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Gothic Quarter
Barri Gótic, the old town distric known as the Gothic Quarter for the treasure house of Gothic monuments found there, occupies what was formerly an ancient fortified Roman village. It is the site of both historic monuments and modern institutions. Our itinerary begins at the Plaça Nova with its twin semicircular towers of the well-preserved Roman walls. Approaching the Cathedral, another portion of the wall the beginning as well as of the aqueduct which transported water from the Collserola hills. Taking Avinguda de la Catedral, we arrive at the Pla de la Seu with its steps leading up to the Cathedral, a Gothic structure dating from the 14th and 15th centuries with a 19th century neogothic façade. The cloister, the ogival ribbed vaults, the pulpit and choir stalls are the most remarkable artistic features. The Cathedral complex also comprises three medieval palaces: Cases dels Canonges, Casa del Degà, with its restored Renaissance façade, and Casa de l'Ardiaca (Archdeacon's house), the most interesting one of the three with its flamboyant Gothic architecture.
Ribera Quarter
Outside the first wall but still medieval in origin is the Ribera Quarter, separated from the Gothic Quarter by the Via Laietana. It actually comprises two separate districts: Sant Pere, inhabited by merchants, and Santa María del Mar, populated by sailors. Both districts were joined together during the 14th century by the street of C. Montcada and became the center of the new city and the place where the finest private mansions were built, many of which are still standing today.
El Eixample
El Eixample or "Enlargement" is the central area of the city of Barcelona and is formed by a grid take layout of streets with diamond-shaped intersections. It reflects the expansion in the city during the last third of the 19th century.
La Rambla
Seven different sections, each with its own name, make up the street called La Rambla. The upper section is named the Rambla de Canaletes after the fountain of Canaletes. Tradition has it that any visitor who drinks its waters will one day come back to Barcelona. A short way down we take a left at C. Santa Anna and come to the square of the same name, where we can stop to view the small Church of santa Anna, a Romanesque jewel from the 12th century.
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The Waterfront
The itinerary begins at the Plaça del Portal de la Pau, a square open to the sea. Where we find the Columbus Lookout, the Drassanes, the Customshouse and the main office of the Port of Barcelona. The most interesting building in the square is the Drassanes, the largest and most complete shipyard in the world that has survived from the Middle Ages. Initiated in 1378, it is one of the best examples of Catalonian civil Gothic architecture. Now occupied by the Maritime Museum, it houses intricate reproductions of historical ships and an important collection of ancient drawings and maps. In the center of the square stands the Columbus Lookout, a 50 m iron column supporting the statue of the discoverer of America. An elevator deck near the top for a spectacular view of the port area, Montjuïc and an overall panorama of the city.
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Montjuic
Overlooking the harbor is the hill of Montjuïc, a symbol of pride ever since the Romantics discovered its beauty in the 1800's and a slow project of urban development was launched, beginning with the 1929 World's Fair and culminating with the 1992 Olympic Games. Fairgrounds, first-rate museums, excellent sports facilities, beautiful gardens and parks, an authentic green lung for the city and final resting place for the dead, Montjuïc is indeed a magnificent spot.
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