Plaza Catalunya - Barcelona

Plaça Catalunya the Square of Catalonia, the link of Barcelona, where all roads start. From here one can practically go anywhere, by means of taxis, the tourist bus, metro or by some of the most important public bus-routes in the city. Here is where some of the most prestigious shops can be visited, also some of the most modern ones.

Iglesia de Betlém

Church Betlem (or The Church Of Bethlehem or Iglesia de Betlém) is located in the very heart of Barcelona.
This is another catholic church located next to Las Ramblas. The frontage baroque started in 1681. The interior was unfortunately burned during the civil war of 1936.

Palau de la Virreina

The Palace Virreina is a palace built between 1772 and 1775 and decorated with both Baroque and Rococo elements, which hosts major temporary exhibitions .

It's now headquarters to the Town Hall's Cultural Department and its Centre de la Imatge (Image center). The exhibition centre shows works by some of Catalunya's most important contemporary artists, like Oriol Bohigas and Antoni Abad.

A visit to the Market of la Boqueria in Barcelona is advisable to enjoy an incredible contrast between colours and activity, ideal to discover why Mediterranean cuisine is internationally known due to its ingredients.

The best products from Catalonia in one place: fruit, vegetables, fish and seafood, tapas bars like El Quim and others...Just Perfect!!

About the history if the Boqueria Market

 
The first mention of the Boqueria market of Barcelona dates from 1217, when tables were installed near the old door of the city to sell meat. From December 1470, a market selling pigs occurred at this site. At this time, the Market had the name Mercat Bornet or was (until 1794) simply known as Mercat de la Palla (Straw Market).

At the beginning, the market was not enclosed and did not have an official statute, it was regarded as a simple extension of the market of Plaça Nova which then extended to the Plaça del Pi.
Later, the authorities decided to construct a separate market on La Rambla, housing mainly fishmongers and butchers. It is not until 1826 that the market is legally recognized and a convention held in 1835 decides construction of an official place.

Construction began March 19, 1840 under the direction of architect Mas Vilà. The market officially opened the same year, but the plans for the building were modified many times. The official inauguration of the structure was finally made in 1853. In 1911, the new fish market was opened and, in 1914, the metal roof that still exists today was constructed.

More markets in Barcelona

Liceu de Barcelona

The famous Gran Teatre del Liceu was built in 1847.Considered by many to be one of the finest opera houses in Europe, it burnt to the ground tragically in 1994, the auditorium and stage were destroyed. The new Liceu was inaugurated in the year 2000, keeping the original facade and greatly expanding the facilities. Here, the finest operas of the international repertoire have been staged, and leading operatic stars have performed, among them several Catalans including Montserrat Caballé, Josep Carreras and Jaume Aragall.

Just off the Rambla, you can find the Plaza Real, one of the places with most tradition and interest around the city. It was erected in mid of the 19th Century, it has a fine arcade, palm trees and lamps designed by Gaudi. It is an interesting square ideal to relx and enjoy a coffee in one of the many cafes. On Sunday mornings there is a stamp and coin market.

There are some nice clubs in this place! ;)

Opposite the statue Christopher Columbus, in the bottom of Ramblas, the maritime museum is one of the most imaginative museum of the city and one of the most visited too. Installed in the royal arsenals- date from 1378 and are the biggest and most complete Medieval dockyards in the world- it exposes animated presentations and houses a big exhibition including model ships, drawings, replicas, paintings, figureheads and an interactive exhibition, "The Great Adventure of the Sea".

Articket: Art Passport Card for 6 Art Museums in Barcelona