The hill of El Carmel offers fantastic views over the city.
Guell Park
Another Gaudi inspired masterpiece in Barcelona. Situated in the Gracia district, a few minutes walk from the Lesseps metro stop, where you climb the hill. A seriously steep hill. Thankfully they have installed escalators on the pavement up to the park entrance.
The hill of El Carmel offers fantastic views over the city.
The hill of El Carmel offers fantastic views over the city.
Gaudi in the city
A few of Gaudi's works in the city centre. Mad man or Genius?
Lamps designed in his early years.
Guell Palace.
Just off the Rambla in the notorius Ravel district.
Lamps designed in his early years.
Guell Palace.
Just off the Rambla in the notorius Ravel district.
What Papa didn't see part 2
Even if he was shamed into paying the entrance fee, there would be no chance of him coughing up more money to go up one of the towers. Look what you would have seen!
What Papa didn't see
He may have been dragged kicking and screaming to the Sagrada Familia, but there was no way that he was going to part with cash to visit the inside of a "bleedin church". So Papa, this is what you missed.
La Sagrada Familia
A Gaudi masterpiece that is a "must see" in Barcelona. Or a "poxy church that isn't even finished yet", as described by Papa. But if you are "dragged across half of Barcelona" to see it, you won't be dissapointed. Unless you are like my dad.
Barcelona Modernisme Route
A walk that discovers the architectual jewels of Barcelona. The capital of Art Nouveau. Simply follow the red tiles on the pavements and enjoy.
Hidroelectrica building by Pere Falqués.
Arc de Triomf.
Castell dels tres Dragons.
Street Art in Barcelona.
Coffee at El Paraigua.
Hidroelectrica building by Pere Falqués.
Arc de Triomf.
Castell dels tres Dragons.
Street Art in Barcelona.
Coffee at El Paraigua.
Bits and Pisa
A few more pictures from out trip to Pisa.
Student Protests.
Students protest a little differently in Italy. Not a broken window in sight. No flare-ups with the police. It was a tame affair. But afterwards they would go to a bar for a few beers? A cheap bar being students. Might be worth following. But not Italian students. After the demo they settled down at the cafe bar for coffee. WTF!
The River Arno.
Tuttomundo by Keith Haring.
Santa Maria della Spina.
It's not only the tower that leans in Pisa.
Student Protests.
Students protest a little differently in Italy. Not a broken window in sight. No flare-ups with the police. It was a tame affair. But afterwards they would go to a bar for a few beers? A cheap bar being students. Might be worth following. But not Italian students. After the demo they settled down at the cafe bar for coffee. WTF!
The River Arno.
Tuttomundo by Keith Haring.
Santa Maria della Spina.
It's not only the tower that leans in Pisa.
Baptistery
At the west end of the Piazza del Duomo stands the impressive Baptistery, dedicated to John the Baptist.
Baptistery at Piazza del Duomo, Pisa.
The Font.
The Accoustics show.
If you visit on the hour you will be treated to the accoustic sounds that vibrate around the chamber.
Baptistery at Piazza del Duomo, Pisa.
The Font.
The Accoustics show.
If you visit on the hour you will be treated to the accoustic sounds that vibrate around the chamber.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa
Pisa! The famous city where it seems compulsory for tourists to pose with their hand held out, supporting the tower from crashing down. It seems like the locals also have a favoured pose. Hand stretched out waiting to take your money. 15 Euros to climb up a tower they couldn’t even build straight!
The Leaning Tower.
But you can’t go to Pisa without climbing that tower can you? It’s a strange feeling climbing the spiral staircase. Similar to climbing the stairs when you’ve had a few too many.
The Staircase.
The architect of the tower is unknown. Presumably after the tower reached the third floor in the late 12th century and the tower already beginning to lean, the architect managed to avoid attributing his name to the work. It took over 150 years to finish the work.
One of the Bells.
Top of the Tower.
The entrance.
Piazza del Duomo at night.
The Leaning Tower.
But you can’t go to Pisa without climbing that tower can you? It’s a strange feeling climbing the spiral staircase. Similar to climbing the stairs when you’ve had a few too many.
The Staircase.
The architect of the tower is unknown. Presumably after the tower reached the third floor in the late 12th century and the tower already beginning to lean, the architect managed to avoid attributing his name to the work. It took over 150 years to finish the work.
One of the Bells.
Top of the Tower.
The entrance.
Piazza del Duomo at night.
San Gimignano
San Gimignano is a medieval town in Siena which is famous for its towers. It is also a UNESCO world Heritage site.
View from the top of the main tower.
The main square.
View from the top of the main tower.
The main square.
Inside Palazzo Vecchio
This remarkable building that is still used by the local government houses a number of treasures that are well worth a visit. You can enter the courtyards and have a quick look around before you buy your ticket. The walls were covered by frescoes depicting estates belonging to the Austrian empire and were commissioned to mark the marriage of Francesco I de Medici and Johanna of Austria.
Once you have bought your ticket you climb the stairs and enter the magnificent Salone dei Cinquecento, the room of 500. The walls are decorated with paintings that depict the various victories against the Siena and Pisa empires. Along the far wall are the statues that show six of the “Labours of Hecules”, along with the marble statue “The Genius of Victory” by Michelangelo.
Hercules and Diomedes.
The Genius of Victory.
As this grand palace was the home of the great Cosimo I de Medici, the ceiling comprises of 39 panels that show the life of Cosimo. There is a great deal to see in this room only. After having a good look around you can view the room from the gallery on the next level.
Salone dei Cinquecento.
Each room you visit as you marvelling at the art work that decorates all the walls. There are many treasures for you to discover. There are informative interactive guides in places that help you understand the various exhibits.
The Original Judith and Holofernes by Donatello.
Once you have bought your ticket you climb the stairs and enter the magnificent Salone dei Cinquecento, the room of 500. The walls are decorated with paintings that depict the various victories against the Siena and Pisa empires. Along the far wall are the statues that show six of the “Labours of Hecules”, along with the marble statue “The Genius of Victory” by Michelangelo.
Hercules and Diomedes.
The Genius of Victory.
As this grand palace was the home of the great Cosimo I de Medici, the ceiling comprises of 39 panels that show the life of Cosimo. There is a great deal to see in this room only. After having a good look around you can view the room from the gallery on the next level.
Salone dei Cinquecento.
Each room you visit as you marvelling at the art work that decorates all the walls. There are many treasures for you to discover. There are informative interactive guides in places that help you understand the various exhibits.
The Original Judith and Holofernes by Donatello.