Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ya.ThehugeshoesattheentryaredesignedtofitthefootoftheColumbusMonumentatthe
bottom of the Ramblas.
Cost and Hours:
€2.50, Tue-Sun 11:00-14:00, closed Mon, one block beyond outside
door of cathedral cloister, behind Plaça de G. Bachs on Plaça Sant Felip Neri, Metro: Jaume
I, see
here
for directions, tel. 933-014-533.
The Old City's El Born neighborhood (also known as “La Ribera”) is home to several great
sights, including the Picasso Museum. But even without those, the neighborhood is a joy to
explore. El Born's narrow lanes are crammed with artsy boutiques, inviting cafés and res-
taurants,funkyone-offshops,rollickingnightlife,andahigherratiooflocalstotouriststhan
most other city-center zones.
Getting There:
It's just across Via Laietana from the Barri Gòtic's Plaça de l'Angel
(Metro: Jaume I). Carrer de l'Argenteria (“Silversmiths Street”) runs diagonally from Plaça
del'AngelstraightdowntotheChurchofSantaMariadelMar.ThePalaceofCatalanMusic
is to the north, and the Picasso Museum is roughly in the center.
▲▲▲
Pablo Picasso may have made his career in Paris, but the years he spent in Barcelona—from
ages14through23—wereamongthemostformativeofhislife.ItwasherethatyoungPablo
mastered the realistic painting style of his artistic forebears—and it was also here that he
first felt the freedom that allowed him to leave that all behind and give in to his creative, ex-
perimental urges. When he left Barcelona, Picasso headed for Paris...and revolutionized art
forever.
