Global Posts

Barcelona Pavilion: This building plays a significant role in Barcelona as a historical site and a tourism attraction. It was first constructed in 1928 and finished in 1929 by the architects Mies van der Rohe and Lily Reich; this Pavilion has another name and can be referred to as the German Pavilion. This building is home to many art pieces that have meaning, it was designed in the twentieth century and contains many modern art pieces.

It was built with both German and Spanish influences. Many plans that Mies first wanted were rejected by the Spanish monarchy. Once there was a plan that they both agreed, construction of the Pavilion began. The Museum is home to minimalistic art and in the twenty-first century it includes many marble slabs and art pieces.

Rohe wanted this to be “tranquil” and for people to enjoy.* The museum that Rohe built was disassembled in 1930 and in 1983, they rebuilt the building and construction was finished in 1986. The Architect was Oriol Bohigas of the reconstruction. The building people see when they go visit the art Pavilion by Bohigas and the modern building is on top of the old site.

People should visit the Pavilion because it is a beautiful site full of many art pieces that are calming, historic, and relaxing. It allows the individual to explore an art museum quite like no other.

*https://architectuul.com/architecture/barcelona-pavilion#:~:text=The%20building%20has%20become%20a,glass%2C%20steel%20and%20extravagant%20marble.

Bombas is a traditional tapas dish that originated in the neighborhood of Barceloneta, located on the Western coast of Barcelona. Specifically, the dish was created by María Pla Segura, co-owner of the restaurant, La Cova Fumada. This dish was a huge hit and has now become common in almost every bar in Barcelona. According to the legend, they are called Bombas because the first person who ate one in 1955 said they were “the bomb.” Bombas are balls of fried mashed potatoes filled with spicy beef. María wanted a spice that was perfect for the dish, and received a gift of cayenne pepper from Kenya, which became the official spice of the dish. The sauce used on top is an “all I oli” and a spicy sauce that gives it the spice customers crave. If you are ever at a bar and in dire need of a snack, bombas are the perfect pick.

Sources Used:

https://salirporbarcelona.com/en/la-cova-fumada-the-barcelona-bar-where-the-bomb-was-invented/

https://essenciabarceloneta.cat/en/cova-fumada-the-bomb-was-born-here/

Spain’s resourcefulness and ability to minimize food waste are evident in this fish stew, Suquet de Peix. This fish stew originated in Barcelona and a few other cities located on the Costa Brava, the coastal region in the northwest of Spain. Suquet de Peix was created when fishermen had leftover fish, squid, shrimp, offal, and any other kind of seafood that did not sell in the market. They would make the stew using fish stock, wine, and other vegetables, such as carrots and tomatoes. This dish was originally a type of meal reminiscent of leftovers, but nowadays, it has been elevated to be featured in fine dining restaurants around the city, such as Els Pescadors. The key with this dish is to be adventurous and unafraid of the seafood items that are not commonly used.

Sources Used:

https://foodsfibonacci.wordpress.com/2016/02/02/suquet-de-peix-2/

https://www.costabravalifestyle.com/food-drink/catalan-fish-stew/

https://elspescadors.com/

Barcelona is famous for the ingredient-rich dishes, but their simplest may be one of the best. Pa Amb Tomáquet is merely stale bread, tomato, and olive oil. Farmers would make this dish to avoid wasting the stale bread and softer tomatoes. It is called Pa Amb Tomáquet, and not Pan Con Tomate, because this dish originates from the Catalan language. This dish is served in restaurants throughout the region as an appetizer and in nearly every home as a common snack. Normally, it is served with a side of various cuts and styles of serrano ham; however, the best versions of this meal feature roasted garlic spread on the bread before the tomatoes. If you’re ever in the mood for a light and simple snack, this Barcelona staple will fulfill your needs. 

Sources Used:

https://historyof.eu/cities/barcelona/must-taste-barcelona/pa-amb-tomaquet/#google_vignette

https://thetravelbite.com/recipes/pa-amb-tomoquet-traditional-spanish-breakfast/

Have you ever wanted to visit a place not just for all the fun things to do or the views but specifically something that regards the art work, architecture, and the stories behind them? Do you ever want to find a quiet and historical place of value among the city? Well here are some gorgeous paintings you can come see at the Toledo Museum of Art. They have many different historical pieces of work and the history behind these works is just astonishing. Some of the places you can visit are Santa Maria la Blanca and San Juan de los Reyes. These classical buildings give way into the architectural displays of what the Toldeo, Spain offers.

To start your day of architectural adventure, you may begin at the monastery of San Juan de los Reyes (St. John of the Monarchs), an exquisite Franciscan monastery originally built in the 15th century to celebrate the 1476 victory at the battle of Toro, which united Spain. This monastery was intrusted into the province Franciscan of Castille. The location of the monastery being separated by the population by the Tagus river and housing called “the Cigarrales” causes a community to come together. Within the walls of the center monastery, there is a grouping of paintings on an altar that embodies the stories of the St. Helena Cross, the resurrection of Christ, and many other hints towards the Old Testament. Although the original altar disappeared in the Napoleonic War, the current paintins and architecture display the Christian impression among its walls. San Juan de los Reyes includes alongside the original monastery, eight quiet chapels and four bodies on a ship on display.

One beautiful place is Santa María la Blanca, a synagogue-turned church in a Moorish style. This church is one of the oldest synagogues from the 1200s still standing in Europe today. This church signifies a blend of cultures from Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. In 1250 a fire devastated the church leading to its restoration in 1250 by the Castilian King Alfonso X. The rich history of this unique monument’s ability to capture an audience. The architecture is influenced by Muslim, Castilian, and Nasrid techniques such as the octagonal pillars and complex decorations of volutes and horseshoe arches. These architectural designs shaped the construction of other Spanish synagogues.

On your last stop of the day, you may want to stop by the El Greco Museum where you can find many promotional exhibitions of  Don Benigno de la Vega-Inclán y Flaquer, II Marquis of Vega-Inclán (1858-1942) work based upon El Greco. El Greco’s works came from the beginning of the 17th century and influenced Toledo’s community to this day. Don Benigno is a figure used by the museum to reform the historical environments of displaying work from El Greco. El Greco is a mannerist painter of Greek and Italian training. Many of the understandings emphasized by the museum are El Greco’s influence towards contemporary painters to the present day along with disseminating and valuing remains of the Jewish quarters kept within the museum.

In conclusion, there are alot more places throughout Toledo, Spain that you can learn about its history through the arts and architectural structures. Places such as the El Greco Museum, San Juan de los Reyes and Santa Maria la Blanca provide an understanding into the blend of cultures that built the personality of the art history in Toleldo, Spain. 

When you are craving a sweet treat, there is nothing more perfect than Crema Catalana. This dish is silky and creamy and is similar to a crème brûlée; however, there are key differences that make this traditional Barcelonian dish better than its cousin. This dish dates back to the 14th century, making it one of the oldest custard-style desserts in Europe. It is typically served around St. Joseph’s Day in March, which is why it is also known as “Crema de Saint Joseph”. The egg custard itself is infused with accents of lemon and cinnamon, which give it a distinctly Mediterranean taste. The top is sugar that is either torched or broiled to give it the crunch that perfectly complements the silky custard. 

Sources Used:

https://bellavista.barcelona/spanish-desserts/catalan-cream-dessert/