David Brydon

Barcelona UNESCO World Heritage sites 9 masterpieces to marvel. Part 2



Posted: Sunday, July 20, 2008

by
BCN Rentals

As of 2005, Barcelona boasts nine world heritage sights. Here is part 2 of the details.

Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau (Hospital of the holy cross and Saint Paul) has a cunning location, diagonally north west of Sagrada Familia cathedral along Avenida Gaudi (Gaudi Avenue), and has to be one of the most striking hospital entrances ever made. This brickwork alone makes the building seem overpowering yet welcoming, and the ever-present tile work changes at every hour of the day you happen to pass. This is just a short walk from Sagrada Familia, and well worth the look joining two beautiful buildings.

The only sight located slightly outside of Barcelona (in Santa Coloma de Cervello) is the Colonia Guell. The aforementioned Textile merchant Count Guell also confided in Gaudi to construct his out of town mansion as far back as 1890. The results are breathtaking, and although it may not be worth the trip out to visit in a short stay in Barcelona , images and prints can be seen inside La Pedrera's attic museum.

Just a short walk from La Pedrera, is Casa Batllo and is said to pay homage to the patron saint of Catalunya, Saint George. The facade of the building has bone-like window frames and the rooftop is tiled to resemble the scales of a dragon's back that same dragon Saint George killed. The building is open for visitors, and is also used as an exhibition space on the first floor.

North east from here, a short walk takes you into the neighbourhood of Gracia with the fabulous "Casa Vicens". By now, you will be able to instantly recognise the Gaudi touch, and the wrought iron gates will make a big impression. Although you cannot visit this building, the location is such that it's easily accessible and another notch on your Gaudi belt.

Last, but by no means least, is the only non-Gaudi building to be featured in UNESCO's list. The famous Lluis Domenech i Muntaner (creator of more than one eye-opener in Barcelona ) has the "Palau de la Musica Catalana" admitted into the books. This wonderful concert hall has been criticized in the past for the acoustics by musicians but never fails to impress the visitors, located in the Borne neighbourhood of Barcelona . Guided tours (who are endless in their wisdom) will take you around the fascinating interior with the most striking experience being the illumination taken from the centrepiece of the ceiling in stained glass in the main hall. If you're lucky enough to visit the city whilst a concert is playing here forget the critics and go!

David writes about Barcelona apartments for groups and Cheap barcelona apartments.
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