Wednesday 1 October 2014

Spain, Maritime Barcelona

The Royal Dockyards in BarcelonaA fullsize boat in the Maritime museum of Barcelona

Today is the final day of our vacation in Spain. And tomorrow we are flying back to Russian Federation. My last and best impressions about the city are connected with the Maritime museum, which we have visited today. In the enormous halls of the former shipyard, which is located at the southern edge of the Old Town and at the end of the Rambla street, you can observe numerous vessels of different kinds and sizes. They say that this Royal Dockyards is the largest, most complete old shipyard conserved in the world.

The centerpiece of the museum is a gorgeous fullsize replica of a galley from the 16th Century. This 60-meter-long royal galley Admirals of the Juan de Austria was involved in the Battle of Lepanto on 7 October 1571, and at that time the Turkish Armada was defeated. As a matter of fact, on the galley rowed 236 people in 59 rowing boat.

The sailors in the hold of the galley

The stern of the galley

Several other boats of different categories, from simple wooden fishing boat to racing boats are presented here.

A sailing vesselAnother sailing vessel

A traditional boatA motor boat
Maritime Museum of Barcelona


Monumento a Cristoforo Colombo is located at the lower end of La Rambla
The 60m Christopher Columbus monument with the viewpoint on the top was constructed in 1888


City sketchesCity sketches

City sketchesCity sketches
Walking around majestic Barcelona


We also have had a trip to Montjuic hill by cableway today. The height of the hill is 184,8 m. Honestly, I was a little bit disappointed by the views from that point, because I expected to see something breathtaking. I think, it would be better go to Park Guell. Anyways, the weather is fine, and I am happy about having spent such great time in Barcelona.


To the upper floorReady to set off

On the wayThe view from the rope-car
The ropeway


The ink imprints of the fish

A skate fish

An impressive exhibition of the fishprints

There are so many kinds of fish...

An amusing kind of art

Tuesday 30 September 2014

Spain, Heavy Rain in Barcelona

A freshly mowed lawnAfter the rain

That was such an exhausting day, but at the same time we had real fun with all those events.
First of all, we started our morning with breakfast at nearby cafe, which was visited mostly by local people. 
Later we went to the Meditarranean aquarium with 80 metres long underwater tunnel, where you walk among the sharks and other baleful creatures.
After aqua world, we went to taste jamon at the most famous market in Barcelona - La Boqueria, located on the La Rambla street. 
Finally, there was an unsuccessful attempt to reach the impressive Park Guell. Unfortunately, we were caught by a heavy shower, so we had to turn back almost having reached the destination. Nevertheless, we were happy to discover a really nice cafe Maigot, where we had a good lunch and fresh coffee.


The building, where our apartment is located


A perfect starting of a day with a cup of coffee


Metro of Barcelona



Walking around Barcelona 



The market La Boqueria


Paella before climbing up the Park Guell


Heavy shower caught us before we entered Park Guell


Coffee to heat our souls after a heavy shower







Monday 29 September 2014

Spain, Close to Sagrada Familia

Sagrada Familia as a background

Today we have moved to Barcelona to explore this vibrant city more closely. For temporary living we have chosen the apartment, which is located only in one hundred metres from majestic construction of Sagrada Familia. The apartment was booked through Airbnb website, and we were absolutely satisfied about our choice.



The apartment in Sagrada Familia district


The Torre Agbar skyscraper



The streets of Barcelona


The Placa de Catalunya


Walking down Las Rambla



The Gothic Quarter