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.
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.
In the North, Bilbao boasts an astounding piece of genius created by the 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. So dramatic is this creation that it has appeared in music videos, computer games and the Bond film "The World is not Enough". From the ancient to the modern, Spanish architecture is amongst the most distinctive in the world lending a well-deserved sense of pride and passion to its cities and peoples.
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.
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.
In the North, Bilbao boasts an astounding piece of genius created by the 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. So dramatic is this creation that it has appeared in music videos, computer games and the Bond film "The World is not Enough". From the ancient to the modern, Spanish architecture is amongst the most distinctive in the world lending a well-deserved sense of pride and passion to its cities and peoples.
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 Cote de Boeuf Nights, for people from all walks of life.
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