Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
8. BARRI XINES
ThefirstthinglocalswillsaywhenyouaskabouttheBarriXinèsisthatitnolonger
exists; the second is that the name has no real connection with the Chinese (
Xinès
).
Bothstatementsaretrue.This
barri
,unfoldingsouthfromCarrerSantPautowards
Drassanes, was once one of Europe's most infamous neighbourhoods, inhabited by
thepoorandworking-classandrifewithprostitutes,pimpsanddrugdealers.Today,
duetoenthusiasticclean-upefforts,merevestigesremainofthe
barri'
spreviouslife
(thoughsomealleysstillhintatillicitactivity).Asforthename,theareahasnothing
todowiththeChinese,butwasnamedinthe
barri'
searly-1900sheydayasagener-
alreferencetoitslargeimmigrantpopulation.Todayyoucanbrowseincheapthrift
shops and small grocery stores by day and bar-hop by night.
9. ANTIC HOSPITAL DE LA SANTA CREU
ThisGothichospital complex (1401), nowhometotheNational Library andvarious
cultural organizations, is a reminder of the neighbourhood's medieval past. Within,
you can wander a pleasant garden surrounded by Gothic pillars; a reader's card is
necessary for admission to the library.
Entrances on C/Carme & C/Hospital 56 •
Courtyard open 9am-8pm daily • Free
Google Map
10. ESGLESIA DE SANT PAU DEL CAMP
Deep in the heart of El Raval is this Romanesque church, one of the oldest in Bar-
celona.OriginallyfoundedasaBenedictinemonasteryinthe9thcenturyandsubse-
quentlyrebuilt,thisancientchurchrevealsa12th-centurycloister.
C/SantPau101
• Open 10am-1:30pm, 4-7:30pm Mon-Sat. Mass 8pm Sat, noon Sun • Adm
Google Map
View photo
A Ramble in El Raval
Morning
Start your ramble mid-morning by perusing the innovative temporary art ex-
catching blend of old-meets-new in this cutting-edge art space provides a fit-
