Day 10 - Barcelona's Gothic Quarter

Barcelona

Barcelona's Gothic Quarter, or Barri Gotic, is the location of the original settlement of the Iberian village of Laia. The Romans conquered the town in 133 BC, erected the Temple of Augustus and fortified it in the 4th century. Most of the architecture of the Gothic Quarter was completed between the 13th and 15th centuries, although traces of Roman construction are still visible.

And this is where our tour commenced on Saturday morning.

Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar, Barcelona

The cathedral was begun in 1298, in a transitional style and was completed over the next two centuries, with the exception of the facade - not completed until the late 19th century!

Characters arriving for St. Pilar feast day; building in background decoration by Picasso

It was the feast day of Our Lady of Pilar, and these characters are part of the festivities.

Building with Picasso drawing as decoration

Where else would one have a building decoration by Picasso? The building is the "Chamber of Architects".

Modern

But just a little further, some high spirited person took the mickey out of another piece of communal art - using a traffic cone!

Back of basilica, showing gargoyles (a unicorn!)

One of the two octagonal bell towers, the cathedral's most monumental feature. There are close up shots of the gargoyles too.

Palau Reial Major, where Columbus reported to Isabella & Ferdinand

The Palau Reial Major wherein Christopher Columbus reported his findings to the Spanish monarch who financied his voyage west.

Tour group walking down a street in the old part of Barcelona

A street scene (with Group N!) in the Gothic Quarter.

Our Lady of Pilar festivities in full swing at basilica

The assembled cast for the Our Lady of Pilar festivities.

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