Architectural, Cultural sights in Spain
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Manzana de la Discordia
This is one of the most wonderful roads in Barcelona. The discord came about because various well-to-do families all wanted their houses done in the latest style and each hired a different architect. Here Gaudí, Enric Sagnier and others battle it out in bricks and mortar. Not to be missed.
On the first corner, at No 35, is Domenech i Montaner's most lavish residence, Casa Lleo Morera. Its ground floor facade was ripped out in the 1940s by philistines who wanted bigger shop windows. But the decorative nymphs and reliefs, depicting the owners work and hobbies, are still intact and the lobby is wonderfully whimsical.
Casa Batlo, at No 43, is a remodelled Gaudífied gem (remo…
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Patios
For centuries, Córdoba's beautiful leafy patios have provided shade during the searing heat of summer, a haven of peace and quiet, and a place to talk and entertain. They probably originated with the Romans, and the tradition was continued by the Arabs, with the happy addition of a central fountain.
In the first half of May, you'll notice 'Patio' signs in Córdoba's streets and alleys; this means that you're invited to view what is for the rest of the year hidden behind heavy wooden doors or wrought-iron gates. At this time of year, when new blooms proliferate, the patios are at their prettiest. Many patios participate in the annual Concurso de Patios Cordobéses, a compet…
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Palau del Baró Quadras
Puig i Cadafalch designed Palau del Baró Quadras (built 1902–06) for the baron in question in an exuberant Gothic-inspired style. The main facade is its most intriguing, with a soaring, glassed-in gallery. Take a closer look at the gargoyles and reliefs, among them a pair of toothy fish and a knight wielding a sword – clearly the same artistic signature as the architect behind Casa Amatller. Decor inside is eclectic, but dominated by Middle Eastern and Oriental themes. The setting is appropriate for its occupant: Casa Asia is a cultural centre celebrating the relationship between Spain and the Asia-Pacific region. Visiting the varied temporary exhibitions (mostly on …
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Concurso de Patios Cordobeses
In the first half of May you'll notice 'patio' signs in the streets and alleyways, which means that you're invited to enter and view what are for the rest of the year closed to the outside world. At this time of year the patios are at their prettiest, and many are entered in an annual competition, the Concurso de Patios Cordobeses.
A map of patios open for viewing is available from the tourist office. Some of the best patios are on and around Calle San Basilio, about 400m southwest of the Mezquita. During the competition, the patios are generally open from 17:00 to 24:00 Monday to Friday, and 12:00 to 24:00 Saturday and Sunday. Admission is usually free but sometimes ther…
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Pavelló Mies Van Der Rohe
Just to the west of Font Màgica is a strange building. In 1929 Ludwig Mies van der Rohe erected the Pavelló Alemany (German Pavilion) for the World Exhibition. Now known by the name of its architect, it was removed after the show. Reconstructed in the 1980s, it is a curious structure of interlocking planes – walls of marble or glass, ponds of water, ceilings, a temple to the new urban environment. A graceful copy of a statue of Alba (Dawn) by Berlin sculptor Georg Kolbe (1877–1947) stands in one of the exterior areas.
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Xalet Golferichs
This quirky mansion is an oddity of another era on one of the city’s busiest boulevards. Its owner, businessman Macari Golferichs, wanted a Modernista villa and he got one. Brick, ceramics and timber are the main building elements of the house, which displays a distinctly Gothic flavour. It came close to demolition in the 1970s, but was saved by the town hall and converted into a cultural centre. Opening times can vary depending on temporary exhibitions and other cultural activities.
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La Madraza
La Madraza was founded in 1349 by Sultan Yusuf I as a school and university. You can gaze into the splendid prayer hall with its elaborate mihrab where the light here has a special mellow quality. The building was closed for renovations at the time of research.
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Palacio de Monterrey
Off the southwestern corner of Plaza Mayor, take Calle del Prior which leads to the Palacio de Monterrey, a 16th-century holiday home of the Duques de Alba and a seminal piece of Spanish Renaissance architecture; it's not open to the public but the façade is superb.
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Casa del Mitreo
The Casa del Mitreo is a 2nd-century Roman house with several intricate mosaics (especially the partial but beautiful remains of the mosaico cosmológico, with its allegories and bright colours) and a well-preserved fresco.
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Archaeological Museum
Córdoba's excellent archaeological museum, provides a real insight into pre-Islamic Córdoba in the suitably historic setting of a Renaissance palace. The upstairs is devoted to medieval Córdoba.
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Palacio Toledo-Moctezuma
The domed Palacio Toledo-Moctezuma was once the home of a daughter of the Aztec emperor Moctezuma, who was brought to Cáceres as a conquistador’s bride; the palace now houses the municipal archives.
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Casa de les Punxes
Casa Terrades, by Puig i Cadafalch, is better known as Casa de les Punxes because of its pointed, witch’s-hat turrets. This apartment block (1903–05) looks more like a fairy-tale castle.
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Carmen de los Martires
Romantically dishevelled 19th-century gardens and a restored mansion much in use for posh weddings reside on the site of the splendidly named Convent of the Discalced (barefoot) Carmelites.
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Parson's Lodge
South of Nelson's Anchorage is Parson's Lodge, a gun battery atop a 40m cliff. Beneath the gun emplacements is a labyrinth of tunnels with former ammunition stores and living quarters.
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Can Marroig
Can Marroig is one of the archduke’s residences. It’s a delightful, rambling mansion, crammed with furniture and period items. The views are the stuff of dreams.
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Palacio Episcopal
On the Plaza de Santa María are the Palacio Episcopal, the Palacio de Mayoralgo and the Palacio de Ovando, all in 16th-century Renaissance style.
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Casa do Cabildo
Facing the Fuente de los Caballos from the lower side of the square is the ornamental 18th-century Casa do Cabildo, a residence for cathedral clergy.
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Casa de Los Becerra
The 15th-century Casa de los Becerra is a restored mansion, now functioning as a cultural centre with occasional free exhibitions.
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Palacio de Mayoralgo
On Plaza de Santa María is the Palacio Episcopal, the Palacio de Mayoralgo and the Palacio de Ovando, all in 16th-century Renaissance style.
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Casa Andalusí
The Casa Andalusí is a 12th-century house furnished with objects from Córdoba’s medieval Islamic culture and a Roman mosaic.
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Casa Mudéjar
The Casa Mudéjar still reflects its Islamic influence in its brickwork and 1st-floor window arches.
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Palacio de los Golfines de Arriba
The Palacio de los Golfines de Arriba is where Franco was declared head of state in 1936.
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Palacio Carvajal
Within this late 15th-century mansion, rooms have been restored with period furnishings and artwork.
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MUBAG
MUBAG, Alicante's stimulating fine-arts museum, is within an 18th-century mansion.
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