Surroundings, Barcelona

In 1898 Count Eusebi Güell, the great patron of Antoni Gaudí, had a social settlement laid out for the workers in his textile factory in Santa Coloma del CervellóGaudí was commissioned to build a church for the settlement and his preliminary sketches reveal a startling similarity with the Sagrada Famiàlia. However the church in the workers' settlement was actually not built in the same style as the latter.The lower part of the planned church, the so-called crypt, was constructed between 1908 and 1916 on a pine-clad hill. In its design two aspects are clearly visible: on the one hand the static and formal structural details of Gothic - in so far as these were adopted by Gaudí - and on the other hand the principle of "oblique supports" which he introduced, and which, together with parabolic enclosing arches, permits a spatial design free from all restraints. The mosaics, especially the one above the main doorway, are particularly noteworthy. The pews in the church were also designed by Gaudi.

The massif of Montseny lies almost 50km/31mi to the northeast of Barcelona and 30km/19mi inland from the Costa Daurada. This mountainous area is where the Riu Tordera has its source.The Serra de Montseny is a low mountain range almost completely covered by forest. At the Turó del Home it reaches 1,712m/5,617ft and this represents the highest point in the Catalan coastal range. Important sources of income are forestry and agriculture; tourism also plays a role, for the national park which lies within the area is very popular for walking and recreation.

Barcelona airport is situated about 12km/7.5mi southwest of the city in El Prat de Llobregat, close to the motorway (C244) to Castelldefels, RENFE, the state rairoad company, operates connecting services to the city center every 30minutes between 7am and 11pm, journey time 16minutes. There are also buses and taxis. Since the summer of 1989 the airport has been undergoing extensive modernization.

The industrial town of Badalona (pop. approximately 200,000) lies to the northeast of Barcelona and on the far side of the Riu Besos. Today Badalona has become practically part of the Catalan capital.The city area extends some 5km/3mi along the flat coastline. The quality of the sea water suffers in this area as a result of emissions from the thriving industries.

The model layout Catalunya en Miniatura is situated 17km/10.5mi south of Barcelona's center. The best approach by car is on the Martorell road as far as Molins del Relund, continuing via Vincenç dels Horts. The feature includes models (on a scale of 1:25) of the most important monuments and buildings in Catalonia. Bus: "Tisa" line from corner of Viriat and Numància.

The little town of Sant Cugat del Vallès, lies some 15km/9.5mi northwest of Barcelona. The best road goes via Valvidrera; more scenic, but narrower and winding, is the alternative road via the Tibidabo. A rail connection from the Plaça de Catalunya can be made with the trains of the Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat (FF.CC.).

About 3km/2mi to the northwest of Badalona lies Sant Jeroni de la Murtra, which with its former monastery, built in the 14th C. (15th C. cloister), is a favored destination for outings from the town.

The village of Esparreguera re-enacts the Passion of Christ every weekend in March and April

About 3km/2mi to the northeast of Badalona, in Montgat, is a castle which played an important part in the War of Liberation fought against Napoleon (1788-1808).

The Fiesto de los Arrieros is celebrated with elaborate parades.

On January 20 and 21, Igualada holds a celebration in honor of San Antonio Abad.