Zaragoza Highlights

The second half of our last Spain trip was spent in the city of Zaragoza. It is the fifth largest city in Spain, but the growth spread out around the ancient city center, so we were able to walk around the old part of the city and enjoy the very compact historical center.

The landscape surrounding Zaragoza, was desert-like, but as you can see in the second photo, that doesn't keep them from growing amazing olives.

The first thing we came across were the remains of the Roman city walls. Zaragoza, or Caesaragusta as it was first named, was once quite a booming port along the River Ebro that flows through this region and out into the Mediterranean Sea.

Here is some more evidence of the previous Roman presence in the area . . .

Third century mosaics and a room reconstructed with fragments of fresco and mosaic that was found in the ruins. 

Of course we stopped at various moments to enjoy some of the Spanish sun. It just definitely brighter and warmer down there. 

This palace represents another time in the city's history when it was under Isalmic rule. The palace is called Aljaferia. 

The building is a combination of restoration and original stone work, but all of it attests to the beautifully detailed manner in which the builders of the time completed their craft. 

Of course no trip to Spain is complete without a few evenings spent with tapas. 

But these tapas were one of our favorites, not only did we get to taste a bunch of local foods (including the blood sausage that is black and round in the bottom photo is a particular specialty), but we also got a tour of the building that took us all the way down into the Roman foundations beneath the building.

Next up is probably what could be called the heart or the jewel of the city. 

La Basilica de Pilar, it is more than a cathedra because it has been blessed by the pope, but otherwise it is basically a cathedral. 

But first, a photo of the fountain in the plaza of the basilica. 

That picture picture would have been so superb if it was not for the pink stroller. Alas, real life of the locals and tourism are not always compatible. 

The scale of this church is inexpressible, however this photo where I am standing about 20 feet in front of the door shows you just how much the church makes a person appear itty-bitty. I guess that is appropriate for a space that is supposed to represent God. 

The tiles on the roof are in a Byzantine style and the best place to admire them was up in the church tower. 

And I will leave you with one of my favorite images of the city from across the river.

Barcelona Highlights

We took a quick trip to Barcelona, so here is a quick post to give you a glimpse. 

We made a stop in Park Guell:

We were trying not to feed the birds . . . thankfully we were able to finish our lunch before the birds did. 

This is basically the mascot of the park. 

La Sagrada Familia (The Sacred Family) was another important visit:

The magnitude and atmosphere of this light filled cathedral are impossible to capture on camera, but at least the photos give you an idea of the nature inspired architecture. 

La Pedrera or Casa Mila was under construction on the outside, so here is a model of the building: 

And here we are on the rooftop . . .

These strange shapes are functional chimneys, however Gaudi loved to make art out of the mundane articles of the home and these chimneys are a result. 

Another detail Gaudi put in were ergonomic handles for most doors and cabinet handles...

One floor of the building has been preserved as the apartments it once was designed to be. This bathroom looks just fine today, but back in 1912 it was pure luxury. 

And here is proof that we were in Spain.