Passeig de Gracia, continued

Fanciful as Casa Battlo is, it coexists quite gracefully with Casa Amatiler right next door.

Casa Mila

Casa Mila (La Pedrera) is probably Gaudi's most famous house; built between 1906 and 1910, it was his last private commission before he began work exclusively on La Sagrada Familia.

Monserrat

Monestir de Monserrat was mentioned in the 9th century, enlarged in the 11th century, became independent of Rome in 1409, was destroyed when the French attacked Catalonia in the War of Independence, and was rebuilt in 1944. Instrumental in preserving Catalan culture during the Franco years, it sits high up in the mountains northwest of Barcelona.

Cordona

11th century Romanesque church of St Vinq (Vincent), with no adornment to speak of, except for the scallop shell, symbol of pilgrims of St. James in the upper vault corners.

La Seu d'Urgell

The Pyrenees town of La Seu d'Urgell was made a bishopric by Visigoths in the 6th century. The former castle which protected it is now part of the Relais & Chateaux hotel chain.

12th century cathedral of La Seu d'Urgell.

Estamariu

Up a narrow mountainous road to the tiny town of Estamariu for lunch at a premier Basque restaurant, Cal Teixido