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.
La Sagrada Familia, created by Antoni Gaudi from Catalonia, is a superb building to visit. Its situated in the bustling city of Barcelona and began its life way back in 1882. Gaudi managed to devote 40 years of his life to the construction, but it actually won't be completed in its entirety until 2026 - one year after its creator's death. Even in its unfinished state, its still definitely worth a visit. Its truly awe-inspiring from every angle and oozes a sense of deep respect for religion that even the most irreligious would be moved. Another site to behold in the infamous Barcelona is the Casa Mila: known as The Quarry (La Pedera). Believe it or not, this unique edifice is also the brainchild of Gaudi, despite its contrasting appearance to the La Sagrada Familia. A lot of restoration has taken place over the years, but it is now frequently lovingly looked after by the Caixa Catalunya Foundation.
Renowned Spanish artist Salvador Dali has much of his controversial work housed in the Dali Theatre-Museum in the city where he was born and where he died: Figueres. Inside, it is as zany and madcap as its namesake, even housing a vault where Dali is buried at its centre. But this will come as no surprise: the exterior castle design topped with massive sculptures of eggs is preparation enough for the eccentric whimsy of the interior.
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.
La Sagrada Familia, created by Antoni Gaudi from Catalonia, is a superb building to visit. Its situated in the bustling city of Barcelona and began its life way back in 1882. Gaudi managed to devote 40 years of his life to the construction, but it actually won't be completed in its entirety until 2026 - one year after its creator's death. Even in its unfinished state, its still definitely worth a visit. Its truly awe-inspiring from every angle and oozes a sense of deep respect for religion that even the most irreligious would be moved. Another site to behold in the infamous Barcelona is the Casa Mila: known as The Quarry (La Pedera). Believe it or not, this unique edifice is also the brainchild of Gaudi, despite its contrasting appearance to the La Sagrada Familia. A lot of restoration has taken place over the years, but it is now frequently lovingly looked after by the Caixa Catalunya Foundation.
Renowned Spanish artist Salvador Dali has much of his controversial work housed in the Dali Theatre-Museum in the city where he was born and where he died: Figueres. Inside, it is as zany and madcap as its namesake, even housing a vault where Dali is buried at its centre. But this will come as no surprise: the exterior castle design topped with massive sculptures of eggs is preparation enough for the eccentric whimsy of the interior.
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 top 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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