
The Castellers of Barcelona
In Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia, Barcelona there’s a clock tower. And occassionally other towers spring up in the square – but these are people towers.
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Now a museum, Monastery of Pedralbes displays art works collected by the monastery since its inception in the 14th century and also hosts temporary exhibitions.
It is a quiet spot, at least it was on the day we visited. You can stroll around the collonaded cloisters and spend a bit of time in the garden.
I’m not sure how many renovations and extensions have been carried out since the monastery was founded in 1327 by Queen Elisenda de Montcada as a home for the Poor Clare Sisters, an order of Franciscan nuns.
What you see here now is reportedly the largest Gothic colonaded cloister, the small cells where the nuns secluded themselves, a chapel with 14th Century frescoes (St Michael’s Chapel), the dormitory and kitchen – all draped around the quiet central garden where, if you are in the mood, you can pause and do your own reflections.
The frescoes in St Michael’s Chapel have recently been restored. You can watch a fascinating video and read an article about the restoration.

In Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia, Barcelona there’s a clock tower. And occassionally other towers spring up in the square – but these are people towers.

Even though the market is under cover, wear your sun glasses to protect your eyes from the marvelous colours of the fruit and vegetables!

Casa Mila is the last private residence designed by architect Antoni Gaudí and perhaps his most iconic.

As you walk down through the Trocadero Gardens and fountains, the tower gets higher and higher until it soars above.


Make sure you bring your bucket and spade, it’s the biggest sand island in the world