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

Andalusia Travel―Visiting Royal Alcázar of Seville

The Alcázar ⭐⭐(or ‘Reales Alcázares de Sevilla‘ in Spanish) is a royal palace that was built by the Moorish rulers who occupied the peninsula from the 8th century onwards. It is by and large considered to be one of the most outstanding examples of mudéjar art to exist today.  The Alcázar is the oldest royal palace still in use, regularly hosting state officials and dignitaries, and since 1987 it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Mudéjar Art 

The origins of the palace can be traced back to the time of the first occupations by Moorish conquest of Seville in 712. In the 12th century, the construction became considerably more established as a palace, along the lines of the one we know today. However, in the 13th century, the Spanish Reconquista was in full swing and the area was soon reclaimed by the Catholic Kings of Spain who claimed the palace as their own. This marks the beginning of a new era for the palace, one under which elements of Gothic, Renaissance and Romanesque design were combined to the original Islamic structure leading to the unique blend of styles known as Mudéjar.

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On 12/27/2019, I have visited Royal Alcázar of Seville and taken the below photos:

Royal Bathroom at Royal Alcázar of Seville

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]

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