Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
PLAÇA DE SANT JAUME
Square
( Liceu or Jaume I)
In the 2000 or so years since the Romans settled here, the area around
this square (often remodelled), which started life as the forum, has been the focus of Bar-
celona's civic life. Facing each other across it are the Palau de la Generalitat (seat of Cata-
lonia's regional government) on the north side and the Ajuntament (town hall) to the
south. Behind the Ajuntament rise the awful town hall offices built in the 1970s over
Plaça de Sant Miquel. Opposite is a rare 15th-century gem, Casa Centelles, on the corner
of Baixada de Sant Miquel. You can wander into the fine Gothic-Renaissance courtyard if
the gates are open.
AJUNTAMENT
Architecture
( 93 402 70 00;
www.bcn.cat
;
Plaça de Sant Jaune; 10.30am-1.30pm Sun; Liceu or Jaume I)
The Ajuntament, otherwise known as the Casa de la Ciutat, has been the seat of power for
centuries. The Consell de Cent (the city's ruling council) first sat here in the 14th century,
but the building has lamentably undergone many changes since the days of Barcelona's
Gothic-era splendour.
PALAU DE LA GENERALITAT
Palace
(
www.gencat.cat
;
Plaça de Sant Jaune; Liceu or Jaume I)
Founded in the early 15th century, the
Palau de la Generalitat is open on limited occasions only (the second and fourth weekends
of the month, plus open-door days). The most impressive of the ceremonial halls is the
Saló de Sant Jordi
, named after St George, the region's patron saint. At any time,
however, you can admire the original Gothic main entrance on Carrer del Bisbe. To join
weekend visits, book on the website.
MUSEU D'IDEES I INVENTS DE BARCELONA
Museum
(Museum of Ideas and Inventions; 93 332 79 30;
www.mibamuseum.com
; Carrer de la Ciutat 7; adult/
child €7/5; 10am-7pm Tue-Sat, to 2pm Sun; Jaume I)
New in 2011, this museum has a fas-
cinating collection of curiosities from the world of both brilliant and bizarre inventions:
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