Unique buildings
La Rambla is an endless box of surprises. A box that opens and allows us to glimpse jewels, including this allegory to Orientalism, the Casa Bruno Cuadros, which used to be an umbrella shop of Barcelona in its time. Its style, similar to modernisme with its use of colour and the delicacy of its decorations, have made the Casa Bruno Cuadros a worthy addition to the photograph albums of many of Barcelona’s visitors.
The Estació de França, Barcelona"s grand station, is a showcase of good taste and monumental architecture. Despite its size and beauty, few trains run from the station today. As we approach the lobby and platforms we"ll discover a building whose elegance has often been compared to the old Gare d"Orsay in Paris.
Many of Barcelona"s squares in Barcelona"s Ciutat Vella district contain astonishing Romanesque landmarks. Time seems to have stood still in the heart of the neighbourhood of Sant Pere, where the church of the ancient convent of Sant Pere de les Puel·les still stands. A history dating back centuries marked by renovations which haven"t taken away any of the charm of the original building.
The tiny church of Sant Felip Neri is tucked away in a hidden corner of the
Gothic Quarter: a little square with a romantic atmosphere which bears the same name. The austere-baroque style façade bears the scars of bombing. The restoration and cleaning of the building sought to preserve the painful memory of the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939).
Tradition has it that this is
Barcelona"s oldest church. Whether this is true or not, it is clear that this 14th-century building stands in one of the
Gothic Quarter"s most charming and least explored spots. Another example of the splendour of the city in the medieval era.
