Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The whole site is housed in the mid-19th-century Casa Morell. So, in an unusual mix, one
gets a glimpse of three distinct periods in history in the same spot.
MUSEUM
HEMP MUSEUM GALLERY
93 319 75 39;
hempmuseumgallery.com
;
Carrer Ample 35; admission €7.50;
10am-10pm; Jaume I)
The world's largest museum dedicated to all things cannabis opened to much fanfare in 2012
(even Virgin founder Richard Branson was at the opening). Set in the beautifully restored
16th-century Palau Mornau, exhibitions delve into the role the plant has played over the
years, with 19th-century medicinal cannabis bottles, pulp film posters and consumer
products made from hemp among the displays.
CHURCH
ESGLÉSIA DE LA MERCÈ
Raised in the 1760s on the site of its Gothic predecessor, the baroque Església de la Mercè is
home to Barcelona's most celebrated patron saint. It was badly damaged during the civil
war. What remains is, however, quite a curiosity. The baroque facade facing the square con-
trasts with the Renaissance flank along Carrer Ample. Climb the steps behind the altar for a
close-up view of the Virgin Mary statue for whom the church is named; it dates from 1361.
MUSEUM
MUSEU DE L'ERÒTICA
Sant Josep 96; admission €9; 10am-midnight; ; Liceu)
Observe what naughtiness people have been getting up to since ancient times in this mu-
seum, with historical relics such as Indian bas-reliefs showing various aspects of tantric
love, 18th-century wood carvings depicting Kama Sutra positions, Japanese porcelain porn
and African fornication carvings. Despite the premise, overall it's a rather buttoned-up affair,
and probably not worth the steep admission price (despite the free drink).
MUSEUM
MUSEU DEL CALÇAT
93 301 45 33; Plaça de Sant Felip Neri 5; admission
€2.50; 11am-2pm Tue-Sun; Jaume I)
This obscure museum is home to everything from Egyptian sandals to dainty ladies' shoes
of the 18th century. The museum and cobblers' guild, which has its roots in the city's medi-
eval past, were moved here shortly after the civil war.
