Mercat de Colom
3
Mar
2022

Mercat De Colom: A Foodie Must On Vacation In Valencia

Posted in: Architectural Gems Events Food and Wine Markets Tourist Attractions

When you are on holidays in Spain one can expect that good food and incredible architectural gems often come hand-in-hand. If you are a foodie interested in setting a great atmosphere for your meals and you gave decided to find a vacation rental in Valencia, for example, you should definitely set aside some time to pay a visit to the Mercado de Colón, or Mercat de Colom (Columbus Market). This stunning and key example of the Valencian Art Nouveau style is a gorgeous historic gem that houses a vibrant and brilliant market within and is, therefore, a must for the most discerning of food lovers who have found a villa in Valencia and are exploring the culinary heritage of the region.


Located right in the historic core of the city of Valencia, between Colón street and Gran Vía Marqués de Turia, the Colón market has been declared an official national monument and was designed by Valencian architect Francisco Mora Berenguer between 1914 and 1916. Since 1890, residents and business owners in the neighbourhood had been petitioning for a more permanent market structure but work did not begin until Mora was commissioned despite earlier proposals for the building by other architects. Ultimately, the project was awarded to Mora in 1913 and he finally satisfied the board with his various alterations to the plans according to their needs and preferences. 

—    Colette Fitzpatrick
Barcelona Pavilion
15
Dec
2021

Barcelona Pavilion: An Architectural Gem To See On Vacation In Barcelona

Posted in: Architectural Gems Museums & Galleries Must See Attractions Tourist Attractions

Those who love architecture will not need to be told that a vacation rental in Barcelona and time spent exploring all that the city has to offer is a must at some point in your life, a major item to tick off the bucket list. And, of course, traces of Gaudi can famously be found all over the city. However, his are not the only architectural gems to be discovered while on holiday in Catalonia. There are many others, some dating back hundreds and hundreds of years and some much more recent additions. However, if you have an interest in architecture and you plan on coming to see Barcelona, then one of the key attractions to make sure you set aside some time for is Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe and Lilly Reich’s Barcelona Pavilion.

—    Colette Fitzpatrick
Alcázar de Segovia
12
Jul
2021

The Fairytale Castle To Visit On Your Next Vacation In Madrid

Posted in: Architectural Gems Castles & Palaces Day Trips Must See Attractions Tourist Attractions
When one thinks of the fairytale castles that inspired the illustrations that we all grew up with in storybooks and cartoons and in Disneyland, the buildings romantically perched over lush valleys of Germany and the ornate chateaux of France are probably what springs to mind. No doubt, if you are interested in bringing a little bit of magic into your life and seeking out such incredible architectural gems IRL, these are two excellent destinations in which to do so. However, did you know that one of the most influential castles to inspire the likes of Disney is actually in Spain?

Located in the town of Segovia, northwest of Madrid and an excellent day trip destination for those who find a holiday rental in Madrid, the Alcázar de Segovia is quite the sight to behold. A massive cream castle punctuated by little arched windows, a castellated tower, and several charming pointed turrets, it is the quintessential sort of fairytale, picture-perfect palace that many might imagine when conjuring such things. It is no wonder, then, that it was used as a model for the design of the queen's castle in Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) and for Cinderella's castle as imagined in Walt Disney World and Tokyo Disneyland.
—    Colette Fitzpatrick
MACBA, exterior
14
May
2021

Discover Contemporary Art While On Holiday In Barcelona

Posted in: Architectural Gems Museums & Galleries Must See Attractions Tourist Attractions
As the capital of the region of Catalonia, Barcelona is home to many incredible attractions, sights, and institutions and is also a major cultural hub. If you have found a villa in Barcelona or a vacation rental in Catalonia and you are looking to sprinkle some culture into the sun and fun that will be afforded by any holiday in the region then you will very much be in luck. From Gaudí's architectural gems to the Picasso Museum and its vast collection of the artist's work to concerts experienced in the stunning surroundings of the Palau de la Música Catalana, there are all sorts of cultural pursuits and venues to be discovered while exploring Barcelona. However, if you have a particular interest in modern architectural gems and modern and contemporary artworks, then the city's must-see cultural institution is, without a doubt, the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art, or Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona, IPA (MACBA).
—    Colette Fitzpatrick
Gaudí House-Museum
12
Nov
2020

Come Discover More About Gaudí At The Gaudí House-Museum

Posted in: Architectural Gems Museums & Galleries Must See Attractions Tourist Attractions
As one of Spain and Europe's most vibrant and exciting cultural hotspots, the city of Barcelona is on many a bucket list and for good reason. In addition to being home to some great beaches, a major football stadium, excellent restaurants and bars, a vibrant nightlife, plenty of places for retail therapy, and more, it is a city that is home to some incredible museums and some of the world's most remarkable architectural gems, most notably those by Antoni Gaudí. Wandering the streets of Barcelona and taking in some of that beloved architect's most iconic buildings is a free, readily accessible, and rewarding activity for anyone who has found a vacation rental in Barcelona and is spending time in the city but will be utterly exhilarating for architecture enthusiasts.

However, in addition to merely admiring the views of buildings from the streets and visiting those that are open to the public, those who have come to the city that was so marked by the work of Gaudí and who are particularly interested in his life and career, should definitely set aside some time to go and visit the Gaudí House-Museum to get a fuller picture of the man and his iconic designs. Located within the beloved Park Güell, this historic home museum was Gaudí's residence for almost twenty years, from 1906 until the end of 1925. In 1963, it was opened to the public as a museum and showcases a collection of furniture and objects designed by Gaudí.
—    Colette Fitzpatrick