Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
6. PLACA REIAL
Late 19th-century elegance meets sangria-swilling café society in the arcaded Plaça
Reial, one of Barcelona's most emblematic and entertaining squares. The
plaça
is
planted with towering palm trees and encircled by stately, 19th-century buildings.
The
Modernista
lamppostsweredesignedbyayoungGaudíin1879.Atthesquare's
centre is a wrought-iron fountain representing the Three Graces. The square is the
best place to start a big night out, with a cluster of restaurants, bars and cafés that
draw the hoi polloi - including all sorts of shady pickpockets.
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7. MUSEU FREDERIC MARES
This fascinating museum houses the life collection of wealthy Catalan sculptor Fre-
deric Marès. No mere hobby collector, the astute (and obsessive) Marès amassed
holdings thatamodern museum curator woulddiefor.Among them,animpressive
arrayofreligiousiconsandstatues-datingfromRomantimestothepresent-and
the curious “Museu Sentimental”, which displays anything from ancient watches to
fans and dolls. Also worth a visit during summer is Cafè d'Estiu, a sunny spot for
a snack on the museum's patio.
Pl de Sant Iu 5-6 • Open 10am-7pm Tue-Sat,
11am-8pm Sun • Adm (free first Sun of the month and 3-8pm every Sun) • DA
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8. ESGLESIA DE SANTA MARIA DEL MAR
The spacious, breathtaking interior of this 14th-century church, designed by archi-
tect Berenguer de Montagut, is the city's premier example of the austere Catalan
Gothic style. The church is dedicated to Saint Mary of the Sea, the patron saint
of sailors, and an ancient model ship hangs near one of the statues of the Virgin.
Dubbed “the people's church”, this is the city's most popular spot for exchanging
wedding vows.
Pl de Santa Maria 1 • Open 9am-1:30pm, 4:30-8pm
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