I'm a lover of Spain, I always have been and always will. Every year, I trek to a different spot to enjoy the wonders it has to offer. Whilst on my travels, it constantly dawns on me that not many of my fellow Brits venture far from the sea, sun and Sangria; and that many of them have not seen the real treasures that Spain has to offer.
Quite apart from the cuisine, the weather, the friendly folk, the fashion Spain offers a myriad of amazing buildings. Its architecture is a fantastic mix of the old and the new: due to its gigantic geography and its intriguing history, Spanish architecture has been influenced by a horde of diverse sways. From the Roman through to the Renaissance, Christian, European, Arabic, Mediterranean and Northern European: a multitude of diverse ideas and inspirations have shaped the most fascinating constructions you will ever have the fortune to visit.After Italy, Spain has the second-highest UNESCO World Heritage sites due to the artistic beauty and historical significance of its architecture.
If you want to see some of this architecture at its very best then you really should take a couple of days to explore Barcelona. There's a superb cathedral in Barcelona called La Sagrada Familia, created by the famous Antoni Gaudi from Catalonia. The construction of La Sagrada Familia began back in 1882 and for forty years thereafter, its design dominated Gaudi's life. So grand it is that its still not yet complete. It's expected finale is set for 2026, one whole century after its creator's death. Even in its current, uncompleted state, it is a cathedral of such impeccable magnificence that the most sacrilegious would be moved. Another treasure to behold in the bustling city of Barcelona is the Casa Mila, known as The Quarry (La Pedera). This stunning monument can also be attributed to the hands of Gaudi, who originally created it for a rich couple. Unfortunately, it has required quite a lot of restoration work over the years; however, it has recently been bought back to life by the Caixa Catalunya Foundation and is definitely worth a peak.
Now, you can't talk about Spanish architecture without mentioning the renowned Spanish artist, Salvador Dali. You can have a nose at most of his controversial work in the Dali Theatre-Museum in Figueres, Catalonia. You'll be blown away by the zany, madcap interior, not to mention the vault at the centre of the museum, where Dali is in fact buried.
In the North, Bilbao boasts an astounding piece of genius created by the celebrated architect Frank Gehry. The Guggenheim Museum is a building beyond imagination: it is a flawless construct of titanium, glass and limestone which reflects the sparkle of the river flowing alongside it. So dramatic is this creation that it has appeared in music videos, computer games and the Bond film "The World is not Enough". From the ancient to the modern, Spanish architecture is amongst the most distinctive in the world lending a well-deserved sense of pride and passion to its cities and peoples.
If you can't get away to visit the beautiful country itself then you could always visit Home House this month instead. The Restaurant will be offering a Spanish themed night, with a full 3 course Spanish menu including tapas style starters and traditional Spanish paella amongst other offerings! Spanish cuisine is famed for being healthy and is influenced heavily by seafood due to Spain's rich maritime history.
Quite apart from the cuisine, the weather, the friendly folk, the fashion Spain offers a myriad of amazing buildings. Its architecture is a fantastic mix of the old and the new: due to its gigantic geography and its intriguing history, Spanish architecture has been influenced by a horde of diverse sways. From the Roman through to the Renaissance, Christian, European, Arabic, Mediterranean and Northern European: a multitude of diverse ideas and inspirations have shaped the most fascinating constructions you will ever have the fortune to visit.After Italy, Spain has the second-highest UNESCO World Heritage sites due to the artistic beauty and historical significance of its architecture.
If you want to see some of this architecture at its very best then you really should take a couple of days to explore Barcelona. There's a superb cathedral in Barcelona called La Sagrada Familia, created by the famous Antoni Gaudi from Catalonia. The construction of La Sagrada Familia began back in 1882 and for forty years thereafter, its design dominated Gaudi's life. So grand it is that its still not yet complete. It's expected finale is set for 2026, one whole century after its creator's death. Even in its current, uncompleted state, it is a cathedral of such impeccable magnificence that the most sacrilegious would be moved. Another treasure to behold in the bustling city of Barcelona is the Casa Mila, known as The Quarry (La Pedera). This stunning monument can also be attributed to the hands of Gaudi, who originally created it for a rich couple. Unfortunately, it has required quite a lot of restoration work over the years; however, it has recently been bought back to life by the Caixa Catalunya Foundation and is definitely worth a peak.
Now, you can't talk about Spanish architecture without mentioning the renowned Spanish artist, Salvador Dali. You can have a nose at most of his controversial work in the Dali Theatre-Museum in Figueres, Catalonia. You'll be blown away by the zany, madcap interior, not to mention the vault at the centre of the museum, where Dali is in fact buried.
In the North, Bilbao boasts an astounding piece of genius created by the celebrated architect Frank Gehry. The Guggenheim Museum is a building beyond imagination: it is a flawless construct of titanium, glass and limestone which reflects the sparkle of the river flowing alongside it. So dramatic is this creation that it has appeared in music videos, computer games and the Bond film "The World is not Enough". From the ancient to the modern, Spanish architecture is amongst the most distinctive in the world lending a well-deserved sense of pride and passion to its cities and peoples.
If you can't get away to visit the beautiful country itself then you could always visit Home House this month instead. The Restaurant will be offering a Spanish themed night, with a full 3 course Spanish menu including tapas style starters and traditional Spanish paella amongst other offerings! Spanish cuisine is famed for being healthy and is influenced heavily by seafood due to Spain's rich maritime history.
About the Author:
Along with offering fantastic Spanish food in its restaurants in London, Home House is one of the restaurants baker street. Located in the heart of Soho, Home House is where to dine in style in the capital, offering a plethora of exclusive events like Cocina Espanola, for people from all walks of life.
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