From Barcelona with love
If you are in Barcelona around tomorrow (April 23), you will notice there is a special feeling in the air. Yes, we know! It’s spring! But it’s something more than that. Don’t you have the feeling that love is all around? The stalls selling roses on almost every street corner might be a giveaway. The façade of Casa Batlló is even festooned with roses (see above).
April 23 is a special holiday in Catalonia, Spain. The day itself is St George’s Day. On this day, men traditionally received books from their loved ones and women, in turn, received roses. Legend has it that St George killed a dragon to save a princess. When he pierced the dragon’s chest, beautiful roses poured forth and he presented one of these to the very thankful princess. Yes, we know. It might be a little antiquated for the men and women of today. Whatever the case, for the people of Catalonia, this is their “Valentine’s Day” and our Barcelona Gothic Quarter experience is full of perfect places to visit on this romantic day.
- Las Ramblas
Stroll hand-in-hand with your loved one along this bustling and lively street. Running all the way from Plaça de Catalunya right down to the Mediterranean, you can’t help but be drawn in by the sales patter of the street vendors who, today, have special offers on roses. Beautiful roses in all shades of red. Today, Barcelona is the city of roses and the best and only place to buy them is here, on Las Ramblas, Barcelona´s beating heart.
2. Plaça Reial
Just off Las Ramblas you will find the charming and slightly edgy, Plaça Reial. This square was created in 1848 and has a number of features that will remain imprinted on your memory. First and foremost, the pair of six-arm lamp posts were created by none other than Anton Gaudí, who is our tour guide for this experience. The centre of the square is dominated by the elegant Fountain of the Three Graces, and visitors from colder climes will know they are on holidays when they see the palm trees. At night, the square comes alive as one of the nerve-centres of Barcelona´s nightlife.
3. La Boquería
As you make your way down Las Ramblas, you´ll see the large wrought iron sign for La Boquería, which is Barcelona’s famous food market. Prepare for sensory overload; stall-holders calling out today’s special offers, the smell of the sea in the guise of all kinds of creatures of the deep and the vibrant colours of fresh produce from near and far. And did we mention the sweets? You can buy chocolate hearts and share them with your loved one. Or just eat them all by yourself. Nobody will mind!
4. El Bosc de les Fades
If you are still feeling all loved up but want to take a break from navibrating and have a well-deserved beverage, but in a surprising location, look no further than the Bosc de les Fades, (which translates as The Fairy Forest). As soon as you walk through the door, you’ll see the name is no exaggeration, as you’ll be transported into an enchanted forest with lush vegetation, fairies, nymphs and the odd mermaid or two and water. Lots of water. A magical world. You’ll only know if you go!
5. Plaça de San Jaume
As you navibrate your way around the Gothic heart of this fascinating Mediterranean city, you will see hundreds of stalls selling books and roses. If you want to see something very typical of the Catalonia region of Spain, feel your way to Plaça de Sant Jaume (which, incidentally is the fifth stop in our experience), and if you are lucky you might catch a group of locals doing the sardana dance. Groups of castellers from all over Catalonia also come here to create human towers or castells as they are known in Catalan. How many levels will they be able to reach?
There is so much to see and do in our Barcelona Gothic Quarter experience. How can you fail not to fall under the spell of this unique, seafaring and most international Spanish city?
Relax.
Look around you.
Now, navibrate!
