Page 444 - Lonely Planet Europe’s Best Trips (Travel Guide)

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Parc de la Ciutadella
The handsomely landscaped Parc de
la Ciutadella is a local favourite for
a leisurely promenade. Start in the
STRETCH northeast corner, and descend past the
monumental Cascada (waterfall), then
YOUR LEGS stroll south across the park, passing
a small lake and Catalonia’s regional
parliament.
BARCELONA The Walk » With your back to the park, cross
Passeig de Picasso and walk along restaurant-
lined Passeig del Born. According to legend,
jousting matches were once held here.
Basílica de
Santa Maria del Mar
Start: Parc de la Ciutadella Nothing prepares you for the singular
beauty of Basílica de Santa Maria del
Finish: Casa Batlló Mar (%93 310 23 90; Plaça de Santa Maria
del Mar; h9am-1.30pm & 4.30-8.30pm, from
Distance: 3.5km 10.30am Sun; mJaume I). Barcelona’s most
stirring Gothic structure, the 14th-
Duration: Three hours century church was built in just 59
years. In contrast to the tight warren
of neighbouring streets, a real sense
of light and space pervades the entire
Packed with historic treasures sanctuary of the church.
and jaw-dropping architecture, The Walk » Leave via the main entrance and
Barcelona is a wanderer’s delight. follow Carrer de l’Argenteria up to busy Via
Laietana. Turn left onto Baixada de la Llibreteria,
This stroll takes you through then right onto Carrer de la Freneria. After a few
atmospheric medieval lanes and blocks, you’ll see the massive cathedral on your
left.
along elegant boulevards, leading La Catedral
you past Gothic cathedrals, lively For centuries the spiritual heart of
tapas bars and picturesque plazas. Barcelona, La Catedral (%93 342 82 62;
www.catedralbcn.org; Plaça de la Seu; admission
free, special visit €6, choir admission €2.80;
h8am-12.45pm & 5.15-7.30pm Mon-Sat, special
visit 1-5pm Mon-Sat, 2-5pm Sun & holidays;
mJaume I) is at once lavish and sombre,
anchoring the city in its past. Begun in
the late 13th century and not completed
until six centuries later, the cathedral
is Barcelona’s history rendered in stone.
Take this walk on Trips The Walk » Turn left out of the main entrance
and left again down Carrer del Bispe. Just before
r reaching Plaça Sant Jaume, turn right onto Carrer
del Call. Follow this narrow lane a few blocks, then
turn left onto Carrer d’en Quintana. After two
blocks, you’ll reach the plaza.
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