http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/sandamichaela-1917326-walk-barcelona8/

The Illa de la Discòrdia (Block of Discord, Manzana de la Discordia), is a block on Passeig de Gràcia in the Eixample District of Barcelona, Spain. The block is noted for having buildings by four of Barcelona's most important Modernista architects, Lluís Domènech i Montaner, Antoni Gaudí, Josep Puig i Cadafalch and Enric Sagnier, in close proximity. As the four architects' styles were very different, the buildings clash with each other and the neighboring buildings. They were all built in the early years of the 20th century.

The block is the southwest side of Passeig de Gràcia, between Carrer del Consell de Cent and Carrer d'Aragó. The houses are the Casa Lleó-Morera, at Passeig de Gràcia 35, designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner; Casa Mulleras, at Passeig de Gràcia 37, designed by Enric Sagnier; Casa Bonet, at Passeig de Gràcia 39, designed by Marcel·lí Coquillat i Llofriu; Casa Amatller, at Passeig de Gràcia 41, designed by Josep Puig i Cadafalch; and Casa Batlló, at Passeig de Gràcia 43, designed by Antoni Gaudí.Due to the presence of these famous landmark buildings, the block is a significant tourist attraction in Barcelona. The name in Spanish, Manzana de la Discordia, is a play on words: manzana means both "city block" and "apple," referencing the Apple of Discord.

Casa Bonet, at Passeig de Gràcia 39, designed by Marcel·lí Coquillat i Llofriu; Casa Amatller, at Passeig de Gràcia 41, designed by Josep Puig i Cadafalch; and Casa Batlló, at Passeig de Gràcia 43, designed by Antoni Gaudí.

Cas

a A

mat

ller,

Pas

seig

de

Grà

cia

41, d

esig

ned

by J

osep

Pui

g i C

adaf

alch

Casa Amatller, designed by the exceptional artist Josep Puig i Cadafalch, is the building adjacent to Gaudí's Casa Batlló, also located on the Passeig de Gràcia. It is therefore not uncommon for this stretch of the boulevard to be constantly crowded with visitors and admirers, tourists just as much as locals. Immediately in front of the entrance to the Casa Amatller, a tile in the ground marks the 0 km. of the European Route of Modernisme.

The goal behind creating the European Route of Modernisme was to extend the model of the Barcelona Route of Modernisme to other cities on the continent that have comparable architectural styles in order to promote the artists and their work.

Much like the Casa Lleó-Morera, the Casa Amatller is privately owned, but its interior can be visited on specific days of the week. Tours are given in Spanish and Catalan every Wednesday at 12pm and in English every Friday at 12pm. The main entrance is always open, and the bottom floor is often used for temporary exhibitions. Visitors can also tour the interesting chocolate shop that offers a look into the history behind the building's construction. Chocolate industrialist Antoni Amatller bought the building in 1898 and commissioned Josep Puig i Cadafalch to remodel it.

Casa Amatller designed by Josep Puig i Cadafalch

The house combines touches of Roman, gothic and baroque styles using the classic materials of the time. Wrought iron takes on whimsical forms, glasswork decorates many corners and mosaics cover most of the walls. The bottom floor, home to one of the most prestigious Catalonian jewellery houses, has conserved the original windows so that their floral ornamentation can still be admired.

Lower façade and doorway are decorated with lively sculptures by Eusebi Arnau

Josep Puig i Cadafalch designed a number of other buildings in Barcelona, such as the Casa de les Punxes and the Casa Terrades. The Casa Amatller was constructed at the beginning of the 20th century and its six cupolas give it a medieval feeling.

Due to the political circumstances during the time in which Puig i Cadafalch was professionally active, he had to go into exile to Paris in 1936. That was the year the Spanish Civil War broke out. When it came to an end in 1939, the ruling dictator's government did not allow him to return to Spain to practice his profession.

The building is often described as pseudo-Flemish, on account of its drawing upon Catalan and Flemish styles, fusing them into a unique vision. Highlights include sculptures by Eusebi Arnau i Mascort (1864–1933) of handless drummers with dancing bears, St George and even the original landlord, Antonio Amatller's daughter as a princess.

A gift shop and the first floor, which was once chocolate magnate Antonio Amatller's home (1851-1910), is being restored to its former glory, thanks to a project by the local council. The project is to recreate the original apartment, detail for detail, and will be open to the public in future.

Text: InternetPictures: Daniela Iacob & InternetCopyrights of the photos belong to each photographer

Presentation: Sanda Foişoreanuwww.slideshare.net/michaelasanda

Sound: Jose Carreras- Pel Teu Amor-Roso-For Your Love

For Your Love (Roso) English translation

With the light of your glance,you have filled my life.If you were to love me,my hope would be fulfilled,And I would live so happilythat in my face they would seethe light of gratitude.And I would always be singing to youA song for your eyesThat I myself would compose;a song for your eyes,so that amid so many pitfallsthey would be my guide.

Roso, Roso, light of my life,Roso, Ros, don't undo my hopes

Forever a prisonerof your voice so clearwhich sends away evil thoughtsand only shelters goodness,because it isfresh and mild,a vessel of poetry;

Dr. Josep Maria Carreras i Coll, (born December 5, 1946, Barcelona), better known as José Carreras, is a Spanish tenor who is particularly known for his performances in the operas of Verdi and Puccini.

it resembles the blue skywhich brings joy to our hearts.So since you already hold me captive day in and day out,and I am so well off there,Roser, my Rosersay yes and stay with me.

Roso, Roso, light of my life,Roso, Roso, don't undo my hopes.

Lyrics from CD booklet "Jose Carreras sings Catalan Songs."