Part of the mind-blowing architectural detail at Hospital de Sant Pau.
I know you’ve been itching to see more of Barcelona since drooling over the photos in that food post long, long ago. For those of you new to Sweet and Savoring, I’ve done a bit of solo traveling (Central America for 3 months, Europe from 1-2 months on 3 separate occasions), and as a way to share those trips with my readers, I periodically put together weekend travel retrospectives. That way, I allow myself some virtual travel in the form of trips down memory lane, and you darlings get to experience my past travels, as well.
The Arc de Triomf, an example of the Moorish Revival architectural style
First, let me just say that Barcelona was part of a much-needed self-discovery period. In early 2009, I felt lost and confused and basically directionless. I needed something that would kick start me, and as with other trips, it was a flight sale email (I am in no way affiliated with Travel Zoo, I just love the site) that did the trick.
La Sagrada Familia, unfinished yet astounding, seen from the Tibidabo mountain
I bought my plane ticket about two months before my departure, so I didn’t have much time to plan. That was fine by me: long periods of anticipation have their beauty, but there’s something to be said for getting right down to it and making a lot of arrangements and plans all at once. Besides, I’d been looking forward to seeing Barcelona for the first time long before I knew when I’d actually get there.
Barcelona’s architecture called out to me as I planned my month-long stay. Full of creativity, whimsy, and always aiming to inspire, structures such as La Sagrada Familia convinced me that I’d chosen the right destination. Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi’s unique style can be found all over Barcelona, and each time I spotted a building of his, I nearly gasped with delight. Another architect who designed many of Barcelona’s notable buildings, like the Hospital de Sant Pau (first photo up top), is Domènech i Montaner.
Care to see more? 🙂
Hospital de Sant Pau, built between 1901 and 1930.
More of the hospital complex…
Hospital de Sant Pau’s very tall clock tower
And the last shot of the hospital (one of my favorite spots in Barcelona):
How could you *not* be enchanted?
Here are some examples of Gaudi’s style:
At Parc Guell, a fairy tale- like park entirely designed by Gaudi
Is this real life?
Another Gaudi building. Imagine living here?
And a few others to finish up my architectural tour of Barcelona:
La Rotonda, an Art Nouveau style building designed by Adolfo Ruiz Casamitjana
Central Building at the Port of Barcelona
On top of a Barcelona museum
Have you ever been to Barcelona? Have you ever been inspired by a city’s architecture? Any favorite buildings featured in this post?
Thanks so much for joining me for another travel retrospective, friends!
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It is perhaps when our lives are at their most problematic that we are likely to be most receptive to beautiful things. –Alain de Botton
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I’ve never been to Barcelona, but I would love to someday. It looks absolutely stunning. The old buildings and gorgeous architecture make me wish I could go right now! For some reason I’m loving the hospital De Sant Pau. It’s beautiful!
It is stunning, I promise! Glad you like the hospital, too. I’ve never seen another hospital like it!
I think I’ll be doing another Barcelona post as part of an upcoming street art series, so stay tuned for more of one of my favorite cities 🙂
I went to Barcelona the year before you, in 2008, and we spent quite a bit of time around Gaudi’s architecture, in the park and also on a tour of that funky-looking building you’ve got posted up there. I wish we had a chance to see the hospital before we left–that architecture looks lovely.
I think my favorite building was the Sagrada Familia. I just love that it’s not finished yet, that it’s this century-long work in progress.
I would’ve loved to tour that funky Gaudi building! Can’t wait to travel when I can actually afford to do tours and stuff. Did you go inside Sagrada Familia? I only viewed it from outside, unfortunately. Next time!
I have been to Barcelona, but only for a few days. I’ve always wanted to go back. Your pics def capture its beauty! Don’t they have the best food? Their shopping is so rad too. Most impressive is the architecture of the city, like you showed. Thanks for sharing with us!
Carmen
Thanks for the nice comment about my pictures 🙂 I loved the food there, too! I linked to my first Barcelona post where I talked about what I ate on this trip, if you want to check that out. Glad you stopped by, Carmen!
I’ve never been to Barcelona. It is STUNNING. It is totally on my radar as a place I can’t wait to be able to go. Lovely!! So glad you shared these photos. I’m going to scroll back up and look at all of them again!! –Lisa
Haha, thanks for your praise, Lisa! I hope you get to Barcelona eventually!
Well. If I didn’t already want to visit Spain, I sure do now! Lovely pictures!
It’s amazing- Barcelona’s actually the only place in Spain I’ve been. There’s so much more to see (ha, always)! Thanks Liv 🙂
Sigh, so beautiful. I’m going in October! It will by first time out of the country and I’m so excited.
Oh my goodness, Barcelona/Spain is quite the country for your first time abroad, Stevie! I’m so excited for you!
Seeing these pictures, I am amazed how detailed and well-designed the buildings. The classic Spanish look of every structure is amazing and extraordinary.