The Ramblas

April 23rd is a particularly busy time in Barcelona for it is the feast of St George - the patron saint of the city. As a consequence, hotel rooms in the city are at a premium.

The Ramblas is the focus of festivities but at any time of year everyone comes to the long main street of Barcelona to browse the stalls, sit at a pavement café, watch the street entertainment, or just stroll.

At the time of the festival the stalls are devoted to books and red roses as the tradition is for men to give a red rose and women to give a book.

Gaudi

The architect Antoni Gaudi created many wonderful buildings for the city of Barcelona, for which it has become famous. He was born on June 25, 1852 in Reus. At school he was already showing an interest in architecture and at 17 he went to Barcelona to begin a course of formal study, also working in the offices of local architects to earn some money.

His first major building project was accommodation for factory workers and when it was exhibited at the Paris World fair in 1878 it led to Gaudi's friendship with Eusebi Güell for whom he worked on several projects.

His buildings are characterised by a fantastical appearance - gothic and moorish influences, a little Art Nouveau, but above all a distinctive and unmistakeable style of his own.

Casa Vicens 1883 - 1888

The Casa Vicens (detail - right) shows a Moorish influence in the arches with an Art Nouveau style in the ironwork. The tiling is striking alternating between a simple chessboard pattern and the colourful orange tagetes blossoms.

Although a small house it displays already the exuberant quality and confident style which all of Gaudi's projects were to have.

Chimneys and vents on the roof of the Güell Palace
1886 - 1889

Güell Park 1900-1914

Originally planned as an estate of homes in park land this became a recreational area of which the citizens of Barcelona are jusifiably proud.

Casa Milà 1906 - 1910

Christened "La Pedrera" - the quarry - this is one of the most distinctive landmarls in the city. It was his last secular building to be completed before Gaudi devoted himself to La Sagrada Familia.

On the roof Gaudi displays his characteristic style in a series of chimney pots and air ducts, several resembling helmeted knights.

La Sagrada Familia

Gaudi's most magnificent creation is undoubtedly La Sagrada Familia to which he exclusively devoted his time in the final 43 years of his life. Work still continues to complete this monumental building which has already taken over a century to reach its current unfinished state. The interior is a building site but - if it is ever completed - it will be large enough to hold thousands of choristers and even greater numbers in the congregation.

It is possible to climb the interior of some of the spires and get a closer look at their ceramic mosaic detail. For the most atmospheric view of the building, however, return in the evening when it is floodlit (Photo at the top of this page)

The Market

As well as the wonderful architecture the city has a great deal more to see - one of the most colourful is the food market located on the Ramblas.

Barcelona is an attractive city, well worth a visit for its relaxed atmosphere and an absolute must for students and lovers of fine and distinctive architecture.