 | Barcelona Things To Do | Tips 11 - 20 of 4249 |  |
 | |  |  | Medieval Jewish Quarter & Sinagoga Major | Tip Rating:   |  |  | |  |
Hidden away in the heart of the Barri Gotic, between Placa de Sant Jaume and Carrer dels Banys Nous, is Barcelona's medieval Jewish Quarter - 'the Call'. The Jews were expelled from the area in the late 15th century.
The streets in this small area are really narrow - not even the smallest car would fit along them. The buildings seem to lean in to meet towards the top, making it very easy to gossip with you neighbour from the comfort of your top-floor window.
Situated on Carrer de Marlet, looking very un-synagogue like from the outside, is the Sinagoga Major - the city's main medieval synagogue. In 1995, the building, which was being used as an electricians store at the time, was purchased and was going to be turned into a trendy bar. However, when work commenced the remains of the synagogue were discovered. These days you can visit the site and take a guided tour.
Even if you don't want to visit the synagogue, it is worth having a quick walk around this very interesting area.
Synagogue Opening Hours: 11am-2pm & 4-7pm Tue to Sat; 11am-2pm Sun
Admission charge: 2 euro (Jan 2007) Leave a Comment Address: Carrer de Marlet 5, Barri GoticPhone: 93 317 07 90Directions: Located in the Barri Gotic district Nearest metro: LiceuWebsite: http://www.calldebarcelona.org/ Other Contact: sinagogamayor@hotmail.com
|
 | |  |
Kind of hidden away on the southern side of the Esglesia de Santa Maria del Mar is a small sunken square which used to be the site of El Fossar de les Moreres. This was the Mulberry Cemetery, named after the trees that once grew there. Catalan resistance fighters were buried here after the siege of Barcelona ended in 1714.
These days an eternal flame burns above the square to commemorate those that died in the war. The flame sits atop a tall, curved metal sculpture. Stop by and see it burning after you visit the neighbouring church. Leave a Comment Directions: Located in the La Ribera district, next to Esglesia de Santa Maria del Mar Nearest metro: Jaume I
|
Located close to the Cathedral is the interesting Placa del Rei. The 'King's Square' is the courtyard of what was once the Palau Reial Major. The square is home to some ancient buildings and the occasional concert.
The main attraction here is the Museu d'Historia de la Ciutat, where you can have an inside look at the old royal palace and some Roman remains. Make sure you check out the exquisite Salo del Tinell banqueting hall.
Also in the small square you will find the Palau del Lloctinent (Lieutenant's Palace) and the Capella Reial de Santa Agata. The chapel has a small bell tower and inside you can see the decorated timber ceiling and impressive altarpiece. Leave a Comment Address: Located in the Barri Gotic districtDirections: Nearest metro: Jaume IWebsite: http://www.museuhistoria.bcn.es/
|
Located close to the Parc de la Ciutadella, via the paved and palm-lined Passeig de Lluis Companys, is Barcelona's version of the Arc de Triomf. This brick arch was built for the 1888 Universal Exhibition which was held in Parc de la Ciutadella. The arch was used as the main entrance to the Exhibition.
It was designed by Josep Vilaseca i Casanovas in mudejar style (which is based around Moorish architecture styles). The colourful arch is topped with twelve statues of angel-looking women, which symbolises fame. Along the top, in the middle of the arch, there is a carving of the Coat of Arms of Barcelona.
Very different to the 'more famous' Arc de Triomf, this one is well worth a look - and you don't have to dodge 8 lanes of crazy traffic to get to it! Leave a Comment Address: Passeig de Luis CompanysDirections: Located close to Parc de la Ciutadella Nearest metro: Arc de TriomfWebsite: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arc_de_Triomf
|
| | |
One of the loveliest looking and most 'Spanish like' squares (well, my vision of what a 'Spanish like' square is anyway!) in Barcelona is Placa Reial. It is located just off La Rambla, on the left as you head in the direction of the port. It is connected to La Rambla by a short road, Carrer Colom, which leads you through a tall arch into the square.
The square was laid out in 1848 on the site of a former monastery. It is enclosed by classical style buildings, with arcaded shops, bars and restaurants. In the centre there is the Three Graces fountain, and on either side of this you can see two interesting lampposts which were some of Gaudi's earliest work.
This palm-filled square makes a great place to relax with a drink or a meal, and is a meeting place for locals and tourists. Be warned though, it has also been known to be a haunt for pick pockets and drug dealers. On Sundays the square is the busy scene of a coin and stamp market. Leave a Comment Address: Via Carrer Colom, just of La Rambla dels CaputxinsDirections: Located in the Barri Gotic district, just off La Rambla Nearest metro: Liceu
|
| | |
More Sponsored Links for Barcelona |
 |
 |
Search Hotels
Find the best room rates |
|
 |
|
on February 27, 2007
