Lloret de Mar

About

Originally an Iberian settlement set inland, the town eventually expanded towards the sea, transforming it into one of Catalonia’s premier resort destinations. Fortunately, behind its huge swaths of sandy beaches, the city worked to harmonize its historic core with the times. The church of Sant Romà was originally built in 1522 as a refuge from Turkish and Algerian pirates. The original Catalan Gothic style served as the base for a major 20th century overhaul when bright tiles were added to the towers and facade in the style of Gaudi. The church also references traditional Mudejar, combining horseshoe arches and contrasting stripes with Catalan Modernist tiling. Even the dead benefited from the tourism boom, with the even the cemetery receiving a unique modernist pantheon. For something even more secluded and peaceful, the cliff-top Santa Clotilde Gardens are adorned with marble sculptures and edged by cypress trees in the Italian renaissance style.