One of the many wonderful things about exploring Barcelona is happening across curious architectural details in unexpected places.
You could be on a shopping expedition — the above entrada in L’Antiga Esquerra de l’Eixample is adjacent to a Bon Preu supermarket — or out with friends — this magnificent entrance is just a few metres from the restaurant, Gresca — or just taking a stroll, and pass by a beautiful entrance.
Look — but don’t intrude
It’s difficult sometimes to not stick your nose in, take a gander and snap a few photos.
PLEASE DON’T — unless it’s a civic building, hotel or office building. The residents won’t like you for it, and the portera/o [concierge] will almost certainly hustle you out of the building and call the police if you resist.
You could politely try asking the portera/o if you can take a few photos — some will oblige (while keeping a very close eye on you) but many won’t.
Instead, linger a little, savour the moment and walk on slowly by.
I am a frequent guest to this apartment building and enjoy the trust of both residents and the portero.
Film location
This apartment building has featured in a few movies, the most recent being, Mientras Duermes (While you sleep) although titled, Sleep Tight, in English — a creepy and coldly credible horror flick.
Lighting:
Walls:
Here’s a close-up of the relief work adorning the walls:
Stair rail and newel:
Lift/Elevator Doors — showing ironwork, stained glass and woodwork:
Windows:
Here are two photos of the interior window casements:
And here’s a snap of an interior window in the lift/elevator shaft:
Doors:
Here are two photos of an apartment exterior door:
2 Comments
Hi Bill
Enjoying your posts (website/spotted by locals) – can I sign up to receive in my inbox?
Would love to chat with you further about arranging a private tour if you can recommend someone- on Barcelona modernism/architecture… my partner and I love in Vancouver BC and spend 3 months a year in Barcelona (we purchased a small apt. In the Glories area 2 years ago) –
Tx –
Hi Michele, pleased to read you enjoy my posts on Spotted by Locals. Thank you very much for letting me know. Good to feel appreciated. If you go to the SBL website you’ll see an email subscription sign-up box in the bottom left-hand corner. This will supply you with links to all upadtes — not only new posts. So, what I can do is, if you subcribe to this site, then every time SBL publish a new article by myself then I’ll put a link to it on this website.
As for architectural tours — well, I couldn’t recommend any one particular tour company — though I have heard good things about Architecture Walks.
I’ll send you an email. Thanks for taking time to post your comment. All the best, regards.