BARCELONA, SPAIN

April 30, 2023

Partly cloudy, high 68 deg F


Barcelona is one of our favorite cities in the world.   It is a very walkable city with distinct neighborhoods such as the Old Town where Picasso’s museum and former residence is located, Gothic Quarter, an extensive beach and harbor area and the modern area where Gaudi’s basilica, La Sagrada Familia, is located.   Barcelona has some of the most striking architecture in the world.


It is the Capital of the community of Catalonia, a part of Spain that has a distinct culture.   Many Catalonians speak their own language - Catalan - that some say sounds like a combination of French and Spanish.


We have had the good fortune to visit Barcelona twice before.   We decided to go on our own in the morning and walked about a mile each way on the street called La Rambla in the Gothic Quarter.   It is a favorite for tourists and locals alike with shops, hotels, restaurants lining both sides of a fairly wide treelined walkway.   In the afternoon we toured La Sagrada Familia (Sacred Family) and the Old Town.  La Sagrada Familia is simply amazing.   It is Gaudi’s crowning achievement and after more than 140 years since work was begun on the church, it is still not finished!  The continuing construction is paid by individual donations and is expected be complete sometime this decade.  


Statue of Columbus pointing somewhere.   He thought 

he was in Japan but he was actually in Cuba.  
   

                Walking up La Rambla.


                    House on La Rambla


Unique (strange) architecture abounds in Barcelona



              One of several houses designed by Gaudi

Artist drawing of La Sagrada Familia when its completed.  

The following pics are different views as seen today.


 




View inside the cathedral taken in 2018.  Because of a special event taking place, we were not allowed to enter on this visit.  The inside of the church is as spectacular as the outside.



                  Another 2018 inside view


                    Barcelona Cathedral in "Old Town"

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