Spain: Multiculturalism Achieves the Beauty of Architecture

Spain, a charming country on the Iberian Peninsula, is hailed as one of the most enchanting nations in the world. Passionate, wild, mysterious, and romantic can be the best synonyms for Spain. Here lives the world's most magical architect, Gaudí, who devoted his life to Barcelona, unleashing his talent and leaving behind a fairy-tale world for all. Here exists a unique dance, where dancers in colorful attire and thick high heels twist their bodies to the rapid rhythm of castanets and guitars, stamping out Spain's national treasure—Flamenco—on wooden floors.

Located at the crossroads of Europe and Africa, and across the sea from the Americas, Spain has been a coveted land since ancient times. From the Roman era to the Renaissance, from Catholic churches to Islamic quarters, diverse cultures have left Spain with historic architecture of various styles. Over 40 of its monuments are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites, beloved by architecture enthusiasts worldwide. Stroll through Spain, exploring these ancient castles, churches, squares, and old quarters, and savor the profound historical and cultural heritage and the beauty of architecture embedded within!

Barcelona, the City of Gaudí

What kind of city would make Woody Allen go out of his way to shoot a film there?

Picasso made leather jackets in a corner of Plaça Reial, Gaudí paced near the church with design sketches, Hemingway sipped whiskey in some café, Orwell was enthusiastically stirring up rebellion in Catalonia, and when Carles Puyol roared at Camp Nou, he completely forgot about protecting his voice. And of course, there is Miró, Dalí, and classical guitar. Even if we don't know Woody Allen's reasons, these great names alone are enough to be captivating.

When I left Jinan for Barcelona, I didn't realize how deeply this city would leave its mark on my life. After spending three wonderful years studying there, I had to admit that if I were to make my own version of "So Young," it would have to be set in Barcelona.

Barcelona is an elegant cultural ancient city in Spain. Whenever I wandered through its streets and alleys, countless surprises struck my heart. Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings each have their own unique faces. Some say that without Barcelona, Spain would lose half its color. And without Gaudí, Barcelona would lose half its color too.

I think no other city shines so brightly because of one person, nor does any city inspire such unanimous longing. Antoni Gaudí—known as "God's architect"—used stone, ironwork, tiles, color, light, and his soul to compose a magnificent and sacred architectural symphony for Barcelona.

Jean Cocteau said: "He was afraid of offending the unknown beauty." Even with detailed sketches, Gaudí had to wait centuries—the Sagrada Família is far from finished. Of course, the pursuit of beauty is endless. Dalí called it "like a decayed tooth, full of possibilities."

Gaudí's unique design meant that almost no raw material could be mass-produced by an industrial assembly line. Although during his lifetime he only completed the Nativity façade, this building did not darken like the main walls with the passage of time. Under the inheritance of Catalan architects of later generations, it has attracted even greater attention from the world and radiates a brilliant light.

I still vividly remember my first walk along Passeig de Gràcia, looking at the houses. Casa Milà, with its wave-like rooftop, knight-like chimneys, exquisite ironwork, carved stone, and perforated railings... Standing for the first time beneath Casa Batlló, I imagined how Gaudí magically turned a story into a house: the hero's sword, the dragon's blood, the princess's charming smile. The bones of those eaten by the dragon support the layers of floors, and the balconies shaped like skulls—this house is a legend itself. This is Gaudí, making architecture so creative and profound, blending soft lines and rich colors into a unique beauty.

In comparison, I prefer the fairy-tale world of Park Güell—the backyard of this city. The bench inlaid with colorful tiles winds and twists like flowing waves, forming a poetic dream. The sparkling mosaic fragments shimmer in the sunlight, each piece of puzzle breathtaking.

A lonely performer plays a deep lute melody that seems to have an irresistible power. When the music ends, applause and smiles respond, and often an afternoon slips through the cracks of time. Gaudí lived for 25 years in that pretty pink villa. He devoted his life to carving every brick and tile, personally creating this city's most extraordinary treasure.

Figueres, Entering Dalí's Fantastical World

The reason to visit Figueres is simple: it is the birthplace of Salvador Dalí, a surrealist painter of extraordinary genius and imagination.

Dalí's hometown Figueres is nestled at the foot of the Pyrenees, 115 kilometers from Barcelona. Figueres is hardly a famous city—without Dalí, it would likely remain obscure. It lacks the hustle and bustle of Barcelona; the buildings along the streets are modest. When you take a bus from the train station, remember to say "Dali Museum" to the driver, and then you can safely enjoy the town's scenery.

Dalí's birth, as a milestone in Figueres' history, undoubtedly painted the city with a personal touch. The then mayor thought it unacceptable that Figueres had no memorial for its greatest child, so he invited Dalí to donate a painting to the local museum. Unexpectedly, Dalí replied that he was ready to donate an entire museum to his hometown. So this bizarre and interesting building was constructed on the ruins of a former theater.

Dalí believed that artists should not be too tender or honest; they should use exaggerated forms to stir emotions. He admired Gaudí because Gaudí's architecture also had a shocking visual effect. The red walls, rows of eggs symbolizing rebirth, and the yellow bread on top—it seems artists need to eat too. This building is listed among the world's most jaw-dropping structures.

Dalí wanted the museum to be not just a space to display works, but also a place to convey his unique ideas and personality. Every room or space was filled with paintings, decorations, and ornaments; many places turned into eerie landscape art due to the bizarre rarities. In the courtyard on the ground floor, there is a sculpture called "Rainy Taxi" made of a black Cadillac and a fountain. Insert a 1-euro coin, and you can see the rain inside the car. Entering the hall, you are greeted by a huge painting. Dalí's legendary love story with Gala often featured his wife's figure in many works. The enormous figure of Gala, set against olive trees, the sea, wind, and other elements of Figueres, has a hole in her chest that invites infinite imagination.

Valencia, A Fierce Clash of Classical and Modern Architecture

After receiving the baptism of Gaudí's architectural aesthetics in Barcelona, when you step into the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, you will surely feel the diverse charm of Spain! As Spain's third largest city, Valencia possesses all the characteristics of a Mediterranean city, especially its mild, pleasant climate and bright, translucent light. Wide streets surround the old quarter, where narrow alleys, fortified gates, and churches stand out, surrounded by old shops and Gothic houses with hidden charming patios. Few cities can integrate the distant heritage dating back to 138 AD with the latest avant-garde modern architecture of the new millennium as harmoniously as Valencia.

On the riverbed southeast of Valencia's old town stands a group of modern buildings full of visual impact and imaginative genius—the City of Arts and Sciences. This is the proudest work of Valencia's famous architect Santiago Calatrava. As one of Spain's contemporary and the world's most important architectural designers, his works, whether bridges or museums, have an instantly recognizable style. By exposing the structure of the building to the viewer and using modern technology and design to showcase the future, his work is both controversial and admired by those who love it! Especially for architecture and photography enthusiasts, this visual impact is irresistible.

The City of Arts and Sciences is one of Europe's largest and most diverse cultural complexes, consisting of seven parts: the Science Museum, imposing with a whale-skeleton-like exterior bearing strong Calatrava structural expressionism; the Hemisfèric, like a curious eye; the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía, with its "feather" roof; and an open garden exhibiting contemporary sculptures. Walking through the City of Arts and Sciences is truly a changing view with every step—you feel refreshed day or night. Valencia was named World Design Capital 2022, which is the greatest recognition of the work, creations, and creativity of Valencia's professionals!

Zaragoza, the Florence of Spain

Mentioning Zaragoza may seem unfamiliar to many Chinese, but in the hearts of Europeans, it is Spain's Florence and mother city.

Zaragoza is Spain's fifth largest city, preserving remnants of Roman walls and bridges, as well as churches, bell towers, and palaces from different eras. It features various architectural styles, but the most famous is the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, also known as the Cathedral of Zaragoza.

In Spain, many girls are named "Pilar," which means "pillar" in Spanish. Legend has it that this church contains a stone pillar on which the Virgin Mary once appeared, attracting countless Christians to worship. Today, only a small part of the legendary pillar is exposed, kissed daily by long queues of people. It was the first Marian basilica in history and is the most visited church in Spain, known as "the mother of the Spanish people." The statue of the Virgin Mary inside is only 39 cm tall, and the church changes her clothes every day—a ceremonial touch.

This church also has its own weapons. During the Spanish Civil War, three bombs were dropped on the church, damaging the roof but failing to explode. After experts determined they were safe, two bombs still hang on the church walls, adding to its legendary allure.

Walking into the Aljafería Palace, the memories of the Alhambra unconsciously echo in your ears. This strong Arabic-style palace, with its exquisite columns, courtyards, and arcades, carved by craftsmen centuries ago, turns the lofty faith of the heart into the beauty of architecture, inspiring awe and shock.

Anento, a Paradise with Only 45 Permanent Residents

I have always preferred small villages to big cities. Near Zaragoza, there is a tourist destination only recently discovered by native Spaniards—a town with only 45 permanent residents: Anento. In Aragon, you can see various historical remnants, including Spain's unique Mudéjar style architecture, as well as many picturesque small villages and towns. Unlike the famous sites trampled by international tourists, these towns are steeped in Spanish history and preserve the most traditional customs.

In fact, thirty years ago, almost no one lived in the town of Anento. The houses were dilapidated, the castle abandoned, and young people went to work in larger cities or neighboring villages, gradually leaving it deserted. The mayor, who grew up here, along with some like-minded young people, joined the restoration of the village to rebuild their childhood home, using local reddish clay as the raw material. He was elected mayor through campaigning, leading everyone to gradually restore the town's original appearance. Although there is only one church, one restaurant, and two guesthouses, Anento has become the hottest tourist destination in Aragon in recent years, repeatedly named the most beautiful small town in Spain.

Following the mayor up a small path to the hilltop, I was instantly stunned by the view! The entire village is orange-yellow, even more vivid than Roussillon in France. With only 45 permanent residents, the town is almost deserted. Children attend school in the neighboring village and only return on weekends. Yet every inhabited house is carefully decorated with flowers—giving roses to others leaves a fragrance on one's hands.

Spain is a country with profound artistic heritage, and its colorful architectural charm is an important part of its culture. From the Sagrada Família to the Alhambra, every architectural miracle interprets what perfection means.