STRIKE A LIGHT

As Olympic legacies go, Barcelona’s is better than most. 

The stadium and diving pool complex may now be a bit underused, but the 1992 Olympics were the shot in the arm that revived the city’s fortunes and propelled it into the first rank of international cities, a tourist hotspot and regional hub for multi-national commerce.

One legacy is a however a forgotten curiosity the giant matches are the Olympic site of at Vall d’Hebrón, uphill on the Barcelona’s eastern side.   

Swedish artist Claes Oldenburg produced this massive metal monument, a book of matches on the side of a road, with others scattered around the nearby pavements. It was a area that was greatly improved for the Games, and at the time with all the excitement a visitors the matches must have been marvellous to behold.

But the pop art styled statues have not stood the test of time as well as other Olympian public artworks works and now look forlorn and incongruous in the middle of a housing project, in an area that features on few tourist trials.

If you want to have a look at them the address is Av. Cardenal Vidal & Barraquer Cantonada Pare Mariana on buses 10, 17, 112 and 185.

KEEPING COOL

I am always impressed by the cleverly designed monumental scale sunshades and cooling fountains to be found in public spaces throughout Barcelona.  I have yet to find two the same and they add greatly to the city’s tradition of architectural excellence and eccentricity.

When it comes to protecting people from the elements, it  is the scorching sunshine and not the wet and cold that is the primary concern.

Even in less affluent neighbourhoods these massive constructions can be found at bus stops and other spaces, which in other cities would be heralded as great works of public art. Remarkably, barring the occasional piece of half-hearted graffiti, they remain un-vandalised, a sure sign that the local community values their functional and aesthetic properties. They are often popular gathering points for young and old alike.

My favourite is this one (below) on Passieg de Valldaura, which is stunning in scale and ingeniously combines both a waterfall and shade.

It is in the in the Sant Andreu district, which some say is best avoided.  It  is maybe not the best spot for a night out, but it is as good a place as any to hang out during the day.