemporary cars, such as the Tatra V570, and the work of Josef Ganz remains a subject of dispute. The result was the first Volkswagen, and one of the first rear-engined cars since the Brass Era. With 21,529,464 produced, the Beetle is the longest-running and most-manufactured car of a single platform ever made. 

Although designed in the 1930s, due to World War II, civilian Beetles only began to be produced in significant numbers by the end of the 1940s. The car was then internally designated the Volkswagen Type 1, and marketed simply as the Volkswagen. 

Later models were designated Volkswagen 1200, 1300, 1500, 1302, or 1303, the former three indicating engine displacement, the latter two derived from the model number. The car became widely known in its home country as the Käfer (German for "beetle", cognate with English chafer) and was later marketed under that name in Germany, and as the Volkswagen in other countries. For example, in France it was known as the Coccinelle (French for ladybug).

Figure of Saint Holding Child at Park Guell

This photoblog has been updated although images are not accompanied by any text since the last days of July since this blogger is and will be on holidays till September 1st. I hope you understand the lack of information. In the meantime, please feel free to browse my work, be my guest. Next block of pictures coming soon.

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Cello Player

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Girl on Fountain, Barri Gotic

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Park Guell Gardens

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Barcelona Walls Remnants

The History of Barcelona's City Walls 

Barcelona is a city with a long and rich history, and its city walls are a testament to that. The first walls were built in the 3rd century BC, when Barcelona was a Roman colony. These walls were made of stone and earth, and they surrounded the city for about 2 kilometers. 

In the 10th century, the Moors conquered Barcelona, and they built new walls around the city. These walls were made of brick, and they were much larger than the Roman walls. They surrounded the city for about 5 kilometers. 

In the 13th century, the Christians reconquered Barcelona, and they began to build new walls. These walls were made of stone, and they were even larger than the Moorish walls. They surrounded the city for about 10 kilometers. 

The city walls of Barcelona were used for centuries to protect the city from invaders. However, they began to fall into disrepair in the 18th century. 

In the 19th century, the walls were finally demolished, and they were replaced by a ring of boulevards. Today, only a few fragments of the city walls of Barcelona remain. However, these fragments provide a glimpse into the city's rich history. 

The Remains of the City Walls 

The most significant remains of the city walls of Barcelona are located in the Gothic Quarter. These remains include the Portal del Bisbe, the Portal de Santa Madrona, and the Torre del Rellotge. 

The Portal del Bisbe is a gate that was built in the 14th century. It is one of the most impressive examples of Gothic architecture in Barcelona. 

The Portal de Santa Madrona is another gate that was built in the 14th century. It is located near the Plaça del Rei, which is the site of the former royal palace of Barcelona. 

The Torre del Rellotge is a tower that was built in the 14th century. It is located in the Plaça de Sant Jaume, which is the main square of Barcelona. The tower was originally used as a watchtower, and it now houses a clock. 

In addition to these significant remains, there are also a number of other fragments of the city walls of Barcelona scattered throughout the city. These fragments can be found in parks, gardens, and even in some of the city's streets. 

The Importance of the City Walls 

The city walls of Barcelona were an important part of the city's history. They protected the city from invaders for centuries, and they also helped to define the city's borders. The walls were also a symbol of the city's power and prestige. Today, the remains of the city walls of Barcelona are a reminder of the city's rich history. They are also a popular tourist destination, and they provide a glimpse into the city's past.

Girl On MNAC Steps

A hundred years of art at MNAC is something to think about and to inspire your imagination.

 

MNAC stands for the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, which translates to the National Art Museum of Catalonia. It is located in Barcelona, Spain, specifically in the Palau Nacional (National Palace) on Montjuïc Hill. MNAC is one of the most important art museums in Catalonia and houses an extensive collection of Catalan visual arts spanning various periods and styles.

 

The museum's collection covers a wide range of artistic disciplines, including painting, sculpture, photography, drawings, prints, and decorative arts. MNAC focuses primarily on Catalan art but also includes works from other regions of Spain and Europe. The collection encompasses art from the Romanesque period to the mid-20th century, offering visitors a comprehensive overview of Catalan and European artistic traditions.

 

One of the highlights of the MNAC is its exceptional collection of Romanesque art, considered one of the most important in the world. It features stunning frescoes, altarpieces, and sculptures from churches and monasteries in Catalonia and other regions. The Gothic art section includes notable works such as the exquisite "Descent from the Cross" by Pere Serra and the iconic "Madonna and Child" by Jaume Huguet.

 

MNAC also showcases Renaissance and Baroque art, including paintings by famous artists like El Greco, Velázquez, and Rubens. The modern art collection features works from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, representing movements such as Modernism and Noucentisme. Notable artists in this section include Santiago Rusiñol, Ramon Casas, and Antoni Gaudí.

 

Aside from its permanent collection, MNAC hosts temporary exhibitions, educational programs, and cultural events throughout the year. The museum offers visitors a comprehensive and immersive experience, allowing them to explore the rich artistic heritage of Catalonia and beyond.

Cable Car at Montjuic

A wonderful view of the cable car at Montjuic under the sunny late afternoon hours

On the Cliff

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Somewhere at Sea

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Woman and Kid

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Fisherman

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Swimming Between the Rocks

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Musicians Sculpture at Costa Brava

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L'Escala, Costa Brava

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Seagull and Boat

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Sunset at L'Escala

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Cross at Sant Pau Hospital, Barcelona, Spain

This cross is located in one of the parks inside Sant Pau Hospital. 

Remember you can admire Catalan art nouveau buildings like the one in the background if you visit the modernista complex not far away from Sagrada Familia. 

There are previous posts dealing with Sant Pau or San Pablo in Barcelona Photoblog so I recommend you browse my site for more. 

You will find out about the history behind the buildings or the works of the architect, Domenech i Montaner. As for example: Pillars of Catalan Art Nouveau in Palau de la Musica Catalana.

Small Cove at L'Escala, a Town in Costa Brava, Spain

Another picture of L'Escala, a beautiful town in Costa Brava, Catalonia, Spain. The golden rays of the afternoon sun falling on the white buildings and the boats along the improvised beach of this small cove or cala create some sort of painting atmosphere that I was lucky to capture for you. Nice weekend.

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Belly Flop in Costa Brava, Spain

Jumping off a rock and nose diving into the sea, in this case at L'Escala, Costa Brava, may sound like an easy thing to do but everything changes when it's your turn. This kid is the son of some friends. He urged his father to let him go there and jump as the other kid in the water had done previously. The latter was a "pro", improvising front somersaults and so on, so my friend's son dropped his flip flops into the water first and came up with this funny and risky belly flop which fortunately caused him no harm.

Classic Car Reflections

Hi, this blogger is about to go on his summer holidays. In fact I will leave next Wednesday to the beach for a whole month. I will do my best to keep posting at least once a week. Remember I will be back in September so this is no farewell. In the meantime and till Tuesday I will show you my last work. This is an old picture though. I took it at the retro exhibition last year. The drawings on the side of the car are not clear but the sunny reflections are somewhat interesting. I like the lines of this beauty. Maybe it's a corvette but I don't remember.

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Cactus Buds, Not Just a Way Full of Roses

It is odd that such strange a plant, like a cactus, considering the aspect, the habitat and even the name, provokes so much admiration and inspires that many people. I am happy that my tiny set of cactii pictures grows since these images are one of my favorites when it comes to capture capricious forms,attractive textures and vivid green hues. Look at those buds make their way to substitute the withered ones. See how the thorny or "hairy" stem crawls through the other cactus searching for the light. Try to forget it is just a mere succulent plant and concentrate on the pattern and the lines that nature so stubbornly has woven for us. Isn't it amazing?

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A Closer Look on Igor Mitoraj's Sculpture

A close look, a very close look in fact and I meant literally, not that I am going to make an essay on Mitoraj. I believe that I have said everything within my reach about this Polish-German sculptor in recent posts. I just wanted to experiment with this head called Polvere d'Oriente made in 1990. Seen from this angle it looks like some Pascua monolyth or ancient God. According to some sources this man represents Buddha.