Posted by This is our third time in Barcelona and our last time was in 2016 where we filled our bucket emormously with great sights and experiences. With just three nights we had a few things planned and wanted to make the most of our time in this brilliant city.
After an easy short flight to Barcelona we were dropped off at our Apartment in the centre of the Quadrat D’or and diagionally opposite Gaudi’s masterpiece La Pedrera (casa mila) and we were staying in one of barcelona’s most talked about modern buildings that was designed to pay homage to the great Architect. The design was stunning and the apartment was one of the best we have ever stayed . it does not have a name but is at Passeig de Gracia 83. For our first meal we went back to a great resturant we enjoyed 10 years earlier when we were last in Barcelona called Resturant Tapas 2254, which is the number of kms he travelled on his Vespa from Sicily to Barcelona. it is located on Consell de Cent 335. and it did not dissapoint.
Our first day was spent exploring the La Vila de Gracia area with the main destination being the Building that was Antoni Gaudi’s first commission. Casa Vicens has only being open to the public for 6 years and we were so keen to see it to complete the Gaudi Barcelona Extravaganza. It was a super hot day and 36deg in the shade so the walk along the Gracia streets was tiring but full of wonder at the myriad of Art Nouveau/modernista buildings along the way.
Proof of the heat outside a pharmacy and the flower of Catalonia was a common sight in this neighbourhood
There were nice pedestrian tree lined streets and plenty of good fun intentional graphitti mural art on the shop rolladoors. And of course more beautiful building designs with leadlights and stained glass with plenty of ceramics and decorations.
Arriving at Casa Vicens which was built between 1883 and 1885 we were struck by its vibrance amongst a sea of stone colloured buildings. it is far more geometric than his later more organic designs, yet there is still the absolute homage to Nature in every detail and the flourish of colour is absolutley striking. Light, space, air and privacy abound as does clever design and sensibility for living comfortably in every detail.
The lovered breeze screens and the amzing water fan air con is extraordinary as was his way of seeing solutions no one had ever considered. The one is called an orientalist style with definate influence from the Spanish Moors with the floral tiles and ceramics at the fore as they are in Andalucian architecture.
The Interiors are no exception with clear homage being paid to the Alhumbra in Granada in the dramatic ceiling treatment in the private smoking room and the ceiling in the ladies parlour
This has to be one of our favourite Gaudi Houses as it is such a delight to behold and totally imaginable to live in today.
The use of ironwork is strong with great detail in secirity and privacy pieces with his classical whimsical flourish. we then walked around looking for shops, churches and cafes to see coolness as we made our way back to our apartment taking a zig zag approach to explore the area and discover some hidden Placa’s and fun murals and to experience the vibe.
Some great examples of the eclectic nature of Barcelona neighbourhoods below
We breakfasted at a really cool cafe in Gracia called “Honest Greens” that was sooo good, serving awesome Aussie sytyle coffee and Breakfast with a catalonia twist. It was so good we went there twice.
We have been to the Palau de la Musica Catalana twice before with a Flemenco and Spanish Guitar recital the highlight last time and as one of our favourite Modernista buildings it needs to be visiteed regularily and again this time enjoyed another concert in it sumptious and unique concert hall. Dinner at a resturant nearby and a snack and beer after the show in the cafe downstairs finished things off really well.
The Sight of Gaudi’s casa Balto as we walked home all lit up is also something that delights every time you see it.
The next day it was off to the Basillica Sagrada Familia to visit for the third time now that the top towers are completed and to experience the magical interiors one more time. We have a tour organised so access was easy and we visited some areas that were not open to everyone in the basement area and then did the wandering inside to just soak it all in.
The only part still to be finished is the main enterance portico and terrace which will require the demolition of buildings and a structure over the road for traffic to pass underneath but for all intents and purposes the building is 95% completed. The light soaked interiors with the stained glass morning and afternoon effects are just breathtaking and hours could be spent just soaking it in.
Above is as is and complted so a few more towers at the entry and its done…so maybe another ten years to go.
We visited the Aire de Barcelona Moorish baths again which is located in the old town near the big Parc de la Cuitadella but walking around in the insane heat was just too much so it was back in a taxi to a siesta and another lovely dinner before departing the next morning. Barcelona delivered again and again as expected.
