The old part of Barcelona
If I talk about Barrio de la Ribera I'm sure very few know it. Currently it is better known for el Born, el Mercat de Santa Catarina, Santa María del Mar, the Picasso museum, or Ciutadela park.
Vilanova de Mar, this is how this area used to be known, one of the most interesting, fascinating and beautiful places in Barcelona, called "de la Ribera" (shore) because it used to touch the shore of the sea.
The neighborhood dominates the wonderful Santa María del Mar (overworked since a few years ago due to the novel "La Catedral del Mar"), center of Barcelona from the 13th century till the 15th century. The very famous street of Montcada provides class and nobility, full of palaces (and of tourists depending on the time of the day). Montcada street was once what the Paseo de Gràcia now represents.
El Palau de la Música gives the modern and revival touch of the Catalan feeling. Neighborhood of appreciated medieval weave were street, alleys, squares and walk remind the jobs and protests of the inhabitants who lived and worked in what is to me the real old part of town. Esparteria, dels Sombreres, dels Mirallers streets.
Apart form all this, a great part of the wall of the old Barcino is located in the urban weave, confirming the patrimonial, historical, and cultural value of the neighborhood. Don't miss the small and amazing Mare de la guia or d'en Marcús chapel, the only Romanesque church preserved in the city.
If you are one of those who like the coolest, fashion or exclusive shopping, or if you simply love the most hidden, remote and authentic shops and if you hate the "brands" world, el Barrio de Ribera is also a place for you. I can only advice to walk, get lost, let you seduce, enjoy and live all what this area of Barcelona offers. As always, you'll find beautiful spots where to get your hunger satisfied, chat with the locals or those who, like me, fell in love with this neighborhood.
In a city like Barcelona with so many wonderful, incredible (and I could go on like this) spots, it is difficult to opt for only one place, but I'll try. La Ribera, my number one. When I walk in the neighborhood I remember why I fell in love with Barcelona.
