View from the Terrace of Parc Guell in Barcelona, Spain
Parc Guell (gWELL) is a private park system composed of gardens and architectural features designed by Antoni Gaudi, known famously for La Sagrada Familia but also recognized for his many buildings throughout Europe.
View from the Terrace of Parc Guell in Barcelona, SpainView from the Terrace of Parc Guell in Barcelona, SpainView from the Terrace of Parc Guell in Barcelona, SpainParc Guell in Barcelona, SpainParc Guell in Barcelona, SpainParc Guell in Barcelona, SpainParc Guell in Barcelona, SpainParc Guell in Barcelona, Spain
We didn’t get a lot of time to explore Parc Guell, so my photographs are exclusively of the upper gardens and terrace. We unfortunately did not have time to explore the lower gardens and the sculptures there. To be honest, we hadn’t researched the place enough to prioritize our visit. Next time! There are several buildings on the site that would have been interesting to explore. Some of them required separate entry tickets and all were very crowded, as the park is a heavily visited place.
Parc Guell in Barcelona, SpainParc Guell in Barcelona, SpainParc Guell in Barcelona, SpainParc Guell in Barcelona, SpainParc Guell in Barcelona, SpainParc Guell in Barcelona, SpainParc Guell in Barcelona, Spain“Where The Heck Am I?” Parc Guell in Barcelona, SpainParc Guell in Barcelona, SpainParc Guell in Barcelona, SpainBasically “pick up your trash, don’t feed the rats.” Parc Guell in Barcelona, Spain
One of the places I really wanted to visit in Barcelona was the Mercado de la Boqueria or Boqueria Market. We visited on a busy Saturday afternoon and there was plenty to see and to photograph.
Mercado de la Boqueria. Barcelona, SpainMercado de la Boqueria. Barcelona, SpainMercado de la Boqueria. Barcelona, SpainMercado de la Boqueria. Barcelona, SpainMercado de la Boqueria. Barcelona, SpainMercado de la Boqueria. Barcelona, Spain
The hardest part was being patient and waiting to get a clear shot. There was something for everyone there, including a bar where you could just sit and have a drink. Fresh fish, produce, chocolate, wine & liquor, you name it. A ‘target rich environment; I called it!
Mercado de la Boqueria. Barcelona, SpainMercado de la Boqueria. Barcelona, SpainMercado de la Boqueria. Barcelona, SpainMercado de la Boqueria. Barcelona, SpainMercado de la Boqueria. Barcelona, SpainMercado de la Boqueria. Barcelona, Spain
I loved trying to capture all the colors and patterns, and occasionally get a good action shot.
Mercado de la Boqueria. Barcelona, SpainMercado de la Boqueria. Barcelona, SpainMercado de la Boqueria. Barcelona, SpainMercado de la Boqueria. Barcelona, SpainMercado de la Boqueria. Barcelona, SpainMercado de la Boqueria. Barcelona, SpainMercado de la Boqueria. Barcelona, Spain
We spent 5 days in Barcelona and saw a lot of interesting things. I’m going to feature individual places over the next several posts to show some of the places we visited and things that we saw. My Adobe Portfolio page now has galleries through Barcelona, with one or two more to go. Head there to see many more photos from the entire trip.
Facade of La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, SpainFacade of La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, SpainFacade of La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, SpainTowers of La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, SpainFacade of La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain
I’ve heard many words to describe La Sagrada Familia, but one I don’t hear is ‘boring.’ It is literally a feast for the eyes, both inside and out.
La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, SpainBeautiful stained glass windows of La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, SpainSoaring architectural columns and arches at La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, SpainSoaring architectural columns and arches at La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain
It’s hard to make a bad photograph there, but it is equally hard to make a photograph that captures the scale and expanse of the space. It is amazingly huge and amazingly beautiful. Everywhere you look there are striking details and intricate designs. Symbolism is everywhere.
Soaring architectural columns and arches at La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, SpainSoaring architectural columns and arches at La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, SpainSoaring architectural columns and arches at La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, SpainSoaring architectural columns and arches at La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, SpainSoaring architectural columns and arches at La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain
The biggest challenge is dealing with the crush of people. Even with timed entry, the place is crowded. I like to find spots where I can take symmetrical photographs, and I’m often not the only one! So patience and quick work is essential. This was one of the very few places on the entire trip that I wished I had brought a wider lens than 16mm. My 10-24 would have been appropriate.
Beautiful stained glass windows of La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, SpainLight through stained glass windows. La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, SpainFacade of La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, SpainWorkshop at La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, SpainWorkshop at La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain
Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències in Valencia, Spain
We. Loved. Valencia
Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Valencia, SpainQueen Sofia Palace of Arts. Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (City of Arts and Sciences). Valencia, SpainQueen Sofia Palace of Arts. Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (City of Arts and Sciences). Valencia, Spain
Porto was great and we would go back there in a heartbeat. But Valencia? It was probably one of the loveliest visits to a large city we’ve ever had. The people were friendly, the food was wonderful, the city is very walkable and the architecture is fascinating. It probably helped that we stayed in a beautiful hotel in the heart of the historic area that was staffed with friendly people, but the overall experience was just great.
Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Valencia, SpainCiudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Valencia, SpainCaixaForum València event center. Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Valencia, SpainCiudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Valencia, Spain
Prior to our arrival in Portugal, we were of course concerned about the condition of Valencia, given the horrible flooding they had experienced just a few weeks prior. Conversations with our hotel and our car service assured us that the damage was limited to areas south of the city center, and that the city itself was fine and up and running. We saw signs of the flood damage on our way into the city, but other than some cleanup happening at the City of Arts and Sciences (which might have just been routine cleaning) we saw no evidence of damage.
Oceanografic. The Aquarium complex at Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Valencia, SpainOceanografic. The Aquarium complex at Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Valencia, SpainDolphin Show at Oceanografic. The Aquarium complex at Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Valencia, SpainOceanografic. The Aquarium complex at Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Valencia, SpainSubmarino Restaurant at Oceanografic. The Aquarium complex at Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Valencia, SpainSubmarino Restaurant at Oceanografic. The Aquarium complex at Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Valencia, SpainOceanografic. The Aquarium complex at Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Valencia, SpainJellyfish! Oceanografic. The Aquarium complex at Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Valencia, SpainThe longest underwater tunnel in Europe. Oceanografic. The Aquarium complex at Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Valencia, SpainOceanografic. The Aquarium complex at Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Valencia, Spain
Speaking of the City of Arts & Sciences, wow. It is an amazing collection of beautiful architecture, set along the Jardín del Turia, a park built in a former riverbed. We spent the large part of one day just wandering around the exterior, returning the following day to explore Oceanografic, the aquarium attraction that is part of the complex. To explore the entire museum complex would have been very interesting, but would have taken days! I’ve included just a few of the many photos I took at the City of Arts & Sciences, but there is a larger gallery on my Adobe Portfolio page if you just want to see more of Valencia!
Church of Saint Joan of the Cross. Valencia, SpainSan Nicolas de Bari San Pedro Martir (Saint Peter The Martyr). Valencia, SpainSan Nicolas de Bari San Pedro Martir (Saint Peter The Martyr). Valencia, SpainSan Nicolas de Bari San Pedro Martir (Saint Peter The Martyr). Valencia, SpainSan Nicolas de Bari San Pedro Martir (Saint Peter The Martyr). Valencia, SpainBank building in Valencia, SpainScene in Valencia, SpainScene in Valencia, SpainScene in Valencia, SpainScene in Valencia, SpainScene in Valencia, SpainScene in Valencia, SpainScene in Valencia, SpainCasa Baldo restaurant in Valencia, Spain
I’m gradually working my way through photos and am now up to our time in Cordoba, which was the third of the five stops in Portugal & Spain. After our day trip to Granada and The Alhambra, we spent two days exploring this beautiful city.
Sunset from the rooftop bar of Hotel Hesperia, our hotel in Cordoba, Spain
Our first stop was the The Mosque-Cathedral, which like the Alhambra has a complex history, dating back to the 6th century as a Visigoth Basilica. The building became a Muslim mosque in the 8th century, and after a number of additions and enlargements eventually became a Catholic cathedral in the 13th century. Restoration work began in the 19th century and is ongoing. The building became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.
The Mosque-Cathedral Monumental Site of Cordoba, Spain
One of the things that distinguishes the Mosque-Cathedral is the red and white arches that span the columns in the building.
The Mosque-Cathedral Monumental Site of Cordoba, SpainThe Mosque-Cathedral Monumental Site of Cordoba, SpainThe Mosque-Cathedral Monumental Site of Cordoba, SpainColorful light through stained glass windows. The Mosque-Cathedral Monumental Site of Cordoba, SpainShadows from light through the windows. The Mosque-Cathedral Monumental Site of Cordoba, Spain
We spent much of the rest of our time in Cordoba exploring the streets, alleyways and neighborhoods of the town, both on our feet and using the Hop-On-Hop-Off bus to get from place to place. We also attended a Flamenco show, which was so interesting it warrants its own post, which I will do soon!
Foto Booth in Cordoba, SpainCamera store in Cordoba, SpainPlaza de Colon. Cordoba, SpainPalacio de la Merced. Cordoba, SpainRestaurante Sociedad Plateros María Auxiliadora Andalusian restaurant in Cordoba, SpainScene in Cordoba, SpainScene in Cordoba, SpainScene in Cordoba, Spain
I continue to add photos to my Adobe Portfolio gallery, so check back often to see what’s new! The one that changes the most is the one titled “Stops Along The Way” as it contains photos from places we stopped as we transferred from one city to the next. The most recent addition is photos from Alarcon and Requena.
Art piece in Cordoba, SpainPlaza de la Corredera in Cordoba, SpainScene in Cordoba, SpainScene in Cordoba, SpainNight time at the Roman Bridge. Cordoba, SpainNight time at the Roman Bridge. Cordoba, SpainMoonrise from the rooftop bar of Hotel Hesperia, our hotel in Cordoba, SpainSunset from the rooftop bar of Hotel Hesperia, our hotel in Cordoba, Spain
One of many fountains at The Alhambra in Grenada, Spain
It was interesting to note how many people asked “where?” when we said we were going to or had gone to The Alhambra. It is one of the top destinations in Spain, and it sure was busy when we were there. Even one of our drivers in Spain said that he had never been there.
City view from The Alhambra in Grenada, SpainCity view from The Alhambra in Grenada, Spain
In many ways, the history of The Alhambra reflects the history of Spain.
The complex was begun in 1238 by Muhammad I Ibn al-Ahmar, the first Nasrid emir and founder of the Emirate of Granada, the last Muslim state of Al-Andalus. The most significant construction campaigns, which gave the royal palaces much of their defining character, took place in the 14th century during the reigns of Yusuf I and Muhammad V. After the conclusion of the Christian Reconquista in 1492, the site became the Royal Court of Ferdinand and Isabella (where Christopher Columbus received royal endorsement for his expedition), and the palaces were partially altered. In 1526, Charles V commissioned a new Renaissance-style palace in direct juxtaposition with the Nasrid palaces, but it was left uncompleted in the early 17th century.
The site fell into disrepair over the following centuries, with its buildings occupied by squatters. The troops of Napoleon destroyed parts of it in 1812. After this, the Alhambra became an attraction for British, American, and other European Romantic travelers. The most influential of them was Washington Irving, whose Tales of the Alhambra (1832) brought international attention to the site. The Alhambra was one of the first Islamic monuments to become the object of modern scientific study and has been the subject of numerous restorations since the 19th century. It is now one of Spain’s major tourist attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
One of many fountains at The Alhambra in Grenada, SpainCity view from The Alhambra in Grenada, SpainThe Alhambra in Grenada, SpainStairway at The Alhambra in Grenada, Spain
We booked a private tour from our hotel in Cordoba to Granada through Spain Day Tours. The package included a driver to the complex then a private guide who took us all through the various gardens and buildings. He was extremely knowledgeable and steered us to many of the “secret” places that others might or might not have seen. It was a great way to visit without having to also navigate trains and buses.
(Special thanks to James The (Retired) Wine Guy for his excellent recommendation!)
One of many fountains at The Alhambra in Grenada, SpainThe Alhambra in Grenada, SpainOne of many fountains at The Alhambra in Grenada, SpainGardens at The Alhambra in Grenada, SpainCity view from The Alhambra in Grenada, Spain
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazareth Church in Nazare, Portugal
We’re home and in the process of catching up on home stuff. I’m working on picking and processing my 6600+ photos, so while I do that I’ll just randomly post ones I find interesting. Eventually I will have them in a more cohesive order.
These are two very similar photos from two churches in two different places, but I thought they would make a nice pairing.
Colorful light through stained glass windows. The Mosque-Cathedral Monumental Site of Cordoba, Spain
Salvador Dali Theatre and Museum in Figueres, Spain
Figueres is the birthplace of Salvador Dali, and is the site of the Salvador Dali Theatre Museum. The Museum was designed and supervised by Dali, and contains many of his most famous works. No matter how you feel about Dali’s art, a visit to this museum is truly a unique experience.
Colorful houses along the River Onyar in Girona, Spain
This past Sunday we visited Girona and Figueres, Spain.
Girona is a city in Spain’s northeastern Catalonia region, beside the River Onyar. It’s known for its medieval architecture, walled Old Quarter (Barri Vell) and the Roman remains of the Força Vella fortress. Landscaped gardens line the Passeig Arqueològic, a walkway following the Old Quarter’s medieval walls, which include watchtowers with sweeping views.
Kathy & I took a tour to Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey from Barcelona. It was an awe inspiring trip, and the views were incredible. We’re piling up the stories and the photos but they will need to wait until we get started on our way back home! We rejoin our ship on Tuesday and should be home on December 7.
We’re tired and looking forward to getting back to ‘familiar territory’ but are having a blast! 🙂
