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SPAIN 2023 – XII

We have now reached Granada in Andalusia, the location of the famous Alhambra.


Diputación Provincial De Ciudad Real, Plaza De La Constitución, Cuidad Real, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

Diputación Provincial De Ciudad Real – Provincial Government of Cuidad Real

Built between 1889-1893.


Mail Boxes, Oficina de Correos, Calle Elisa Cendreros, Cuidad Real, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

Oficina de Correos – Post Office


The Alhambra, Granada, Andalusia, Spain

Viewed from the balcony of our accommodation


Door, Posada De Maria La Chola, Calle Valenzuela, Granada, Andalusia, Spain


Calle Valenzuela, Granada, Andalusia, Spain

This laneway which is inaccessible by vehicles is the access to where we stayed in Granada.


Calle San Juan de los Reyes, Granada, Andalusia, Spain


Hotel Casa Morisca, Cuesta de la Victoria, Granada, Andalusia, Spain

The hotel is set in a 15th century Moorish house.


Door,7 Cuesta de la Victoria, Granada, Andalusia, Spain


Calle Gumiel de San Pedro, Granada, Andulusia, Spain


Doorway to Residential Block, 4 Paseo del Padre Manjón, Granada, Andalusia, Spain


Street Sign, Paseo del Padre Manjón, Granada, Andalusia, Spain

Father Manjón 1846-1923 was the founder of the Ave Maria Schools. This walk was built in 1609 and was called Paseo de la Puerta de Guadix, referring to the same door located at the end of the walk, which led to this town. The fountain that occupies the center of this open space was also built in the same year.

Although its official name is currently Paseo del Father Manjón,for the aforementioned reason, from the 19th century it began to be called Walk of the Sad,so nicknamed for being the place traveled by funeral courtships in the direction of the San José cemetery, located behind La Alhambra, on the hill called Sabika.


Ruins Along Rio Darro, Paseo del Padre Manjón, Granada, Andalusia, Spain


Doorway, Oro del Darro Suites, Calle Carrera del Darro, Granada, Andalusia, Spain


Stone Staircase, Museo Arqueológico y Etnológico de Granada, Casa de Castril, Carrera del Darro, Granada, Andalusia, Spain


Bell Tower of Iglesia de San Pedro y San Pabl & Alhambra Tower from Museo Arqueológico y Etnológico de Granada, Casa de Castril, Carrera del Darro, Granada, Andalusia, Spain


Shuttered Window, Museo Arqueológico y Etnológico de Granada, Casa de Castril, Carrera del Darro, Granada, Andalusia, Spain


Ruins of Puente del Cadí, Calle Carrera del Darro, Granada, Andalusia, Spain

The Albaicin (a district of Granada) was directly connected to the Alhambra by a fortified bridge called Puente del Cadí – the “bridge of the judge”. All that is left of it today is the stump of a tower on the left bank and part of its single arch. It was built by the Moors in 1055.


Restaurant Sign, MinoTauro, Calle Carrera del Darro, Granada, Andalusia, Spain


View To The Alhambra, Calle Carrera del Darrow, Granada, Andalusia, Spain


The Alhambra at Night, Calle Valenzuela, Granada, Andalusia, Spain


Arco de San Juan de los Reyes, Calle de San Juan de los Reyes, Granada, Andalusia, Spain

Arco de San Juan de los Reyes – Arch of Saint John of the Kings


Statue, “Chorrojumo” (King of the Gypsies- Mariano Fernandez), Camino del Sacromonte, Granada, Andalusia, Spain

Mariano Fernández Santiago, was born in 1824, known as “Chorrojumo”, he was one of the most significant characters in Granada in the 19th century

The nickname, the result of the contraction of “smoke jet”, came from his trade as a blacksmith. 

An interesting story of this character can be found here.


Carmen De Bellavista, Paseo del Generalife, Granada, Andalusia, Spain


Waterfall, Paseo del Generalife, Granada, Andalusia, Spain

This is along the path leading to the entrance gate to The Alhambra


Sign, Alhambra, Torre de los Carros, Paseo del Generalife, Granada, Andalusia, Spain


Cañones Franceses, Calle Real de la Alhambra, Granada, Andalusia, Spain

Part of the armaments installed by the French when occupying the site in 1811 – they departed soon after in 1812


Puerta de la Justicia, Calle Real de la Alhambra, Alhambra, Granada, Andalusia, Spain

Built in 1348


Courtyard, The Alhambra, Granada, Andalusia, Spain


Ossobuco Ristorante, Calle Carrera del Darro, Granada, Andalusia, Spain


SPAIN 2023 – XI

 

Castillo Almonacid de Toledo, Almonacid, Toledo, Castile-La Mancha, Spain

This castle was not far from Toledo on the outskirts of the town of Almonacid.

The first documentary reference on this castle dates from 848 and is of origin Muslim, when it served as a strategic point of surveillance of an old road to La Mancha.

In the 11th century became the property of Alfonso VI de León as part of the dowry his wife Zaida and daughter of the Moorish king. Later, in December 1086, it was donated by Alfonso VI to the Cathedral of Santa María de Toledo, being reformed in the 14th century by mandate of the archbishop of Toledo Pedro Tenorio. It was then used as a prison for. Alfonso Enriquez, Earl of Gijón and of Noreña and son bastard of Enrique II of Castilla, imprisoned by order of his brother Juan I of Castilla.

In the 18th century it became part of the properties of the counts of Mora and in 1809 it served as a refuge for the troops of the General Venegas in the fight against French in the Almonacid battle, although in vain, then finally, the castle was conquered by the French troops.

In 1839 the municipality's town hall, faced with the economic needs that existed, allowed the residents to take bricks from the fortress to put them up for sale, which meant a great deterioration of the structure.

                                

SPAIN 2023 – X

We took the tourist bus to see Toledo and then drove to some outlying areas.


Capilla de la Estación de Tren de Toledo, Paseo de la Rosa, Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
(Train station chapel)



Puente de Alcántara, River Tagus, Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
Built in the 3rd century by the Romans

Ruinas del Convento de Dominicos de San Pablo del Granadal, Avenida de Castilla-La Mancha, Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

Nuevo Puente de Alcántara, River Tagus, Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

Alcázar de Toledo, Calle de la Union, Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
Alcázar is a stone fortress located in the upper part of Toledo, Spain. Formerly used as a Roman palace in the 13th century, it was restored under Charles I and his son Philip II of Spain in the 1640s. Now it is a wonderful military-historical museum.

Old Riverside Buildings, River Tagus, Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

City View, Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain


City & River Tagus, Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

Parque de La Vega, Calle de Alfonso VI, Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

Puerta de Bisagra, Calle Real del Arrabal, Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
Constructed in the 10th century, in the time of the Moorish Taifa of Toledo in Islamic Al-Andalus. It is also called ‘Bisagra Antigua’ to distinguish it from the Puerta de Bisagra Nueva which was built in 1559. The gate was the main entrance to the city and dates from the Moorish period.

Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Calle Real, Nambroca, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain


Ermita del Cristo de las Aguas, Calle Cristo, Nambroca, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

Calle del General Fernández Medrano, Mora, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

Hostal Restaurante Asiático Agripino, Plaza Madrid, Mora, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
A Chinese restaurant in Spain

Ayuntamiento de Mora, Plaza Constitución, Mora, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
The town hall


Bell Tower, Parroquia de Santa María de Altagracia, Plaza Constitución, Mora, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

Street Lamp, Calle Leandro Nvarro, More, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

Tiled Mosaic Crest, Plaza de Communeros, Mora, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

Spanish Civil War Memorial, Parroquia de Santa María de Altagracia, Plaza Castilla-La Mancha, Mora, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

Church Doorway, Parroquia de Santa María de Altagracia, Plaza Castilla-La Mancha, Mora, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

Window, Ayuntamiento de Mora, Plaza Constitución, Mora, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

Entrance, Ayuntamiento de Mora, Plaza Constitución, Mora, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

Glorieta de Eusebio Méndez, Calle General Fernández Medrano. Mora, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

Avenue, Glorieta de Eusebio Méndez, Calle General Fernández Medrano. Mora, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

SPAIN 2023 – IX

After Zaragoza we headed to Madrid but the place was an absolure nightmare so we proceeded to Toledo instead.


Autovia Mudéjar Viaduct, Carretera de Alicante a Francia por Zaragoza, Paniza, Aragón, Spain


Abandoned House, Carretera de Alicante a Francia por Zaragoza, Villarreal De Huerva, Aragón, Spain


Puerta Baja (Low Gate), Paseo de la Constitución, Daroca, Aragón, Spain

The Puerta Baja is one of the most imposing monumental entrances in the entire country. Great in the entire extension of the term, it has huge towers flanking a vast arch of unequaled width and that makes sense to give way to the waters of storms that periodically hover over the city.

The Gate was originally, perhaps in the 13th century, a simple arch defended by a tower. In the fourteenth century the entrance was modified, raising a simple tower with pointed openings (it is the inner half of the tower on the left seen from inside the enclosure).
In the XV century, around 1451, the two towers that flank the arch were erected; in a case, the left tower, adding a body to the existing one, in the one in the tower on the right, always seen from the inside, building it on a new floor; the two towers were crowned with staggered merlons. At this time the central body of the door was modified, opening a gallery of arches. Already in the 16th century the access arch was lowered and the imperial shield of Carlos V was placed

It was rehabilitated between 1987 and 1988 by the Daroca Workshop School to locate the Darocenses Studies Center.


Fuente de los Veinte Caños, Paseo de la Constitución, Daroca, Aragón, Spain

Built in 1638 to enhance the town gate.


Planter, Puerta Baja (Low Gate), Calle Mayor, Daroca, Aragón, Spain


Childrens Park, Paseo de la Constitución, Daroca, Aragón, Spain


Calle Arrabal, Paseo de la Constitución, Daroca, Aragón, Spain


Calle Mayor, Daroca, Aragón, Spain



Castillo de Embid
, Embid, Guadalajara, Castilla – La Mancha, Spain

c.1340


Castillo de Molina de Aragón, Molina de Aragón, Guadalajara, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

The castle was inhabited uninterruptedly from the 12th century to the mid-19th century.It originated as a Moorish fortress (10th-11th century), built over a pre-existing Celtiberian castle. The fortress was used as residence of the lords of the taifa of Molina. El Cid resided here when he was exiled from Castile. In 1129 it was conquered from the Moors by Alfonso I of Aragon.


Bell Tower, Calle de San Felipe, Molina de Aragón, Guadalajara, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain


Rocky Outcrop, Ventorro del Chato, Taravilla, Guadalajara, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain


Parque de La Vega, Calle Cardenal Tavera, Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

The park dates to medieval times and has always been used for all kinds of social events, including mass prayers.


Casa de Corcho, Parque de la Vega, Calle del Cardenal Tavera, Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

The traditional rersidence and warehouse for the park guardian. Built in late 19th century.


Monument to Al Maestro Guerrero, Parque de la Vega, Calle de Alfonso VI, Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

A musician and composer


River Tagus, Puente de Azarquiel, Avenida de Rio Guadiana, Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

The longest river on the Iberian Peninsula at over 1000 km


Puerta de Bisagra, Calle Real del Arrabal, Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

Constructed in the 10th century, in the time of the Moorish Taifa of Toledo in Islamic Al-Andalus. It is also called ‘Bisagra Antigua’ to distinguish it from the Puerta de Bisagra Nueva which was built in 1559. The gate was the main entrance to the city and dates from the Moorish period.


Old City Walls, Calle de Alfonso VI, Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain


Parroquia de Santiago del Arrabal, Calle Real del Arrabal, Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

aka; Parroquia de Santiago el Mayor

Santiago del Arrabal is a church in Toledo, Spain, built in 1245–48, at the orders of Sancho II, on the site of an earlier building, possibly a mosque.Many characteristics of Islamic architecture, such as the horseshoe arch, have remained in the present building which is built in the Mudéjar style.


 

Tower on Old City Wall, Calle de la Carrera, Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain


Puerta del Sol, Calle Carretas, Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

Built in the late 14th century by the Knights Hospitaller.


Diputación Provincial de Toledo, Subida de la Granja, Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

Diputación Provincial de Toledo – Provincial Council of Toledo


Church Doorway, Ermita de la Virgen de la Estrella, Calle Real del Arrabal, Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain


SPAIN 2023 – VIII

We leave Barcelona and drive to Zaragoza, the capital of Spain’s Aragon Region.


Las Arenas, Plaça Espanya, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

It opened on June 29, 1900, and its last bullfight was held on June 19, 1977. The building was reopened in 2011 as a shopping mall named Arenas de Barcelona.


Cervera, Lleida, Catalonia, SpainConvent Església de Sant Francesc, Raval Sant Francesc d’Asís, Cervera, Lleida, Catalonia, Spain

The first news of the convent dates from 1235, but the works begin in 1245, taking advantage of a donation of land by King James I. The royal donations followed during the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, from the reign of Alfonso the Liberal to the of Peter the Ceremony. In the late 15th century, after the destruction of the convent due to the. civil war de Joan II was asked for help from Pope Alexander XVI, the Roderic Valencian of Borja. The pope attended to the request for help and of this was the master builder Joan Smurfet.  With the confiscation of 1835, the convent passed into private hands and became a cotton factory and later a farm.


Rental Car, VW T-Roc, Avinguda de Tàrrega, Cervera, Lleida, Catalonia, Spain


Iglesia de Santo Tomás de Aquino, Avenida de César Augusto, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain

c.1736


Mercado Central (Central Market), Avenida de César Augusto, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain


Monumento a César Augusto, Avenida de César Augusto, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain

This sculpture was a gift to the city by Benito Mussolini


Historical Roman Ruins, Avenida de César Augusto, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain


“Puente de Santiago”, River Ebro, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain

Santiago Bridge


Torre de San Francisco de Borja, Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar, Paseo de Echegaray y Caballero, Zaragoza, Aragon, SpainDoorways, Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar, Paseo de Echegaray y Caballero, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain

Domes, Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar, Paseo de Echegaray y Caballero, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain

Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar, Paseo de Echegaray y Caballero, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain

Construction of the basilica was begun in 1680


Puente de Piedra (Stone Bridge) River Ebro, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain“Cutwaters”, Puente de Piedra (Stone Bridge) River Ebro, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain

Pillars of Lions, Puente de Piedra, Paseo de Echegaray y Caballero, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain

Also known as “The Bridge of Lions” since 1991 when four lions were placed on the pillars at each end of the bridge.

Cross in memory of Basilio Boggiero, Santiago de Sas and the Baron de Warsage, Puente de Piedra, River Ebro, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain

Cross in Memory of those Killed during the War of Independence –  erected in 1908 on the centenary. Also known as Cruiz Basilio – Basil’s Cross

Walkway, Puente de Piedra (Stone Bridge) River Ebro, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain


Puente de Nuestra Señora del Pilar (Puente de Hierro), River Ebro, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain

Puente de Hierro – Iron Bridge
Puente de Nuestra Señora del Pilar – Bridge of Our Lady of the Pillar


Street Lamp & Sign, Calle de Florencio Jardiel, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain


Torreon de la Zuda, Avenida de César Augusto, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain

Formerly part of the ancient palace of The Zuda, a Muslim fortress.


Iglesia de San Juan de Panetas, Plaza de César Augusto, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain

Completed in 1725


Doorway of Palacio de los Sora, Calle Salduba, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain

This was transferred stone by stone from the demolition of the Sora house, which was located in the area where Calle de San Vicente de Paúl was opened.


Mural, Plaza del Pilar, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain


Tower, Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar, Paseo de Echegaray y Caballero, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain


Closed Shades, La Imperial, Plaza de César Augusto, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain


Policia Nacional, Calle Salduba, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain


Street Lamps & Signs, Cnr Calle de la Manifestación & Avenida de César Augusto, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain


Plaza de César Augusto, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain


Streets at Night, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain


Signs, Gallagher Irish Tavern, Calle de las Murallas Romanas, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain


Towers, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain


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, SpainCloister, Old Hospital de la Santa Creu, Carrer de l’Hospital, Barcelona, SpainStatue, Old Hospital de la Santa Creu, Carrer de l’Hospital, Barcelona, SpainStatue, 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, SpainLuxury 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, SpainView 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, SpainNaval 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, SpainStreet Busker, Plaça de George Orwell, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain


Wine With Dinner, Restaurant Palosanto, Plaça de George Orwell, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain


Spain 2023 – Barcelona III

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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