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Spain 2023 – Barcelona VII
Last day in Barcelona…
(NB: All images are “geotagged” and can be seen on a map by downloading the image (open in new window/tab and save) then use the free software here!).
Some of the Beers enjoyed in Barcelona
Teatre Principal, La Rambla, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
The oldest theatre in Barcelona, founded in 1579, built between 1597 and 1603 and rebuilt several times, mainly in 1788 and again in 1848.
Torre Glòries, Avinguda Diagonal, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Monument Catalunya a Francesc Masià, Plaça de Catalunya, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Francesc Macià i Llussà; 21 September 1859 – 25 December 1933) was a Catalan politician from Catalonia who served as the 122nd president of the Generalitat of Catalonia, and formerly an officer in the Spanish Army. Politically, he evolved from an initial regenerationism of Spain to the defense of the Catalan Republic, becoming the first president of the restored Generalitat and achieving the first successful establishment of the self-government of Catalonia of modern history.
Sightseeing Tour Bus, Plaça de Catalunya, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Equestrian Statue by Luciano Osle, Plaça de Catalunya, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Iberostar, Plaça de Catalunya, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
A four star hotel.
Sculpture, Plaça de Catalunya, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Edifici Telefónica (Telephone Exchange), Plaça de Catalunya, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Casa Milà, Carrera de Provença, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
An Antoni Gaudi architectural design
Ornate Architecture, Cnr Plaça de John F Kennedy & Passeig de Sant Gervasi, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Grand Building, Plaça de Francesc Macià, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Tower, Las Arenas, Plaça Espanya, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Las Arenas is an old bull-ring now converted to become a major shopping centre.
Torres Venecianes, Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Built in the 1920s with a definite Venetian influence.
Guàrdia Urbana Ajuntament de Barcelona, La Rambla, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Guàrdia Urbana Ajuntament de Barcelona – Urban Guard Barcelona City Council
Palau Güell, Carrer Nou de la Rambla, 3-5, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
The Palau Güell is Antoni Gaudí’s first major work in Barcelona for his patron Eusebi Güell.
Drinking Fountain, Carrer Noe de la Rambla, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Old Building, Farmacia Masana, Carrer de Sant Ramon, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Mural, Plaça de Salvador Segui, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Pharmacy Symbol, Carrer de Sant Rafael, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Door Knocker, Carrer d’en Robador, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Courtyard Well, Old Hospital de la Santa Creu, Carrer de l’Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
Statue, Old Hospital de la Santa Creu, Carrer de l’Hospital, Barcelona, Spain 
Stairs, Old Hospital de la Santa Creu, Carrer de l’Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
Cloister, Old Hospital de la Santa Creu, Carrer de l’Hospital, Barcelona, SpainStatue, Old Hospital de la Santa Creu, Carrer de l’Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
Statue, Old Hospital de la Santa Creu, Carrer de l’Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
The Old Hospital de la Santa Creu is a 15th-to-18th-century building complex in Barcelona, which formerly served as a hospital and hospice and currently is the home of the National Library of Catalonia, the Institute for Catalan Studies, the former College of Surgeons, and an art school.
Bust of Actor Iscle Soler 1847 – 1914, Plaça de Sant Augusti, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Spain 2023 – Barcelona VI
And still more….
Caixa de Pensions i d’Estalvis, Via Laietana, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Isabella I Isabel Ysabel, Via Laietana, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Queen of Spain, 1451 – 1504 – also known as Isabella the Catholic
Statue of Lluís Millet, Palau de la Música Catalana, Carrer Palau de la Música, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Lluís Millet i Pagès (18 April 1867 in El Masnou – 7 December 1941 in Barcelona) was a Spanish Catalan composer & musician.
Ticket Office, Palau de la Música Catalana, Carrer de Ramon Mas, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
“Carmela”, Carrer de Sant Pere Més Alt, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Ornate Pillar, Palau de la Música Catalana, Carrer d’Amadeu Vives, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Tower, Palau de la Música Catalana, Carrer de Sant Pere Més Alt, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Corner Window, Carrer de Sant Pere Més Alt, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Ornate Doorway, 37 Via Laietana, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Door, 35 Via Laietana, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Catedral de la Santa Creu i Santa Eulàlia, Placita de la Seu, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Ornate sign Gate, Gaudi Exhibition Centre, Placita de la Seu, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Roman Remnants, Plaça Nova, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Old Roman aqueduct and tower.
Artwork, Plaça Nova, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Religious Shrine, Plaça Nova, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Entrance, Carrer de Santa Llúcia, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Door, Palau Episcopal de Barcelona, Carrer del Bisbe, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Monument to the Heroes of 1809 (Monument to the Martyrs of Independence), Plaça Garriga i Bachs, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
During the Peninsula War (1807 – 1814) Barcelona was occupied by Napoleon’s army and converted into a military stronghold. On the 12th of May 1809, an estimated 8,000 citizens attempted to overthrow the French troops. The uprising was quickly quashed and the organizers were rounded up and captured. On June 2nd, eighteen conspirators were tried by a military court. Five of the accused were found guilty and executed in front of Barcelona’s Citadel.
As the executions took place, three men rang the bells of Barcelona Cathedral hoping to provoke a second revolt. French soldiers blockaded the cathedral where the rebels held out for three days before being taken prisoner and finally executed.
A plaque on the base of the monument is engraved with the names of the eight martyrs.
Father Juan Gallifa, Dr. Joaquim Pou,
Juan Massana, Salvador Aulet,
Jose Navarro, Pedro Lastortras,
Julian Portet and Ramon Mas.
Sacrificed their lives
For God, homeland and the King
The grateful city
In perpetual memory
MCMXXIX
Side Entrance, Palau de la Generalitat, Carrer del Bisbe, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Cathedral Tower, Catedral de la Santa Creu i Santa Eulàlia, Carrer de la Pietat, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Pont del Bisbe, Carrer del Bisbe, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Built in 1929 for Barcelona International Exposition
Gate, Carrer del Bisbe, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Directly below the Pont del Bisbe
Window, Palau de la Generalitat, Carrer del Bisbe, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Shield, Carrer del Bisbe, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Fornícula de Sant Jaume, Plaça de Sant Jaume, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Entrance, Palau de la Generalitat, Plaça de Sant Jaume, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Toothy Character, Palau de la Generalitat, Plaça de Sant Jaume, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Flags & Crest, Ajuntament de Barcelona, Plaça de Sant Jaume, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Ajuntament de Barcelona = Barcelona City Council
Statue of James the Conqueror, Ajuntament de Barcelona, Plaça de Sant Jaume, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Ajuntament de Barcelona = Barcelona City Council
Street Lamps, Plaça de Sant Jaume, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Plaque, Plaça de Sant Jaume, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Street Lamps, Carrer de Sant Honorat, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Chocolatier, Plaça de Sant Jaume, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Artwork, Plaça de Sant Miquel, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Doorway, Teatre La Biblioteca, Carrer de l’Hospital, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Spain 2023 – Barcelona V
Castell de Montjuïc or Castillo de Montjuich is an old military fortress, with roots dating back from 1640. It is built on top of Montjuïc hill in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
Spain 2023 – Barcelona IV
Torre Jaume I, Port Vell, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Monument a Joan Salvat-Papasseit, Moll de Bosch i Alsina, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Poet – b. 1894 – d. 1924
“Far Barcelona”, Port Vell, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
The FAR Barcelona, a Norwegian jakt, was built in 1874 and restored at the EL FAR Consortium’s shipyard as part of a project to offer professional training in maritime trades. (Sail Training Ship)
Santa Eulàlia, Port Vell, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Three-masted schooner, launched on Torrevieja beach in 1918. Originally named the Carmen Flores, it was motorized in 1930 and renamed the Puerto de Palma, and later the Cala San Vicenç. From 1975 onwards, it sailed under the name Sayremar Uno, working as an auxiliary vessel and carrying out tasks related to underwater work. In 1997, the Maritime Museum of Barcelona acquired the Santa Eulàlia in an auction and restored it to its original form, as a three-masted sailing ship. The craft sailed once again, and was used in numerous activities as the flagship of the Maritime Museum of Barcelona and the city.
Rambla de Mar, Port Vell, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Marina, Port Vell, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Luxury Yachts, Marina Vela Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Derelict Sail Boat, Port Vell, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Agència Tributària (Tax Office), Passeig Josep Carner, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
The white object is the foreground is one of two Miraestels – Stargazers – statutes that float in the harbour.
Warning Light, Port Vell, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Ferrari on Display, Maremagnum, Moll d’Espanya, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Harbourside Eatery, Maremagnum, Moll d’Espanya, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Monument Ròmul Bosch i Alsina, Carrer de Circumvallacio Tram Dos, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Ròmul Bosch i Alsina, physician, deputy, senator and mayor of Barcelona, Chairman of the Port from 1900 to 1904 and from 1906 until his death. Major promoter of port reforms, businessman, founded a number of shipping companies trading with Cuba.
The old Wall Quay is the current Bosch i Alsina Quay, named in his honour.
Telefèric de Montjuïc (Cable Car), Carrer del Castell, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
View of City, Telefèric de Montjuïc (Cable Car), Carrer del Castell, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Montjuïc Communications Tower, Castell de Montjuïc, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Garden in the Moat, Castell de Montjuïc, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Old Cannon, Castell de Montjuïc, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Naval Gun, Castell de Montjuïc, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Entrance, Castell de Montjuïc, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Montjuïc Castle is an old military fortress, with roots dating back from 1640, built on top of Montjuïc hill in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. 
Castell de Montjuïc, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Street Performer, Plaça de George Orwell, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Street Busker, Plaça de George Orwell, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Wine With Dinner, Restaurant Palosanto, Plaça de George Orwell, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Spain 2023 – Barcelona III
….. and more….>
Public Bikes, La Rambla, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Laneway, Carrer de la Petxina, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Colonnades, Mercado de La Boqueria, Plaça de Sant Josep, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
La Jamoneria, Mercado de La Boqueria, La Rambla, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
La Jamoneria = The Ham Shop
De La Dehesa a su Mesa = From the Meadow to Your Table
Sweet Shop, Mercado de La Boqueria, La Rambla, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Seafood Stall, Mercado de La Boqueria, La Rambla, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Mercado de La Boqueria (markets) is a landmark of Barcelona
Sculptures, Església de la Mare de Déu de Betlem, Carrer del Carme, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Church Interior, Església de la Mare de Déu de Betlem, Carrer del Carme, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
In 1553, the Company of Jesus, founded by Saint Ignatius of Loyola, obtained permission from the city’s councillors to build the first church of the order in Barcelona, on the site of a former chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Bethlehem. It was consecrated in 1555 but was destroyed by a great fire in the 17th century. A new baroque-style church was built in the early 18th century but was closed to worshippers following the expulsion of the Jesuits from Spain in 1767. The parish church of Mare de Déu de Betlem was founded in 1835 but, unfortunately, suffered a second fire in 1936 during the Spanish Civil War. The roof and sumptuous baroque interior were consumed by the flames.
The baroque façade and side walls survive today as living witnesses to the past. The main façade, on Carrer del Carme, has a curved pediment and is framed by Solomonic columns. They are embellished by beautiful sculptures of Saint Ignatius of Loyola and the nobleman and Jesuit saint, Francisco Borja. Above the door is a bas-relief featuring a Nativity scene. Every Christmas, the church of Betlem holds a major exhibition of Nativity scenes which are a popular attraction. The interior of the church consists of a basilica-type single nave and a semi-circular apse, side chapels with a narthex or vestibule below the choir stalls, covered by a cylindrical canopy. The side chapels are interconnected and have elliptical domes with lanterns.
Street Lamp, La Rambla, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
La “Porta Ferriça”, Carrera de la Portaferrissa, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Inscription:
The “Porta Ferriça”, built in the 13th century, was one of the gates of the second wall of Barcelona. An iron bar was set into this gate and used as a unit of measurement in the city. This iron bar gave the gate and the street that led to the gate from the center of the Old City their name. The Casa Gralla, a beautiful Plateresque building, was built on Puertaferrisa Street at the beginning of the 16th century, although it disappeared due to the opening of the Calle del Duc de Victoria. The Casa Pinós of the Marquis de Barbará was likewise constructed here, but it was also demolished in the mid-19th century. The construction of the Moya Palace (today Comillas) in 1774, led to the demolition of the old gate.
Doorway, Carrer de la Portaferrissa, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
“Scala Dei”, Carrer de la Portaferrissa, Barcelonia, Catalonia, Spain
Translation:
King Alfonso de Aragon sent two knights throughout Catalonia looking for a suitable place to found a monastery. Under the Sierra del Montsant they found a shepherd. He told them that in that place, the dream of Jacob had been reproduced, that is, there would be a ladder there that climbed to the sky, with angels coming and going. The knights considered it the right place to build a monastery, calling it naturally “Scala Dei” (i.e., God’s Ladder).
Street Lamp, Carrer de la Portaferrissa, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Baixada de Santa Eulàlia, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Mosaics, Art Escudellers Gift Shop, Carrer dels Banys Nous, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Laneway, Carrer de la Trinitat, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Col·legi Sagrada Família – Avinyó, Carrer d’Avinyó, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Escuela de Artes Aplicadas y Oficios Artísticos, Cnr Carrer de Cervantes & Carrer d’Avinyó, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Escuela de Artes Aplicadas y Oficios Artísticos = School of Applied Arts & Artistic Trades
Carrer de Cervantes, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Sculpture, Plaça de George Orwell, Carrer de n’Arai, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Carrer Nou de Sant Francesc, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Teatre Principal, La Rambla, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
The Teatre Principal (in Catalan, or in Spanish Teatro Principal) is the oldest theatre in Barcelona, founded in 1579, built between 1597 and 1603 and rebuilt several times, mainly in 1788 and again in 1848. The theatre was originally named the Teatro de la Santa Cruz in Spanish (or Teatre de la Santa Creu in Catalan). It is located on the famous avenue of La Rambla.
Ticket Booth, La Rambla, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Ship’s Anchor, Comandància Naval de Barcelona, La Rambla, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Junta d’Obres del Port, Carrer de Circumval·lació Tram Dos, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Port Authority
Cable Cars, Torre Jaume I, Port of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Spain 2023 – Barcelona II
Continuing the time in Barcelona…>
It was constructed for the Exposición Universal de Barcelona (1888) in honor of Columbus’ first voyage to the Americas. The monument serves as a reminder that Christopher Columbus reported to Queen Isabella I and King Ferdinand V in Barcelona after his first trip to the new continent.
It is dedicated to the lawyer and politician. Francisco de Paula Rius y Taulet, mayor of Barcelona and main driver of the Universal Exposition of 1888.
In 1888 Barcelona hosted the Universal Exhibition. The Arc de Triomf was built as the gateway to the fair which was held in the Parc de la Ciutadella. The monument is classical in shape and proportions and features ground-breaking sculptural and decorative finishes replete with symbolism. It has become one of the city’s iconic landmarks.
La Sagrada Familia is a building that Antoni Gaudí masterfully designed and, despite not being finished, UNESCO made it a World Heritage Site in 1984 because of its unique architecture and how Gaudí created something so artistic and innovative.
It was begun in 1882 and still unfinished in the first quarter of the 21st century. Construction was hampered by the death of Antoni Gaudi (1852 – 1926). It was then delayed in 1936 during the Spanish Civil War.
Opposite the Basilica.
The Gaudí House Museum, located within the Park Güell in Barcelona, is a historic home museum that houses a collection of furniture and objects designed by the Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí. It was the residence of Antoni Gaudí for almost 20 years, from 1906 till the end of 1925.
Kasa de la Muntanya is a squatted former Guardia Civil barracks in Barcelona. It was built in 1909, by Eusebi Güell, abandoned by the police in 1983, and occupied in 1989. It became central to the squatter movement in Barcelona as a self-managed social centre.
Spain 2023 – Barcelona
Finally able to travel again so here’s the first contribution of many to come. Departing from Perth, Western Australia on the Qantas direct to Heathrow flight and a connecting flight to Barcelona. Two weeks in Spain and then on to four weeks in the UK.
Font de les Tres Gràcies = Source of the Three Graces
Better known by his pen name Serafí Pitarra, Frederic Soler was a Catalan playwright who wrote over a hundred plays as well as several books of poetry. The white marble monument which was erected in his memory stands directly opposite Barcelona’s oldest theatre, Teatre Principal.
It was constructed for the Exposición Universal de Barcelona (1888) in honor of Columbus’ first voyage to the Americas. The monument serves as a reminder that Christopher Columbus reported to Queen Isabella I and King Ferdinand V in Barcelona after his first trip to the new continent.
One of 8 Guarding the Columbus Memorial
Delegacion de Defensa = Department of Defence
Major changes to Barcelona’s water supply in the second half of the 19th century brought a huge rise in the number of drinking fountains. Against this backdrop, fountains in the style of Paris’s emblematic Wallace fountains became part of the city’s heritage.
No matter where you go, there’s an Irish Pub!
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