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BARCELONA - THE TOWN
INTRODUCTION The City of Barcelona
is the capital of the province known as Catalunya (Castilian Spanish
as Cataluña, whilst in English as Cátalunia). It has its own
distinct character standing apart from being the “heavy and austere”
image that tends to be associated generally with Spain. It is in
this city that culture literally “bubbles” on the surface with its
extremes of expression matched only by its ambitious, imaginative
and hard-working population. The history of the region shows us that
they are people with a tendency to be very capably and creative as
individualists which they pursue with emotional tenacity. At the
same time their strong loyalty and pride to their regional origins
binds them together with equal passion.
For the purposes of the traveller it is easier to divide the city
into the following districts and when possible each item of interest
indicates the district in which it will be found.
Barri Gòtic & La Ribeira
These are basically the “downtown” heart of the old part of the city
around the Cathedral and the tourist attraction of the walking
street, La Rambla.
El Raval
The El Raval district boarders to the west of the Barri Gòtic and
has been in the past traditionally the workers persons district. It
is now being slowly upgraded and is now a cosmopolitan area for
living besides its commerce.
Montjuïc
Named after the Jewish cemetery the Montjuïc lies to the west of the
El Ravel and includes a pleasant large Park with several attractions
and several other buildings left over from the 1992 Olympics.
Port Vell, Barceloneta & Port Olímpic
These three districts are linked together and cover the port area
stretching from below El Ravel and Barri Gòtic to the south west
edge of Sant Martí district. This was once a scruffy area which
underwent transformation with advent of the Olympics.
Eixample
This district is a more recent part of Barcelona and lies directly
to the north of El Ravel and Barri Gòtic. Through it runs the
greater part of the wide Avinguda Diagonal. When in the middle 1800
the city expanded beyond its city walls, Eixample was used to
expound the architecture chosen by rich merchants and it is here the
famous Sagrada Família is to be found.
Gràcia, Tibidabo & Zona Alta
These districts are on the northern limits of Barcelona in the hilly
area with 15 parks which included the most well known, Parc Guëll.
From a tourists point of view there are so many attractions that
they have been listed separately in this site under each category.
However, as a brief guide we have short listed below the most
popular and major cultural locations for the visitor. Barcelona has many
other attractions and this can be seen by just checking the
number and variety of the many museums within the city.
La Rambla – Barri Gótic
Barcelona Cathedral – Barri Gòtic
Parc de la Ciutadella - Barcelonata
Sagrada Familia – Eixample
Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya - Montjuïc
Palau de la Música Catalana – La Ribeira
La Pedrera – Eixample
Fundació Joan Miro - Montjuïc
Museu Picasso – La Ribeira
Museu d’Art Contemporani Contemporània – El Raval BARCELONA -
DESCRIPTION This city is probably one of the most
praised of all cities in Europe and there are countless written
accounts of its fascinating cultural attractions. Below we have just
skimed over its surface – a city that has held two international
World Fairs in 1888 and 1929, and recently the host for the 1992
Olympic Summer Games.
The heart of old Barcelona is the section known as the “Barri
Gòtic”, a warren of narrow streets and medieval gothic palaces as a
reminder to the past that have been built on ruins of pre-Roman
times. In the turbulent middle 1850s, the city elders decided to
change the face of the rest of the town by removing the old city
walls and creating grand boulevards designed to impress and at the
same time allowing for future functional expansion. The winning
architect was Ildefons Cerdá whose design remains today as a
testimony to his excellent layout. Happily for the city, it also
coincided with the emergence of their internationally famous
architect Antoni Gaudí whose creations still to this day amaze and
inspire all those who view his works. Antoni Gaudí (1852-1926), has
left his signature in the form of sculptured buildings and objects
in such an impressive manner that there are “Guided Gaudí Tours”
which come highly recommended.
The imposing towers of the Cathedral in Praça de la Seu mark the
third version of this building to be built on this same site. The
first was completely destroyed by the Moors in 985, the second built
by Count Ramón Berenguer I was also later destroyed, and the present
version was begun in 1298 by King Juame II but because of constant
disagreements of ruling fractions over many centuries, it was only
finally completed in 1892! It is said that successful Cátalan Gothic
architecture is achieved when it masters not only height but also
length and width. The cathedral is considered a success in this
respect and it also holds a curious catalogue of past history. The
emblazoned arms of six European Kings remind us when in 1514 it was
the home of the famed Knights of the Golden Fleece. A twisted
crucifix tells the story when it apparently had to avoid a Turkish
cannon-ball! A Moorish head is said to represent “Ali Baba” who was
defeated at the Battle of Lepanto.
The “Palau de la Generalitat” was built in the 15th Century and this
is a Palace that possibly truly marks the independent spirit of the
Cátalunia. Inside this building so much of Barcelona’s turbulent
history was born, declared, and died. The “Generalitat” was founded
in 1359 by Jaume I as a form of parliament with fiscal
responsibilities. It was not until Philip I of Spain came to the
throne that it was abolished and replaced by a body under the royal
control with the name of “Real Audencia”. Opposite to the palace is
the City Hall from which in 1374 to 1714 the “Counsel of a Hundred”
elected citizens that governed the affairs of the city almost like
it was their own republic. Nearby, is the “Palau del Lloctinent”
built in 1557 that now houses a magnificent collection of medieval
documents form the Archives of the Crown of Aragón.
The “Palau Reial Major” was the residence of both the Counts of
Barcelona and the Kings of Aragón. The palace has an unusual 16th
Century structure of five levels of galleries built by Antoni
Carbonell and an imposing reception hall with huge rainbow arches
constructed Guillen Carbonell in 1362. It is related that in this
hall King Ferdinand narrowly missed being assassinated. Also, it was
here that Fernando and his wife Queen Isabel received Columbus on
his return from his first voyage of discovery.
The original Jewish Quarter in the medieval times was known as “El
Call” and ly close to Carrer Bisbe. In the 11th and 12th Centuries
this small section was a centre of learning but in 1243 King Juame I
ordered its inhabitants to wear a special hat to show that they were
of a different religion and also semi-isolated the area. Regardless
of this form of marked persecution they continued to flourish and
attracted other Jews expelled from other cities. They continued to
enjoy their freedom until the end of the 14th Century when they
suffered persecution from riots under the pretence that the Jews
were spreading the plaque. Eventually in 1424 they were all also
expelled and stones from their homes and synagogues were used for
new buildings.
The Plazuela de Sant Just houses the two palaces of “Moxió” and
“Palamòs”. The latter now is the home to the City Gallery of
“Catalans Most Illustrious” and it is without question the grandest
remaining medieval private building. Built originally in the 13th
Century it was at one time was the home of Don Galcaran de Requesens
who was responsible for the Cátalan Civil War (1462-1472). He
supported the Crown and tradesmen in a fraction against the ruling
nobles. I was near to this building that the artist Joan Miró was
born in 1893.
Towering over the port is the statue to Columbus constructed in
1888. There are many Cátalans who somehow believe that this
illustrious Italian born discoverer was in fact Cátalan born to a
Jewish family on the Island of Mallorca. Nearby are the restored
medieval shipyards of the “Drassanes”. Another area to explore must
be the famous “Ramblas” which have been built over what were once a
river bed. It is on a promenade down these vibrant arteries of the
city that diversity and glamour meet. The city also has its own
version of the Paris “Left and Right Bank” with the Rambla de
Catalunya marking its division. Another of the many landmarks is the
350 foot towers crowning Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece of “Templo
Expiatorio de la Sagrada Familia”. Among the many creations by Gaudí
we wish to single out for visit both the “Convento del Santa Teresa”
in Sarrià, and the “Palace del Pederalbes”.
There is so much more to be seen! We hope that the above will “wet
your appetite” to the vast wealth of architectural and historic
structures and their many fascinating interiors that await every
visitor to the unforgettable Barcelona. |
