Barcelona...Antoni Gaudi's Work

Our itinerary for the day was a visit to Park Guell.  We had to take the subway from Las Ramblas.   After what happened on our arrival day, I did not like the idea of staying six days Barcelona.  

The first thing I noticed about the train when we got into one was...it looked old. This is Barcelona, Spain.  Barcelona is 'old'.

Heaven sent...An escalator

We had to walk quite a distance to reach the starting point to Park Guell.  I wondered if hubby got the right directions.  I could not stop asking hubby if we are on the right route.  'Are there no buses plying this route'? I asked for the umpteenth time and I did not stop until I saw an escalator.  Phew...The distance we walked. (picture below) It was later that I found out that the way we used (up the slope) was one of the more beautiful ways to the park.  The slope was known as “Baixada de la Gloria” – “The glory slope".  Entrance to Park Guell is FREE.

A choice, the stairs or the escalator

Anytime, I would take the escalator after the workout walking up the hill.

We finally reached the hill of El Carmel.  The view from the top was spectacular.  The weather was very cooperative.  It was clear and cooling.  

The way (we walked) was the “servants entrance” located in the back part of the park.  We actually did our tour from back towards the front area of the park. The circled area (picture above) would be where Antoni Gaudi's famous work is located.

condition of the road

Another entrance

Birds nest built by Gaudi in the wall

Park Guell (Parc Guell) is one of several gardens planned by the architect Antoni Gaudi. This is the most famous park in Barcelona. Park Guell was commissioned by Eusebi Güell who wanted to create a stylish park for Barcelona aristocracy.

Retaining Wall and the colonnaded pathway ( "La Ola")

The Roadways resembles the pine trees in the park

Tile Mosaic on the Ceiling by Antoni Gaudi

Famous Gaudi Dragon

The Pavillion

A school next to Park Guell 

The Main Entrance

After the visit to Park Guell we were famished.  We decided to stop for lunch.  Lunch for us was buffet style.  We went to a restaurant which was run by Indonesians.  It was 'eat all you can' for  €20/pax.  That included coffee and desserts. 

The Sagrada Família

From the restaurant where we had lunch, we could see The Sagrada Família.  The Sagrada Familia is a large Roman Catholic Church in Barcelona, Spain. The church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, even though it is still incomplete (commenced since 1882). It is another of Antoni Gaudi's work.   

Christmas market opposite The Sagrada Familia

The next stop we made was Casa Milà better known as La Pedrera.  The name Pedrera means  The Quarry and it is because of the stone like appearance.  La Pedrera is a museum and it opened from 9:00 am.  The closing time depended on the season.  I think it cost us €20/pax.  There would be a twenty percent discount if we had a Barcelona card. We did not have that.

Casa Mila/La Pedrera at sunset

This building was designed by the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi.  The building was constructed to house apartments and offices but the owner had difficulty renting it out.  It is now a museum.

Ventilation Towers

Sunset at the Roof of La Pedrera

Looking down into the Atrium of La Pedrera

Roof Architecture at La Pedrera. Chimneys are known as witch scarers (espanta bruixes)

View from the Rooftop of La Pedrera

Rooftop Architecture of La Pedrera

Catenary arches under the terrace in La Pedrera

Scale model of La Pedrera/Casa Mila

Below are pictures of Antoni Gaudi's Apartment

Master Bathroom

The Living Room

The Study

The Oven

Original Balcony-Detail

Mime-Give him a dime and he starts to cycle!

In the act of cycling...

We stayed in the vicinity of  Las Ramblas (La Rambla) in Barcelona.  La Rambla is a street in central Barcelona. It stretches between Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter) and El Raval connecting Plaza de Catalunya in the centre. We have to walk through La Rambla to get back to our apartment or vice versa.  It is the most vibrant and lively place in Barcelona.  Tourists loved this place.  We were told that things at La Rambla are more expensive.  The food sold may seemed cheap but the drinks that are served later would cost an 'arm and a leg'.  We avoided having our meals there.

Make a donation...he goes into action.

Another night walking along La Rambla...:o)
**My apologies...this post (& the following ones) should have been up earlier.  I took time off to prepare for Chinese New Year. Enjoy reading.