Lomography Day Trips: The Shadow of the Wind Walk in Barcelona, Spain

1

If you’re one of those who enjoyed reading The Shadow of the Wind, Spanish writer Carlos Ruiz Zafon invites you to walk into the post-war Barcelona of his 2001 bestseller with a tour that you can do on your own.

The Shadow of the Wind book cover, and maps made by author Carlos Ruiz Zafon for a “Shadow of the Wind” Walk.

An old and historic city such as Barcelona, the second largest city in Spain, is bound to inspire many creative minds. Spanish writer Carlos Ruiz Zafon, who hails from the city, certainly was one of them when he wrote The Shadow of the Wind, a captivating thriller set in post-war Barcelona. Now, after reading his book, we can either proceed with the other books that complete the trilogy (The Angel’s Game and The Prisoner of Heaven), or walk into the streets of his Barcelona with the so-called Shadow of the Wind Walk prepared by Zafon himself.

Casa Battlo. Photos by gasord and triky76

In this tour named after the book, Zafon invites us to follow the footsteps of the novel’s characters around Barcelona, beginning on Casa Batllo along Paseo de Gracia, one of the most famous houses designed by Antoni Gaudi. Then, we head to the other spots that served as inspirations for the fictional places mentioned in the books, such as:

  • The Sempere & Sons Bookshop and home of protagonist Daniel Sempere along Calle Santa Ana;
  • The Cemetery of Forgotten Books along Rambla de Santa Monica, one of the streets along the stretch of La Rambla;
  • and the Santa Lucia Hospice, which was inspired by the ancient palaces and secluded courtyards along Calle Moncada, behind the beautiful Iglesia de Santa Maria del Mar.
Other places of interest and landmarks you related to the novel that you can pass by: Iglesia de Santa Maria del Mar, Plaza Real, the century-old Blue Tram going up Avenida del Tibidabo, and the high-speed funicular rail to the summit of Tibidabo. Photos by kafh, davidcruzpous, robter, and gerda

While there are some tour organizers and groups in Barcelona that offer this book tour, you have the option of doing it on your own, at your own pace, armed with a copy of Zafon's guide.

Our friends in Barcelona, has any of you tried this interesting tour? Why don’t you share your insights with us (and tempt us to do this tour as well!) by leaving a comment below!

geschrieben von plasticpopsicle am 2013-11-13 in #Orte #travel #barcelona #spain #walk #tour #location #lomography-day-trips #shadow-of-the-wind

Ein Kommentar

  1. talitaag
    talitaag ·

    Hi! I want to do the walk but I can`t download the map anymore. Do you know the location of The Cemetery of Forgotten Books along Rambla de Santa Monica?
    v

Mehr interessante Artikel