Should you find yourself anywhere near Barcelona and have a love for tile, you need to make your way to Museu del Cau Ferrat in Sitges.
Museo del Cau Ferrat would not be the draw to this seaside town for most who would instead be lured by the cool salty waters of the Mediterranean. Winter temperatures during my visit prevented sunning and swimming leaving plenty of indoor time spent inside of a warm musuem.
Postcard from the musuem.
The musuem is the former home and studio of artist Santiago Rosiñol (1861-1931).The home sits adjacent to the beach. One can glimpse the blue sparkling water through the windows. Two old houses were acquired and converted with the help of architect Francesc Rogent. The lower floor retains typical vernacular architecture while the upper floor is a Neo-Gothic Great Hall. Señor Rosiñol was not only an artist but a collector as well. Loads of plates adorn the walls above colorful tiled wainscoting in the lower floor. The tile layout displays a refreshing creative freedom. Such an exuberant mix of many patterns.
Charm galore in the paneled ceiling, stenciled walls, arched opening, and oh so many tiles.
Lesson in ornamentation.
Spanish stars surround the Virgin and child.
Patterns everywhere: Moorish screen, stenciled walls, marbled and colorful tiles.
Lovely ceiling detail.
Tile heaven exists in Museo del Cau Ferrat.
Love the Greek key border.
After climbing the tiled stairs one arrives to a dramatic large space.
A collector’s dream.
Architecturally this is a beautiful room. It features tall beamed ceilings and colorful rondel windows.
Upstairs are displays of Rosiñol’s vast wrought iron collection which features clavos, door knockers, candelabras, and a bed.
Many paintings line the walls. There appears to be a study of The Birth of Venus. It has the signature of Botticelli, but it could be a copy by the artist.
On memorable aspect, of many, in the room were the plaster arches filled in with paintings by the artist. They were quite charming.
The tiles were so beautiful in this house/museum. I took countless photos.
The Cau Ferrat Museum connects to the Museu de Maricel and is just before the Palau de Maricel. This one street offers much to see in Sitges.
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