Mediterranean Sea
Barcelona is a huge city with a village feel! There are neighborhoods, each with its own flavor and rhythm. Every time we visit Barcelona, we try to explore something new or different. But, of course, going back to favorite places is an irresistible draw—one we cannot always overcome! I’m including photos of Montjuic, Las Rambla, Mercato Boqueria, Casa Batllo by Gaudi, and Parc Guell because they are iconic places to visit in Barcelona. But we have enjoyed so many, many more wonderful things to see and do! I’d have to publish a book to tell you about them all!
On this visit, day 1, we started out with the idea of seeing Casa Fuster. Casa Fuster was designed, in 1908, by Louis Domenech i Montaner, a Catalan architect known for his Modernist work. The Casa Fuster was a gift from Senor Mariano Fuster to his wife, Consuelo Fabra i Puig. At the time, it was considered the most expensive house in the city. Only the highest quality materials (such as white marble) were used in the construction. The house was designed with 3 facades and stood on a corner lot. The center section is a rounded projection. The building was purchased by the Hoteles Center chain in 2000. By 2004, the renovated structure opened its doors as a testament to the art of Montaner and a welcome hotel to grace the Eixample neighborhood of Barcelona. You can imagine the disappointment when we discovered that, once again, Casa Fuster is swathed in scaffolding! It is under renovation! Woe was me! At least, the interior was intact and the Café Vienes is open and operating as a Jazz Club.
Casa Fuster is located on Passeig de Gracia, a lovely area filled with great architecture, ubiquitous cafes and charming boutiques. We walked along the Passeig and made our way to Rambla de Catalunya (another pedestrian avenue above the Plaza Catalunya where the Las Rambla ends.) We stopped frequently to eat and drink along the way! It was a most pleasant day.
I’ll close this with a really, funny photo of a “tricked-out” smart car!
RovingRaconteurs.com 