Life Of Don: Barcelona, Spain ~ 2010

Can Eusebio Restuarant in Barcelona, nice Spanish cuisine.

La Sagrada Familia

The Basílica de la Sagrada Família, also known as the Sagrada Família, is a large unfinished Roman Catholic minor basilica in the Eixample district of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. Designed by the Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí, his work on the building is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The basilica is scheduled to be completed in 2027, 145 years after its construction in 1882

Walk to Park Güell, is about 2km from La Sagrada Familia

Parc Güell is a privatized park system composed of gardens and architectural elements located on Carmel Hill, in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. Carmel Hill belongs to the mountain range of Collserola – the Parc del Carmel is located on the northern face.

Park Güell is an enormous garden with stunning and distinct architectural elements designed by the renowned Catalan architect, Antoni Gaudí. The Park is named after Eusebi Güell, a rich entrepreneur and count that had a great passion for Gaudí's work and who became his patron

Park Guell Entrances

Built between 1900 and 1914, it was inspired by the ‘garden city movement’ of the 20^th century. Built on the edge of the city, this allowed the park and the self-contained communities within it to be surrounded by both clean air and green open spaces. Designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí and named after sponsor Count Eusebi Güell, the estate remained Gaudí’s family home until his death in 1926. From then on, Park Güell became a public space, which still attracts millions of annual visitors today

Serpentine bench

The Serpentine Bench is a well-known mosaic tile bench that winds its way along the terrace around Park Güell. It was created using the Trencandís technique, which was invented by Gaudí and was widely used during Catalonia’s modernism and surrealism periods. Created in a signature serpentine shape and varying vibrant tones for a statement effect, the bench was designed using jettison tiles from a factory close by. Both artistic and functional, rest and take in the beauty of the park in style at the Serpentine Bench.

Sala Hipostila, or the Hypostyle Room.

Originally designed in 1907 as the marketplace of the estate, the Hypostyle Room is made up of 86 columns which the roof rests upon. ‘Hypostyle’ itself means ‘under pillars’, and the design is used for the creation of large constructions, such as public buildings, temples and palaces. The pillars present a height of 19.68 feet (6 metres) and a diameter of 3.94 feet (1.2 meters), and are of the Doric order in an octagonal shape. The ceiling is the focal point of the Hypostyle Room, showcasing all-over white Trecandís, spiral designs and four circular ceiling lamps that represent each season of the year. An effortless statement in design, it’s essential to see on a visit to the park.

Ceiling with mosaic sun

Multicolored mosaic salamander fountain known also as el drac or dragon

The mosaic salamander statue that resides at the gates of Park Güell acts as the symbol of Barcelona. ‘El Drac’ is known by multiple names, such as ‘the dragon’ and ‘the Park Güell lizard’. Acting as a guard for Park Güell, it was created from brick and is coated with Gaudí’s signature Trecandís technique. Trecandís and serpentine shapes are common themes throughout Gaudí’s work, and Park Güell is an ideal location to see and enjoy both.

The Laundry Room Portico

Constructed in a slanted shape, the Laundry Room Portico was designed to mimic an ocean wave. Created with textured walls and coordinating statues throughout, the pillars at the exterior were put in place in order to secure the road above. Gaudí used this design to blend his creativity with the surrounding natural environment. The passages throughout were designed to connect houses to each other subtly, with their textured finish blending into the hillside. Visit the Laundry Room Portico to bask in the shade of the Spanish sun, as well as to witness innovative Catalan architecture at its finest.

Hotel Vela from Barceloneta Beach.

Raining day no visitor today

1st day in Brceloneta without visitor

Mercado de La Boqueria

The Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, often simply referred to as La Boqueria, is a large public market in the Ciutat Vella district of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, and one of the city's foremost tourist landmarks, with an entrance from La Rambla, not far from the Liceu, Barcelona's opera house.

Catedral de Barcelona (Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia)

Built between 1298 and 1420, the cathedral is dedicated to Saint Eulalia, patron saint of the city of Barcelona, who was buried in the crypt of the cathedral. This imposing cathedral is one of the most beautiful in Barcelona. Gothic in style, it’s full of details and reliefs, both inside and outside. Among the many elements worth visiting, the cloister always attracts attention because of the 13 white geese that represent each year of Eulalia’s life before she suffered martyrdom.

Bank of Spain

Casa Milà

Casa Milà was the last building designed by Gaudí before he spent his remaining years on La Sagrada Família. The building, a residential complex in Eixample is an incredible stone building designed in the Modernisme style of Catalunya.

Stonemasons carved the building into irregular shapes with large curves and waves, and iron ornamentation. In comparison to his other works, Casa Milà is colourless from the outside, giving it a more intriguing quality.

In the attic, there is a room dedicated to Gaudí’s architecture. However, the biggest draw is the roof. With panoramic views over the city, the roof also features ornately designed chimneys, ventilation shafts and staircases.