AROUND TOWN - Barcelona - page 118

BARRI GÒTIC & LA RIBERA
Though hard to imagine today,there was a time when Barcelona was just a
small Roman village (named Barcino) encircled by protective stone walls.
Over the centuries, the village grew, culminating in a building boom in the
14th and 15th centuries. The Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter), a beautifully pre-
served neighbourhood of Gothic buildings, medieval places (squares) and
atmospheric alleys, exists today as a splendid reminder of Barcelona's medi-
eval heyday. The web of ancient, treasure-filled streets in this compact area
is best explored by aimless wandering. The barri's centrepiece - and its reli-
gious and social heart - is the 13th-century Cathedral and surrounding com-
plex of period buildings. Nearby, the stately Plaça del Rei is ringed by some
of the best preserved medieval buildings in the area. Extending east of the
Barri Gòtic is the ancient barri of La Ribera, which includes El Born . Here,
the lovely Carrer Montcada is lined with medieval palaces - five of which
house the must-see Museu Picasso.
1. BARCELONA CATHEDRAL
Soaring over the Barri Gòtic is Barcelona's mighty Cathedral dating from 1298. See
Barcelona Cathedral .
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2. MUSEU PICASSO
Discover the youthful repertoire of one of the 20th-century's most revered artists.
See Museu Picasso .
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3. PALAU DE LA MÚSICA CATALANA
The city's most prestigious concert hall is a monument to both la musica Catalana
and to Modernisme . See Palau de la Música Catalana .
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