Spain has an incredibly rich past and Barcelona – the capital and largest city of Catalonia – has a history that stretches way back to Roman times. The city was founded in 15 BC and in the thousands of years since countless groups of people have called the city home.

Among those groups that have come and gone, the Jewish community played an especially critical role in growing Barcelona as a cultural and business center of the Mediterranean coast. The city and wider region wouldn’t be the same without that influence.

Jewish history in Barcelona is a troubled one with highs and lows – but the story isn’t over. A number of congregations exist within the city today and they’re busy advocating on behalf of Jews in the city.

If you’re planning a visit to Barcelona and want to know more about the role the Jewish people played in shaping this great city, there’s a lot to see. Here’s a look at the best Jewish landmarks in Barcelona.

1. Montjuic

Montjuic can literally be translated as “Jewish Mountain” and it served as a prominent Jewish cemetery for Barcelona’s large Jewish population. In fact, remains of this Mediaeval graveyard can still be seen today. Walking through the area is a sobering way to hear the echoes of Barcelona’s Jewish history.

The graveyard was active from around the 9th century until the end of the 14th when Barcelona’s Jewish population was driven from the city in 1391. From this very moment, the cemetery began to degrade and fall into disrepair.

Some theorize that the use of this cemetery helped the Jewish community to have relative immunity from the Black Death: the Jewish custom of cleaning their dead before burying them outside the city on this hill meant that Jews were not as affected by the terrible disease. This played a part in creating the belief that the Jewish community was responsible for the spread of the Black Death.

The mountain towers over Barcelona’s harbor and you can experience beautiful views from its summit after visiting the graveyard.

2. Plaça Sant Iu’s Hebrew Tombstones

When the cemetery was abandoned, some of the tombstones were used in the construction of the buildings in the Gothic Quarter. In fact, it’s possible to still see these today, etched within the walls of the small Plaça Sant Iu which is found beside the Cathedral.

It’s a perfect visual metaphor for the way that Jewish heritage and history are deeply ingrained within the identity of Barcelona.

3. Ancient Synagogue of Barcelona, Spain’s Oldest Synagogue

The Ancient Synagogue of Barcelona, Sinagoga Mayor in Spanish, is not only the oldest in Spain, but it’s also believed to be the oldest synagogue in Europe.

Found deep within the heart of the ancient Jewish quarter, you can enter this incredible structure from the Carrer Marlet and see where Barcelona’s Jewish population will have worshipped for centuries. It is possible to go inside of the Ancient Synagogue of Barcelona for a tour, and there are regular events that are hosted there.

Incredibly, there were rumors circulating years ago that the synagogue was to be converted to a bar. Thankfully, this did not come to pass, and an important part of Barcelona’s Jewish heritage has been protected.

4. Remains of Mikveh Bath in Barcelona

The ancient Jewish quarter also had a Mikveh or Mikvah. This bath is used by Jewish people for a range of uses and serves to help restore ritual purity to both people and objects.

Many believe that some telltale signs of its remains still stand and that they can be found within a store! If you ask politely at the Olivé store on Carrer Palla, you can be taken to the back of the shop to see the columns and arches for yourself.

5. The Samuel ha-Sardí Inscription in Barcelona

In Carrer Marlet a building was destroyed in 1920 and this process uncovered a medieval inscription that was devoted to rabbi Samuel ha-Sardí. There is still a level of debate around what the message actually says and how it should be translated, but it’s a touching reminder of just how deeply ingrained the Jewish faith once was within the city.

6. Look Forward with the Jewish Film Festival in Barcelona

1492 is the year that the Jewish and Muslim populations in Spain were given a terrible ultimatum: convert to Christianity, leave, or die.

This dreadful event is a painful reminder of the human capacity for cruelty that can flourish if not checked. Now, 500 years later, a burgeoning Jewish community of 4,000 Jews can be found in Barcelona. They truly have come home.

This community is a positive one that advocates for Jewish rights regularly. An important way to celebrate their faith is through the annual Jewish film festival: The Festival de Cinema Jueu de Barcelona. This festival explores the many facets of Jewish life and it is open to everyone.

The event is sponsored by the city council and if the timing is right, it’s a great way for you to not only explore Barcelona’s Jewish history, but also its future.

We hope that this guide to Jewish history in Barcelona has been useful for you and that you enjoy getting to see these wonderful sights. Barcelona is a truly special place and the Jewish community is inextricably linked to it.

Der Beitrag Jewish History in Barcelona: What to See and Where to Go erschien zuerst auf Barcelona Segway Tours.

Do you love traveling even when it’s cold? Well, Barcelona is not the coldest place in the world, but it changes a little when the winter is coming. Luckily Barcelona has a Mediterranean climate with plenty of sunny days, with permanent clear blue skies, and it doesn’t rain very often. It is a fascinating city, very crowded, with so many things to do and even in winter, you will find lots of tourists and locals being entertained and having fun outside.

The city is alive during all year long. You can find a lot of activities in Barcelona to have a great time and places to enjoy by yourself, with your partner, your friends, your family or your company. Check out these things to do in Barcelona during winter and start thinking about your next trip to the Catalan capital. You don’t need to wait until summer!

1. Try Ice Skating and have a lot of fun

Do you love skating on the ice? You can do it in Barcelona every day of the year, but it’s in winter when this practice becomes more frequent in the city! So, if you want to enjoy with some locals in the ice rink, this is the time. Take your skates or rent some in the same ice skating rink. It’s not expensive, and you will have a great time there. Don’t forget to wear gloves; these can protect you if you fall.

What are the top ice skating spots in Barcelona?

• Kaliu Park (24th December until 7th of January)
• Pedralbes Centre (24th November until 7th of January)
• Pista de hielo FC Barcelona (all year)
• Skating Club (all year)

2. Visit Museums in Barcelona

When the weather is cold outside, and you don’t feel like going out, you can have a break and visit the museums. These are an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the history and the essence of Barcelona. There are so many historical museums in Barcelona that will approach you to what this city has become, but also you can find alternative ones and many others of a specific nature such as science museums or special ones like the Chocolate Museum. Every week you can see new exciting expositions in the city too. So if you like, you can spend some of your time deleting yourself with a different kind of them. Barcelona is full of them!

The top museums to visit in Barcelona:

• Catalan National Art Museum (MNAC)
  The MNAC offers an impressive collection of Art from Medieval Romanesque Art to Photography and Numismatics with a selection of 136.000 coins, there’s something for everyone here.
• MACBA Contemporary Art
  The MACBA collection unites the work of local, national and international artists, especially South-American, eastern countries and recently also added works from North African, Middle East and Arabic artists.
• The Egyptian Museum
  The pharaohs in Barcelona? Yes! An exposition of Egyptian artifacts in Barcelona.
• Picasso Museum
  The Picasso Museum is located next to the cathedral (not the Sagrada Familia) and definitely worth a visit.

3. Enjoy the beaches and the breeze

Yes, you’ve read it right! One of the most amazing things to do in Barcelona is to enjoy its beaches, even in winter. Have a walk, sit on a terrace, go surfing or kitesurfing, or just lay on the sand and read a book, under the sun, feeling the fresh air from the sea.

Paddle surfing has also become very popular in the recent years. But if you are more into a sailing mood, you can do it too in Barcelona.

For the early birds: remember to watch at least one sunrise on the beach of Barcelona. It’s wonderful. You won’t regret it!

4. Hang out on a terrace and relax

In Barcelona, you can take a snack, have a drink or eat outside even when it’s freezing. Most terraces in the city are equipped with very powerful outdoor stoves, so you would surely take off your coat! Forget the cold and enjoy the magical atmosphere in every corner of Barcelona.
Either in restaurants at street level or the attics of some hotels, restaurants or museums you will have a great time.

5. Go Skiing in the mountains

Ok, it’s not really in Barcelona where you can go skiing or snowboarding, but if you love mountains, those are very close to the city. You don’t even need a car to go there. There are so many possibilities to get to the ski slopes: by bus, by train,… If you like, you can wake up early in the morning and come back the same day too.

Where to ski near Barcelona?

The top ski areas near Barcelona are called La Masella and La Molina and are probably the most famous ones here in Barcelona. Those are not too far away by and can be reached by bus as well. During the winter season (until the 2nd of April) there’s a bus leaving at Hard Rock Cafe every Tuesday and Thursday, for example, which you can book with ski tickets, transport and insurance included.

6. Experience Barcelona in the markets

There are so many things to do in Barcelona during winter. One of them is visiting the markets and why not, take the occasion to have breakfast or lunch in there – if possible. Markets like the famous Boquería or El Mercat del Ninot are only some of the choices you could find in the city. But, if you are looking for some antiquities or you want to buy some handmade clothing, Barcelona is the place to be! Here you can take a look at the list of markets in Barcelona to check this winter: food markets and non-food markets. Sure you will find what you are searching.

7. English cinema for everyone

Do you want to feel like home? Choose English Language cinemas in Barcelona and flee the “cold” winter. You would taste the city as locals do. Grab your drink, some sweets, popcorn and relax at your sit. Check out the Movie guide for films showing in English in Barcelona.

Keep in mind that these cinemas are smaller cinemas with a smaller selection of film but therefore offer them in original language version.One of the popular cinemas with original language sound is Yelmo Cines, also check Filmoteca de Catalunya, Cines Renoir and Cinemes Girona.

8. Winter Sales: Shopping in Barcelona

Winter sales start in Barcelona after Christmas time. Although some shops have advanced the discounts this year, is not until the day after the 3 Kings Holiday that stores open with lots of different prices and opportunities to buy all kind of gadgets, clothes, household items, and much more. Visiting the center of Barcelona the first weekend of winter sales would be a risky activity if you love quiet places. But if you are one of those who like a little bit of action, go for it! You could find your favorite pieces at a lower price!

Der Beitrag 8 things to do in Barcelona during winter erschien zuerst auf Barcelona Segway Tours.

It no longer houses bullfights but continues to treasure history and architecture that is worth knowing. The Monumental of Barcelona is a bullring that opened in 1914 and is located between Marina Street and Gran Vía, in the Eixample district.

It is a brick building with polychrome tiles in which Neomudéjar and Byzantine styles meet, and which, after failing to host bullfighting events, now becomes the setting for other types of shows.

In this article, we will speak about its history and will tell you about its present. The rest we invite you to see it with your own eyes during your visit to Barcelona.

The history of the Monumental of Barcelona

The Monumental bullring began its journey in Barcelona with the name of Plaza de El Sport. It was the year 1914 and, in this way, it was added to other bullrings that already existed in the city like the Plaza del Torín (known as Plaza de La Barceloneta) and Plaza de las Arenas.

The change of its name arrived two years later, the time when the capacity of the square had increased from the more than 11,000 spectators to welcome more than 24,000 people. Over the years it became considered one of the most prestigious bullrings in our country.

In 1977 it was the only one that remained in Barcelona after the Plaza del Torín and the Arenas had closed. Although this place still had important moments to live as, for example, the reappearance of José Tomás in 2007 after having been five years retired.

But there was not much left to do in this arena. In 2010 the Parliament of Catalonia banned bullfighting and the Monumental was the last to hold one in all of Catalonia. It was in September 2011 and was led by the bullfighters José Tomás and Serafín Martín.

The scenario of other events

The Monumental of Barcelona has not only offered bulls and bullfighters spectacles. It has also been the scene of famous concerts that chose this location. Perhaps the most important was the one that the Beatles performed on July 3, 1965, the only one offered by the English band in Barcelona.

image source: https://www.abc.es/cultura

The Rolling Stones also came here in 1976; It was their first concert in our country. Bob Marley, Tina Turner, Dire Straits or Bruce Springsteen were other artists who filled with music this plaza during the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s.

Likewise, the Monumental of Barcelona has also hosted circus and sports shows, mainly boxing, and even political meetings.

On the other hand, in this arena, you can visit the Bullfighting Museum of Barcelona, which was opened in 1969. Inside it is possible to see mythical posters, heads of some of the most famous bulls, costumes bullfighters and bullfighters and all type of elements related to the world of bullfighting.

The architecture of the bullring the Monumental of Barcelona

As we have already told you at the beginning of this post, this bullring in Barcelona has a Neomudéjar and Byzantine style.

The neomudéjar architecture was related mainly with constructions of this type and others also dedicated to leisure. In its buildings, we see the brick as the most significant Mudejar feature, although it also uses Caliphate, Almohad and Nasrid elements.

The expansion of the plaza carried out in 1916 was led by the architect Ignasi Mas i Morell, who counted on the collaboration of Domènec Sugrañes. At that time, an exterior crown of Mudejar and Byzantine style, with a modernist air, was incorporated into its original design.

The Monumental today

After the ruling of the Constitutional Court of 2016 that once again allows bullfights to be held at the Monumental de Barcelona, ​​it is still not very clear what will happen to this place. We talk about several projects on the table, such as transforming it into a mosque or a shopping center, as happened with Las Arenas, in Plaza España.

However, the future still seems uncertain.

What we do know is its most immediate present.

One of the proposals that are already active in this bullring is the Monumental Club. It is a cultural and leisure initiative that takes place one weekend a month and where it has room for gastronomy in street food format, live music, children’s activities and market space in which fashion projects are made known, of decoration or design, among others, are presented.

The idea is that the Monumental of Barcelona becomes a reference point for leisure and culture in Barcelona.

Der Beitrag Everything about the Monumental of Barcelona erschien zuerst auf Barcelona Segway Tours.

The Sagrada Familia of Barcelona is the most emblematic architectural icon of the city. It fascinates only from outside, and it is worth visiting inside. Currently, you can visit some areas that are open, although others are still under construction. With the price of the entrance, you will help to pay for works of this construction, that it’s planned to be completed in 2026.

Today we take a walk through the history of the Sagrada Familia and its creator, Antoni Gaudí, and will discover some of its main characteristics. To enjoy it, we invite you to visit it in person. The Sagrada Familia of Barcelona will leave you speechless.

The origins of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona

We will start by understanding a little more about the history of this temple. Its origins date back to 1866 when Josep Maria Bocabella i Verdaguer founded the Spiritual Association of Devotees of San José.

This association was the one that promoted, from 1874, the construction of an expiatory temple that was dedicated to the Sagrada Familia. In 1881 he bought a plot of almost 13,000 square meters to raise it. The first stone was placed on March 19, 1882.

The imprint of Gaudí in Barcelona

After some encounters with the promoters, the first architect of this temple, Francisco de Paula del Villar y Lozano, left its direction. In 1883 Gaudí took charge, and the genius completed the construction of the crypt in 1889. Then, the works of the apse would begin.

All these works were carried out through donations. After receiving an important one, Gaudí decided to make a new and more significant work. Gaudí ignores the old neo-Gothic project and proposes a more innovative one in the construction, structures, and forms.

This new project would be a large church with a plant in the shape of a Latin cross, with five naves with three transects and three facades. Each of them symbolizes three moments of Jesus Christ life: his birth ( Marina Street), his passion, death and resurrection (Sardenya street), and his glory (Mallorca street).

Gaudí’s purpose was to construct a building that dropped a mark on Barcelona’s landscape. And, without a doubt, he succeeded: the Sagrada Familia is 172.5 meters high and is one of the tallest religious buildings in the world. And an icon on the city skyline.

The works of the Sagrada Familia

In 1892 Gaudí begins with the foundations for the facade of the Birth; in 1894 the facade of the apse ends and in 1899 the Portal de Rosario. In 1909 he built the Provisional Schools of the Sagrada Familia, which were intended for the children of those who worked in the construction and the children of the neighborhood.

From 1914 the work of Gaudí focuses exclusively on this temple. In 1923 he designed the definitive solution of the naves and roofs, and in 1925 the construction of the first bell tower of the Nativity facade was completed, the only one that Gaudí could see built in life, since he died hit by a tram on June 10, in 1926. His remains are buried in the Carmen chapel of the Sagrada Familia crypt.

Then, the direction of the work passed to one of its closest collaborators, Domènec Sugrañes, in charge of it until 1938.

In 1936 there was a fire in the crypt. The revolutionaries burned the Provisional Schools of the Sagrada Familia and destroyed the workshop.

This fact supposes the loss of original drawings, plans and photographs, and also the destruction of a part of the models. However, the works did not stop, and the original idea of Gaudí was continued.

Everything went its course after the Civil War. Francesc de Paula Quintana i Vidal was the architect involved in the restoration of the burned crypt and damaged models, which served as a model to continue the work, whose direction passed through different hands.

Today, the 70% of the works in the basilica have been executed, and the efforts are currently focused on the construction of the six central towers. During 2018 it is also expected that the Passion façade will be completed and work will continue on the interior air conditioning and paving of the central nave.

Tickets to visit the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona

To know the whole history of the Sagrada Familia and enjoy the beauty of its architecture, you have several types of tickets.

For example, you can access the temple and visit the towers (with audio guide) for a price of 29 euros. Gaudí projected 18 towers, and, currently, there are eight built (four on the facade of the Passion and four on the Nativity).

You have another modality that also includes the entrance to the Gaudí House Museum, although the cheapest option to access the interior of the Sagrada Familia costs 15 euros.

Children up to 10 years old can enter for free, and there are discounts for students, retirees and under the 30s. There are also special tickets for groups.

The Sagrada Familia of Barcelona opens:

Der Beitrag The Sagrada Familia: Gaudí’s Jewel in Barcelona erschien zuerst auf Barcelona Segway Tours.

1. Gardens from Mossèn Costa i Llobera

The cactus is a plant commonly associated with hot climates, like deserts. Who knew that the most important cactus-specialized park in Europe is in Barcelona? Located in one of the sides of the Montjuic Mountain, the Jardin de cactus de Mossèn Costa i Llobera is a beautiful natural space, a botanical reserve of great variety and a terrific viewpoint to see Barcelona. And just a few minutes away from the city.

Image source: Mossèn Costa i Llobera Gardens, Barcelona

2. Parque del Laberinto de Horta

Remember the maze in the movie “The Shining”? Well, the one in the Parque del Laberinto de Horta is as cool as that one without all the creepiness. In this historic park, located at the north part of the city, you will enjoy a walk through its beautiful and leafy gardens, discovering their statues, historic buildings, ponds and its famous maze. Just try not to get lost in this hidden gem of Barcelona!

3. Arús Public Library

The Arús Public Library (Biblioteca masónica Arús), founded in 1895 thanks to Rossend Arús, is a place of knowledge and wisdom. It was built under the motto “the more illustrated the people are, the further they get from absolutism”. Nowadays is one of the biggest information centers about masonry in the world, containing more than 80.000 volumes about the history of this secret society. You will recognize the place because of the reproduction of the Statue of Liberty in the front door.

Image source: Arus Public Library, Barcelona

4. Bar Rufián

Located in the Poble-Sec, Rufián is one of the hippest bars in the neighborhood. Not only for its looks (recycled furniture, cool posters and all kinds of pieces of art) or their awesome thematic parties (80’s and 90’s music) but for their delicious homemade cakes and tapas. They even have been awarded for their Pastrami sandwich, that I strongly recommend you go and taste.

5. Refugio antiaéreo 307, Air-raid shelter

Originally known as the “Refugi 307”, this hidden gem in Barcelona was one of the 1.300 bomb shelters built in the city during the Spanish Civil War. In that time, the city was systematically bombed, so the town hall and the local government set in motion the construction of bomb shelters like the 307, which had the capacity for more than 2.000 civilians.

Image source: Air-raid shelter Barcelona

6. Ramen-Ya Hiro

Would you stand in line for 45 minutes for a bowl of ramen? If your answer is no, you don´t know Ya Hiro Ramen. They only have 15 tables, they only have three kinds of ramen and appetizers and they only open for a couple of hours a day. Yet, it’s the most popular ramen joint in town. People usually starts queuing one hour before the opening time, at 8 PM. That’s why even if you get there early, you are going to spend time waiting in line. It’s worthy? Totally. The deliciousness of their Miso Ramen can´t be described in words. You GOT to taste it.

7. Mirador del Turó de la Rovira

A popular viewpoint of the city and a gathering place, not only for tourists but for young people who want to enjoy the 360 degrees views and the natural spaces. From this park you can see with your eyes the two “Barcelonas”: the one in the center, formed by the touristic areas, and the other Barcelona, composed by the neighborhoods that don’t appear in the guide.

Image source: Turo de la Rovira Viewpoint, Barcelona

8. Museum of Carrozas Fúnebres

Are you a hearses fan? Probably not, but if you visit Barcelona you can’t miss this unusual exhibition. Developed in 1970 by the Montjuic Cemetery, this museum displays some of the most beautiful hearses used in the 19th and 20th century Barcelona. From the simple carts used to transport the common folks to the imperial chariots reserved for nobility and bourgeoisie, you will be impressed by one of the oddest museums in Europe.

9. Pont del Bisbe

In the Gothic district, one of the medieval areas of the city, we find a bridge that connects the Palau de la Generalitat (The Catalonian Government Palace) with La Casa dels Canonges. The great mystery of this famous landmark is in the lower part where, if you look closely, you find a skull pierced by a dagger. How did it get there? What does it mean? Nobody knows. So, if you want to be the one that solves the mystery, you better check it out.

Image source: Pont del Bisbe, Barcelona

10. Bogatell Beach

When tourists want to swim and sunbath, they usually go to La Barceloneta Beach because it’s close from the metro station, adjacent to the neighborhood and the W hotel. And that’s precisely the reason it gets so crowded. So, if you want to have a beach day without having to share a meter square of sand with a hundred people, we recommend you go to Bogatell Beach. It’s ten minutes walking from Barceloneta through the boardwalk, and once you get there you will notice the big difference.

11. Casa de les Punxes Terrace

With more than 600 m2 of extension and inspired in the old Wagnerian castles, this modernist rooftop is a must-see for the architecture fans. Not only because of its historic, architectonic and touristic value, but for its exclusiveness. In reduced groups, you will be allowed to get up to this private terrace to enjoy a great view of Barcelona and taste Champagne and Spanish ham.

Image source: Casa de les Punxes, Barcelona

12. Weekend Karaoke

There are lots of Karaoke in Barcelona. But, if you want to enjoy an intimate yet cheerful and uplifting atmosphere, very reasonable price for the drinks and a huge list of songs, Weekend Karaoke is for you. Plus, there are two separate lounges, karaoke and club, so even if you are not in the mood of singing, you will have a great time there.

13. Barcelona Comedy Club

Do you like getting your funny bone tickled? Then you can’t miss the Barcelona Comedy Club shows. Amateur and professionals, rookies and veterans, national and international; all kind of comedians get together in different bars during the week to share their hilarious jokes. Comedians that nowadays work on TV started in this underground comedy show, the best in Barcelona. Check their social media for the schedule!

Featured image

Der Beitrag Secret Barcelona: The 13 hidden gems in Barcelona erschien zuerst auf Barcelona Segway Tours.

Bunker’s Panorama Barcelona, a piece of Barcelona’s History

They are actually air raid bunkers used during the Spanish Civil War and then deserted for years.. but now they’re back, but instead of ducking from bombs, “los bunkers” have taken on a whole new meaning…

View from the Bunkers towards the city & sea below.

The Bunkers are known locally as “Los Bunkers del Turó de la Rovira”, which is a complicated way of saying that they’re located at the top of “Rovira’s hill” in the heart of the “Carmel” neighbourhood.

This is without a doubt one of the city’s best-kept secrets and the best panoramic view of all of Barcelona – which is not an easy claim since there are many!

Although the structures date to the period of the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) there’s no need to worry about dilapidated infrastructure – the Bunkers were recently renovated. That said, it makes for a perfect outing to gather with friends, makes an outdoor picnic, contemplate the city below with that special someone or even go it alone.

Barcelona was bombarded several times during the Spanish Civil War. Above, in 1938.

To back up that claim of Barcelona’s best view, you can expect a 360º vista of the entire city – from the mountains of Collserola behind you, to Montjuic to the south, the Besòs neighborhood to the north, and of course, the sprawling city at your feet – which ends where the vast blue Mediterranean begins. If you happen to be a photographer – even an amateur – this is the spot for you!

So, now that you’re convinced, here’s the big question: how do I get to this secretive place? Well, there are a few ways: first is by metro. Getting off at the “Alfons X” stop on the L4 (yellow line) is one option, following the exit for “Ronda Guinardó”; another option would be taking the V17 bus and walk a few more minutes uphill. Or, once you make that first local Catalan friend, you can reach the Bunkers by car! So, make your way off the Ramblas, and go where the locals go “to get away from it all” (even though you’ll still be in Barcelona!”) – you won’t be disappointed!

Der Beitrag Bunker’s Panorama Barcelona erschien zuerst auf Barcelona Segway Tours.

About 60 years ago, in 1954 at the Villa de Madrid square what lies near Las Ramblas took place some reparation works after the Civil War. Once the noisy sound stopped for a while, the workers found no more no less the necropolis dated I-II s. AD. Is the known fact that the Romans, who were living in the present Tarragona, chose “Barcino” for the new strategic sea gate. For their new colony they chose the territory between two rivers, one was running by the present Via Laietana street, another one –by the street that later will be known as Rambla. After some researches, the scientists find out the etymology of this word. Originally, the flush of water that was running down from the Collserola, the locals called it “Arenales” what means “sandy”. When the Arabs called them “Rambla”, what has converted at the Las Ramblas we all know and beloved.

Las Ramblas, almost every piece of land or stone hide a story. For example La Boquería market was built were long ago before it was a monastery San Jose, and at the place where during the years was staying the convent of Trinitarians we can contemplate the famous theatre “Liceu”. Walking down Las Ramblas don’t pass by the façade of the Poliorama theatre, people say the watch shows the official time in Barcelona. Try something sweet or the best croissant in the city at the old confectioners shop “Escribà”. Look into the Virreina palace that houses very interesting photo-exhibitions. Finally, visit “Boadas cocktails” the first bar in the city, founded in 1933 where for the first time the locals, who used to drink cava and wine, tried cocktails.

As we have promised you, 10 places we strongly recommend you:

• Sleep in… Hotel Oriente (don’t forget to ask a receptionist where Frederick Chopin or George Sand where staying during the visit)
• To have a breakfast at… Prado de Flores situated on the str. Santa Anna,11
• A bit of history at… Necropolis, Plaza Villa de Madrid
• Take a picture with… Live figures that are very picturesque.
• To have a lunch at … La Boquería market, try The Pinocchio bar.
• Buy souvenirs at … Art Escudella, str. Escudellers 23-25
• Cultural minute at… The Virreina Palace, La Rambla, 99
• Try some tapas at … One of the typical bars at Plaza Real
• Get to know more about Gaudi at…. Palau Güell, Carrer Nou de la Rambla, 3-5
• Listen to the best opera at… The Theatre Liceu, La Rambla,51-59

Der Beitrag The secrets of Las Ramblas erschien zuerst auf Barcelona Segway Tours.