Discover The Modernist Cemetery of the Indianos in Lloret de Mar

Lloret de Mar in Cataluña really has something for everyone. Not only is the beach here a huge attraction, but the place is steeped in a rich history and culture too. You don’t have to look far to uncover the historical riches and we suggest starting with Lloret de Mar’s Modernist Cemetery of the Indianos.

Who Were the Indianos?

Indianos were emigrants who came back to Spain from America, after making their fortunes in the New World. Most made the move to Cuba, Argentina, Venezuela and Mexico. They returned wealthy, influential and powerful, and made their mark by building colonial style houses in their hometowns and villages. On the whole, the Indianos, who inhabited various regions in Northern Spain, were extremely generous with their newfound wealth, with many becoming philanthropists and helping their country by building hospitals, schools and universities.

Lloret de Mar’s Modernist Cemetery of the Indianos

This rather unusual cemetery, built for the deceased Indiano people in Lloret de Mar, is one of the most important burial places of its kind in Cataluña. Beautifully designed by a student of the Gaudi school of art, Joaquim Artau i Fàbregas, the cemetery is unusual in every sense, displaying a vivid amalgamation of Modernist components. As you approach, it appears more like an extravagantly created park than a melancholy place of burial. Tall crosses stretch high into the sky, gargoyles stand seemingly protective over the headstones and cupids dance in the glistening sunlight. In contrast to a stereotypical cemetery, this place is alive, vivacious, attractive and joyous.

Gaudi was at the centre of the Catalan Modernist Movement, and his eccentric, imaginative and crazy curved lines combined with gothic motifs were reflected by the students - such as Bonaventura Conill I Montobbio and Puig I Cadafalch - who workedto create the bizarre but eye-catching structures in the cemetery.

The place was built in 1896 and took five years to complete. It is a fine example of funerary art of this period.

Why Go and Visit

This fabulous spot is a work of art in its own right, and despite being a cemetery, it is alive with human spirit. It is easy to reach from Lloret de Mar and there are signs directing you from the main road. Beautifully well kept, it is a pleasant place to spend some time wandering through the colourful mausoleums and notable memorials. The different style of each of the memorials is explained on a plaque that tells you about the architect and offers a little history too.

How to Get There

Lloret de Mar to Barcelona Airport is just over an hour’s drive and, as most people fly into Spain, this is really convenient. The airport at Barcelona is an international hub for flights from all over Europe. Rome, Madrid, London, Vienna and Paris are just a handful of the airports that are connected directly to Barcelona. easyJet flies from more than one London airport, and British Airways offer very reasonably priced flights from London Gatwick (£120 return, depending on travel dates and times).

Getting from the airport to Lloret de Mar and from Lloret de Mar to Barcelona at the end of your holiday needn’t be a worry. By far the best option, particularly if you have a family with you as well as lots of luggage, is to book a private transfer. These can be booked in advance with Shuttle Direct, a competitively priced service that whisks you straight from the arrivals terminal to your hotel or apartment in Lloret de Mar. What could better? No stress, no worries, just a hop off the plane and into a waiting vehicle for a quick drive to the start of your holiday. You can also book the service for your return journey from Lloret de Mar to Barcelona Airport.

Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct, the number one provider of shared and private airport transfers all over Europe and northern Africa. If you’re looking for an affordable transfer fromLloret de Mar to Barcelona, Lukas and his colleagues can make sure that you and your luggage get to and from the airport swiftly and safely.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.