We crossed spacious streets, with building resembling palaces, in La Rambla promenade ; the shops were well illuminated and there was movement and life… I did not decide to go to sleep, even though I wished to, so I could rise early and contemplate, in daylight, this city, unknown to me: Barcelona, capital of Catalonia. -Hans Christian Andersen

Barcelona is the cosmopolitan capital of the Catalonia region in Spain. It is Gaudi’s architecture that is prominent in Barcelona, but upon arrival to this city, through the coach window, we noticed that even ordinary buildings have impressive intricate designs. It is no wonder that it is known for its art and architecture.

This is also posted in connection to Cee’s and Marsha’s Photographing Public Art Challenge and Sculpture Saturday

Still through the window of the tourist bus, we saw some buildings with ornate designs on its walls.

Some buildings have a bit more simpler design but still doesn’t make it less attractive.

But aside from architecture, Barcelona is a mecca of sculpture too. Their public art blends the old and the contemporary with some even leaning on eccentricity. This is also in connection to Saturday Sculpture Challenge

This is the iconic, 60m tall monument of Columbus at La Rambla.

This is the Onades (Waves) sculpture by Andreu Alfaro Hernández which can be found in Barcelona’s waterfront.

This is the “Dona i Ocell”, which means “woman and bird” in Catalan. A striking 22 metre high sculpture by Joan Miro.

The Head of Barcelona or El Cap de Barcelona is a surrealist sculpture created by American Pop artist Roy Lichtenstein.

It was almost sunset when we alighted from our tour bus at La Rambla. Day or night, this avenue is filled with tourists, stalls selling souvenirs of the city, restaurants, pedestrians… it was really one of the most beautiful and lively streets I’ve ever seen.

We strolled past many impressive human statues and artists

And artists painting and selling caricatures.

The Teatre Principal is the oldest theatre in Barcelona, founded in 1579, built between 1597 and 1603. We went there for the Optional Dinner with a Flamenco show.

This was our Buffet dinner. Oh dear, if only we can have it all. Tapas galore… It was a nice way to taste the variety of foods that the area is known for.

Then we had a lively show at the same place where we had dinner. The historical Tablao Flamenco presented us with an awesome show. The music, singing and especially the dancing was intense, and we loved it.

A public art outside the venue.