Page 160 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Spain

158  BARCEL ONA

u El Born Centre de The real thing is displayed in
Cultura i Memòria a homage to the art of the
mona. This was a traditional
Plaça Comercial 12. Map 5 C3. Tel 93 Easter cake that over the
256 68 50.  Jaume I, Barceloneta. centuries evolved into an edible
Open 10am–8pm Tue–Sun (Nov–Feb: sculp ture. Every year, pâtissiers
to 7pm Tue–Sat). & 7 - = ∑ el compete to create the most
bornculturaimemoria.barcelona.cat
imagin ative piece, decor ating
This covered market, with its their chocolate versions of well-
ornate ironwork and crystal roof, known buildings or folk figures
was Barcelona’s main wholesale with jewels, feathers and other
market until the early 1970s, materials. The museum shop
when it outgrew its location. sells – you guessed it – all
While the market was being manner of chocolate goods.
remodelled, extensive ruins of
Renaissance-style 17th-century façades the 18th-century city were
lining Carrer Montcada discovered beneath its founda-
tions. These ruins are now the
y Carrer Montcada focal point of the El Born cultural
centre, comple mented by
Map 5 B3.  Jaume I. Museu dels
Cultures del Món: at No. 12. Tel 93 256 exhibitions, talks and screenings.
23 00. Open 10am–7pm Tue–Sat, The street names in the
10am–8pm Sun. & vicinity reflect what went on
in Barcelona’s former mercantile
The most authentic medieval hub: L’Argenteria was lined
street in the city is a narrow lane, with silversmiths, Flassaders
overshadowed by gar goyles and was where you would go for
roofs that almost touch over- a woven blanket and Vidrieria The pink brick façade of the late
head. The Gothic palaces that was once lit up with glass- 19th-century Arc del Triomf
line it date back to Catalonia’s blowers’ torches. A few of these
expansion in the 13th century. establishments remain, but they o Arc del Triomf
Almost all of the buildings were are now outnumbered by chic Passeig Lluís Companys. Map 5 C1.
modified over the years, particu- fashion and interiors boutiques.  Arc de Triomf.
larly during the 17th century. Much of this area was razed
Only Casa Cervelló-Guidice at after Barcelona fell to the French- The main gateway to the 1888
No. 25 retains its original façade. Spanish forces during the War of Universal Exhibition, which filled
The Museu dels Cultures Succession (see p66). This key the Parc de la Ciutadella, was
del Món (Museum of World event is remembered each year designed by Josep Vilaseca i
Cultures), in the Nadal and on 11 September, with activities Casanovas. It is built of brick
Marqués de Llió 16th-century focused on a monument in Mudéjar (see p59) style, with
palaces at No. 12, imaginatively dedicated to those who died in sculpted allegories of crafts,
displays more than 700 exhibits 1714, located near the market. industry and business. The
from around the world. frieze by Josep Reynés on
At No. 22 is one of the i Museu de la the main façade represents the
city’s best-known champagne city welcoming foreign visitors.
and cava bars, the cheerful Xocolata Visitors can climb to the viewing
El Xampanyet. terrace at the top of the arch
Comerç 36. Map 5 C2.  Jaume I,
Arc de Triomf. Tel 93 268 78 78. Open during the 48h Open House
10am–7pm Mon–Sat (to 8pm 15 Jun– Barcelona festival, usually
15 Sep), 10am–3pm Sun & pub hols. held at the end of October.
Closed 1 & 6 Jan, 1 May, 25 & 26 Dec.
7 - & ∑ museuxocolata.cat
p Parc de la
Founded by Barcelona’s Ciutadella
chocolate- and pastry-makers’ Passeig de Picasso, 21. Map 5 D2.
union, this museum celebrates  Barceloneta, Ciutadella-Vila
the history of one of the most Olímpica, Arc de Triomf. Open 8am–
universally loved foodstuffs: dusk daily. 7
from the discovery of cocoa in
South America to the invention This popular park has a boat ing
of the first chocolate machine lake, orange groves and parrots
in Barcelona. This confectionery living in the palm trees. It was
The interior of El Xampanyet, decorated tale is told through old posters, once the site of a mas sive star-
with colourful tiles and large barrels photo graphs and footage. shaped citadel, built for Felipe V
For hotels and restaurants in this area see pp564–5 and pp586–8

158-159_EW_Spain.indd 158 26/09/17 11:00 am
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Catalogue template “UK” LAYER
(Source v2.1)
Date 5th December 2012
Size 125mm x 217mm