1st November
The area is known as barri Santa ana after the Romanesque monastery of Santa ana, which was founded by the knights Templar in the early 12th century.
Walked down las ramblas to the seafront. It is made up of five separate ramblas. Fascinating human statues and flower kiosks and modernista buildings give a great first impression of Barcelona.
Came upon la boqueria, rambla de les flors also known as las Mercator de sant josep. Capped with a lacy wrought iron roof and a modernista sign in bright jewel colours made in 1914. There are fascinating stalls of fruits, both fresh and dried, meats and vegetables and a great buzz.
Placa reial
A beautiful 19th century square with neoclassical arcades and palm trees and terrace cafes. Twin lamp posts designed by gaudi and were his first municipal commission.
Monument a colom
The worlds largest statue of Christopher Columbus erected in 1888, designed by the architect gaiety buhigas. Took the interior lift to the top, 60 meters above for a panoramic view of Barcelona.
Christopher Columbus (1452-1406), a Catalan, under the sponsorship of Ferdinand and Isabella, he set sail with three ships ( the pinta, the nina and the santa maria) and a crew of 90 men in an attempt to reach the indies, but instead had discovered America.
On his return, where he disembarked in the port in barcelona, he was received by Ferdinand and Isabella in placa del rei and awarded the title admiral of the ocean sea.
