"...where we can see heaven much better." Remember The Supremes song Up the Ladder to the Roof? Rooftop view of the city from Antoni Gaudi's Casa Batllo, Passeig de Gracia, Barcelona, Spain.
A close-up of the tiled dome atop Casa Batllo.
The dome viewed from the opposite direction (taken via telephoto lens from across the street).
The tiled "dragon's back" of Gaudi's organic design.
A mosaic-tiled arch with a view.
Dancing pebbles on a rooftop terrace.
Top of the dome. For more photos of Casa Batllo go here and here.
Robin, I walk along admiring the beauty around me, then go back and take photos of things I find beautiful, unusual or quirky. I am not like those tourists you see racing through famous attractions with their eye constantly looking through a video camera - I take my time (and never use a video camera).
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 27 November 2008 at 10:09
i think it would be hard for me to decide whether i was going to experience this masterpiece of art and craftsmanship through my viewfinder or with my eyes.... i usually want that viewfinder version along with the real deal but i would have to sleep on the sidewalk in order to get up early enough in the morning to get my fill. this is a bit unbelievable to me. an incredible legacy of a life's' work!!
Posted by: Robin Laws | 27 November 2008 at 04:29
That's one serious big-time lens you have, my dear! And boy, does it get fabulous photos. (Your great eye doesn't hurt, either!) Lovely!
Posted by: jeanie | 25 November 2008 at 23:04
Si, senorita! Muchas gracias!
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 25 November 2008 at 21:25
Thank you, Philip. I'm still learning, but the process is fun.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 25 November 2008 at 21:24
Anna, I'm so impressed with the thought and planning - the mixture of art and physics - that went into Gaudi's masterpieces.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 25 November 2008 at 21:24
Yes, there are some great works of architecture in Spain. The Gherkin is interesting, but not particularly beautiful. Still, it's innovative and I think that's what they were going for...
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 25 November 2008 at 21:23
If you decide to go, let me know and I'll suggest a place to stay, dine, etc.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 25 November 2008 at 21:22
I think Gaudi was a genius. It's wonderful how his work still enthralls nearly a century later.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 25 November 2008 at 21:22
Sometimes, I think that might be true. :)
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 25 November 2008 at 21:21
Thank you, Terri! You are so good to me. Yes, it took years to create this beautiful home. I imagine the original owners were just as thrilled with the results as we are today.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 25 November 2008 at 21:21
Isn't it gorgeous? I'd love to live there.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 25 November 2008 at 21:20
Thank you, my dear friend! I'm still trying to figure out how the camera and new lenses work. It's a matter of trial and error.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 25 November 2008 at 21:19
Aren't the Spanish so brave when it comes to architecture. We get the bloody Gherkin and they get this, it's just not fair.
Posted by: Di Overton | 23 November 2008 at 21:54
so, so, so beautiful! you make me want to book tickets to barcelona immediately...
Posted by: julochka | 23 November 2008 at 19:52
i think something magical must be going on there. Back in the late 1960's I was there and it has been on my mind lately... just out of the clear blue... and then your pictures of Gaudi's work today...
Posted by: diane | 23 November 2008 at 08:42
Do you think the Spanish are closer to God?
:-)
I do.
xox
Constance
Posted by: Rochambeau | 23 November 2008 at 03:14
It's Typepad's new "Connect" comments feature, little by little being unveiled to subscribers. You, too can adopt this feature!
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 22 November 2008 at 21:47
What is this fabulous new comment form you have!?
It looks great Tara!
Posted by: Gillian daSilva | 22 November 2008 at 21:40
Thanks for the encouraging words, Brenda!
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 22 November 2008 at 18:12
These are so beautiful - and I'm just imagining what hard work it must have been to create them...
Thanks for the view, Tara~xo
p.s. There's an award waiting for you on my blog.
Posted by: tinker | 22 November 2008 at 13:28
Tara the detailed work in the mosaics are quite amazing! You are one who pays attention to detail! love and light aNNa xo
Posted by: naturegirl | 22 November 2008 at 12:17
That is amazing indeed the eighth wonder of the world in the making?
Posted by: Kay | 22 November 2008 at 11:01
Relyn, thank you! Luckily there were stairs to the roof, which is open to the public (unless it's raining).
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 22 November 2008 at 09:09
What you do with your camera Tara it's incredible!
Posted by: Philip | 22 November 2008 at 09:07
Wouldn't it be something special to live in a place like this??!!
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 22 November 2008 at 09:05
Helen, thank you so much! That's the thing about Barcelona - beautiful architecture practically everywhere you go. And these gems are well-maintained.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 22 November 2008 at 09:04
Christina, thank you. I only wish I'd had more time to photograph more details in these amazing places. Next trip, hopefully!
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 22 November 2008 at 09:03
You would go mad with your camera - incredible views practically everywhere you look. You must put Barcelona on your agenda for your next European trip!
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 22 November 2008 at 09:02
Maia, thank you. I, too am enthralled by rooftops and the amazing views. I was thrilled to finally see Gaudi's genius in person.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 22 November 2008 at 09:00
Oh!! I am completely enamored of these lovely images. They are gorgeous. Plus, I love that you are the kind of girl who would climb a roof in a foreign country in order to get a few great photographs.
Posted by: Relyn | 22 November 2008 at 08:59
I was blown away by the architecture in Barcelona. I'd heard about it all my life, but nothing could prepare me for the real thing, up close. Simply stunning buildings - an ode to the imagination, as well as physics.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 22 November 2008 at 08:59
Thank you so much, Chris. Coming from you, that's quite a compliment.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 22 November 2008 at 08:57
What gorgeous photos Tara! Your photographic eye never ceases to amaze. xx, deb
Posted by: JanePoet ~ JP/deb | 22 November 2008 at 05:19
Gorgeous! My Spanish father instilled a love of Gaudi in me at an early age. But my absolute favorite is the first photos of the rooftops. How my heart thrills to the romance of rooftops.
Hope you'll visit my new blog
http://uneenvie.blogspot.com
Posted by: Maia | 21 November 2008 at 20:27
Barcelona seems like the kind of place where you can never spend too much time. Great views and wonderful photos!
Posted by: tangobaby | 21 November 2008 at 18:13
Yay, for telephoto lenses! These are wonderful. Like handfuls, of candy! ; )
Posted by: Christina | 21 November 2008 at 17:15
I am speechless. You have captured the most breathtaking views. Thanks so much for sharing. I don't even know where to look first!
Posted by: Helen | 21 November 2008 at 16:17
Oh Tara! I certainly hope at least some of these photos are going into a magazine for even more folks to enjoy!
Brenda
Posted by: Brenda Kula | 21 November 2008 at 16:16
We need a new roof here. This makes me think the possiblities are endless! (Kidding of course.)
But how beautiful is this? The tilework is incredible.
xo
Posted by: gillian at indigo blue | 21 November 2008 at 05:44
This is the sexiest building I've ever seen......those curves, the shapes.....hubba hubba, that's some lens.
Posted by: karen cole | 21 November 2008 at 03:14
ohmygod, is there anything more vibrant and stunning?! NO! I love the rooftops, too! It's all gorgeous. Thanks for climbing up there and balancing. The photos are exquisite.
Posted by: Chris | 21 November 2008 at 01:24