Spain’s White Coast Journey ~ Architectural Pilgrimage

For the second stop on the White Coast, I chose Calp. It’s about an hour’s ride on the light rail from Benidorm, and there are buses to the city center or you can walk. Check Google Maps for details. 😁 Calp’s beaches are known for their magnificent natural scenery and the iconic Peñón de Ifach. Moreover, it’s a city with distinctive architectural features, especially the designs by Ricardo Bofill’s firm, which add a unique modern aesthetic. 🏗️ Many friends from the mainland became familiar with Bofill’s work through the game Monument Valley. One of his most famous works, La Muralla Roja, is located in Calp. However, as it’s a private residence, it’s not open for visits. If you want a deep experience, you can book one of the few Airbnbs available; the lowest price is around 200 euros. 🛏️ Muralla Roja Designed by the Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill, the Red Wall is one of Calp’s most famous buildings and one of Spain’s most representative modernist structures. Built in 1973, the Red Wall complex sits atop a cliff, overlooking the Mediterranean. 🌊 Design Features: Bold Colors: The building uses vibrant hues of red, blue, purple, etc., to create a stark contrast with the surrounding natural landscape, inspired by the style of Arab kasbahs. 🌈 Geometric Structure: The design of the Red Wall is based on geometric shapes, forming a complex maze-like layout. The corridors and stairs are interconnected like a labyrinth, offering residents varying degrees of privacy and views. 🛉 Mediterranean Style and Functionalism: The building not only focuses on aesthetics but also integrates the apartments with the natural environment through precise design. Many apartments have spacious balconies facing the sea, ensuring residents can enjoy the magnificent Mediterranean views. 🌅 Additionally, you can explore nearby buildings designed by Bofill’s firm, such as Edifici Xanadú and El Anfiteatro Ricardo Bofill. 🏙️ The ruins at Cala La Manzanera also offer a unique perspective to appreciate Calp’s beauty. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you can climb Peñón de Ifach for a great view overlooking the entire city. 🏞️ #Spain #SpainTravel #Valencia #WhiteBeach #RicardoBofill #SpanishArchitect #RedWall #MonumentValley #DJI #AerialPhotography