The third day in Barcelona, Spain (Dec/11/2013) Part II

Back to Works of Antoni Gaudi 

"Palau Guell Tour"

Selfie with Guell's statue

In 1886, this mansion was designed by Antoni Gaudi for the industrial tycoon Eusebi Guell with whom he had been keeping a good friendship in Gaudi's days.  It is located in Carrer Nou de la Rambla 3-5, in the city of the Barcelona.  Guell mansion was registered as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. 

Ornate door and lovely window

High ceiling with antique chandlier  

Mezzanine floor

There's the musician's area where the orchestra set up for concerts.

Central hall in main floor

Chlidren's bathroom in the family's private quarter

How lovely!  ♥♥♥

Inner courtyard view from the upper floor

Neighborhood view from the roof terrace

Roof Terrace

The roof has a total of 20 chimneys used for the ventilation, which are all covered with colorful ceramic pieces.  Each chimney has all different imaginative shapes and colors, by doing so, it provides a foretaste of wonderland. 

When we got out Palau Guell, it was almost dark outside.  We wandered aimlessly along La Ramblas street.  

The asian painter was drawing a caricature.  His drawing caught my eye. 

Marina Port Vell

This port is connected to the end of Ramblas pedestrian walkway, which was built as part of an urban renewal program prior to the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.  It was a great time walking around the harbor especially night time, providing such a romantic atmosphere. 

We were walking back to El Raval area on Ramblas.

We dropped by the meat shop in Boqueria Market where we had been previously buying Jamon.  Happily it wasn't closed yet and we bought some Jamons to take away to Paris. 

Font de Canaletes (Canaleta Fountain) on La Ramblas 

According to local legend, it is said that you will keep coming back to Barcelona once you drink water from the fountain. 

On the way back to the hotel, Jazz

Good-bye Barcelona~ ♥

The third day in Barcelona, Spain (Dec/11/2013) Part I

"Day visit to Montserrat"

On the train to Montserrat from Plaza Espanya, Barcelona

It's only one hour North West from Barcelona by train. 

We arrived at Monistrol de Montserrat in an hour, and we were waiting for the Funicular railway brings us up to the mountain. 

While we were waiting for the train, Funicular, Darrin took some photos of the mountain view from afar.

What he zoomed in on is... ↓

Funicular to Monastery Montserrat

The Funicular going up to the Monastery stands at 725m high above sea level.   

Cremallera de Montserrat railway station near the Monestary 

From here all points in the Shrine are accessible. 

Darrin taking the Funicular in a hurry

From the abbey, the Funicular de Sant Joan goes up to the top of the mountain.  It just takes 7 mins. 

In the Funicular  

The funicular provides a splendid panoramic view with transparent roofs.

Hiking the path from Sant Joan to Sant Jeroni which is one of the main peaks

Sant Joan's Chapel on the hill 

It is said to be a restaurant during early 1900s and fell into disuse in the 1970s.  Ohhh, I don't think it's good idea to eat and drink at the restaurant on the edge of a sheer precipice.   

(/ㅡ_-)/~

  

Spectacular views from Sant Joan Nature Centre

Unusual rock formations

The rocky mountain and the Sagrada Familia towers look alike.

It is known that Antoni Gaudi often came to Montserrat to get inspired by nature, then he created numerous unique architectural works by reinterpreting.

Lunch time!

As we heard there is no good place to eat in the mountain, we prepared some food for lunch.  

Sant Joan Funicular 

This is the steepest funicular in Spain with a maximum gradient of 65%.   ('' )( '');;;

Basilica

It was consecrated in 1592 and started as the Mother of Christ, which it became one of the best known shrine for Christian and the most prestigious shrine in Catalonia.  

Our Lady

This statue is usually called Black Mary due to the black color of her face which is effected from candle smoke and smoke of lamps.  During the Napoleonic wars, the French destroyed most of the Monetary except for Our Lady well hidden somewhere in the mountain.

As some ritual gesture, people kiss or touch her right hand, which holds a sphere as a symbol of the universe.  I tried it as well. 

Stunning view of Santa Maria Square surrounded by mother nature 

Exterior of the Hotel Abat Cisneros 

It was built in 1563 for lodging pilgrims. 

It's time to go back to Barcelona!

(*^-^)