A VERY PARTICULAR NEIGHBOURHOOD
"El Born" is a neighborhood like no other. Its singularity is in those cobbled streets, where medieval structures can still be seen. If we add to this the amount of beautiful flowers and plants both on private balconies and in its small squares, we can assure that is an oasis in a city like the Catalan capital.
In addition to these attractions, you can spend an amazing day just walking through its streets. In them, the vintage clothing stores or the wide variety of "tapas" seduce any visitor.
WHAT CAN WE SEE AND DO IF WE VISIT "EL BORN" IN BARCELONA?
From My Space Barcelona we are going to tell you all that is worth to spend a different day in this area of Barcelona. The truth is that just by walking you will realize that it is not just any place but an exceptional place. Trust us if when we said that nothing happens if you find yourself lost, since it is a maze of small streets and squares, but where everything is relatively close.
"The traveler sees what he sees, the tourist sees what he has come to see." - G.K. Chesterton
We start at the "Palau de la Música Catalana", located at "Urquinaona" metro station.
This mondernist-style marvelous is a concert hall where everything will impress you, as its architecture draws attention by itself. A part from the concerts, they offer guided tours in spanish and enlgish. IMPORTANT: do not forget to go around the whole building, since the facade is priceless to observe from all perspectives.
Once you have taken a walk through the ancient mentioned earlier, next to "Sant Pere Més Alt" street, you will find the church of "Sant Pere". It is an old benedictine monastery that is located in "Sant Pere" square. There you can see a great combination of romanesque and gothic styles. The stunning skylights leave an exceptional illumination inside the church.
A SPECIAL PLACE
One of the most distinctive corners of the neighborhood is the Santa Caterina Market. It is divided into three floors and it is reliable to walk through it local stores. It might not be as famous as "La Boquería" but it has nothing to envy. Next to it, you will be able to see the excavation work that is being carried out which has brought to light interesting medieval remains.
A recommendation is the popular terrace of "La Candela", you might not taste anything unusual, but its location is unbeatable.
"PASEO DEL BORN"
It is located between next to the old Born Market and the Santa Maria del Mar Church. The medieval atmosphere, despite the passage of time, is still very present. We are facing a charming area that has been able to adapt to new times without forgetting a very rich historical past and that gives the neighborhood its characteristic personality.
Nowadays, this walk is traveled by many people and it is a real pleasure to stroll in an area with such a gastronomic and leisure offer. It is the heart of a vital neighborhood and a center for parties and celebrations.
It is important to not forget his past: knights' tournaments were held in this area, as well as numerous Christian processions and it was where the first carnivals were held.
This promenade has also been the protagonist of some episodes of the black history of Barcelona. In the s. XVI the victims of the Inquisition were executed right here. In addition, in 1714, when Felipe V occupied Barcelona, it was the moment in which it lost part of its original appearance. Despite this, the buildings that still remain from the s. XIV take us to a past that is worth knowing and contemplating.
We hope that after this tour you will take some time to discover the "El Born" during your visit in Barcelona.
If you liked these areas in the city center, HAVE A LOOK AT OUR APARTMENTS! You can choose to stay in the elegant and historic Gothic or in the lively Born.
WE WILL BE MORE THAN GLAD TO HELP YOU DURING YOUR STAY IN BARCELONA!!!