Barcelona September 5 - 9, 2015

We came to Barcelona to see the interesting Gaudi architecture, marvel at the Gothic quarters, and spend a couple of relaxing days on the Mediterranean.  .

 

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Antonio Gaudí is an architect from Catalonia, Spain. We were so looking forward to seeing his work in person and were not disappointed!

This and the following pictures are of the exterior of what is widely considered to be Gaudí's most important work. It is the Basilica and Expiatory Church of the Holy Family.

Gaudí died in 1926 at the age of 73. As you can see, construction is still ongoing.

 

Gaudí's work was influenced by his passions in life: architecture, nature, and religion.

Look closely at the above picture. You can see scenes taken from the life of Jesus. Also note the flowers and vegetation included in the details.

The awesome, awesome inside of the church.

"Basilica" is a name given to a church which has been granted special privileges from the pope. See the umbrella? That is how you can identify that a church has been named as a basilica.

This is one of the methods used to make sure the structure will be sound. The arches, spires, etc. are hung upside down. A mirror shows the reversed image above to ensure the design is being followed.

 

A sculpture of the architect himself.

This and the following four pictures are private homes in Barcelona designed by Gaudi. The neighbors were not happy. They considered them 'gaudy'!

The next several pictures were taken in the gothic quarter.

Exterior of gothic church in Barcelona.

Interior of gothic church in Barcelona.

The rooms behind the iron bars are personal chapels of the well-to-do families who attended the church.

 

 

In Barcelona we decided after 3 weeks we needed to really chill out.  So we spent 4 nights at the Hotel Arts Barcelona  (Ritz Carlton) located next to the Mediterranean sea.  Top notch service and amenities.  We had a one bedroom king suite (1200 square feet) room on the 19th floor over looking the sea.

 

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