Casa Milà: A Barcelona Landmark Beckoning with Gaudí's Genius

One of Barcelona’s most popular landmarks, the Casa Milà ⭐is located on the city’s prestigious Passeig de Gràcia and just a short walk from the Plaça de Catalunya. A remarkable edifice designed by one of Spain’s most famous architects, Antoni Gaudí, the Casa Milà’s striking façade is one of its most unique features.

Perhaps Barcelona’s most famous architect, Antoni Gaudí is best known for his masterpiece the Sagrada Família as well as nearby Casa Battló and the Park Güell. Gaudí was already a successful architect by the time he was commissioned to design Casa Milà, praised for his championing of the Catalan modernist style.

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The building's rooftop is adorned with a variety of religious and symbolic sculptures, including statues of the archangels St Michael and St Gabriel, as well as figures of the Virgin Mary and excerpts from the Rosary. These sculptures add a layer of spiritual significance to the building, reflecting Gaudí's deep Catholic faith.

I had the opportunity to visit Casa Milà on December 16, 2019, and I was struck by the beauty and originality of the building's architecture. The sculptures on the facade are particularly impressive, and they add a unique touch to the building's overall design.

Casa Milà (model)

Sagrada Familia (model)

Gaudí was inspired by various natural shapes
(the mirror image of this hanging chains have become his ideas of rooftops)

Casa Battló (another architecture designed by Gaudí)

References

1. 10 Things to Know Before Visiting Casa Milà, Barcelona
2. Barcelona Travel―Visiting Sagrada Familia
3. Barcelona Travel (Total 13 articles on this blogger)
4. Barcelona 2 Day Itinerary: How to Spend 2 Days in Barcelona
   
   

Lose Yourself in Barcelona's Urban Oasis: Exploring Ciutadella Park

Nestled in the heart of Barcelona, just steps from the vibrant Born district, lies the Parc de la Ciutadella ⭐.  Beyond its role as home to the city's zoo and Parliament of Catalonia, the park boasts a centerpiece: a stunningly ornate fountain by architect Josep Fontser. This tranquil oasis offers a welcome escape from the city's bustle, all within easy reach.

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Building on my exploration of La Barceloneta, the vibrant pulse of the city still humming in my ears, I set off towards Ciutadella Park (or Parc de la Ciutadella). Following the sun-drenched coast, I stumbled upon Estación de Francia,  a majestic railway station dating back to the 19th century, greeted me with its imposing brick facade. Closed for Olympic rejuvenation, it now stood proudly, a testament to Barcelona's rich past.

My path then led me past the lively chatter of Barcelona Zoo and the stately Palau del Parlament. Finally, I emerged into the verdant embrace of Ciutadella Park. A gaggle of tourists materialized under the shade of palm trees, their cameras clicking in unison. A spark of curiosity ignited within me – what could draw such enthusiasm to this tranquil haven?

Little did I know, an architectural symphony awaited, poised to steal my breath and unravel the park's captivating secrets. The Cascada Monumental orchestrated a dazzling dance of water and tile, a splash of Catalan charm in the heart of Barcelona. Towering above, the majestic Arco de Triunfo whispered tales of past victories, its arches framing the sun-kissed sky.

The mystery of the tourists unraveled with each step, and I was eager to dive deeper into the magic woven into this urban oasis on December 28, 2019.

Cascada Monumental

Arco de Triunfo

Moorish Majesty: Unveiling the Royal Alcázar of Seville

Royal Alcázar's entrance boasts a view of lush gardens

Steeped in history, the Alcázar (or Reales Alcázares de Sevilla ⭐⭐in Spanish) is a royal palace dating back to Moorish rule in the 8th century. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987, it's considered one of the most stunning examples of mudéjar art – a unique blend of Islamic and Christian styles. Even today, the Alcázar remains the oldest royal palace still in use, welcoming dignitaries and heads of state.

Mudéjar Art 

The Alcázar's story begins in 712, with the Moorish conquest of Seville. Over time, a simple structure grew into a grand palace. However, by the 13th century, the Christian Reconquista reclaimed the area for Spain. The Catholic Monarchs then incorporated Gothic, Renaissance, and Romanesque elements into the existing Islamic architecture, creating the stunning Mudéjar style we see today.

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During my 3-day trip to Seville on the December 27th of 2019, I visited the Royal Alcázar of Seville.  An initial long queue daunted me, so I opted for a local guided tour. This turned out to be a great decision! The tour group bypassed the long line, and while it was still crowded inside the palace, it was a much smoother experience.

A mesmerizing reflection captures the beauty of the Royal Bathroom at the Seville Alcázar

Most mosques feature a dome, called qubba in Arabic. The dome is a symbolic representation of the vault of heaven. The interior decoration of a dome often emphasizes this symbolism using patterns to awe and inspire.^[5]

Royal Alcázar’s ceiling patterns showcase Mudéjar art’s artistic and mathematical brilliance

Islamic art highlights geometry, employing ratios and tessellations—fitting shapes together without gaps or overlaps—to create a harmonious and perfect aesthetic

Leonor de Guzmán, reputedly the most beautiful woman in Spain

Exit with the Bell Tower (La Giralda) of Cathedral in the background

References

1. Alcázar of Seville
2. The History Of The Alcázar Of Seville In 1 Minute
3. Real Alcázar
4. NATURANDA—Guided tours and excursions in Andalusia, Spain and Morocco
5. 24 dome interiors in mosques across the world