22 June 2006

Eixample

Back on the Gaudi (and assorted other Modernista architects) trail, this time in the upper class suburb of Eixample - pronounced 'aye-sharmplah'.

1. Casa Batllo: Gaudi's sea-metaphor, a building with undulating walls and ceilings, aqaumarine tiles and fish-like forms. Captain Nemo would have been at home here.

2. Casa Lleo Morera: Modernista building by Lluis Domenech.

3. Casa Amatiler: art nouveau decorative features and colourful tiles, by Josep Puig i Cadafalch.

4. Fundacio Antoni Tapies: Modernista building housing the work of Spanish artist Tapies.

5. La Pedrera: another Gaudi Flintstone's extravaganza, this time a large apartment complex. More parabolic walls, and a roof full of crazy chimneys.

6. Palau del Baro Quadras: a floral facade and neo-Gothic sculptures, by Puigi i Cadafalch.

7. Casa de les Punxes: Cadafalch again, this time in the shape of a fairy-tale castle with pointed turrets.

Had a great lunch at de Tapa Madre, except their machine had issues with my Visa card and we couldn't quite cover the bill. Shame, as we had wanted to leave a decent tip for our excellent waitress.

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