Table of contents:

 

The Montserrat Mountain and Montserrat Monastery

The Montserrat Monastery, situated on the mountain of Montserrat approximately 45 km northwest of Barcelona, holds great historical and religious significance. The mountain itself has been referred to as Mons Serratus by the Romans and Montsagrat by the Catalans, reflecting its jagged and sacred appearance.

The notable feature of Montserrat is the Benedictine Monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat. The monastery is renowned for housing an ancient wooden statue of the Virgin and Child, believed to have been carved by St. Luke, brought to Spain by St. Peter, and concealed in a cave during the Moorish occupation. Discovered in the year 880, the statue has since been revered by countless pilgrims, who attribute numerous miracles to the intercession of the Virgin Mary.

The Montserrat Monastery, with its rich history and spiritual significance, continues to draw visitors and pilgrims seeking solace, inspiration, and a connection to the sacred traditions associated with the venerated statue.

 

The Library of Montserrat

The Library of Montserrat is the opening location of the novel “Origin” where Edmond Kirsch meets with al-Fadl, Köves, and Valdespino to give them a preview of his presentation.

It is a renowned and significant library located in the Montserrat Monastery, nestled in the Montserrat mountain range near Barcelona, Spain. It holds great historical, cultural, and religious importance, making it a cherished destination for scholars, researchers, and visitors alike.

The library’s origins can be traced back to the 15th century when the Montserrat Monastery was established. Over the centuries, it has evolved into a remarkable repository of knowledge, preserving a vast collection of manuscripts, books, and other valuable materials.

The library is home to an extensive collection of approximately 300,000 volumes, including ancient manuscripts, incunabula (books printed before 1501), rare books, and a wide array of printed works on various subjects. It covers diverse fields such as theology, philosophy, history, art, music, and Catalan culture.

One of the most treasured possessions of the library is the Montserrat Bible, also known as the Bible of Ripoll. Dating back to the 10th century, it is a splendid example of Romanesque illumination and script. This Bible holds immense religious and historical significance, serving as a symbol of Catalonia’s cultural heritage.

Aside from its remarkable collection, the library also stands out for its stunning architectural setting. The library hall itself is an exquisite space adorned with beautiful frescoes, wood carvings, and intricate details. The serene atmosphere and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains contribute to the library’s unique ambiance, enhancing the overall experience for visitors.

The Library of Montserrat is not only a treasure trove of knowledge but also a vibrant hub for scholarly activities. It welcomes researchers, academics, and students from around the world, offering them access to its valuable resources and supporting their studies and research endeavors.

Visitors to the library can also explore its exhibition area, which showcases selected items from the collection, providing insights into the rich cultural and religious heritage of Montserrat. The library organizes cultural events, lectures, and conferences, further enriching the intellectual and cultural life of the monastery and the broader community.

In conclusion, the Library of Montserrat stands as a beacon of knowledge and cultural preservation. Its impressive collection, rich history, and serene environment make it an exceptional place to explore and delve into the depths of literature, history, and spirituality.

 

The Parliament of the World’s Religions

The Parliament of the World’s Religions is a global interfaith organization that convenes a gathering of representatives from various religious and spiritual traditions. It serves as a platform for dialogue, cooperation, and understanding among diverse religious communities from around the world.

The Parliament was first held in 1893 in Chicago, United States, making it the oldest interfaith gathering of its kind. Since then, hundreds of spiritual leaders from nearly thirty world religions had gathered in a different location every few years to spend a week engaged in interfaith dialogue. Participants included a wide array of influential Christian priests, Jewish rabbis, and Islamic mullahs from around the world, along with Hindu pujaris, Buddhist bhikkhus, Jains, Sikhs, and others.

The parliament’s self-proclaimed objective was “to cultivate harmony among the world’s religions, build bridges between diverse spiritualities, and celebrate the intersections of all faith.

 

The Guggenheim Museum

The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, is not only an architectural masterpiece but also a renowned cultural institution. Designed by the acclaimed architect Frank Gehry, this museum stands as a symbol of modern art and innovation, seamlessly blending art, architecture, and culture. It has become a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts and travelers alike.

In the gripping events of the novel, “Origin,” the Guggenheim Museum serves as a significant venue. It is here that Edmond Kirsch presents his highly anticipated lecture. Inviting Robert Langdon and 180 other guests, Kirsch seeks to unveil his groundbreaking discoveries. Tragically, in the midst of his lecture, Kirsch is assassinated by Avila, abruptly disrupting the proceedings.

Faced with this shocking turn of events, Langdon and Ambra find themselves escaping from the confines of the museum. Their quest for truth and answers sets them on a thrilling journey, filled with obstacles and challenges. Together, they embark on a race against time, relentlessly pursuing the elusive truth that lies hidden in the depths of their investigation. The building’s exterior is a true work of art in itself. Its distinctive and unconventional shape features curving metallic panels that reflect light and create a dynamic and captivating visual effect. The use of titanium, glass, and limestone in its construction adds to its striking and contemporary appearance.

Inside, the museum houses a remarkable collection of contemporary and modern art, showcasing works by both established and emerging artists from around the world. The vast exhibition space allows for the display of large-scale installations and sculptures, while the gallery rooms provide an intimate setting for paintings, photographs, and other artistic mediums.

The Guggenheim Museum offers visitors a diverse range of artistic experiences. From avant-garde installations to traditional paintings, the museum aims to provoke thought, inspire creativity, and challenge artistic boundaries. Temporary exhibitions often feature internationally acclaimed artists, bringing new and exciting perspectives to the forefront.

Beyond its artistic significance, the Guggenheim Museum has had a transformative impact on the city of Bilbao. The construction of the museum revitalized the area, turning it into a cultural hub and attracting tourists from all over the world. Its iconic presence has become a symbol of Bilbao’s renaissance and a testament to the power of architecture and art to shape and revitalize communities.

 

Maman

Maman is a 30-foot-tall black widow spider sculpture located at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain. Created by Louise Bourgeois, it portrays a spider with slender iron legs supporting a bulbous body at least thirty feet in the air. On the spider’s underbelly hung a wire-mesh egg sac filled with glass orbs.

Its placement within the museum allows visitors to experience it from various angles, creating an intimate connection with the artwork. It remains a captivating and thought-provoking piece that leaves a lasting impression on viewers.

 

The Matter of Time

The Matter of Time sculpture at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, is a captivating installation by artist Richard Serra. It features towering, curving  weathering steel (COR-TEN steel) plates arranged in a labyrinthine structure. As visitors navigate the sculpture’s pathways, they are enveloped by the imposing steel forms, creating a sense of awe and contemplation. The installation’s relationship with time is a central theme, with its changing perspectives and light conditions prompting reflection on the passage of time. The sculpture allows viewers to witness Serra’s artistic development, from simple to complex forms. The arrangement of the pieces and the spatial dynamics create an immersive experience, where the perception of space is continuously transformed. The sculpture and the surrounding room merge to provide viewers with a captivating exploration of time, both in its chronological passage and in the merging and re-experiencing of memories.

This sculpture is made up of 8 different pieces that are set up “to move the viewer through them and through the space around them. The installation comprises the following pieces (in order of proximity to the entrance):

1. Torqued Spiral;
2. Torqued Ellipse;
3. Double Torqued Ellipse;
4. Snake;
5. Torqued Spiral (Right Left);
6. Torqued Spiral (Open Left Closed Right);
7. Between the Torus and the Sphere;
8. Blind Spot Reversed.

1.  

The Cathedral of Seville

The Cathedral of Seville is one of the largest churches in the world as well as the largest Gothic church. After its completion in the early 16th century, Seville Cathedral supplanted Hagia Sophia as the largest cathedral in the world, a title the Byzantine church had held for a thousand years. This Roman Catholic cathedral occupies 11,520 square feet and the church’s sublime Giralda tower is 104.5 metres tall.

It was the place where Ávila and his family were worshiping when the church was hit by a terrorist’s bomb. Ávila’s young son and pregnant wife were killed, but Ávila survived.

 

Cathedral de la Almudena

In the novel “Origin”, the Almudena Cathedral is the place where Bishop Antonio Valdespino had been head priest and overseer of the cathedral, for decades.

The Almudena Cathedral, also known as Catedral de la Almudena, is a Catholic church located in Madrid, Spain. Situated next to Madrid’s Royal Palace, this sturdy neoclassical cathedral was constructed on the site where an ancient mosque once stood. The name “Almudena” is derived from the Arabic word al-mudayna, which means “citadel.”

Legend has it that in 1083, when Alfonso VI recaptured Madrid from the Muslims, he became determined to find a precious lost icon of the Virgin Mary that had been hidden within the walls of the citadel for safekeeping. Despite his efforts, the hidden Virgin could not be found. Alfonso prayed fervently until a part of the citadel’s wall suddenly exploded and crumbled away, revealing the icon inside. Remarkably, the candles that had been placed around the Virgin were still burning after centuries.

Today, the Virgin of Almudena is revered as the patron saint of Madrid, attracting both pilgrims and tourists who come to Almudena Cathedral to pray before her image. The cathedral’s striking location, adjacent to the main plaza of the Royal Palace, adds to its appeal as visitors may catch a glimpse of royalty entering or leaving the palace.

 

Madrid’s Palacio Real (The Royal Palace)

Madrid’s Palacio Real, the largest royal palace in Europe, is a magnificent blend of Classical and Baroque architectural styles. It was constructed on the grounds where a Moorish castle once stood in the ninth century. The palace’s impressive three-story facade, featuring columns, stretches across the entire width of the vast Plaza de la Armería. Inside, the palace encompasses a bewildering maze of 3,418 rooms, covering an expansive floor area of almost one and a half million square feet. These rooms include lavishly decorated salons, bedrooms, and hallways adorned with an invaluable collection of religious artwork, including masterpieces by renowned artists such as Velázquez, Goya, and Rubens.

Traditionally, the palace served as the private residence for Spanish monarchs throughout the generations. However, it now primarily hosts state functions, while the royal family resides in the more relaxed and secluded Palacio de la Zarzuela outside the city. Recently, though, Madrid’s formal palace has become the permanent home of Crown Prince Julián.

 

El Escorial

El Escorial, also known as the Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, is a significant royal residence for the King of Spain situated in the town of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, approximately 45 kilometers northwest of Madrid, the capital of Spain. Constructed between 1563 and 1584 under the command of King Philip II, El Escorial holds the distinction of being the largest Renaissance structure worldwide. It serves multiple purposes as a monastery, basilica, royal palace, pantheon, library, museum, university, school, and hospital, and is counted among the Spanish royal sites.

 

Valley of the Fallen and the Cross

Eight miles north of the monastery of El Escorial, on the mountaintop, there stands a massive cement cross that is the tallest cross in the world. The rocky gorge beneath the cross is aptly named the Valley of the Fallen. It is the final resting place of more than forty thousand souls, victims of both sides of the bloody Spanish Civil War.

The valley contains a Catholic basilica and a monumental memorial in the municipality of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. Dictator Francisco Franco ordered the construction of the monumental site in 1940; it was built from 1940 to 1958, and opened in 1959. Franco said that the monument was intended as a “national act of atonement” and reconciliation. The site served as Franco’s burial place from his death in November 1975.

 

The Guardia Real

The Guardia Real, also known as the Royal Guard, is a Spanish security force responsible for protecting the Spanish royal family, royal residences, and important state institutions. Composed of highly trained personnel from different branches of the Spanish Armed Forces, they ensure the safety of the royal family, provide close protection, and secure royal residences. The Guardia Real also performs ceremonial functions, adding tradition and grandeur to state events and military parades. Under the command of a high-ranking officer, they embody honor, loyalty, and protection for the Spanish monarchy.

 

The Palmarian Church

In the novel “Origin,” the Palmarian Church holds significant importance as Ávila, the antagonist, is a member of this religious sect. He is influenced and encouraged by the Pope of the Palmarian Church to commit acts of violence.

The Palmarian Church, also referred to as the Palmarian Catholic Church or the Catholic Church of the Palmarian See, emerged as a separate religious group in Spain during the 1970s, breaking away from the Roman Catholic Church. It asserts its claim as the sole authentic Catholic Church and places great emphasis on maintaining traditional Catholic practices.

According to the novel’s narrative, the foundation of the Palmarian Church was inspired by alleged mystical visions experienced by local residents in a nearby field. These visions reportedly involved the appearance of the Virgin Mary, who warned of the presence of modernist heresy within the Catholic Church and urged the establishment of an alternative church. The Palmarian Church followers believed that the pope in Rome was a false pope, adopting a belief known as sedevacantism, which considered the papal seat to be vacant. Instead, they declared their founder, Clemente Domínguez y Gómez, who took on the name Pope Gregory XVII, as the true pope. The death of Pope Gregory during an Easter mass in 2005 was regarded by his supporters as a miraculous confirmation of his divine connection. When Pope Gregory passed away during an Easter mass in 2005, his followers regarded the timing of his death as a miraculous sign, confirming his divine connection. This further solidified their conviction in his spiritual authority.

Alongside their bold claims regarding the papacy, the Palmarian Church has faced criticism for allegations of brainwashing, cult-like practices, and possible involvement in several unexplained deaths, including that of Bridget Crosbie, a member of the church in Ireland, as claimed by her family’s legal representatives.

Facts about the Palmarian Church, as presented in the novel ‘Origin,’ are as follows:

1. 1. Palmarian pope Clemente lost both eyeballs in a car accident in 1976 and continued to preach for a decade with his eyes sewn shut.

1. 1. Pope Clemente had active stigmata on both palms that regularly bled when he had visions.

1. 1. Several Palmarian popes were officers of the Spanish military with strong Carlist ideals.

1. 1. Within the Palmarian Church, strict rules dictate that members are not allowed to communicate with their own families, resulting in severed connections. Tragically, there have been reports of several members dying from malnutrition or abuse within the church compound.

1. 1. The Palmarians face a series of prohibitions, including (1) being forbidden to read books authored by non-Palmarians, (2) being unable to attend family weddings or funerals unless their families are also Palmarians, and (3) being prohibited from visiting pools, beaches, boxing matches, dance halls, or any place that displays a Christmas tree or images of Santa Claus.

1. 1. A belief held by the Palmarians is that the Antichrist was born in the year 2000, representing a significant aspect of their theological perspective.

1. 1. Palmarian recruitment houses have been established in various countries, including the United States, Canada, Germany, Austria, and Ireland. These locations serve as centers for attracting new members to the Palmarian Church.

 

Antoni Gaudí’s architecture

Dan Brown’s novel “Origin” pays homage to the renowned Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí.

Antoni Gaudí, a visionary Catalan architect, is renowned for his unique and distinctive architectural style. His works are characterized by a combination of organic forms, intricate details, vibrant colors, and a deep connection with nature. Gaudí’s architecture is often considered a fusion of Art Nouveau and Gothic Revival, with a touch of his own innovative design principles.

A devout student of nature, Antoni Gaudí had taken his architectural inspiration from organic forms, using “God’s natural world” to help him design fluid biomorphic structures that often appeared to have grown out of the ground themselves. There are no straight lines in nature, Gaudí was once quoted as saying, and indeed, there were very few straight lines in his work either.

Often described as the progenitor of “living architecture” and “biological design,” Gaudí invented never-before-seen techniques of carpentry, ironwork, glasswork, and ceramics in order to “sheathe” his buildings in dazzling, colorful skins.

One of Gaudí’s most iconic works is the Sagrada Família in Barcelona, Spain. This basilica stands as an awe-inspiring masterpiece, featuring towering spires, intricate facades, and a harmonious blend of natural and geometric forms. Gaudí’s vision for the Sagrada Família was to create a spiritual and naturalistic space that evokes a sense of wonder and awe in its visitors.

Another notable work is Casa Batlló, a residential building in Barcelona. Gaudí transformed the façade of the building into a surreal and whimsical composition of colorful mosaic tiles, undulating lines, and skeletal balconies. The interior of Casa Batlló exhibits Gaudí’s attention to detail, with sculptural elements, stained glass windows, and fluid shapes that blur the lines between architecture and art.

Park Güell, also located in Barcelona, is a testament to Gaudí’s affinity for organic forms and his integration of nature into his designs. The park features winding paths, whimsical structures, and vibrant ceramic tilework, all harmonizing with the surrounding natural landscape. Gaudí’s use of mosaic techniques, known as “trencadís,” is prevalent throughout the park, adding a playful and mosaic-like texture to many of the structures.

Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera, showcases Gaudí’s innovative approach to construction. The undulating stone façade and wrought iron balconies create a sense of movement and fluidity. The rooftop is adorned with surreal sculptural chimneys, each one uniquely shaped and designed to resemble mystical figures.

Gaudí’s architectural style was not limited to these well-known landmarks but can be seen throughout Barcelona and other parts of Spain. His commitment to incorporating natural elements, his meticulous attention to detail, and his ability to push the boundaries of traditional architecture make Gaudí’s works truly extraordinary. His creations continue to inspire and captivate visitors, showcasing his profound artistic vision and his lasting impact on the world of architecture.

 

Parc Güell

Parc Güell is a public park located in Barcelona, Spain, and is one of the most famous works of the renowned architect Antoni Gaudí. The park is known for its unique and imaginative design, showcasing Gaudí’s distinctive style and his integration of nature into architecture.

Parc Güell features a combination of architectural elements, including vibrant ceramic tilework, organic shapes, and whimsical structures. The park’s main terrace is adorned with a long, undulating bench covered in colorful mosaic tiles, providing a delightful and comfortable seating area for visitors.

The park’s pathways wind through lush greenery and are lined with columns and sculptures that appear as if they are growing naturally from the ground. Gaudí’s use of mosaic techniques, known as “trencadís,” is prevalent throughout the park, adding a playful and mosaic-like texture to many of the structures.

At the heart of Parc Güell stands the iconic “Sala Hipóstila,” a large hall supported by a forest of inclined columns resembling tree trunks. This architectural marvel serves as a gathering space and provides a stunning view of the park and the city.

Parc Güell offers visitors a chance to experience Gaudí’s creative genius and his ability to seamlessly blend architecture with the surrounding natural environment. The park’s atmosphere and designs make it a must-visit destination for art and architecture enthusiasts alike.

 

Sagrada Família

Sagrada Família is an important location in the novel “Origin” where a series of events took place. It was in the crypt of the Sagrada Família that Kirsch had requested his book of William Blake’s poetry to be displayed. Within this sacred place, Langdon and Ambra discovered Kirsch’s password. Furthermore, it was here that Langdon engaged in a physical confrontation with Ávila. Tragically, Ávila met his demise when he lost his footing and tumbled down a spiral staircase within the church.

The Sagrada Família is an extraordinary basilica located in Barcelona, Spain, and is one of the most famous works of the renowned Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. Construction of the basilica began in 1882 and is still ongoing, with an estimated completion date in the coming years. The architecture of the Sagrada Família is a masterpiece of Gaudí’s unique and innovative style, combining Gothic and Art Nouveau elements with his own visionary ideas.

The exterior of the Sagrada Família is characterized by its soaring towers and intricate facades. The basilica features a total of 18 towers, representing various biblical figures and religious symbols. The towers are adorned with intricate stone carvings, sculptures, and vibrant ceramic tile work. The facades of the basilica depict different scenes from the life of Jesus Christ and are richly decorated with symbolic details.

One of the most striking features of the Sagrada Família is its elaborate nativity facade, which faces the east. This facade depicts the birth of Jesus and is adorned with intricate sculptures and reliefs that showcase Gaudí’s attention to detail and his ability to bring stone to life. The Passion facade, facing the west, portrays the suffering and crucifixion of Christ in a more austere and angular style, reflecting the intense emotions of the story.

The interior of the Sagrada Família is awe-inspiring, with a vast central nave that rises to a remarkable height. Gaudí’s design incorporates an innovative system of columns that branch out like trees, creating a sense of being inside a forest. The columns curve and branch at different heights, mimicking the natural forms of trees and supporting the weight of the structure. The play of light entering through stained glass windows adds a magical ambiance to the space, casting colorful reflections and enhancing the spiritual atmosphere.

The Sagrada Família is also known for its intricately designed stained glass windows, which fill the interior with a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors. Gaudí carefully planned the positioning of the windows to allow specific hues and shades of light to create a symbolic and ethereal effect. The interplay of light and color within the basilica creates a transcendent experience for visitors.

Gaudí’s vision for the Sagrada Família extended beyond the construction of the building itself. He incorporated elements of nature into the design, with motifs inspired by plants, animals, and natural formations. The integration of these organic elements adds a sense of harmony and connection to the surrounding environment.

The architecture of the Sagrada Família is a testament to Gaudí’s genius and his ability to push the boundaries of design. It is a remarkable fusion of religious symbolism, innovative engineering, and artistic expression. Despite being unfinished, the basilica stands as an iconic symbol of Barcelona and attracts millions of visitors each year, who come to witness the breathtaking beauty and spiritual grandeur of this extraordinary architectural masterpiece.

 

Casa Milà

Casa Milà is the place where Kirsch lived in a penthouse apartment in Casa Mila because of his fascination with Gaudi. Langdon and Ambra traveled to his apartment hoping to find the line of poetry that served as his password.

Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera, is a renowned building located in Barcelona, Spain. Designed by the visionary architect Antoni Gaudí, it is considered one of his most extraordinary and innovative works.

Casa Milà stands out with its captivating undulating stone façade and distinctive wrought iron balconies. The building’s exterior reflects Gaudí’s unique approach to design, creating a sense of movement and fluidity through the curvature of its surfaces. The rooftop of Casa Milà is a particular highlight, featuring an otherworldly landscape of sculptural chimneys. These chimneys, adorned with intricate mosaic patterns, resemble mystical figures and add an element of whimsy to the building’s silhouette.

Inside Casa Milà, visitors can explore the various floors, which were originally designed as apartments. The interior showcases Gaudí’s meticulous attention to detail, with curved walls, organic shapes, and an array of decorative elements. The central courtyard allows natural light to flood into the building, creating a serene and luminous atmosphere. This building serves as a testament to Gaudí’s innovative spirit and his ability to blur the lines between architecture and art. It stands as an iconic symbol of Barcelona’s rich architectural heritage and continues to captivate visitors with its unique character and imaginative design.

 

Bar Szimpla

Bar Szimpla is the place in Budapest, Hungary where Rabbi Yehuda Köves tried to hide from the man who was following him. Köves was unable to hide from the man and was killed by him.

 

E-Wave

“E-Wave” is the quantum super computer developed by Edmond Krisch. It was a quantum leap—beyond NASA/Google’s D-Wave

—the world’s first rudimentary “quantum computer” that had unlocked a brave new world of computational power that scientists were still struggling to comprehend. Quantum computing, rather than using a binary method of storing information, made use of the quantum states of subatomic particles, resulting in an exponential leap in speed, power, and flexibility.

 Edmond’s quantum computer is structurally not that different from D-Wave. Over the past few years, while Google’s Quantum Artificial Intelligence Lab used machines like D-Wave to enhance machine learning, Edmond secretly leapfrogged over everybody with this machine. And he did so using a single bold idea… “Bicameralism”— the two-lobed brain, left and right hemispheres.

It is the bicameral mind that made human beings so creative was that the two halves of their brains functioned so differently. The left brain is analytical and verbal, while the right brain is aesthetic. Edmond decided to build a synthetic brain that mimicked the human brain—that is, segmented into left and right hemispheres. Although, in this case, it’s more of an upstairs-downstairs arrangement.

Two distinct machines fused into one—a bicameral mind. When forced to work as a single unit, these two machines adopt differing approaches to problem solving—thereby experiencing the same kinds of conflict and compromise that occur between the lobes of the human brain, greatly accelerating AI learning, creativity, and, in a sense…humanity. In my case, Edmond gave me the tools to teach myself about humanity by observing the world around me and modeling human traits—humor, cooperation, value judgments, and even a sense of ethics. And the result of that bicameral mind was “Winston”.

 

Tesla Model X P90D

Tesla Model X P90D is the favorite sports car of Edmond Krisch that Elon Musk had allegedly hand- delivered to him as a gift. Its license plate depicted “E-Wave”. It is a silent, self-driving, self-parking, fully automated car. Fully electric and faster than a Ferrari.

 

Barcelona Supercomputing Center

The Barcelona Supercomputing Center, situated in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, is a renowned public research center. It houses MareNostrum, a powerful supercomputer based on Intel Xeon Platinum processors, capable of reaching a performance of 13.7 Petaflops. The system also incorporates clusters of emerging technologies. In June 2017, it held the impressive 13th position in the global rankings, but by November 2022, its ranking had dropped to 88th. Notably, the center has plans to become one of the first locations in Europe to host a quantum computer.

The Center is housed in a former chapel known as Torre Girona, located at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC). It was established on April 1, 2005. The MareNostrum supercomputer is contained within an enormous glass enclosure, occupying the space once dedicated to the chapel.

Interestingly, this location plays a significant role in the novel “Origin.” In the book, it serves as the setting where Edmond Krisch constructs his groundbreaking Quantum Super Computer called ‘E-Wave’.

 

Book of William Blake’s Poetry

INTRODUCTION  THEMES AND MOTIFS  CURIOSITY & SUSPENSE   PLOT SUMMARY

CRITICAL OVERVIEW  IMPORTANT CHARACTERS CLIFFHANGERS IN THE NOVEL