Barcelona - Capital of Catalonia
Roman, Medieval and Modern History, this city has it all.
Sep 3, 2007
At the heart of Barcelona is Plaça de Catalunya and most of Barcelona's main attractions are located within a twenty minute walk or a short ride by bus or subway. All of Barcelona's main streets radiate from here including the popular Rambla linking Plaça de Catalunya to the seafront.
Best way to see the City
The Bus Turistic is the best way to experience Barcelona. Twenty-three euros buys a two-day ticket and book of discount vouchers. You can join the tour at Port Vell or Plaça de Catalunya and hop on and off whenever you please. Blue buses tour the southern end of the city while the red bus explores the north. Each route has over 25 stops including Parc Guell, La Familia Sagrada and all Barcelona's exciting attractions.
La Rambla and the Barri Gotic
La Rambla is where promenaders like to see and be seen. The avenue is lined with market stalls and pavement cafes. Street artists entertain diners and market stalls sell anything from brooms to budgerigars! At 100 La Rambla is La Boqueria, one of Barcelona's oldest covered markets. Even if you're not hungry the colourful displays of fresh fish, fruit and vegetables are sure to make your mouth water.
La Rambla divides the old city in half. On one side is the medieval Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter). Remains of Roman city walls can still be seen on Carrer de la Palla and Carrer Tapineria. La Seu, the beautiful Gothic cathedral dates from the 13th century and is regarded by historians as being one of Spain's greatest architectural treasures. Its shady central cloister is planted with palm trees and during our visit a flock of white geese were visiting.
The cruise liners dock at the far end of La Rambla but you'll also find good beaches and a number of fine restaurants specialising in fish dishes.
Jewish Barcelona
A Jewish community settled in the Barri Gotic from the 2nd century onwards in the area now called El Call close to Plaça St. Jaume and Calle Ferran. A medieval synagogue, discovered beneath a 17th century building at the corner of Sant Domènec and Marlet, has been restored and opened to the public. Other than that there is little remaining evidence of a Jewish presence except for an ancient Hebrew plaque located in Calle Marletand a church, Església de Sant Jaume, (Calle Ferran 28) that used to be a synagogue. The remains of two mikvahs (Jewish ritual baths) have been found. One is at No. 10Carrer de Banys Nous. Ask nicely and the owners will show you what is left of the baths. The second is where Carrer dels Banys Nous meets La Palla beneath Café Caelum, which by the way serves good coffee.
Moving away from La Ramblas you might like to explore the area of Montjuïc, translated as Mountain of the Jews, where you'll find the best museums and the main Olympic stadium. The Teleferic de Montjuïc will take you to the mountain-top castle and Military Museum. Take a camera because the views are simply magnificent.
Antonio Gaudi I Cornet
No visit to Barcelona could be complete without seeing some of the work of Antonio Gaudi i Cornet, Barcelona's most famous son. Everywhere you look his fantastic structures seem to crawl with organic life. Barcelona's most enduring symbol and Gaudi's most ambitious project is The Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia (Church of the Holy Family).
Work started in 1883 and Gaudi, who was obsessed with the project, lived like a hermit in a hut on the construction site. When he died in 1926 it was still incomplete and remains so even now. Work continues sporadically and Sagrada is always surrounded by scaffolding as Gaudi's original plans have survived and are slowly but surely being completed. The finished parts of the church and its towers are open for viewing (there is a lift). The view from the top of the towers is spectacular. In addition, a small museum exhibits models, plans and sketches explaining the construction programme.
More information can be found at Barcelona Turisme.
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