Category Archives: Emblematic buildings

Casa Mila – La Pedrera: A Gaudí designed building in Paseo de Gracia (Barcelona)

December 24, 2013Barcelona, Emblematic buildingsJorge

Casa Mila (popularly known as La Pedrera) is a unique modernist building located at Paseo de Gracia (Passeig de Gràcia) number 92, Barcelona.

The building was designed by architect Antoni Gaudí and built between 1906 and 1912. Then, in 1984, Casa Mila was declared a World Heritage (UNESCO).

The Mila Family

When in the second part of the nineteenth century El Ensanche disctrict was built in Barcelona, Paseo de Gracia avenue became one of the main streets of the city. Many bourgeois families wanted to live in this area. One of them was the Mila Family that ordered Gaudí to design Casa Mila, whose first floor had to be a place to live , and the rest of them flats to rent to other families.

During its construction and some years later, the building was involved in some controversy. On one hand, its curved and unprecedented design generated discrepancies among the popular opinion about it appearance. On the other hand, also in the construction there were some administrative problems, which were finally solved.

The design of the building

Casa Mila is a modernist building, which has 1835 m², six levels and two courtyards. Its singular facade and balconies are famous for its curvilinear shape, never seen before in that age.

It is said that Gaudi was a highly chaotic, observant and religious person, so its designs reflect his desires of perfection and a fusion with the nature world.
Nowadays, Casa Mila is one of the most visited monuments in Barcelona. Furthermore, it has been declared a World Heritage Site.

Visiting Casa Mila – La Pedrera

La Pedrera is open to visitors almost every day from 9.00 to 18.00 in winter and from 9.00 to 20.00 in summer. To buy the tickets can cost between 10 and 16€.

To arrive at Casa Mila, take the Metro Lines 3 or 5 (Diagonal metro station).

More monuments designed by Antoni Gaudí

– Church of the Holy Family (La Sagrada Familia): It is a must for tourists that arrive in the Condal City see its outstanding architecture, design and sculptures.

– The Güell Park: People who visit the beautiful Güell Park can enjoy strolling in its area, sitting down on its decorated benches or admiring its fantastic architecture and the perfection the artwork.

More popular places to visit in Barcelona

– Las Ramblas Avenue: Las Ramblas goes from Catalonia Square to the seaport, and it has a lot of cafes, terraces, pubs and discotheques. In the end of the street, there is the Cristobal Colon statue, one of the icons of Barcelona.

– Columbus Monument (Monumento a Colón): One of the most famous statues of Barcelona city. It was built in 1888 for a Universal Exposition and it represents a statue of Christopher Columbus (Cristobal Colon) above a pillar, pointing with his right hand to the sea.

– La Barceloneta beach: In summer, you can sunbathe or swim in the beach of La Barceloneta, which is 5 minutes walking from Las Ramblas – Columbus Statue.

Museo Guggenheim / The Guggenheim Museum (Bilbao)

December 17, 2013Bilbao, Emblematic buildingsJorge

The Guggenheim Museum (Museo Guggenheim) is a contemporary art center placed in Bilbao, in the Basque Country. The museum was inaugurated in 1997 and since then, it has become one of the most popular museums of Spain and Europe because its original and transgressive design.

The building

This museum has many characteristics that makes it unique: Its structure, designed by the architect Frank Gehry has a curved surface covered in titanium. What’s more, its situation, close to the river bank, creates a wonderful game of highlights when the sun reflects its rays in the titanium and then they are reflected in the water.

The surroundings of the museum

The Guggenheim Museum is located in the estuary bank of the Nervion River, at Bilbao city center. Around it, you will find some famous sculptures, a tourism center and green zones. Moreover, there are other relevant buildings of Bilbao near the museum: The University of Deusto, Doña Casilda Park, The Princes Bridge, Iberdrola Skyscraper and more.

To arrive at Guggenheim, you can go on foot from the train station (10 minutes) or from the bus station (6 minutes). You can also go by tram.

Another option to arrive at the museum is to go from the train station in the historic centre of Bilbao, bordering the river until arrive at the museum. Surely, doing this you will take the nicest photos of Bilbao.

More places to visit in Bilbao

– The Old Town of Bilbao: This is a zone of ancient buildings, narrow streets and squares in the centre of Bilbao. This zone is popular among citizens and tourists because its gastronomy, atmosphere and for its churches and traditional buildings.

– Getxo (Guecho): Getxo is a town of 80.000 inhabitants located 30 minutes away from Bilbao city. The situation of the town in the Nervion river mouth, its beaches, its maritime port and its landscape, have become it one of the most touristic places of the region in the last century.

Other popular museums in Spain

– Reina Sofía Art Center (Madrid): This art gallery forms part of the “Madrid’s triangle”, next to Prado Museum and Museum of Thyseen-Bornemisza. These three art galleries are must-see places in Madrid. Each of them is full of masterpieces of art. This museum is dedicated to the modern art, mostly of the 20th century.

Read also our article about the best destinations to visit in Spain.

The Mudejar Towers of Teruel / Torres Mudéjares de Teruel

December 17, 2013Emblematic buildings, Terueljulia

Situated in the south of Aragón region, Teruel (35.000 inhabitants) is an ideal city to live and enjoy its interesting museums, unique architecture, traditional festivals, delicious gastronomy, among other things. Therefore, Teruel attracts visitors from all over the world in order to see its beautiful Mudéjar Towers of Santa Maria, San Pedro, Salvador and San Martín , which were declared World of Heritage sites in 1986 by UNESCO.

One option to know Teruel’s Mudéjar towers is to take a stroll around its streets , above all, distances are very short and are counted in minutes from Torico square to the Mudéjar towers.

San Pedro Tower

The San Pedro Tower was built in 1238 and is the most old Mudéjar building of Teruel city, its construction with rajolas (bricks) and green and manganese colour (dark purple) glazed ceramic tiles is very similar to Santa María Tower in the shape and decoration of its facades. Do not forget to go up to the tower from where one can see a scenic view of the city and surroundings.

Tourists should not leave this place without seeing the stunning San Pedro church which was built in 1319 and admiring the famous mausoleum of The Lovers of Teruel, all of them are worth a visit.

Tower of the Cathedral of Santa María

The Mudéjar Tower of Santa María de Mediavilla Cathedral was constructed between 1257 and 1258 with rajolas (bricks) of green and manganese colours (dark purple) glazed ceramic tiles in the decoration of its facades. Moreover, the Cathedral an interesting 13th century building is worth visiting. In fact, its wooden techumbre (roof / ceiling ) has unique Mudéjar paintings. Being the most beautiful Mudéjar wooden techumbre ( ceiling /roof ) in Spain.

These paintings were also declared a World Heritage site in 1986 by UNESCO, dating in the 13th century.

San Martín and Salvador Towers

The San Martin Tower was built between 1315 and 1316 in Mudéjar style, being very similar to tower’s Salvador in its construction and decoration with rajolas (bricks ) and green and white glazed ceramic tiles in its facades. Actually, it is one of the most beautiful tower of the Mudéjar aragones art.

The Mudéjar Salvador tower, which is said that is the twins of San Martin Tower, was constructed in the 14th century with rajolas (bricks) and green and white glazed ceramic tiles in its fine decoration.

In addition, if visitors watch one tower when the rays of sun cover its facades, they can understand why the tower seems as if it is moving while the bright sunlight changes the colourway and the shadows of its decoration. It is said that the towers Mudéjares should be stared in different days to be able to enjoy its artwork.

Teruel is between Zaragoza ( 173 km.), Valencia( 140 km. ), Madrid (300 km. ) and Barcelona (409 km.). Teruel has about 36000 inhabitants. It takes about one day to visit this city on foot.

More places to visit near Teruel

– Plaza del Torico: The Torico square is the most famous landmark of Teruel. The city is not only popular with the tourists because its restaurants and surroundings but also its festivals, its typical porches, the beautiful buildings, its architecture, its museums, its gastronomy and so on.

– Aragón: Read here more about this region, placed in the north-east of the Iberian Peninsula and in the south of France.

The Debod Temple (Madrid)

December 16, 2013Emblematic buildings, MadridJorge

The Debod Temple (Templo de Debod) is an old Egyptian temple which nowadays is located in Parque del Oeste of Madrid. Although the temple was once in Egypt, it was disassembled in 1960 and translated to Spain ten years later to avoid its inundation because of the construction of a dam in Egypt.

To arrive at Debod Temple, take the metro Line 3 to Plaza España. The temple is four minutes on foot from Plaza España.

The history of the temple

The origins of the temple date from 2200 years ago when in the second century Before Christ, Pharaoh Ptolemy IV built it. Its original location was in the old Debod Town in the bank of the Nile River, in the south of Egypt. The temple was dedicated to the goddess Isis and also to Amun.

In 1961 Egypt started the construction of the Aswam Dam, so many temples placed in the area that would be affected by the flooding were disassembled and transported to other new locations. Then, four temples were translated to other countries which collaborated with its preservation: Dendur to United States, Ellesiya to Italy, Taffa to Holland and Debod to Spain.

Visiting the temple

People can visit the temple every day for free. Its doors are open from 10:00 to 14:00, and from 16:00 to 18:00.

The building has two levels. On the first level there are Egyptian statues and paintings which gives us a vision of how was the temple in the ancient times. Moreover, on the second floor there is a small museum with information about the original location of the temple and its history.

The park and the view point

The Debod Temple is placed in a strategic zone of the park. Just behind the temple there is a balcony from which it can be seen a nice panoramic of the north-west of Madrid. Also, from there you can take photos of the Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral. This view point is very popular because its views at sunset. For that, this part of the park is one of the most romantic sites of Madrid.

Another interesting thing to do in Parque del Oeste is to go to the cable-way (Teleférico de Rosales). You can use it to go to another view point placed in Casa de Campo, from which you will see the whole city.

More popular places in Madrid, located near Debot Temple

– The Royal Palace: Nowadays, the Royal Palace is the official residence of the king of Spain Juan Carlos I, who uses it for important events because the King lives in a small palace called The Zarzuela. The palace was built between 1738 and 1755, and the king Felipe V (1683-1746) ordered its construction.

– Jardines de oriente (Oriente Gardens): A square with a beautiful gardens and two rows of statues on this sides. They are placed beside Palacio Real.

– Jardines de Sabatini (Sabatini Gardens): These gardens are placed by Real Palace, and also close to El Senado building.

– Catedral de La Almudena (Almudena’s Cathedral): This is the main cathedral of Madrid. It is placed in front of Palacio Real.

– Plaza de España: There you can find the first skyscrapers built in Spain, and a beautiful fountain in the middle of the square with a statue of Don Quijote and Sancho Panza.

– Gran via Avenue: Gran Via is one of the most famous streets of Spanish capital. It is situated in the center of Madrid and was built 100 years ago. The idea of the street was to join and improve the communication between the districts of the capital city.

Read also our post about What to see in Madrid in one week.

El Escorial / The Royal Monastery of El Escorial (Madrid)

December 9, 2013Emblematic buildings, MadridJorge

The Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo del Escorial (popularly known as El Escorial Palace) is an impressive building located in the surroundings of Madrid where the kings of Spain used to live. The palace was built in the 16th century, and currently it has a museum, a monastery, a crypt, a basilic, a library and gardens.

El Escorial is placed in a town called the same name, and every week hundreds of people visit it. To arrive there, you can go by car or by train (Cercanías, Line C3). It is about 40 minutes by train from the center of Madrid.

El Escorial: The building

King Felipe II started the construction of The Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo del Escorial in 1563. The objective of the palace was to build a place where Felipe II could bury the corpse of his father, Carlos V and his family. Since this moment, the royal family of Spain have been buried there.

Talking about the monastery, Felipe II wanted the building and the mausoleum were managed and kept by monks, so he gave the monastery to the Jeronimos Order that lived there for three centuries. Later, from 1885 to now, the Agustinian order is the designated to keep the monastery.

What to visit in El Escorial

The visitors can see the inside of El Escorial by paying a ticket which costs between 5 and 10 euros. The ticket includes a route where you can visit a museum, some rooms of the palace, the Kings’ Pantheon, some parts of the monastery, the basilica and the library. To see all of this can take between 2 and 4 hours.

Photo: Model of El Escorial.

The Museum

In the museum there are expositions of hangings and paintings of the period of the kings.

Furthermore, there is an architecture exposition in where the people can discover how El Escorial was built. There are models of the building, construction tools and planes which were used during the construction in the 16th century.

The Palace and the Pantheon

During the visit, you will also visit the palace. In there are shown the rooms were the kings lived many centuries ago.

After that, in the Royal Pantheon there are placed the tombs of the Kings of Spain and their relatives.

The basilica: San Lorenzo el Real

Finally, the basilica of San Lorenzo el Real is located in the center of the building. It has a Gothic architecture and nowadays, it is still used for the wedding celebrations of all the people who want to marry in there.

The town of El Escorial and “La casita del Principe” gardens

Once finished the visit to El Escorial, you can take a rest and dinner in the town.

Also, we recomend to visit “La casita del principe” (The prince little house) a park placed near the Monastery which includes a garden and a house where it is said that, long time ago, the princes used to go to rest and to stay in the free time.

More Royal Palaces to visit near Madrid

– The Royal Palace (Madrid): Nowadays, the Royal Palace is the official residence of the king of Spain Juan Carlos I, who uses it for important events because the King lives in a small palace called The Zarzuela. The palace was built between 1738 and 1755, and the king Felipe V (1683-1746) ordered its construction.

– Granja de San Ildefonso: The Royal Palace of San Ildefonso (popularly known as La Granja de San Ildefonso) is a magnificent palace located in San Ildefonso, a small town of Segovia. This palace is famous for its wide gardens with fountains and statues, which are visited by many tourists both in summer and winter.

La Torre del Oro / The Gold Tower (Seville)

December 1, 2013Emblematic buildings, Seville / SevillaJorge

The Gold Tower (La Torre del Oro) of Seville is a unique tower located beside the Guadalquivir River. The tower measures 36 metres on height and can be seen from San Telmo Bridge. The first part of its structure was constructed in the 13th century when the Muslims lived in Andalusia, one century later it was improved and finished by Pedro I.

There are many suppositions about the name of the tower: On one hand some rumors say that the tower was used by the governors of the 14th century for storing the treasures (mostly gold) which came from America. On the other hand, other experts say that its name became from the color of its surface, that it reflected from the water of the river.

The Gold tower is in the centre of the Seville, close to the Cathedral, the Royal Alcazar the Bullfighting Ring of La Maestranza and near Maria Luisa Park, where is the most popular square of Seville: Plaza de España.

More buildings and monuments to visit in Seville

– Plaza de España: Plaza de España is located in the middle of Maria Luisa Park, in the city center. The square has a fountain in the middle, rounded for a small lake and a building behind it that gives a traditional style to all the place.

– Santa Maria Cathedral and La Giralda: Situated in the heart of Seville, near Guadaquivil river, the Gothic Santa María Cathedral in Seville is the largest Cathedral in Spain, and the largest Gothic Christian Cathedral in the world. In fact, the imposing Cathedral measures 116 metres in length and 76 metres in width, being together with the Zaragoza and the Toledo Cathedrals the three unique Gothic Cathedrals with five naves in Spain.

– Plaza Nueva: There is the Seville’s Town hall.

– Plaza de toros de la Maestranza.

– Archeological Museum and Arts Museum of Seville: Both of them are placed on Maria Luisa Park.

– Canal de Alfonso XIII: This watercourse passes just alongside Maria Luisa Park.

– Metropol Parasol: Metropol Parasol is the official name of this construction placed in Plaza de la Encarnación, near the city centre of Sevilla. Popularly, the structure is known as “Setas de la Encarnación” because of its similarity to a big-scale mushrooms.

What to see in Santiago de Compostela / Ciudad Vieja de Santiago de Compostela

November 28, 2013Emblematic buildings, Santiago de Compostela, Tours and Guidesjulia

Santiago de Compostela is the Capital of Galicia region and is well known all over of the world as a lively city. Santiago it is not only popular with the tourist because its cafes and surroundings but also its architecture, museums, gastronomy, and of course El Camino de Santiago (The Way of S. James). Visitors interested in culture should not miss out the Ciudad de la Cultura de Galicia.

The Old City of Santiago de Compostela is a monumental and well preserved medieval city and its ancient buildings were constructed around the tomb of Apostle Santiago. In fact, in 818 Alfonso II king of Asturias, known as the Casto ( 760-842), ordered to build a church in the same site where the hermit Pelayo had found the tomb of the Apostle in 814. Although the city was destroyed by Almanzor in 997 it was rebuilt in the 11th and 12 th centuries. Moreover in the following centuries emblematic buildings were constructed in this city which was declared a World of Heritage site in 1985.

Santiago de Compostela is situated in the north-west of Spain and has about 96.000 inhabitants. It takes about two days to visit Santiago of Compostela city. You can arrive in Santiago by car, by bus, by train, by air, and of course, on foot because the most people make a pilgrimage to the Way of Saint James.

Route: The Old City of Santiago de Compostela

Actually there are so many interesting buildings in this baroque city that the best option is to stroll along its pedestrian streets and squares admiring its architecture, such as Obradoiro Square which is the most famous site of the city, here tourists can see: the Cathedral, the Hostal de los Reyes Católicos, Colegio de San Xerone and Palacio de Raxio all them worth a visit. Surrounding the Cathedral visitors will find other three squares and several streets all are must-see places.

Bordering the Cathedral visitors will find other three squares: The Inmaculada Square with the Monastery of San Martiño Pinario in baroque style. The north facade of the Cathedral features baroque and neoclassical elements, it is a perfect place to take a rest. The Quintana Square with the Monastery de San Paio of Antealtares, the Cathedral’s Clock Tower which has one of the most big bell in the world that can be heard from 20 kilometres around, and the baroque Holy Door facade in the east of the Cathedral. Finally, Platerias Square is bordering the Clock Tower. In the Romanesque south facade of the Cathedral, it’s located La Casa del Dean (the Pilgrims Office), and in the middle of the square is the Fountain of the Horses.

Following the walk through its medieval streets and squares visitors will enjoy baroque, romanesque, renaissance and neoclassical buildings in Rua do Vilar, Rua Nova, Rua Tras Salome and Rua Franco which is well known by its traditional restaurants, taverns and bars where people can have a drink or try their traditional tapas. Before going to Cathedral visitors should visit Colegio de Fonseca where they can stare a breathtaking cloister. By the way, most tourists will like to experience the pilgrim mass and watch the botafumerio in action, so they should know that it is at 12 midday in the Cathedral.

It takes 3 hours to visit the old city on foot, however, if people want to attend the pilgrim pass it will take about 5 hours.

Tourists will enjoy the city more if they have free time to take a rest or have a drink and eat some tapas in the taverns and bars before entering the Cathedral.

What to visit in Santiago de Compostela

– The Cathedral of Santiago of Compostela is the largest Romanesque church in Spain it was constructed between 11th and 18th centuries, (in Romanesque, Gothic, renaissance and baroque style) its great beauty, design, splendor let us imagine its history. Therefore, a must for people who arrive in Santiago is the Cathedral and its spectacular facades: the Obradorio in the west and Holy Door in the east are baroque style , the Platerias in the south is Romanesque style, and Inmaculada in the north is neoclassical style, to add the four squares around the cathedral which have interesting buildings.The inside of the Cathedral is spectacular and although you have heard a lot of tourists talk about the outstanding Cathedral until you see it yourself it is impossible to imagine.

Do not leave the Cathedral without seeing its museum, cripta (crypt) and claustro (cloister). If you have free time do not miss out going up the rooftops of Cathedral you will like the breathtaking view of the city and surroundings. By the way, if you want to attend the pilgrim mass it is at 12 midday. Do not forget it is the destination The Way of S. James’ pilgrims.

– Mercados de Abastos (Food Market): is the most visited market in Santiago by citizens and tourists who can buy the best fresh seafood and market’s bar will cook it while shoppers look around and wait for their lunch. In a friendly way tourist will enjoy the traditional market where people can taste the delicious fruit, fish, cheese, honey wine and so on. It is placed in the Old City.

– The Alameda Park, which is near the old city, has a lot of facilities for tourists, citizens and children, being an ideal place for all family with its drinking fountains, picnic area , benches for resting is the most visited park in Santiago for the walks and leisure, Moreover this park has the best points to taking beautiful photographs of the cathedral above all at sunset.

– Way of St James. Pilgrimage routes: Most visitors to Santiago are here to experience the Way of S. James. Because it is the final destination of the pilgrims. It was declared a World Heritage site in 1993 by UNESCO

Read also our post with the best cities and monuments to visit in Spain.

Granja de San Ildefonso: A Royal Palace with gardens and fountains (Segovia)

November 22, 2013Emblematic buildings, SegoviaJorge

The Royal Palace of San Ildefonso (popularly known as La Granja de San Ildefonso) is a magnificent palace located in San Ildefonso, a small town of Segovia. This palace is famous for its wide gardens with fountains and statues, which are visited by many tourists both in summer and winter.

San Ildefonso is 90km away from Madrid. To arrive there you can go from Madrid by car (1 hour trip aprox.) or from Segovia, which is really close to the palace.

The Royal Palace of San Ildefonso

The Royal Palace of San Ildefonso is a group of buildings that includes the palace, a church, a square and some other buildings. It is surrounded by the town at the entrance of the palace and, behind it, it is placed the gardens with its fountains and statues.

Talking about its history, the palace was rebuilt in 1700 by Carlos II, after several fires. Some years later, in 1724, Felipe V lived there twenty years of his life and improved a lot the gardens and fountains, which currently are the most famous part of San Ildefonso.

Visiting the interior of the palace can cost between 4 and 9€. However, to visit the gardens and its fountains is free. (Many people go there only to see the gardens).

The gardens

The gardens of San Ildefonso have an XVIII style and were designed by René Carlier. They consist on a combination of forest areas with paths, statues and fountains inside them.

To visit the gardens is free, and it is a perfect place to stay one day resting, taking photons and enjoying the nature.

The fountains

Inside the gardens, the most popular elements are the fountains. They are placed all in the gardens and some of them have marble statues of gods as Apollo and Neptune. Also, you will find some waterfalls, bridges and many more.

In total, there are eleven fountains: Carrera de caballos (Horse race) , La cascada (The cascade), El canastillo (The basket), Las ocho calles (The eight streets), Las ranas (the frogs), Los baños de Diana (Diana baths), La Fama (The fame), La selva (The forest), Los dragones (The dragons) and Las Tazas (The cups).

San Ildefonso: The town

San Ildefonso Town is by the entrance of the palace. Although is a small town, is the perfect place to park your car, to rest, to take a coffee and eat the traditional food of Segovia in its restaurants.

Touristic map of El sitio de San Ildefonso: Royal Palace, gardens and fountains

Here you have a map of the palace and the gardens with its fountains and statues.

More cities to visit near San Ildefonso

– Segovia: With its impressive roman aqueduct and its Alcazar, Segovia is a must for tourists who are visiting the central region of Spain.

– Madrid: The capital of the country is always plenty of cultural and leisure activity.

– Salamanca: Salamanca has the most ancient university of Spain. Also, visiting its historic centre is like to stay in the medieval age, surrounded of elegant stone-made buildings, churches, squares and monuments. Salamanca is surely one of the best maintained traditional cities of the country.

– Toledo: Toledo is an historical city with a lot of ancient buildings and monuments which make a medieval atmosphere for everyone who want to visit it.

– The best cities to visit in Spain: Read here our list with the best destinations of Spain.