Spain has always been a favourite holiday destination amongst us Brits. However, I do fear that many of us never venture further than the lure of the beach and bars to really discover the treasures it has to offer. One thing's for sure, if you are reading this, then we can safely say that you aren't looking for the all too common 'club 18-30' holiday.
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.
Catalonia is also a wonderful place to visit, more so as its home to the Dali Theatre-Museum. Renowned Spanish artist, Salvador Dali, has much of his controversial work housed here. The exterior castle design is topped with massive sculptures of eggs, whilst inside it is as zany and madcap as its namesake, even housing a vault for where Dali is buried.
And let's not forget the much celebrated architect Frank Gehry from Bilbao in the North, with his exquisite Guggenheim Museum. It truly is a building beyond imagination, constructed of titanium, glass and limestone. The genius behind this is that it reflects the sparkle of the river flowing alongside it. The museum is so dramatic and distinctive that its appeared in numerous music videos, computer games, as well as the recent Bond film "The World is not Enough".
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.
Catalonia is also a wonderful place to visit, more so as its home to the Dali Theatre-Museum. Renowned Spanish artist, Salvador Dali, has much of his controversial work housed here. The exterior castle design is topped with massive sculptures of eggs, whilst inside it is as zany and madcap as its namesake, even housing a vault for where Dali is buried.
And let's not forget the much celebrated architect Frank Gehry from Bilbao in the North, with his exquisite Guggenheim Museum. It truly is a building beyond imagination, constructed of titanium, glass and limestone. The genius behind this is that it reflects the sparkle of the river flowing alongside it. The museum is so dramatic and distinctive that its appeared in numerous music videos, computer games, as well as the recent Bond film "The World is not Enough".
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 top baker street restaurants. Located in the heart of Soho, Home House is where to dine in style in the capital, offering a plethora of dining events like Cocina Espanola, for people from all walks of life.
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