The Monumental Zone - Park Guell

 One interesting place to visit while in Barcelona, Spain is Park Guell. This place has a lot of captivating work of arts, - mostly inspired by a collaborative work of the architect Antonio Gaudi, and Eusebi Guell, the lot owner.

Eusebi Guell originally bought this large property for the purpose of building an estate for well-off families. He acquired the property in a zone known as "Muntanya Pelada" (bare mountain), - which has an unbeatable view both of the sea and the plain of Barcelona. He planned and wanted to create British residential estates, the reason why he used the English form "Park" in the name, Park Guell.

Guell and Gaudi didn't only had a good business relationship but also genuine friendship. Guell entrusted Gaudi the plan of putting his artistic architectural creation as well as he undertook a profound urban=planning reflection for the park.

Park Guell construction began in 1900 and had a good progress in the first few years of the century. In 1914, Guell stopped the work due to some difficulties in plot acquisitions and lack of good transport.

After Guell's death, his heirs offered it to Barcelona City Council and was acquired in 1922, then opened it as a public park 4 years later.

Since then, it became a pole of attraction for visitors from all over the world, and the UNESCO declared it a Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 1984.

One of the attractive interiors and (exteriors) of the park is the Hypostyle Room. Its layout are dense colonnades lined in 3 columns of open spaces, - one larger at the center and 2 smaller ones, like the naves of the church.

Its ceilings are made of small domes using the Catalan vault technique, clad with tile shards and with soffits laid out like a keystone.

Just above the exterior of Hypostyle Room is the ceramic bench of the upper square. 

Just looking the entire Hypostyle room from the outside reflects a lot of classic architectural styles with impressive contrasts of shapes and colors on the upper square.

Marseille, France - Old & New

 There is a charm in visiting the oldest neighborhood of Marseille as you experience walking on a picturesque little streets and squares to craft workshops, shops and museums.

Marseille is considered to be the oldest city of France which dates back in 600 BC. In the old days, it used to be the gateway to the Mediterranean. Nowadays, it's the gateway to the scenic region of Provence.

Provence are rich with villages infused with aromas of lavender, outdoor cafes and freshly baked bread it is considered to be truly magical and inspirational. Olive groves, vineyards and flower fields fill the countryside which makes one becomes dreamy just like as described on a canvas.

La Canebiere

Hotel Dieu

Cathedral La Major

Mucem Museum

The Museum of the Bible (Washington D.C.)

 

The museum opened its doors to the public on November 17, 2017, expanding to a 430,000 sq. ft. museum of the Bible. Its vast area provides guests with an immersive and a well-personalized experience as they explore the narrative history and impact of the Bible.

The museum is also considered to give its guests unparalleled experiences by using cutting-edge technology to bring the Bible to life. It will span time, space and cultures, inviting everyone to engage with the Bible. It is a world-class museum that shows amazing features such as;

The 40-feet tall bronze doors at the entrance.

A rooftop Biblical garden.

A 150-feet long LED ceiling displays of biblical art and scenes; - and everything in between.

Visitors can enjoy their lunch at the Milk & Honey Cafe, featuring a grab-and-go type of food like salads and sandwiches. The Manna Restaurant also offers Mediterranean, fast-casual style food.

Visiting Highlights:

1. The History Floor -  exhibits of greatest discoveries associated with Biblical text, which includes some of the earliest known writings which date to the time traditionally associated with Abraham. Other artifacts can be seen such as dead Sea scroll fragments, some-early known New testament writings, numerous historical manuscripts and first-edition Bibles.

2. The Narrative Floor - encompasses 50,000 sq. ft., telling the stories of the Bible. It will connect 21st century audiences to the Bible by taking them on a journey, inviting them to be a part of its stories.

3. The Impact Floor - the Bible's immense influence is fully expressed in this area,-not only on cultures and aspects of civilization, but on the lives of individuals as well. Topics covered are the Bible's influence on the arts, science, government, education, family, pop culture and American history.

There are other attractions available as well such as walk-throughs, theater shows (with tickets, but some are free). 

Please note that shows and exhibits are being updated and different at times.