Barcelona, Spain Part 3: Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Tramvia Blau- Tibidabo & Paella

Hola again!

We spent approximately 3 days in Barcelona enjoying sunshine and touring around on the Bus Turistic mentioned in my previous posts. Very convenient. We spent our final day channeling towards a higher side of the city, via the RED route. View our tour route HERE.

We would just love to reinforce a statement. “Architectures and the construction styles of Barcelona is really one fascinating thing to witness.” All I know was we “oohed and ahhed” for 3 days. Maybe we’ll settle down if we’re there longer, but who knows? Lotsa surprises at Barcelona. We wish we could be there longer…

To ascertain the statement we mentioned earlier…

This magnificent church is actually still under construction after about more than 120 years. Building work began in the 19th-century and is funded bu churchgoers and devotees, through ticket revenue from visitors like us. Another masterpiece of Antoni Gaudi, at time of his death in 1926 due to an accident, only one of the towers had been completed. The continuation of Gaudi’s project has become an unmistakable symbol of Barcelona.

The explosion of life is represented here in a composition made up of grottos covered with plants, animals, human beings and stars which palpitate from stones.

The towers were designed as bell towers with downward slanting pieces and openings which would act as huge sounding boards in directing the sound of the bells towards the city. Winding their way round the towers are “Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus” which means Holy, Holy, Holy.

The scene of Christ’s Death at the top

I was drawn towards the sculpture of Christ and doors of the Passion facade

 

The interior of the church could also project awesomeness that we all would remember.

Stained glass side windows composed of intersections of hyperboloids.

Pillars branch upwards and slant with ideas from curved geometry, paraboloids and hyperboloids. Gaudi just love implying maths, science and the natural behaviour of plants, adjoining them all into his concept and theme of the Sagrada Familia.

Exhibits in one the section of the church

 Visit their official website to know more if you’re interested:  http://www.sagradafamilia.cat/

This was named after Gaudi’s great patron; Count Eusebi Güell. Although initially planned as a residential garden city in the English style; hence named as Park, this was later unsuccessful and only one showhouse was built, which was Gaudi’s home and today houses the museum for visitors. Finally, Park Güell was donated to the Municipal Council in 1923 and since then, it became a unique public park enjoying a prime location.

The Barcelona Dragon. We thought it would be bigger from what we saw from the postcards. ;P

I’ve to pay 1 eurofor this. I thought it was free…

A common area. For breaks from the hot sunshine The ceilings undulates like sheets blowing in the wind, architraves looks broken. There were many visitors lying down on their back flat, just to capture the pretty ceilings.

Once again, catchy crafted walls with broken pieces of ceramics

 

An open balcony, a significance of the park, we were tanned just by spending about 30 minutes here. But it was beautiful no doubt.

A stony environment of the park. You could spend almost a day in Park Guell, exploring its bit and pieces as it is kinda huge. But we spent a few hours as we have other sights to visit.

Sculptures again.

What’s Tramvia Blau?

It’s a small blue tram, one of Barcelona’s beloved modes of transport. Its quaint appearance and friendly driver make it a pleasant experience for those wishing make it all the way to the top for the Tibidabo Amusement Park and the church- the ‘Temple de Sagrat Cor’.

Temple de Sagrat Coris a neo-gothic structure with a bronze statue of the Sacred Heart at the top of Tibidabo Mountain. You can take a lift to the top of the church and check out the city at 575 meters above sea level!

View from the top!

We just love to stop by each and every street performer which will only move a muscle when you toss them some euro coins. That’s why we took forever to reach from one end of the street to the other. A long street filled with lotsa stalls and eateries and al fresco eateries, La Rambla is located in the heart of Barcelona, bustling with tourists and pick pockets too. Do be aware of the people around you, we advise.

Paella, Sangria and Tapas was what we settled for on our final day in Barcelona.

the tapas bar

Tortilla espanola (Spanish Omelette) – €4.30

Paella Marinera (Seafood Paella) – €15.39

Sangria - with the fruity alcoholic savour

#6 Mercat La Boqueria - the Marketplace

This is one of the must visits ;P Colourful & clean marketplace of Spain, with fresh fruits and poultries sold at a very cheap price. Fresh fruits & juices only at €1!

This puts an end to our Barcelona travel agenda.

Hope these posts on Spain would lure you for a visit!!

Adios amigos!