Day 445 - 30/11/2014 : Sa Riera looking to Medes

Winter is coming therefore why not remember our beaches to forget the dark and think we will enjoying the sun soon?

Sa Riera is the biggest beach belonging to Begur, located on the North of the village can be reach from Begur by GI-6351 road or having a pleasant walk from Pals beach.

Sa Riera has a beach that is sheltered and particularly popular in the summer months.
 There is also good snorkelling around the craggy rocks. There are some small hotels and good seafood restaurants, small cafes & bars.

You're noted on that !

Day 444 - 29/11/2014 : Independence's gig

A claim for our freedom was held on Camp Nou stadium by June 29th 2013.Lots of Catalan bands, composers and orchestras sang for the country's freedom by breaking the chains with the Spanish state.

It was a gig which lasts more than 4 hours where the crowd filling the stadium didn't give up to sing and create different mosaics about the Indepedence process and Catalonia flag.

It was really moving, gripping and finally was considered one of the highlights during 2013 regarding the Catalan claim after the big human chain held by September the 11th.

Visca Catalunya Lliure !

Day 443 - 28/11/2014 : We are in Festa Major

By our Festa Major in June all the town is well decorated with funny colors, flowers and ornaments but no one building stand out more that the Church.

Two main facts drive to this opinion, first off all 4 Catalans flags are put on the tower around the four squares but the most remarkable matter is the donkey hanging from the bell tower. We are talking about 'Ase Inocenci' which it's the festivity symbol.

The imaginary donkey is hung up until the end of the Festivity where it's gone down carefully.

Enjoy Vilassar !

Day 442 - 27/11/2014 : Vilassar is calling us !!!

It's time to coming home and spend some days in our stunning village, you remember, it isn't? Vilassar de Mar starts the high season during St Joan Major festivity having the most impact on the witches night of June 24th.

The main town's streets as Sant Joan street  turned up to ancient times being dressed as we were in the Indian age creating such an amazing atmosphere.

Definitely our little town deserves a visit, why don't you include in your agenda?

Day 441 - 26/11/2014 : Font's square, bye bye Tarraco !!!

And finally we reached the city's heart, the impressive Plaça de la Font where Tarraco's council is located and the main event from Santa Tecla festivity are held.

It's known to be the place where 'Diada de Santa Tecla' congregates every year the best 'colles castelleres' from Catalonia to start one of the most beautiful journeys around 'Castellers'.

Plenty of life, people walking or taking a rest in one of its terraces, it's the place which every town would like to have.

See you soon Tarraco !!!

Day 440 - 25/11/2014 : Funny house in Tarraco

Looking for our restaurant to have lunch in Tarraco we found out with interesting places. Walking inside the city center we came up with a funny house which had the main wall painted with a Catalan story.

It seemed like a council but it was difficult to understand if it was a true story at all, therefore we made a lot of picture to memorize the meeting.

Is is though to be a representation of the middle age Catalan way of life, but we weren't able to confirm that.

It's really gripping !

-

Day 439 - 24/11/2014 : Tarraco view from Castle of Pretori (Praetoriem)

We are close to finish our Tarraco tour, do you think it has been worth it? I think so, it's a mix of ancient culture, magnificent monuments and nice views.

One of the last panoramic pictures we took from Tarraco was on Pretori's terrace. Pretori is one of the most remarkable buildings in Tarraco, being dated on the First Century and preserving its history until reaching our days.

The tower offers fantastic view from the city and above all from the Cathedral, therefore it should include in all the visitor lists.

Enjoy !

Day 438 - 23/11/2014 : Tarraco view from Rambla Nova

The long Rambla Nova is the main thoroughfare in Tarragona for both locals and visitors to this beautiful city.

Fun to wander along during the day, adorned with flowers stalls, newspaper stands, and regular markets and, not to be missed, the Statue of Castellers, an ideal photo opportunity!

On the south area we will able to admire a fantastic view from the Roman Theater and the main beach, it's really amazing ! Rambla Nova boasts designer shops and restaurants.  It was once a river bed, with kiosks selling books, pictures and newspapers. There is a twice weekly market selling clothes, household goods, animals i.e. live guinea pigs, rabbits, birds, chicks

Enjoy it !!!

Day 437 - 22/11/2014 : Tarraco magnificent amphitheater

Tarragona Amphitheatre is a Roman amphitheatre which was built in the 2nd century AD, sited close to the forum of this provincial capital.


The amphitheater could house up to 15,000 spectators, and measured 130 x 102 m.

The Islamic invasion of Spain started a period of abandon of the area, which lasted until the 12th century, when a church was built over the remains of the Visigothic church, in Romanesque style. This was demolished in 1915.

In 1576, it became the convent for the order of the Trinity until 1780 when it became a prison for prisoners who were constructing the port. After closing the prison, it was abandoned up to the mid-20th century when work was started to recover the theater, funded by the Bryant foundation.

Enjoy your visit !!!

Day 436 - 21/11/2014 : Tarraco Roman Theater

The Roman Theatre of Tarraco was built in the time of Augustus in the area of the Forum of the Colonia and the port, the planners took advantage of the steep slope of the hill to build part of the seating.

Despite much of it having been destroyed during the 20th century, the remains of three fundamental parts of the structure are still visible; the cavea (seating), the orchestra and the scaena The ruins can be seen from the purpose-built lookout point.

A great piece of history !!!

Day 435 - 20/11/2014 : Four ways to be a Catalan

We strolled to Rambla Nova from the Cathedral, I would ever recommend walking on this way because you will enjoy the panorama change from the old town to the Roman period.

Take into account the political situation in our country lots of people claim for a change being the flag exhibition the most method used to mark our thoughts.

We found out a stunning building with 4 neighbors showing a different flag : two versions of Estelada, the 'Senyera' and Gimnastic flag.

Catalan proud !!!!

Day 434 - 19/11/2014 : Santa Maria inside

The Capitular Hall, dating to the mid-12th century, could be accessed from the cloister or the church.

In 1330 it was converted into the Chapel of Corpus Christi It has a square plan and is covered by barrel vault. The entrance has a central door sided by windows. The keystone of the apse (added in the 14th-century) shows a Christ in Majesty, while in the arch are symbols of the Tetramorph.

The apse has also a sculpture group of the Annunciation and the decorated tombstone of Alemanda de Rocabertí (died 1373).

The walls of the Hall features several 14th-century sculptures of saints, some with traces of polychrome paint.

Amazing !!!

Day 433 - 18/11/2014 : Santa Maria Garden's Cloister

The construction of the cloister began perhaps around 1194, although other scholars assign it from 1214 onwards. Located northeast to the cathedral, it has a rectangular plan, measuring 47 by 46 meters. It has a large central courtyard and four galleries divide by pilasters. Some of them include gutters discharging rainwater to the Roman sewer, which was still in use. The vault covering of the galleries follows the model of the monasteries of Poblet and Vallbona de les Monges.

The arcades of the galleries are organized in groups of three smaller circular arches, surmounted by couples of small rose windows and, above them, a large ogival arch. Above the latter is in turn a frieze in Moorish style. The capitals of the columns are sculpted with religious scenes, such as the visit of the angels to Abraham, Cain and Abel an others. At the corner of the northern gallery are scenes from the Genesis and the New Testament, St. Thomas' incredulity and the legend of St. Nicholas. The wall of the eastern gallery includes an Arab inscription from the year 960, belonging to the former mosque.

Day 432 - 17/11/2014 : Santa Maria Cloister

The construction of the cloister began perhaps around 1194, although other scholars assign it from 1214 onwards. Located northeast to the cathedral, it has a rectangular plan, measuring 47 by 46 meters. It has a large central courtyard and four galleries divide by pilasters. Some of them include gutters discharging rainwater to the Roman sewer, which was still in use. The vault covering of the galleries follows the model of the monasteries of Poblet and Vallbona de les Monges.

The cloister is accessed through a Romanesque gate from the 13th century. It has a tympanum with the Majesty of God and the Tetramorph. The columns supporting the archivolts have capitals with vegetable elements and scenes of the visit of the three Mary to Christ's sepulchre. The column of the mullion is also decorated with a reptile and with scenes of the life of Jesus.

To sum up, impressive !!!

Day 431 - 16/11/2014 : Santa Maria apostles

The Cathedral of Tarragona is a Roman Catholic church in Tarragona, Spain. Located in a site previously occupied by a Roman temple dating to the time of Tiberius, a Visigothic cathedral and a Moorish mosque, it was declared a national monument in 1905.

The main gate is surmounted by a large rose window, similar to that in the Monastery of Sant Cugat or in the Cathedral of Majorca. The twelve spokes represent the twelve tribes of Israel, or the apostles. It has a diameter of 11 meters. The two lateral portal have also smaller rose windows.

Let's go inside, enjoy your visit !

Day 430 - 15/11/2014 : Santa Maria Church

 We were facing soon the most impressive building of Tarragona : the vast Santa Maria church. You reach it walking in Carrer Major from South to North where the Cathedral facade is widely noticed.

Then, go on, we will spend a week talking about Tarragona and the Cathedral represents the start point : the building contains important historical memories and beautiful works of art, but above all it is a place where the church community, gathered around Jesus Christ their Lord, listens to the Word of God, takes the Eucharist and receives forgiveness.

Please pay due respect during your visit and don't disturb the monks !!!

Day 429 - 14/11/2014 : Pilon's street in Tarragona

During our journey to Tarragona that it was an early May day we were able to discover some curious fact about this amazing city.

Tarragona proved to be a very pleasant town, easy to walk inside in, plenty of life and interesting places to see, undoubtedly being one of the main Roman old places its history is to be taken into account.

One of the most shocked streets you should walk is full of colorful paints in the walls and pilots, it's called Pilon's street. You will find in the way to Santa Maria church before reaching Carrer Major. Definitely it will be paying your attention itself !

Day 427 - 12/11/2014 : Allende in Tarragona

It's curious being the first choice to talk about Tarragona to reference to a personality nothing or little involved with Catalonia, as far as I know, but it's fair to remark the comrade Allende sculpture located in Camp de Mart grounds.

It's remarkable to see people walking along the garden and approaching to the sculpture to honor such a fantastic and unforgettable man who paid with his death for his country's freedom.

Chi,chi.chi le,le,le !!!!

Day 428 - 13/11/2014 : Tarraco

Let's travel to Catalan mid South territories, we are going to spend some days in the most important southern city, Tarragona or Tarraco how it was called in Roman empire ages.

The first building we visited in Tarraco was the council because there is a big and beautiful from showing how was Tarraco in the past with all the Roman building showing off luxury and power.

The model is spread out all the council main hall and you will be impressed by seeing, definitely it's a sight to include, don't forget that !

Day 426 - 11/11/2014 : L'Esquirol (Sta Maria de Corcó)

It's remarkable to explain the history name of this tiny town. The village was historically known as L'Esquirol, the place of origin of the House of Cabrera but was changed during Franco MOFO times to Santa Maria de Corcó. On June 4, 2014, they have officially changed the name back to the original L'Esquirol which literally means, "squirrel" in Catalan.

Nowadays is a peaceful town locate in Osona just in middle route from Vic to Rupit therefore you will be seeing in your Osona journey.

Enjoy its history !

Day 425 - 10/11/2014 : The day after in Tavervet glancing at Moltorer cliff

Tavertet cliffs should be included in your list for sight seeing. We were looking forward to walking on the path to Sau reservoir views but approaching to the edge the feelings were really amazing.

It's difficult to think about such an impressive emptiness sensation, with your body close to fall down, it's nothing like as good as this path before a big lunch !!!

Don't forget this town and its environment, you won't be dissappointed.

Day 424 - 09/11/2014 : Sau reservoir in the day when our first step to freedom have been done

Today we are living one of the most relevant events to our freedom : we celebrate a vote to know what Catalan people think about being a new Europe state.

I would like to help you being relaxed and think how important is this day in our future : sit in front of your computer and admire the beauty existing in our country.

When you reach Sau views from Tavertet cliffs walk the essence of silence come to your mind. The view is breathtaking, the peace infinite.

Vote and wait, the future is being written.

Day 423 - 08/11/2014 : Sant Romà de Sau church

Sau reservoir owns a hidden treasure : Sant Romà church. This reservoir is  located on the Ter river, near Vilanova de Sau and belonging to Osona region.

The dam was completed in 1962, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 151.3 hm³ that covered the former town of Sant Romà de Sau.

The Church of Sant Romà is still visible when the water level is low and we were lucky to see it. The dam has a structural height of 83 m and a crest length of 260 m.

We are talking about one of the must-see views in Catalonia with plenty of activities to do around the reservoir, therefore it should be included in your route.

Definitely !

Day 422 - 07/11/2014 : Collsacabra

Collsacabra, also known as Cabrerès, is a natural area located in Central Catalonia between Osona, La Garrotxa and La Selva regions although the most extension is inside Osona.

It's a plateau integrated into Tranversal range formed by characteristics cliffs as Tavertet, el Far and l'Avenc created by Ter river's erosion and sedimentary elements.

It's considered a wet forest area, formed by beech trees, oaks and firs.

Enjoy your visit !

Day 421 - 06/11/2014 : Tavertet lookouts

The walk around Tavertet cliffs is plenty of lookouts which invite you to look into Collsacabra and Guilleries ranges.

After leaving the church to the East the unpaved road to Sau reservoir views starts, you should follow it to reach Collsacabra and Sau view but it's a must-see stop on the lookouts and admire the cliffs, but be careful because these lookouts aren't protected therefore you might fall down, you should take care of your children in case they are walking with you.

If you thrust out your body or your head down to the cliffs you will fell like a butterfly but pay attention if you suffer some kind dizziness.

Will you be enjoying the danger?

Day 420 - 05/11/2014 : Guilleries

Walking on Tavertet cliffs to Sau reservoir views allow us to admire Guilleries range. As a friend turning up to our home Guilleries appears majestic.

Being St.Miquel de Solterra the highest point with 1024 meters above the sea level the main fact about this range is giving protection to Susqueda and Sau reservoirs, the main ones for Barcelona area.

These mountains were notorious in former times for being a haunt of bandits and highwaymen, being the best known Perot Rocaguinada.

Anyway, better than its history is nowadays its present with fantastic areas to enjoy nature therefore no excuses to visit, come on !!!

Day 419 - 04/11/2014 : Tavertet, Sant Cristofol church

Tavertet is a tiny town located in Collsacabra range. Its most representative building is Sant Cristofol church, an example of late Romanesque in Catalonia.

She appears documented, in the year 1070, as possession of vizconde of Cardona and was consecrated San Cristóbal.

In its origin Romanesque of Century XI consisted of a single ship, followed and reinforced by three arcs that divided in four sections and to it semicircular apse with vault of quarter of sphere.

Like a prayer !!!

Day 418 - 03/11/2014 : Rupit

Just leaving Plaça Major you can cross to the other side of the town to reach Santa Magdalena church and obtain a fantastic view of the town, mainly governed by St.Miquel Church, an impressive baroque building with neoclassical elements.

On the right side one of the things to pay attention is the rock wall that dominate the village. The rock (in Latin 'rupes') is the place where the castle was built, and therefore the origin of the name of the village.

Amazing !!!

name

Day 417 - 02/11/2014 : Typical stone house in Rupit

Rupit (officially part of Rupit i Pruit municipality) is a village in the county of Osona, in the Catalan subregion of the Collsacabra. It is located at 822 m above sea level, 98 km from Barcelona.

In 1959 the municipality was officially named Rupit. In 1977, the hamlet of Pruit was united with Rupit village. And now it's officially called Rupit i Pruit.

In origin both the hamlet of Pruit and the village of Rupit already shared the same jurisdiction under the viscount of Osona. According to the tradition, he lived in the castle of Rupit before moving to Cardona.

Nowadays Rupit is best known as a tourist town, because of its medieval appearance, stone houses and streets made of natural rock. There are also interesting walks and sightseeing around the village and nearby cliffs.

Definitely, it's a must-see !!!

Day 416 - 01/11/2014 : B-5222 road to Rupit

Today we will be changing our region. From high Ripollés we'll be moving down to Osona to admire some distinctive sights.

Set off your journey to the South and after reaching Osona capital by C17 road, the magnificent Vic, we'll turn left to the East to start driving on B5222 road to Rupit and Tavertet.

In a few minutes you will see the 'Cingles de Tavertet' (Tavertet cliffs) whose another name is Collsacabra, probably the most scenic sight in Central Catalonia.

Enjoy your visit, don't forget to take a look if you're coming to Vic.

Day 415 - 31/10/2014 : Nuria path

Visiting the unspoilt beauty of Nuria requires get on the train or walk on the path from Queralbs or Ribes de Freser.

The best known way to reach Nuria from Queralbs is called  Old Road path by Cremal bridge. It's the traditional itinerary since the construction of the Rack Railway. Attractive thanks to the diversity of the environment and scenery, mostly following the bottom of the valley and the gorges of the Núria river.

The path and walkers can be seen from rack railway, definitely you will arrive soon !

Day 414 - 30/10/2014 : Coma de Llisquet Hill

Nuria descent by the rack railway might provoke open your eyes when similar landscapes as today picture appear.

You will be able to capture fantastic pictures from Pyrenees and Coma de Llisquet hill by driving 10 kilometers by Fontalba road which start in Queralbs just before reaching the main square.

We will be in front a special mountainous range with a steep relief and we will be seeing below us the rack railway path and the walk path to Nuria.

Amazing !!!

Day 413 - 29/10/2014 : Ribes Valley

Ribes valley is really amazing. We dropped in after our Nuria weekend by exploring some of the roads which climb the mountains.

It's said to be one of the most beautiful valleys in Catalonia and really it is, little towns are endorsed in the mountainous landscape and the snowed hills create wonderful views.

Stop your car and look at the horizon, you won't be disappointed !

Day 412 - 28/10/2014 : Road to Fustanyà

Leaving Queralbs by GIV-521 we reach a tiny town called La Farga and a bridge crossing Fresser river.

On the left a narrow road starts and become steeped soon giving us fantastic views from Queralbs and Pyrinees, it's an unnamed road which drives to Fustanyà and Serrat, two others stunning towns surrounded by mountains.

We came up with breathtaking landscapes we didn't realize and we were able to stop the car quietly, get off and take this picture.

What do you think about?