As mentioned in my previous post, I simply did not know where to begin upon arriving at the entrance to this ornate crescent-shaped landmark. The sheer size of the Plaza de España left me utterly speechless (a common occurrence for those who have not read any of my previous posts – architecture makes me weak at the knees). In keeping with my renewed sense of discovery and wonder, I chose not to read up anything on the building whilst basking in its glory. It seemed a reasonable challenge to decipher the building’s purpose for myself; inherent architectural touches here and there that would hint at the working life of this wondrous construction.

 

     

 

Hidden within the continuous arched colonnade, very restrained plaques the only hint that modern life we know today exists within the confines of this highly decorative walls. It was becoming quickly apparent that tiles of such exquisite designs are a hallmark of Seville’s special blend of Moorish and regional architectural style. The Plaza de España is now home mainly to government offices for departments such as Defence, but despite their importance to the running of the country, fade into the background with the grandeur of their landmark environment.

 

     

The nondescript slick plaques next to the archway entrances, the only acknowledgement of their government occupants.

The overwhelmingly expansive Plaza area still retained the equal amount to detailed ornamentation as the crescent-shaped building itself.

Architectural Love

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There are some buildings you come in across in life that have a power all of their own. The Plaza is one of these buildings. The amount of detail on every surface, of every finish, lends itself naturally to conveying a sense of nothing but perfect being acceptable. In an era when government buildings in the majority of countries are built in a modern, austere and soulless way, the history, the Moorish influence of the Plaza de España one could only imagine would keep any hint of political ego in check. A reminder that the state is bigger than the individual, a healthy perspective for those who fall might fall victim to complacency amongst the halls of power.

     

 

Stuttering Staccato

At the bottom of one of the entrances, quite the crowd of tourists had gathered, agog in total fixation with the rhythmic staccato of flamenco steps and emotive strums of an acoustic guitar.

Bucket list item, ticked! I had not seen any flamenco in the week I spent in Barcelona. The only rough plan I had was to witness it in its native Andalucian environment. The locale for this performance couldn’t have been any more perfect. Upon approaching the dancers along the colonnade, the passionate clatter of thick heeled shoes echoed out around the building. So seductive were the sounds of this artistic cadence, the city of Seville transported me back in time again. I simply lost myself in the romanticism of its history and beguiling culture.

Though only completed in 1928, a mere second in the time of Europe’s far-reaching history of architecture, I couldn’t help but feel mournful for how quickly form and function have become the modus operandi for public construction. The default impetus for our civic buildings today. I stood there wishing that our buildings of today truly were built in synergy with their surroundings, that what emotions a building evoked was an equal component in its planning.

I left Spain the next day, grateful for a renewed vigour for travel after having found again my inner-flaneur. Thank you Barcelona, thank you, Seville, thank you Spain. xx

PS. I will leave you with the beauty that is the captivating Plaza de España.

 

     

    

 

Much Love