Travel tips, news and luxury accommodation-Barcelona and Madrid, Spain

Monthly Archives: January 2012

Aspasios reaches #12 for apartment rentals in Barcelona on tripadvisor.com

We are very pleased to say that Aspasios has been ranked #12 from more than 500 establishments for apartment rentals in Barcelona on Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor is a travel website and was one of the first to publish users’ opinions on hotels, restaurants and service providers. It has become a trusted source for savvy travellers the world over.

Tripadvisor-reviews of Hotels, Flights and Vacation Rentals

Tripadvisor-reviews of Hotels, Flights and Vacation Rentals

Aspasios manages various apartment buildings throughout Barcelona (such as the Aragon Executive and Girona Design) all with the same philosophy; to offer the services of a first class hotel combined with the comfort of home at a reasonable price. Our own clients are telling the world on Tripadvisor that we’re doing a great job and for that we say big THANKYOU!

The Royal Palace Madrid

If you are going to be visiting Madrid then one attraction that you must not miss out on is the Royal Palace or Palacio Real as it is known is Spanish. It is the most beautiful and certainly the largest building in the whole city. It is located next to the Plaza de Oriente which in itself is worth a visit.

Madrid's Royal Palace

Madrid's Royal Palace

The palace is truly spectacular. It is built where the old Moorish Castle once stood before it was destroyed by fire. The palace is the largest in Western Europe and was designed by Filippo Juvarra for King Felipe V and his a 3000 courtiers. The building of the palace began in 1737.

Inside visitors can view furniture, tapestries and many works of art too. The palace is not only a palace but a museum too. It sees around 1 million visitors through its doors each year. Although the public cannot see every single part of the palace, a large proportion is for public viewing. It stays open throughout the year except on days of official ceremonies. The nearest metro station is Opera.

As well as the building itself the grounds of the Palace should not be missed. The plaza de Oriente also contains several stunning sculptures and across the plaza lies the Royal Theatre.

Religious Festivals and Saints Days in Barcelona

The start of the year sees several religious festivals and saints days in the beautiful city of Barcelona. On 5th January the important procession of the Three Kings takes place. This is a very popular local event and tradition and involves the arrival of the glorious trio by boat. A big crowd gathers on the steps at the harbour to watch the boat arrive and view the fireworks and fog horns that are let off upon their first sighting. There is even a 21 gun salute as a welcome to the boat and its passengers. Once on dry land the three kings lead a procession around the city. The procession goes past a number of the city’s most important monuments and culminates in the fountain of  Montjuïc that is beautifully flood lit for the occasion. The Cabalgata los Reyes Magos is a much anticipated event by the residents of Barcelona each year.

A few days later on 21st January another important event takes place. The Tres Tombs Festival is held in honour of St Anthony, the patron saint of animals. There are horse processions and even blessings of animals that take place during the festival. The majority of the events take place in the Sant Andreu district of the city and there is no doubt it is an experience not to be missed.

Carneval in Barcelona

Carneval in Barcelona

In February the city of Barcelona enjoys the spectacle that is the carnival. Traditionally this was the last chance for people to go wild before an austere lent kicked in, but now it is just a chance to go wild. It was banned for several years by Franco but now it is back and growing in size year after year. The party culminates in La Gran Rua de Carneval (where else!) and here there are always floats, fireworks and a large procession.

If you are lucky enough to be visiting Barcelona in the next couple of months then make sure you enjoy some of the festivals and saints days that will be taking place. They are really just large street parties and therefore offer fantastic days out. Everyone are welcome to enjoy these events as they are by no means just for local residents to enjoy. Tourists and holiday makers are more than welcome to join in with the singing, dancing and festivities!