| In
the Gothic quarter the old city, Barcino, was
born in Plaza Nova, where we can still see remains of the 4th century
wall. Undoubtedly, the most impressive thing in the district is the
cathedral with its splendid Gothic façade, and also other famous cult
objects, such as the famous Cristo de Lepanto. It is said that the baptismal piles
sanctified the first six Indians brought by Christopher Columbus. The cloisters
are a delight, with orange trees, magnolias, medlars and palms. It is
an oasis of freshness and a place of peace. The plaça
Sant FelipNeri,
occupies a former cemetery. The baroque façade of the Church and its
two 16th century houses create a harmonious unit. The walls show the insignia
of the associations of shoemakers and boiler makers. PlaçaSantJaume contained the forum, and now holds the City
Hall and the Generalitat government buildings.
In the la Ribera
district, we can visit the Palau de la Música,
in modernist style with a fatuous decoration. In the palacioBerenguer is the PicassoMuseum. The Passeig
del Born, where the medieval market formerly lay, today is one of the most
fashionable places, and contains the church of Santa Maria del Mar.
The city’s
beat lies in La Rambla. This popular artery, a
meeting place for street artists, satisfies all the curious. La Rambla
starts in plaçaCatalunya,
the centre of the district. The Mercat de la Boquería
gives a touch of colour with its fresh products and highly specialised stands,
such as stands for insects or flowers for cooking and eating. In the bar
Pinocho in the Boquería,
you can try delicious typical dishes. On the Rambla itself is the GranTeatre del Liceu, a
symbol of the bourgeois, industrial Barcelona of the 19th century, which
throughout its history has suffered two fires and a bomb attack against
the bourgeois of the time.
Lo que no puedes dejar de visitar:
• Parque Güell
• Paseo de Gràcia (ruta modernista)
• The Catedral
• Las Ramblas
• Museo Picasso |
