Latest news with #AntoniGaudi
NDTV
3 days ago
- General
- NDTV
Planning A Trip To Spain? Start With These 5 Destinations
Thinking of travelling to Spain soon? You're going to love it. It's one of those places that just stay with you, the kind you'll want to visit again and again. From beautiful cities and amazing food to that lively, warm vibe, Spain really has it all. Whether you're wandering through art-filled streets in Madrid or chilling on the beaches in Valencia, there's something special around every corner. Here are 5 places you have to visit when you're there! What Are The Best Places To Visit In Spain? Here Are 5 Must-Visit Places: 1. Barcelona When we think of Spain, Barcelona is usually the first city that comes to mind. And why not? The city boasts stunning architecture, particularly the works of Antoni Gaudi, a vibrant nightlife and pristine beaches. The culinary offerings in Barcelona are equally delightful, making it a haven for food lovers. 2. Madrid Madrid is the capital city of Spain and attracts millions of tourists annually. It's a must-visit place for those who appreciate art, as the city is home to some of the best museums in the world. Some museums that you shouldn't miss visiting while in Madrid include the Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza. 3. Seville Another city you cannot miss visiting in Spain is Seville. Located within the autonomous community of Andalusia, it offers some of the country's best food and music. Seville is particularly famous for flamenco - a traditional art form combining singing, dancing and instrumental music. Here, you can also get to witness grand palaces and Moorish architecture. 4. Valencia If you wish to explore the eastern coast of Spain, don't miss visiting Valencia. The city beautifully blends modern and traditional architecture and also has beautiful beaches. Overall, it has a vibrant vibe throughout the year as it holds several exciting festivals. Valencia is also considered to be the birthplace of Paella - a popular Spanish rice dish. 5. San Sebastian If you're a food enthusiast, San Sebastian is the place to be. This tiny seaside town offers world-class cuisine and is particularly famous for dishes like Basque Tapas and desserts like Basque cheesecake. Apart from food, the city's elegant Art Nouveau buildings and beaches further add to its charm and appeal. So, if you're planning a trip to Spain anytime soon, make sure to visit these places!
West Australian
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- West Australian
How history is ILLUMINATED in France
Walking around the Bassins des Lumieres of Bordeaux, the ghosts of the past are never far away. Housed in an old submarine base built by the occupying nazis during World War II, it has been converted into the largest digital arts centre on the planet, its walls and waters shimmering with images of art and history. Despite a stuttering start — its big unveiling was briefly delayed by COVID-19 in 2020 — it's now very much in the groove, drawing around 650,000 visitors a year. In some ways this was the ideal indoor attraction for pandemic times, as there was plenty of room for social distancing. The floor space for wandering spans 3000sqm, roughly the size of a dozen tennis courts, and with a projection area of 12,000sqm, it's five times larger than its older sibling, the Atelier des Lumieres in Paris. The dimensions have allowed curators to take the concept of immersive audio-visual exhibitions to a whole new level. As well as all the concrete walls to bounce off, there are four 110m-long pools to reflect into and a powerful sound system that accompanies rippling imagery with stirring music. This is a family-friendly option and there are people of all ages — and from across the world — on our timed visit on a Sunday afternoon. Having previously showcased Salvador Dali, Antoni Gaudi and Vincent van Gogh, the venue is transporting visitors back to ancient Egypt throughout 2025 with an exhibition that projects epic images of pyramids and temples, gods, kings and queens, with a soundtrack of contrasting tunes. One minute it's orchestrals by Giuseppe Verdi or Hans Zimmer, the next it's the booming beats of Led Zeppelin or Massive Attack as the likes of Tutankhamun, Ramesses II and Nefertari hover before us in super-sized form. Lasting just over half an hour, this show is followed by The Orientalists, a shorter exhibition that focuses on paintings by French artists like Eugene Delacroix and Jean-Leon Gerome, who were enchanted by the exotic scenes they saw on their travels to North Africa and the Middle East in the 19th century. Images of bustling medinas and desert oases, snake charmers and harems swirl around us. You can walk around freely during the shows to get different perspectives and also enjoy a more intimate 360-degree viewing experience at the Citerne, which distils the exhibition inside a circular 155sqm space with 7m-high ceilings. A slightly larger confined space, the Cube shows smaller-scale exhibitions. After watching the eerie, surreal and abstract visions of a short film called Entropy, we're faced with The Giants, a piece about the endangered ancestral rainforests of Australia, including the 65 million-year-old-trees of Tasmania's Tarkine region. Also attracting gazes at the Bassins de Lumieres is a section with old photographs and information panels chronicling the history of this mammoth site, which the Axis Powers used to protect their Atlantic-going vessels — including German U-boats and Italian submarines — from aerial attack. Bombed by the Allies on several occasions, the base was captured during the liberation of Bordeaux in August 1944. Like the wider port district of Bacalan in which it sits, the base fell into disuse after the war. But the area has, in recent decades, evolved from industrial wasteland to cultural hub and this particular visitor attraction — which cost about $20 million to convert — is a diamond in the not-so-rough anymore. Of all the sound and light shows I've been to around the world, nowhere matches this for size and dazzle, and it's definitely worth checking the listings if you happen to be in Bordeaux. And that, I'd say, would be a good idea, as this is one of France's best city destinations, a charming blend of old and new, as well as a springboard for vineyard tours and multi-day river cruises. + The price of admission at Les Bassins des Lumieres allows access to all the exhibitions. A full-priced ticket is €16 ($28), with reduced rates for other groups, including €9 ($16) for youths aged six to 25. Book a ticket and time slot at + For more information on visiting Bordeaux, see
Business Times
02-05-2025
- Automotive
- Business Times
Cupra Tavascan review: A little Gaudi goes a long way
'Cupra Tavascan' might sound like a medieval incantation, something you mutter to conjure up a dragon with a puff of smoke, but it's merely what the eye-catching electric car you see here is called. That seems fitting, because the Tavascan looks like something St George would have tried to run through with a spear, only in vehicular form. It's a dramatic, brooding machine with sculpted haunches and a glowing crest, with enough presence and attitude to make small animals skulk away. The illuminated Cupra logo on the nose pulses gently when you unlock the car, adding a sense of life that's equal parts theatre and personality. And from the front, it glares at you through a narrow set of headlights, with creases that seem almost organic, as if they were grown rather than stamped. Apparently, the Tavascan got its name from a village in the Spanish Pyrenees, tucked high in the Catalan mountains near the French border. I've never been, but I like to imagine it's a high-altitude place full of rugged terrain and defiant people who feel like they live above it all, because this is a fierce car, especially in dual-motor VZ trim. It's built on the same MEB platform as the Audi Q4 e-tron, Skoda Enyaq and Volkswagen ID.5, but the tuning and temperament are entirely its own. The interior, in particular, makes its corporate cousins look downright drab. It's full of textures and classy, muted tones, with some mouldings that look as if they were pinched from La Sagrada Familia. The dashboard and even the front seats look like Antoni Gaudi himself rose from the grave to design them, only this time he stuck to the client brief to make things wild but logical. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself. Sign Up Sign Up If the dashboard trim resembles dragon scales, it's only apt that the VZ breathes fire. Its dual-motor, all-wheel drive setup delivers 340 horsepower and 545 Newton-metres of torque, giving the Cupra enough thrust to hit 100 kmh in 5.6 seconds. That's properly fast in real-world traffic, and it has the taut suspension to go with the rapid acceleration. With active dampers, it rides comfortably enough, turns in keenly and resists roll impressively. The brakes feel slightly soft, which seems to be a quirk the MEB platform cars all share, but overall the Tavascan VZ marks itself out as an engaging car simply by being hard to drive slowly. It's not great in car parks, however, because the visibility is poor enough that the 360-degree camera is less of a luxury and more of a coping mechanism. There's also a curious silence hanging over the whole experience, literally. That's because the Tavascan VZ doesn't offer any artificial engine sounds, which feels like a missed opportunity. Plenty of other EVs add a bit of aural drama to match the performance, and in my view it adds to the experience. You could always have the option to switch it off, giving you both excitement and serenity. In fact, the Tavascan's game is strong when it comes to the daily commute, too. The 15-inch infotainment screen is easy to use, and between the 12-speaker Sennheiser sound system and the ambient lighting, it's anything from rolling nightclub to quiet lounge when you want it to be. There's also a thoughtful scheduled climate feature that lets you cool the cabin before you get in, which suggests that the good folk at Cupra's Barcelona HQ understand what tropical heat does to humans. There's good news on the practicality front, too. The Tavascan is genuinely roomy in the back, with plenty of legroom and a flat floor that makes long rides more comfortable than you'd expect from something that looks this dramatic. The boot is sensibly shaped and decently sized, which means the Cupra is as useful as it is stylish. With a range of up to 521 km, the Tavascan VZ should fit comfortably into a once-a-week charging routine, even if you're a bit heavy-footed, but the single-motor Endurance version can apparently squeeze 568 km out of the same 77 kWh battery capacity. It's not much slower, needing 6.8 seconds to hit 100 kmh, and is probably the better buy, especially since it costs S$20,000 less. In either form, what really sets the Tavascan apart is the sense of theatre, which is rare in the cold world of electric cars. While battery-powered cars tend to be all about clinical efficiency, this Cupra has some ability to cast a spell. Cupra Tavascan VZ Motor Power/Torque: 340 hp / 545 Nm Battery type/Net capacity: Lithium-ion/77 kWh Charging time/Type: 8 hours (11 kW AC), 28 minutes 10 to 80 per cent (135 kW DC) Range: 521 km (WLTP) 0-100 kmh: 5.6 seconds Top speed: 180 kmh Efficiency: 17.2 kWh/100 km Agent: Cupra Centre Singapore Price: S$246,900 with COE Available Now
Emirates Woman
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Emirates Woman
The cool-girl's guide to the vibrant city of Barcelona
Life by Camille Macawili 2 hours ago From cultural attractions to cool hotspots, a design-lover's edit of things to see in the vibrant capital of Catalonia – Barcelona. THE STAY THE BARCELONA EDITION The epitome of chic design, The Barcelona EDITION is where you'll feel the magnetic charm and character of Barcelona in an upscale yet cosy setting, designed with creative modernity and minimalism deeply anchored in its identity and design codes. THE DINING BAR & TAPAS SENORA DOLORES Nestled in Sant Antoni, this cool tapas and natural grape bar with outdoor seating by the street. Offering a selection of simple yet unique small plates that you can enjoy leisurely as you go people watching or catching up with friends. Image: Instagram @barlacamila BAR LA CAMILA Whether you're resting from all the sightseeing, having some downtime or feeling productive, this no-fuss local café and bar is as simple as it gets. Tucked in a quiet alleyway in Gràcia serves great coffee that you can enjoy with bites including pastries, snacks and of course, tapas. Image: Instagram @ TIBERI BAR A hot spot in El Poble-Sec, this restaurant serves delicious seasonal small bites alongside a fantastic natural grape selection, with a fun ambiance and cool crowd to boot. While the design feels industrial and cold, it turns into a cosy and intimate spot come evenings. THE HERO BUYS Image: Instagram @gimaguas GIMAGUAS Barcelona-born, cool-girl fashion label, Gimaguas's flagship store is a directional space wrapped in petrified concrete fabric to wander in and shop while in Barcelona. Image: Instagram @boomerangbcn9 BOOMERANG For interior lovers, Boomerang is a haven for vintage and retro furniture that's worthy for admiring – and buying – decor. Image: Instagram @lamanualalpargatera LA MANUAL ALPARGATERA A historical place to make your own handcrafted espadrilles in a range of styles you can possibly think of, perfect for souvenirs to gift your loved ones or for yourself. THE MUST-VISITS PICASSO MUSEUM Located in the El Born neighbourhood, the Picasso Museum is a must-see for art enthusiasts. It is where guests can admire Picasso's earlier artwork and has spent a significant portion of his formative years. Image: Pexels CASA BATLLÓ AND CASA MILÀ These Antoni Gaudi buildings are a masterpiece on their own. Casa Batlló has a curved exterior covered in glass with otherworldly interiors that are simply breathtaking while a muted architecture, Casa Milà, a few blocks away from Casa Batlló, boasts the same curved lines with an incredible rooftop to enjoy as you soak in impressive sunset city views. FUNDACIÓ JOAN MIRÓ A few minutes' drive from the centre of the city, this modern-brutalist style museum is located on the edge of Catalonia's vibrant capital dedicated to artist Joan Miró. SAGRADA FAMILIA Last but not the least, this world-renowned Antoni Gaudi masterpiece and a Barcelona icon boasts impressive architecture – inside and out. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Supplied
Fox News
17-04-2025
- Fox News
Popular church will curb tourist crowds by creating separate 'selfie space'
Many travelers to Barcelona, Spain, may find themselves at one of the most beautiful sacred places in the world: the Sagrada Familia. The basilica is the largest unfinished Catholic church, attracting not just worshippers but tourists from all over. Sagrada Familia attracts so many tourists that the city of Barcelona is now building a specific area just for visitors to snap photos. In an action plan put together by the Barcelona Tourism Management (BTM), officials state, "The area around the Sagrada Familia was not designed for the intensive use it currently experiences." The public spaces in that area, the plan said, have reached a "saturation point." Officials say that "work needs to be done to improve this space in the following areas of intervention: urban landscape, tourist attraction points, public space model and disruptions or transformations resulting from urban developments." One of the tourist attraction points is an area dedicated to picture taking in a large plaza on the Placa Gaudi facing the front of the church. The plaza will alleviate congested sidewalks and leave room in front of local businesses that were previously blocked by tourists. The church was designed by Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi beginning in 1882. It attracted 4.7 million visitors in 2023, according to BTM. "A new design of the square would allow a [physical link] with Avinguda de Gaudí to encourage flows toward the Sant Pau Modernist complex," the action plan says. The annual volume of visitors to the basilica and its surrounding area is estimated to be between 18 and 22 million people, according to BTM.
