Casa Batllo
Both Casa Batllo and Casa Mila showcase Gaudi's Modernista architecture and while there are many modern buildings in Barcelona, they just seem so out of place, more like something from a dream. The audio guide mention Guadi had been awarded an honor or commission or something and those who bestowed it upon them said they weren't sure if they were giving it to a madman or a genius. I could totally relate to that sentiment! These buildings are different from anything with their sinewy facades, wrought-iron balconies and windows. The rooftops were particularly interesting with the oddly shaped stairwell entrances and chimney tops. At the end of the tour there were cases that held various items from nature that Gaudi had used for inspiration, they included things like bee honeycomb, python spine, conch shell, tree roots. You could definitely see these shapes and characteristics in his work.
Casa Mila facade
Interior courtyard Casa Mila
Listening to the audio guide
A stairwell entrance
Stairwell and chimneys to the right
More rooftop
Mor rooftop, another stairwell
One of Gaudi's inverted models for a cathedral
After Casa Mila, we headed to Parc Guell, a 30-acre park Gaudi had conceived of as a gated living community. There were many striking Gaudi features and the kids loved climbing on the rock walls. There was an amazing view of Barcelona as well! It was very hot so we headed back for a swim.
Parc Guell
Parc Guell with Barcelona in the background
Climbing the rock wall
Walking through the archways
For dinner we ventured back to the Barri Gotic to visit the cathedral and ate at a tapas bar where you select your own tapas and are charged by the number of toothpicks on your plate.
In the morning we leave for Menton, France and are looking forward to it. I think we enjoyed Barcelona more than we expected to. It's a diverse, beautiful and cosmopolitan city that can at one moment feel like a small town (when you're tucked away in a sidewalk cafe in the old part of the city) and in the next moment you're walking up Las Ramblas approaching Placa Catalunya among thousands of people. Spain also has a very rich history that you can't help but appreciate while you're there.
We liked our hotel and would definitely recommend it for families. There were a lot of boutique hotels throughout the city and charming-looking spots in Barri Gotic, but the pool and food/beverage service there was invaluable on these hot days and to give us a break from the hotel room. It was also very accessible by taxi, which could have been a problem at some of the hotels in the old part of the city.
Off to France! Now if our plane would just show up......
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Location:Barcelona
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