The city of Barcelona is linked to the fantastical architecture of Gaudi and the Modernist period.  This morning we began with a walking tour through the narrow cobbled streets of the Gothic Quarter, taking in the magnificent architecture including the palace of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. Nearby is a museum which contains the remains of a Roman City in the basement of the building. It’s quite amazing to see the layer upon layer of history in this city.

We continued through the maze of charming streets until we came upon the Barcelona’s Cathedral of Saint Eulalia built in the early 1500’s.. The ornate design inside and out is stunning.  Our guide Susanna gave us the royal treatment and took us into the impressive choir area. The misery seats were intricately carved and we were surprised to learn the men spent hours standing at their seats, hence the name misery seats. Fortunately there was a small seat that folded down allowing them to rest against it, giving the appearance they were still standing.  King Charles the IV’s coronation took place at this cathedral. His coronation was considered to be the first united nations as people from all over the world gathered here to witness the ceremony.  At one of the stations of the cross you will find the cross that King Charles carried into battle in the 1500’s.  The cloister area is home to 13 large geese which symbolizes the spirit of Saint Eulalia.

After leaving the cathedral we continued our walk past spacious squares and an interesting building decorated by Picasso.  We arrived at the  world famous Las Ramblas Boulevard. The street was teeming with people and the road way bustling with traffic.  Here we took time to visit the local market. What a sight for the eyes, colourful fruit displays, meat shops with large Iberian hams hanging above the counter, fish stands, chocolates, pastries and a great variety of foods for purchase.  I picked up some slices of Iberian ham and sheep cheese, a fresh fruit cup and a bag of delectable macaroons to share with the ladies. Lynn bravely tried sangria gelato and said it was delightful.  

We walked along Las Ramblas to meet our waiting bus and continued our driving tour, passing by a bull fighting arena that has been converted to a department store. Bull fighting is no longer a popular activity in Barcelona.  Our next stop was Poble Espanyol, a small village built in 1929 for the world fair.  There were replica houses depicting the type of architecture found in the various regions of Spain. We had a short walking tour of this charming area, including a stop to watch craftsmen creating glass figurines. We had some free time to explore on our own, take time for a leisurely lunch or to visit the shops.  A few of us enjoyed a refreshing sangria and paella.

We continued past the stadium used in the 1992 olympic games and on to a lookout point to take in the magnificent view of the busy harbour and the sprawling city of Barcelona. The impressive Sagrida Familia towers above the surrounding buildings.  Continuing our tour we drove along Avenue Passeidge Garcia, the most expensive street in Barcelona with dozens of the top designer shops and the famous Mila House designed by Gaudi.  It’s such an interesting building and very different from any others in the area.

We left the bus and walked to Gaudi’s famous Sagrada Familia Church.  WOW!
I will post this sightseeing experience in a separate blog. Stay tuned!