Did Lautaro Díaz Silva ever imagine his “Parella” would become such a Barcelona icon? Here at the Moll de la Fusta, in the heart of Port Vell, sits this captivating bronze sculpture. The Parella, meaning “The Couple” in Catalan, is a testament to love and the sea. Created in 1998 by the Chilean artist, it depicts a man and woman gazing out at the bustling harbor. Díaz Silva, who now resides in Berlin, has a penchant for Greek and Roman sculpture. This influence is evident in the Parella’s armless figures. Yet, the male figure tenderly embraces his partner, his arm a gentle curve around her shoulders. They sit perched on the harbor wall, their slender legs pressed close, feet pointing downwards. Their swept-back hairstyles and seaward gaze evoke images of mermaids and mermen, forever bound to the ocean’s embrace. The greenish patina that graces the bronze enhances this timeless connection, a testament to the passage of time and the enduring power of love. The Parella isn’t merely a sculpture. It’s a quiet observer of Barcelona’s vibrant port life, a symbol of enduring connection amidst the ebb and flow of the city.
Església Nostra Senyora de la Mercè
The Virgin’s gaze from the dome. A silent sentinel overlooking Barcelona. This is the Església Nostra Senyora de la Mercè.