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Showing posts with label Catalonia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Catalonia. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Barcelona, Spain

Casa Milà at dusk in Barcelona, Spain. The bui...
Casa Milà at dusk in Barcelona, Spain. The building is known either as 'Casa Milà' (the owner's name) and popular called 'La Pedrera' because of its look. Taken by myself with a Canon 5D and 24-105mm f/4L IS lens. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)


Author: Justin Miller
Barcelona is one of the most famous names in the tourism industry, and the tourist attractions in Barcelona provide a good deal of justification for the reputation built over the years.

1.Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Barcelona, Spain – Sagrada Familia: Witness the way architecture in Spain has evolved over the centuries, showcasing the signature styles of Antoni Gaudi, the celebrated architect.

2.Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Barcelona, Spain – Casa Mila: Also known as La Pedrera, this is a monumental building conceived by Antoni Gaudi in 1905 and completed in 1912, a special piece of architecture not to be missed.

3.Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Barcelona, Spain – La Seu Cathedral: The heart of the city has yet another spectacle, the imposing structure of the Cathedral, whose construction spanned a period of 8 centuries.

Saturday, October 20, 2012

5 Reasons to Visit Spain

English: View of the Alhambra, Granada, Spain
English: View of the Alhambra, Granada, Spain (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By Preety Gupta

Spain is a nation that is both passionate and charming. Go beyond its vibrant fa�ade and you will find a country that is bursting with history, culture and heritage. It has got style, flair and everything else to keep an outdoor enthusiast, a beach goer, and a culture vulture satisfied. There are several reasons to visit Spain. Here are just five of them.

Friday, November 18, 2011

Don't Miss the Best Thing to Do in Barcelona

Casa Milà (La Pedrera)Image by DraXus via FlickrDon't Miss the Best Thing to Do in <a class="zem_slink" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=41.3833333333,2.18333333333&spn=0.1,0.1&q=41.3833333333,2.18333333333%20%28Barcelona%29&t=h" title="Barcelona" rel="geolocation">Barcelona</a>
By Mimi Rippy


When you first step out of your hotel on the first day of your holiday there is often an overwhelming feeling of where do I begin? If you are only visiting for a limited time or you're staying for a while a Hop-on Hop-off tour is the very best way to begin.
Sightseeing has never been so hassle free. Regular buses mean you don't waste time waiting at the bus stop. This convenient way of traveling is perfect for all ages. Dictate your trip hop-off when you want, as many or as few times as you fancy. Alternatively sit back, relax and absorb the abundance of attractions Barcelona has to offer.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

The Feast of Saint Eulalia

Façana de l'església de Santa Maria del Mar. B...Image via WikipediaBy Harriet Freeman


This party is also known as the Parades of the Giants.
The feast of Saint Eullia or "Las fiestas de Santa Eullia" is the biggest annual festival for children in Barcelona. The festival is held in the days around February the 12th. February the 12th is a special day, namely Santa Eullia's day. Over 100 activities are being organized for children during this festival. Typical for this festival is the Catalan parade of giants or "gegants".
In this festival music plays an important role. There are several performances of music schools, choirs and children orchestras. Also every year a photography competition for children is held, called "Foto Laia".

Friday, July 15, 2011

Barcelona and its Hidden Holiday Gems

Overview of the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada...Image via Wikipedia
Author: Porsche Klinger

If you are up for a bit of history then schedule a HOLIDAY IN BARCELONA, more so to Barcelona's Gothic Quarter. The narrow cobblestone streets are lined with ancient buildings which vary in style but for the most part they are Moorish in origin. This area is also well known for the famous personalities that once called this place their home such as Picasso and Joan Miro.
If you are familiar with the old Roman Colony of Barcino, you will find that it is about the same size as the Gothic Quarter. The Gothic Quarter is the oldest part of Barcelona but it has a mixture of architecture from different periods that sit well with each other. Although changed to some extent, the Gothic Quarter remains almost intact as compared to other European cities' old sections.

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Guide to a Romantic Weekend in Barcelona, Spain

Cathedral of Barcelona before 2007 restorationImage via Wikipedia

By Allen S. Border


If you are considering a romantic weekend with your partner this Valentines then might as well consider Barcelona, Spain. It is great for all those who have not been there before. Even if you have been there before, it is sure that you have already fallen in love with the city.
Barcelona, Spain is popular for its culture and history, romance began with Romeo and Juliet, and they along with Barcelona can combine result in a great Barcelona weekend. If you want to visit Barcelona from UK, then you have bundles of cheap flight options. Once you reach Barcelona, it has several places to visit. Honestly, a weekend or two days is not enough for the city, you might not be able to visit everywhere and see everything in the city.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Dance The Sardana In Barcelona

Ceramic tile / people dancing SardanaImage via Wikipedia
Author: Mathieu Quintart

There is lots of dancing to be experienced in Barcelona and one in particular you really should try to at least watch, if not try yourself, is the Sardana, the national dance of Catalunya and an important part of Catalan culture as it's seen as a representation of their identity and pride.
The Catalans were viewed as a threat by the dictator Franco who ruled the country from the end of the 40's to '75, he hated them for their strong independence and refusal to submit to his rule, as a result he banned many of their local customs and traditions including the Catalan language and the Sardana in an attempt to beak their spirit. This is partly why the dance is so popular these days, loyal and proud the Catalans are keen to keep their traditions alive and teach the younger generations about who they are, as well as providing a sense of unity.

Monday, March 28, 2011

5 Best Beaches in and Around Barcelona, Spain

The beach at Sitges, SpainImage via Wikipedia
By James Burrows

Since Spain is a paradise of beautiful beaches, tourists will find that their visit to Spain is incomplete if they do not see at least three of the five beaches listed here. With more than 5000 miles of coastline, there is no dearth of beaches in Spain, but the most popular are the Nova Icaria, Barceloneta, Mar Bella, Sitges beaches and Casteldefells. Most of the beaches of Spain are easily accessible and well-maintained with excellent facilities.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

5 Exhibitions to Attend in Barcelona, Spain for the Year Ahead

Casa Milà at dusk in Barcelona, Spain. The bui...Image via Wikipedia
By James Burrows

Barcelona is a hub of tourist activity the whole year round. This traffic does not only consist of tourists visiting for recreational reasons, there are also a large number of business visitors who arrive in the city on a regular basis. This regular flow of business people, the established infrastructure in the city and the glorious setting make Barcelona an ideal destination to host Exhibitions. Throughout the year, there are a range of exhibitions held in Barcelona covering a variety of fields of interest. Below is a brief guide to some of these exhibitions:

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Go Cycling in Catalonia and Discover History, Culture and Beautiful Scenery

Shellfish paella.Image via Wikipedia
By Dipika Patel

If you enjoy active holidays that enable you to discover another side to a country then you should consider booking cycling holidays in Spain.
Visiting the southern European nation during such a break is an excellent opportunity to really get under the skin of one of its many diverse regions and Catalonia could prove to be the ideal destination, particularly if you are new to this kind of break.
Cycling in Catalonia ranges from straightforward trails suitable for beginners to more challenging routes but regardless of which part of the region you decide to explore, you are sure to discover plenty of picturesque villages and beautiful landscapes along the way.
The Catalan coast is a particularly popular option and you can look forward to following a route along quiet back roads and empty farm tracks to make your cycling experience all the more enjoyable.
As you journey through the area, you will come across numerous bays and coves, with inviting stretches of golden sand and the clear blue ocean beyond.
Of course, one of the best things about self-guided cycling holidays is that you can set your own pace and this means you will have time to stop off and enjoy the scenery if you want a break from your saddle.
You will also find that there is time to explore some of the ancient villages dotted along the coastline and further inland, each with their own unique stories to tell about the country's past.
One particularly fascinating village that you may want to visit as part of your cycling break is Peratallada.

Friday, January 7, 2011

Nightlife in Barcelona

Author: Asif Khan

Barcelona is well known for its fantastic shopping, beaches and of course Gaudi, But the nightlife in Barcelona is also amazing hanks to the mix of students, foreigners, and tourists all looking for a good night out. There are lots of different styles of bars and clubs all located in the centre, with some of these even having proper restaurants, rather than just bar snacks. And like any major city in Spain, there are also some fantastic nightclubs and late night entertainment venues right through from hip hop and R&B to live Funky House DJ's, all of which make you wish there were more hours in the day!
The streets of Barcelona are studded with world-class clubs and bars. There is a pub at every turn and curve of the road, where you can enjoy different music and ambience. Barcelona nightlife is also famous for its live music and you can dance the night away to the songs played by some highly promising bands.
It seems Barcelona never really wanted to offer the cheap 2 week holiday and instead opted for the more reputable tourist. However this all changed after the Barcelona Olympics in 1992, and it is safe to say Barcelona is now one of the most visited European cities visited by tourists looking for some serious fiesta.
For many people, the nightlife of a city begins with its restaurants - and, here again, Barcelona loses nothing in comparison with any other European city. Being an international port has always meant that there are many different nationalities in the Catalan capital city and so most international cuisines are represented here. Whether your tastes are Oriental, Middle Eastern, American or European, you will be sure to find good restaurants to satisfy them. In addition, Catalan cuisine itself - the food of the sea and mountains, as it is often known - goes back to the thirteenth century and is Mediterranean cooking at its absolute finest.
Containing a good number of types of cheap Barcelona hotel, Port Vell is located in the east of Barcelona. Diners will be treated to picturesque ocean views from the windows and terraces of the restaurants here, while there are also a good number of nightclubs and bars to choose from
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/nightlife-in-barcelona-3700211.html
About the Author

Log on to http://www.mybarcelona.net and you'll find everything that you need for Barcelona city breaks.

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Thursday, January 6, 2011

Insider's Guide to Barcelona

View of the Park Güell, El Carmel, Barcelona.Image via Wikipedia

This is an insider's guide to Barcelona; find out what you and your travel companions just cannot miss on your Barcelona holiday! Includes practical information about arrival, accommodation etc.

Coming to Barcelona 

Coming to Barcelona by plane you'll be landing at either Barcelona's international airport El Prat, or in Girona. From the Barcelona airport there is a "Renfe" train that is scheduled to Barcelona only every 30 min. Hopping on an airport bus is often the quickest way to get to the center (25 min) and will cost you about 5€. for 25-30€, depending on how much luggage you bring. Getting to Barcelona from this airport you take ths bus to the Estacio Nord station in Barcelona. From here you'll get anywhere in central Barcelona in a quick cab ride. Finding a place to park in Barcelona can be a very frustrating experience. It pays off to inform yourself before leaving about costs and location regarding parking!

Barcelona Holiday Accommodation

For accommodation in Barcelona you will have to decide whether to stay in a hotel, a hostel or a vacation apartment .If you go as a group; together with friends or in a family, the apartment option is in general the preferred alternative. A short-term rental will provide you with a comfortable stay in a central location with all the necessary utilities. Renting an apartment in Barcelona will also mean choosing the budget friendly accommodation, and couples can also find good deals for studios and a more private atmosphere compared to a hotel or a hostel.

 Top 5 Barcelona Experiences for Families

1.The Magic Fountain - A fountain splashing multi-colored rays of lights at Plaza Espanya. A definite "Barcelona moment" to remember!

2.The Barcelona Aquarium - Children can't help but have a good time!  Sharks and all sorts of exotic aquatic life is always a big hit among the youngest!

3.Tibidabo - The western hill, part of the Collserola natural park. Here you'll find Norman Foster designed TV tower and an amusement park, both with spectacular city views.

4. Parc Güell - It is maybe architect Antoni Gaudi´s second most famous construction, after Sagrada Familia. The site was originally intended as an urban development. As no one wanted to live this far away from the center it is now a perfect spot to enjoy a picnic overlooking the city.

5.Port Aventura (in Tarragona) - Like a Spanish Disneyland it is something you don't want to tell your kids about unless you really intend on taking them! Fortunately it is easy to get there by train from Barcelona to the Estacióyou arrive at the Camp de Tarragona station in an hour's time.

Top 5 Barcelona Experiences for Couples

1.La Sagrada Familia - The main symbol of the city. Antoni Gaudi's temple, now 125 years "in the making" but naturally no less fascinating!

2.Parc del Laberint - A small, well-hidden park that contains a challenging labyrinth of hedges. A beautiful, tranquil spot far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city.

3.Dining in Grácia - This former village is "punctuated" by numerous charming squares thus people flock here to dine and have a glass in one of these, year round.

4.Barcelona Harbour - A charming evening stroll by the Barcelona harbor, from the Columbus statue at the end of Las Ramblas to the historical museum in Barceloneta. Along this side of the harbor there are restaurants with a pretty spectacular seaside setting.

5.El Born - Possibly the most charming part of Barcelona and the Old Town. Visit the Picasso museum, marvel at "the cathedral of the sea" (Santa Maria del Mar) and enjoy a night out in excellent restaurants and cool bars.

Top 5 Barcelona Experiences for Friends on Vacation

1. Camp Nou - The FC Barcelona football stadium, with almost 100.000 seats. This is where you go to see "the best football team in the world", FC Barcelona "Barça" in the biggest stadium in Europe. For sports fans, it doesn't get any better than this!

2. Plaza Reial - Establishments in and around this grand "plaza" in the Old Town district of Barcelona. For all kinds of people, and the scene is always lively.

3. Plaza del Sol - A square located in the Grácia district - a great place to start a night out in one of the bars with terrace seating. In and around the square there are numerous fun and interesting clubs and bars.

4. Tapas in Barri Gótic - All though tapas is not really a Catalan tradition people do enjoy going out to share food, drinks and laughs in this manner. The Old Town is where you'll find a variety tapas bars, especially moving towards the port in the Barri Gótic neighborhood.

5. Shopping in Passeig de Grácia - If closing your eyes while you slide tour credit card through the machine is not your idea of fun, at least enjoy the buildings, people watching and sitting down with a drink and a bite to eat!

Barcelona is one of the top city break destinations on the planet and suitable for all types of people and all forms of city break holidays, and this guide just hints at what's there to be experienced. There is not one "perfect" Barcelona holiday, there are many but hopefully you'll find some ideas here as to where to start your search for yours.


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Author: Bo Vibe - Barcelona enthusiast, writer, musician and kamikaze inline skater.
3 years living in Barcelona, exploring dining, nighlife and most aspects of cultural life in Barcelona.
Please visit our web site for more  Barcelona info, updates on events and apartment offers:
http://www.acomodis.com


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Friday, December 24, 2010

Christmas Lights in BarcelonaImage by Jeff Hester via Flickr

Christmas Breaks in Barcelona

Author: Asif Khan

Christmas seems to begin earlier and earlier each year. It seems that no sooner do the skulls, witches and vampires for Halloween leave the shop windows do we see Santa Claus, Rudolph and the elves appear. Then as soon as Saint Steven's day arrives, the shops are full of the January sales! Well, Barcelona in Spain is different. OK, so maybe the decorations do start to spring up a little after Halloween, but Christmas festivities in Barcelona breaks go on for much longer than just 26th December.
New Years is a huge celebration, in the bars and restaurants, and on the streets. People are dressed up and there is a carnival atmosphere. As the clocks strike twelve, the people of Barcelona eat twelve grapes in time with each of the chimes.
There will be bright lights everywhere you go and gifts for anyone on your list. You might even find some snow. However, not as much as you may find in other parts of Europe. You will find singing all around, specialty foods that are only treasured during this time. You will also find that many places like museums celebrate the holidays but are not open on Christmas Day.
Shopping in the Catalan Capital of Barcelona is one of the best things to do to aside from visiting many of the cultural and heritage sites the Mediterranean city has to offer. Shopping malls and small winding alleyways filled with shops are the hub of the centre of the city - the old town, or Casc Antiguo - and there are certainly some bargains to be had if you know the right places.
On Christmas Eve in Barcelona you will find it filled with special visitors in the homes there. Mainly those homes with children will get a visit from the "caga tió" a round wooden log which represents the practice of giving presents. This log marks the beginning of the holiday season and that Santa Claus is coming. This is also the time many families gather and spend some time outdoors. During the day the parents will hide the log and then the children will find it and hit it with a stick to bring forth presents.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/christmas-breaks-in-barcelona-3800875.html
About the Author

Log on to http://www.citybreakbarcelona.co.uk/ and you'll find everything that you need for Barcelona Holidays.
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Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Bountiful Barcelona Hotels

By Chris L D Brown


With the warmth of the sun well and truly over, we are faced with a rather strong shift in temperatures, and it's got to that time of year when we have to wrap up with scarves, winter jackets and lets not forget the wellington boots. If us Brits took a second to notice the situation in Barcelona, then we might see a light at the end of this dismal tunnel. Temperatures stay higher for longer in this Spanish city, making the colder months that little bit more bearable. There is a grand selection of Barcelona hotels, so you won't find it hard to find the perfect place.
There is so much to see in Barcelona, you would be quite astounded. Cultural events, which include eclectic displays of music, art and fashion are set up all year round, giving you even more of a reason to visit this beautiful city. A cultural exploration is just what you need to keep your blood pumping, and if you think about it, a holiday is a holiday no matter what time of year you go. You could always pick one of the Barcelona hotels that have a bit more comfort if you want to be cosy and pampered during your trip away. For a bit more indulgence why not stay in a five-star hotel? You could watch the various musical displays and then retreat to the heat of your lusciously luxurious hotel and spoil yourself with a sauna and a spa treatment.

The Princesa Sofia Gran Hotel is a great place to visit if you want to relax to the max. Located in the financial district of Barcelona, this hotel is close to all major amenities. Not that you'll need them though, as this hotel caters with everything in mind. It has an indoor pool, which is perfect if visiting in the winter, and offers spa and hydrotherapy treatments, saunas, beauty services and massages. This is perfect is your looking for a bit of peace and quiet away from manic Britain. The hotel also has 500 climate controlled, sound proofed guestrooms, which are decorated with soft tones and dark wooden furnishings.
Alternatively, for an equally as indulgent and divine setting why not pick the Omm, one of the more modern and boutique Barcelona hotels set in the heart of the city? Here, there are 91 spacious and luminous rooms decorated with warm materials with wooden floors and handmade carpets. There are two restaurants with an extensive wine list and a delicious menu that is constantly on rotation. There's an outdoor pool terrace overlooking the Casa Mila and the Sagrada Familia, making it even more stunning. There is also a spa with aromatherapy (100% natural products), massage service and a heated pool that overlooks the garden, another great addition for your winter break away. You can also enjoy the private garden and library. Five-star living is the ultimate experience to have out of all the Barcelona hotels.
Chris Brown writes articles on top travel destinations and hotels.

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Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Barcelona, Spain - The Museu De Cera and The Museu Frederic Mares

Catedral de Barcelona - Interior2Image via Wikipedia

By Harry Preston

The Museu de Cera also known as the Barcelona wax museum sits just off Las Ramblas in a neoclassical stately home that belies its unremarkable contents. It's not exactly Madame Tussauds, but it is popular with kids and worth a visit if you have a family to entertain.
The building was designed by architect Elies Rogent. Formerly the site of El Banco de Barcelona, it remains largely intact, complete with winding staircases and frescoes. Features include the "staircase of honour" and "the armoured room", an example of rooms used by banks in the 19th century.
The museum was founded in 1973, the creation of architect and set designer Enrique Alarcon. It shows around 300 wax models of historical figures, celebrities and literary characters, complete with audio-visual effects. Pope John Paul 11 hobnobs with the likes of Franco and Hitler, artists and film stars, and horror creations Dracula and Frankenstein.
The museum's cafe, El Bosc de les Fades (Forest of the Fairies) is next door and a destination in its own right. Fitted out in the style of an enchanted forest, it has gnarled trees, toadstools and a grotto.
The Museu Frederic Mares sculptor and collector Frederic Mares i Deulovol donated his home and this fascinating collection to the city of Barcelona. Just behind the cathedral, it is one of the biggest collections of medieval sculpture in the region and is a remarkable repository of objects from everyday life from centuries long gone.
The museum occupies a series of buildings formerly belonging to the Royal Palace and is divided into three sections: sculpture, the collector's cabinet and Mares' library-studio. The palace has beautiful interior courtyards, chiselled stone and soaring ceilings. There is a huge collection of religious sculpture and imagery, from pre-Roman times to the 20th century, but it is the upper floors which contain everyday paraphernalia that really make it worth a visit.
Literally thousands of 19th-century household items and memorabilia, including bicycles, photographs, scissors and clocks are displayed to give a glimpse of life in Barcelona over the years. Objects are organised into themed rooms, including the "Ladies quarter", which shows the life of a 19th-century Spanish woman through a vast collection of bags, hatpins, fans, jewellery and other feminine accessories.
The Entertainment Room features toys and automatons. The museum is accessible through an attractive courtyard with an outdoor cafe, open during the summer months. The cafe is the perfect resting place during a visit to this incredible museum.
For more information about Barcelona, Spain visit GuidedTourBarcelona.com.
For more information about Stockholm, Switzerland visit GuidedTourStockholm.com.

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Thursday, November 4, 2010

Learn Catalan Cuisine at These Cooking Classes in Barcelona

Stand of homemade Catalan favorites, Mercat de...Image by Jen SFO-BCN via FlickrBy M Ottersen
Madrid has recently become one of the most exciting culinary destinations in Europe. But we love the cuisine of Catalonia. Just as Barcelona has unique language, art, and architecture, the food there is also fresh and original.
The sunny climate means there's wonderful produce in abundance, and plenty of Mediterranean seafood and shellfish. And, of course, plenty of good wine to accompany your meal.
One of our favorite beverages in Barcelona was sangria made with Cava, the Spanish version of Champagne. Lighter and cleaner than the traditional red wine sangria, Cava sangria is made with lemons, limes, oranges, and occasionally strawberries. It's delightfully refreshing on a hot, summer day.
Cooking is an integral part of Catalonion culture and many of their traditions are based around food and enjoying good meals. Taking cooking classes in Barcelona will acquaint you with not only the cuisine, but also the culture, which the Catalonians fiercely try to preserve.
Romans, Jews, and Arabs have all been the dominant culture at one time or another, and each has left a mark on the local cuisine. Delicious and healthy, it makes the most of local ingredients, especially seafood.

Barcelona is blessed with one of the best food markets in Europe - La Boqueria - and many of the cooking classes in Barcelona start with a visit there. It's a great place to gather ingredients for a feast or simple picnic lunch. And it's a fun spot to grab a churro and hot chocolate for breakfast.
One of the most popular cooking classes is taught by Cook & Taste, which has taught more than 4,000 students. They offer 3-1/2 hour classes at 11AM and 5PM every day of the week. Following a trip to the market, students learn to make traditional dishes like paella, gazpacho, tortilla Espanol, and assorted tapas. Students with more time can take a three-day advanced class.
Another good choice is Catacurian, which has general classes, as well as classes that focus on tapas, paellas, or other specific dishes. Meals are served with wine from Priorat, cava, coffee, and brandy. The cost depends on how many people sign up.
GotoLearn offers both half and full-day classes from their school near the Placa San Jaume. Because classes are limited to a dozen participants, students receive personal attention.
Travelers staying in an apartment with a kitchen in Barcelona can call CatalanCooking. They'll come to your apartment and give you a cooking class there. Classes can be taught in English, German, or French, and you can choose from several three-course menus.
Find cooking classes in Florence, or Rome.

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Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Barcelona, Spain - Barri Gotic

Barri GòticImage by Breno Peck via Flickr
By Harry Preston Platinum Quality Author
The Gothic Quarter is Barcelona's historic heart. Despite its name, it's not all Gothic, and many of the Gothic-looking features in its narrow streets and historic buildings actually date from the 19th and 20th centuries. The area's origins, however, are even older - this is where the original Roman settlement of Barcino was built.
The Roman centre of town is still the heart of the Barri Gotic - the Placa de Sant Jaume, which today is home to the Catalan and Barcelonan local govemment buildings. Remains of magnificent Roman columns from the Temple of Augustus can be seen in the interior patio of Carrer del Paradis 10, behind the Gothic cathedral, one of the area's true Gothic constructions (at least in part), with beautiful, peaceful cloisters. Peaceful, that is, when the resident half dozen geese aren't creating a ruckus for food! The route of the old city walls, remains of which can still be seen (for example at the bottom of Carrer Baixada Viladecols), roughly traces the outer border of the Barri Gotic and covers Via Laeitana, Passeig de Colom, La Rambla and Carrer de Fontanella. The part of the Barri Gotic nearest to the sea has a somewhat rougher air than the more open, modernised, shopping-orientated zone above carrers de Ferran and de la Jaume I. Two of Barcelona's most popular refreshment areas, Placa Reial and Carrer de la Merce are here. Both visitors and locals come here to sip wine or cider from the barrel and taste traditional tapas. The Gothic Quarter probably has Barcelona's highest concentration of bars and restaurants, so if you're not sure where to go for dinner, just wandering the streets should offer you plenty of options. But the Barri Gotic has more highbrow attractions. In addition to the cathedral, it features many other important examples of religious architecture, from Santa Maria del Pi to the Esqlesia de la
Merce and the matchbox-sized Capilla de Sant Cristobal on Carrer del Regomir. The Museu Frederic Mares, behind the cathedral offers a fascinating insight into the everyday objects used in 19th-century society, from cameras to combs. The Col. legi d'Arquitectes de Catalunya on Placa Nova often holds architectural exhibitions and the Museu d'l-llstoria de la Ciutat is a living historic architectural exhibit in itself, comprising some of Barcelona's major medieval buildings, as well as housing some of the city's most important Roman ruins. A more unusual museum can be found in the lovely Placa de Sant Felip Neri - the Museu del Calcat (shoe musuem) - where you can see the footwear of famous Catalans.
For more information about Barri Gotic or Barcelona, Spain visit GuidedTourBarcelona.com.
For more information about Boston or the Boston Celtics visit GuidedTourBoston.com.
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