To Spain – Travel + Lifestyle + Architecture Blog

12 Most Beautiful Churches In Europe

Published on January 27, 2016December 29, 2016 by iamjosemanuel1 Comment

More than a symbol of man’s faith, churches(or any house of worship), are among the most relevant reflection of a civilization’s age, culture and story.

Of all the churches I have visited during my trip to Europe, here are 12 (At no particular order) with the most beautiful facade I’ve seen and an impressive setting that gave an ethereal feel of place. Though these churches may not necessarily be the grandest of grand, the selection is based on distinct exterior details and on how I was awed by standing on its presence.

The Budapest Cathedral (St. Stephen’s Basilica) of Hungary. Although this Roman Catholic Church is relatively new (completed 1905), the church impressively stands at the middle of the a crossing that its tallest towers can splendidly be seen from blocks away. It effortlessly became one of my favourites. The church also has one of the most impressive altars I have seen, to which I shall be featuring on a separate post. Architectural Style : Neo Classical

St. Stephen Cathedral (Stephansdom) of Vienna, Austria Here is another cathedral named after St. Stephen, that is amazing it its own right. The original structure was completed 1160, and underwent a number of restorations due to fire and war. However, the structural and most of its facade and details remain original. The most amazing feature of the church is probably its tiled roof with geometric patterns, that is unlike any other. Architectural Style : Gothic

St. Vitus Cathedral of Prague(The Metropolitan Cathedral of Saints Vitus, Wenceslaus and Adalbert). Original structure completed 1344, the church completely embodies the Goth-bohemian character of Prague with its impressive exterior embellishments. The facade still has burn marks on the walls from several fire accidents of the past, to which somewhat gave the church a story to tell. Architectural Style: Gothic

The guys below the rose window were the architects of this church. Lol, It’s quite a nice idea on how to imprint a project.

St. Mary’s Basilica of Krakow, PolandSt Mary’s of Krakow is a unique Brick-Cladded church, originally built in the early 13th century. The very tall church proudly stands like two guardians. Krakow is among the most beautiful towns I have visited; And indeed, its church and square has one of the most beautiful setting. By tradition, a golden trumpet is blown every full hour from the window of the higher tower. This is still practiced until today. Architectural Style: Gothic

Barcelona Cathedral, SpainBarcelona Cathedral(Original Structure constructed 1298 to 1420) is another Gothic church with a beautiful set up, worthy of praises. The Spanish steps elevated the church to a more impressive view and an ethereal feel. Although the Sagrada Familia is the more famous, it is yet to be completed and there are cranes and lifts around its towers. Based on perfect setting, this church is the most beautiful in Barcelona. Architectural Style: Gothic

Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris. Original structure completed 1345 (plus several recent restorations). Notre Dame is a historic Catholic monument of French royalty. The cathedral is considered to be one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture, and it is among the largest and most well-known church buildings in the world.The Notre-Dame de Paris was among the first buildings to use the flying buttress, or the additional reversed L shaped support placed on the outer side walls for further stability, and later became part of the design pattern. The box type bell towers at the front also made the church distinct from others. And who doesn’t know Victor Hugo’s Hunchback of Notre Dame? Architectural Style: Gothic

Le Madeleine Church, Paris (completed 1828) is somewhat a skillfully fully made revival of the Greek classical facade of the Parthenon. This church graciously stands right at the middle of a main crossroad in Paris.I must admit that the 90’s movie ‘Madeline’ did have an impact for me to like this church so much. =) Architectural Style: Neo clasical

The Pisa Cathedral, Tuscany, ItalyThe Pisa Cathedral is probably the oldest in the list (construction started 1064). The baluster-like posts at the facade are each made of solid white marble, and most of the original posts were picked by the Romans from the ruins of Greece. Behind this church is the famous leaning tower. Architectural Style: Romanesque.

Romanesque (pre-gothic time)was prevalent especially in the 11th and 12th centuries and characterized by massive walls, round arches, and relatively simple ornamentation and less window openings since structural design are yet to be further developed during that time.

Milan Cathedral, Italy Milan Cathedral, Italy (Construction started 1836). With the capacity of 40,000 pax, Milan Cathedral is the 2nd biggest, next to St. Peter’s in Vatican. And with 3,400 statues, 135 gargoyles and 700 figures in all, Milan Cathedral has the most impressive number of decorative statues. Impressive in every angle, this church easily because one of my favourites. Architectural Style: Gothic

St Mark’s Cathedral, Venice, Italy St Mark’s Cathedral (Construction started 1084). Located in the East Isles of Italy, Venice shared a lot of its history with the Turks, as such, the Byzantine Architecture is very evident on the city’s most celebrated church. The Gold facade embellishments, pointy arches and mosaic art frescos and colored glass chandeliers are among the adopted characters from the Turks, and have clearly made this catholic church a ‘one of a kind’. Architectural Style: Byzantine

The Stripe Church of Monterosso, Cinque Terre in Liguria, ItalyThe Stripe Church of Monterosso (Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista – Church of St John Baptist, Monterosso al Mare, 14th Century). Standing at the Seaside town of Monterosso, Ligurian Region of Italy, the church is really a stand out on this list for its Stripe black and white walls and impressive rose window. Though the relatively unknown of the group, the seaside church (and the whole Cinque terre, infact) is worth a visit. Architectural styles: Renaissance architecture

Florence Cathedral, of TuscanyWith such intricately detailed exterior, Florence Cathedral honestly got my spot for most beautiful facade on this list. The Photo does not give enough justice, as this church is truly ethereal and stunning in actual (nakaka-lula in tagalog). Living up to the principles of Renaissance art, the cathedral itself is an a masterpiece of when Italian art and knowledge was at its most glorious days. Architectural styles: Renaissance architecture

Must See’s in Barcelona(And some Must Eat’s)

Published on January 9, 2016January 13, 2016 by iamjosemanuel1 Comment

From an architecture junkie’s point of view, Barcelona is an urban sprawl of breathtaking architecture. With a peculiar modernist style known as the”Catalan Art Noveau”, experiencing the streetscape of Barcelona can never be compared to all other European cities I’ve visited.

Art Noveau is an architectural style during the early 20th century characterized by intricate linear designs and flowing curves depicting nature’s form. Samples of this artsy architecture can be found around Europe. However, the most preserved samples stand tall and proud ’til today along the well paved streets of Barcelona.

Every block of this city is Instagram worthy.

Here are some of the snap shots I took during my 2 days stay in Barcelona. Feel free to follow my easy must see’s and must do’s. =)

— Enjoy a leisurely walk around Playa Catalunya, which is the center of Downtown Barcelona, where bus rides from the airport terminates. Passeig de Gracia (A Main Street originating from Playa Catalunya) holds a number of buildings designed by the famous Spanish architect, Antoni Gaudi.

One of Antoni Gaudi’s iconic creations, the Casa Batlo, can easily be spotted along Passeig de Gracia. This structure is a stand out with its “deep sea” feels and bone-like columns and balusters. The Facade is cladded with random mosaic of broken tiles.

Another amazing creation of Gaudi, the Casa Mila Apartment, completed 1912, and is still a functioning building ’til today.

A close up view of the intricately weaved iron railings as designed by Gaudi

A Typical facade you’ll see around Barcelona

The center of Barcelona is composed mainly of low rise blocks. I haven’t seen any high rise building anywhere near Playa Catalunya.

A clever facade style to avoid the direct afternoon sun.

An interesting modernist facade. The grilles cleverly hides the Air conditioning unit condensers.

— Visit the Sagrada Familia late in the afternoon. Several blocks further (yet still walkable) from Passeig de Gracia is the famous Basilica de Sagrada Familia. Entrance fee to this Unesco protected site is 15 Euros, including the Museum (non-agency purchase). Lines for the ticket can be long, but as read from other blogs, I lined up at around high noon, about 12, when tourists are likely to have lunch. True enough I only waited for around 15 minutes. Entry to the basilica is regulated to every 15 minutes. I took the 4pm slot, as advised, to get the full experience as the sun sets on the west, pouring much light to stained glass windows. late afternoon visit is also ideal to be able to catch the daily mass at 6 pm at the crypt.

The Facade and interior details of the Basilica ( Refer to my previous post on this) https://iamjosemanuel.com/2016/01/05/a-peek-inside-the-sagrada-familia/

Apart from its imposing structure from the outside, what really amazed me is how the interior achieved a truly magnificent play of light and color as produced by the stained glass windows from all corners.

— Walk around the Passeig La Rambla, and towards the pier. This area is the liveliest from day to night. Affordable buffet style restaurants can be found when walking towards the pier.

The Barcelona Cathedral is also worth a visit.

— Range over Mercat de Santa Caterina. This public market is stone throws away from Barcelona Cathedral.

CHEAP EATS AROUND PLAYA CATALUNYA

Dining on a budget is easy in Barcelona. Here are some of the cheap finds around Playa Catalunya and La Rambla.

A proof that Barcelona isn’t over priced. These pastries here are only half the cost as compared to Paris or Florence.

Cheap family sized pizza at 1.99 Euros. They’re not gourmet though, but good enough for quick cheap snacks

— Indulge in Spanish cuisines, buffet style. Buffets are a common thing in Barcelona, and are fairly affordable at around 9 to 12 Euros, usually including unlimited beer. I had buffet style lunch for two straight days. haha. Lunch buffet start late at around 1pm. Maybe it is of a cultural thing since Spanish people often enjoy afternoon siestas. Some stores even close around lunch time.

— Sample Some Tapas and beer for some Spanish Style pre-meal. Beer and Tapa set is usually a late afternoon thing in Barcelona. Not pricey really if you are keen on finding one. I had a plate of tapa and two bottles of beer for only 7 Euros at a Bar near Sagrada Familia.

The usual morning thing, Tapa Sandwiches on the go. Its good and it is cheap.

Cheap tapa sandwiches are usually available for breakfast on the go. 1 Euro Sandwiches are 8 – 10 inches long.

I only had two days stay in Barcelona and I must admit that I was not able to fully explore the amazing city. Well, that then gives me a good reason to go back. =)

A Peek Inside The Sagrada Familia

Published on January 5, 2016January 8, 2016 by iamjosemanuel2 Comments

Any architecture junkie would identify this massive church at one glance. Truly, the Basilica de Sagrada Familia of Barcelona is incomparable.

Taken almost two blocks away to get a full shot, the Sagrada Familia’s imposing structure is more than 100 years in the making(and is yet to be completed). Currently at 70 meters high, Barcelona aims to complete the Basilica with towers 180 meters high, as designed by Antoni Gaudi, making it the tallest church in the world.

The intricate art nouveau details of the Basilica up close. This entrance way depicts the birth of Christ.

Cubist sculptures made of sandstone, depicting the life of Christ.

Manually carved text on the solid door panel

Apart from its imposing structure of the basilica, what really amazed me is how the interior achieved a truly surreal play of light and color as produced by the stained glass windows from all corners. Bone-like columns twist their way to the ceiling, reaching upwards like branches of trees, creating the impression of being in an enormous forest.

The main altar cross is designed to have a floating feel

Every corner of the basilica has been installed with contrasting colors, as a result, an incomparable ambiance is achieved.

I entered the basilica late afternoon, to get the full experience of the place as the sun sets on the west, pouring much light to stained glass windows.

The expressionist columns that represent trees and foliages, as envisioned by Ar. Antoni Gaudi.

The stunning ceiling works made of stone

The Architect’s tomb at the Basilica’s crypt, below the main altar

Entrance fee to this Unesco protected site is 15 Euros, including the Museum (non-agency purchase). Lines for the ticket can be long, but as read from other blogs, I lined up at around high noon, about 12, when tourists are likely to have lunch. True enough I only waited for around 15 minutes. Entry to the basilica is regulated to every 15 minutes. I took the 4pm slot, as advised, to get the full experience as the sun sets on the west, pouring much light to stained glass windows. late afternoon visit is also ideal to be able to catch the daily mass at 6 pm at the crypt.

Travelogue 2015

Published on January 1, 2016November 5, 2016 by iamjosemanuelLeave a comment

As a new year tradition(and hopefully I can keep it up), I am sharing these simple travelogue postcards of beautiful cities I’ve visited the past year. All shots were taken by me with my Sony. Feel free to share. =)