Poble Espanyol

Yet another Barcelona gem is located just a few blocks from our apartment. Poble Espanyol (literally meaning "Spanish Town") was created for the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition. It recreates an Iberian village with 117 buildings representing 15 regions of Spain. Original plans called for this "town" to be demolished after the Exposition, but because it had become so popular, the city council decided to keep it. What a great decision that was! All throughout the year, festivals and special events are held in the main square, filling it with thousands of spectators. We spent a full day exploring this whole town with its many studios and workshops. There are over thirty artisans (e.g. Glass blowers, ceramics, leatherwork, etc.) exhibiting their talents. We truly felt like we were walking through a medieval Spanish town. All that was needed was folks in period dress, and donkey carts to complete the atmosphere. It was an amazing adventure.
If you would like further information on this gem, please visit www.poble-espanyol.com

Entering Poble Espanyol through this main gate, takes you back to the middle-ages.

The main square is a reproduction of the Castellana di Riaza Square in Segovia.

Wells were an important part of medieval Spanish life. Not only did they provide water to its citizens, but legends stated that they were often inhabited by gods who could grant wishes if a coin was tossed in. If the coin landed heads up, the wish would be granted. If it landed tails up...well too bad! Try again another time.

One of the many streets leading off of the main square.

The Utebe tower represents the strong Muslim (Moors) influence on Spain during their presence here.

The chains hanging from the side of this church were thought to represent the liberation of Christian prisoners following the reconquest of Spain from the Moors.

This, we felt, was one of the more spectacular views traveling through town.

Monasteries were prevalent throughout Spain, especially in hill towns.

This recreates what the main chapel of the monastery would look like.

Every monastery had a cloister for quiet contemplation.

The warm climate in many parts of Spain dictated a popular architecture of narrow streets and whitewashed buildings to protect from the sun.

In the IX century, following the discovery of the remains of the Apostle Santiago (James) in the town of Compostela, King Alfonso II the Chaste, ordered a small church to be built near the site. Ever since, pilgrims have been traveling the "Camino" routes (as seen on the map in the background) to the town.