Spain is a favourite holiday destination amongst us Brits but, sadly, many of us have yet to tug ourselves away from the lure of the beach to find the treasures it has to offer. But then again, if you are reading this you're probably not out on the pull in Benidorm!
Separate from the heat, the traditional 'English Breakfast Sold Here' signs of the beachfront and the cheap beer, Spain actually offers a myriad of amazing buildings. Its architecture is an eclectic mix of the old and new. Furthermore, you can tell that diversity has also influenced the look of many of the fascinating constructions. From the Roman through to the Renaissance, Christian, European, Arabic, Mediterranean and Northern European: a multitude of disparate ideas and inspirations have shaped some of the most magnificent and wondrous buildings of all time. Did you know that Spain actually has the second-highest UNESCO World Heritage sites, second only to Italy? That's how artistic and full of historical significance is its architecture.
In Barcelona, La Sagrada Familia was created by Antoni Gaudi from Catalonia. Construction began in 1882 and Gaudi spent forty years of his life devoted to its design; it is not yet finished and is due for completion in 2026, one century after its creator's death. This grandiose homage to religion is truly awe-inspiring: it is a cathedral of such exquisite splendour that even the most irreligious would be moved. Also in the buzzing city of Barcelona, is the Casa Mila: known as The Quarry (La Pedera). Believe it or not, this unique edifice is also the brainchild of Gaudi who created it for an affluent couple. Sadly, it has had to undergo restoration in recent years but is now lovingly cherished by the Caixa Catalunya Foundation.
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.
A further great that I have to mention is the Guggenheim Museum, situated in Bilbao in the North of Spain and created by the much 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. It is such an epic and dramatic creation and has subsequently appeared in a number of music videos, computer games and the 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.
Separate from the heat, the traditional 'English Breakfast Sold Here' signs of the beachfront and the cheap beer, Spain actually offers a myriad of amazing buildings. Its architecture is an eclectic mix of the old and new. Furthermore, you can tell that diversity has also influenced the look of many of the fascinating constructions. From the Roman through to the Renaissance, Christian, European, Arabic, Mediterranean and Northern European: a multitude of disparate ideas and inspirations have shaped some of the most magnificent and wondrous buildings of all time. Did you know that Spain actually has the second-highest UNESCO World Heritage sites, second only to Italy? That's how artistic and full of historical significance is its architecture.
In Barcelona, La Sagrada Familia was created by Antoni Gaudi from Catalonia. Construction began in 1882 and Gaudi spent forty years of his life devoted to its design; it is not yet finished and is due for completion in 2026, one century after its creator's death. This grandiose homage to religion is truly awe-inspiring: it is a cathedral of such exquisite splendour that even the most irreligious would be moved. Also in the buzzing city of Barcelona, is the Casa Mila: known as The Quarry (La Pedera). Believe it or not, this unique edifice is also the brainchild of Gaudi who created it for an affluent couple. Sadly, it has had to undergo restoration in recent years but is now lovingly cherished by the Caixa Catalunya Foundation.
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.
A further great that I have to mention is the Guggenheim Museum, situated in Bilbao in the North of Spain and created by the much 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. It is such an epic and dramatic creation and has subsequently appeared in a number of music videos, computer games and the 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 London restaurant, 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 dining events like Cocina Espanola, for people from all walks of life.
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