Postcard from Barcelona - part II

The Barri Gotìc (Gothic quarter) is the oldest part of Barcelona, it's foundations go back to Roman times. You can wander through streets of medieval buildings which lean forwards and backwards, see gargoyles perching on roof edges, and turrets and towers watching over churches. Hidden courtyards reveal small oases of tranquility, where trickling fountains and arched walkways provide coolness and shade. The most perfect day for strolling in this quarter would probably be a misty autumn day, but even on an overcast spring day, you can't escape the the slightly eerie and mysterious atmosphere of the Barri Gotìc.

The small streets of the quarter resemble a labyrinth like maze, but most of them open out onto squares. The largest square is the Pla Seu, where you find the 'Catedral Barcelona', a gothic cathedral with vaulted ceilings, the main construction of which took place in the 14th century. A neo-Gothic facade was added later, in the 19th century.

The cathedral's cloister has a secluded courtyard, a magical spot filled with palm trees fountains and a beautiful geese pond, where white geese are kept to this day (in the old days their task was to warn against intruders). 

The cathedral's main entrance

This mysterious bridge (outside the cloister's courtyard to your left, spanning Carrer del Bisbe street) reminded me of Venice...

The courtyard of the building which houses the Archive of the Crown of Aragon (on the other side of the cathedral, next to the museum Frederic Marès. )

Just a couple of blocks away you see the Cereria Subirà candle shop, founded in 1761. Here you can find every kind of candle imaginable, from church candles to novelty candles, as well as wax sculptures and seals, incence and candle making kits. They also sell their own hand made beeswax candles.

The shop still maintains it's original appearance and decor from the time that it moved to it's current location in 1847.

And just around the corner is Selvaggio - a stationer and antique book shop, where you can find lovely old postcards of Barcelona, dating back to the early part of the last century.

Cathedral of Barcelona and cloister: Pla Seu, 08002 Barcelona, Tel: +34 933 15 15 54

Courtyard (next to the Frederic Marès museum): The Archive of the Crown of Aragon

Cereria Subirà candle shop: Baixada de la Llibreteria, 7, 08002 Barcelona, Tel: +34 933 15 26 06

Libería Selvaggio, Carrer de Freneria, 08002 Barcelona

Part three coming soon. Have a wonderful weekend everyone xx

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