MOOR·E by Evolution (FINAL)

BARCELONA
an ideal place to come with friends or family to enjoy the fresh air, and maybe
bring a picnic. This is without doubt also one of the best spots in the city to enjoy
panoramic views that stretch from the sea to the mountains beyond. See how
many of Barcelona’s distinctive monuments you can spot along the skyline!
The Greek style amphitheatre was designed by the Catalan architect Ramon
Reventós, and its architecture is in the style of the Ancient Greek theatre of
Epidaurus in Athens. This remarkable venue takes centre stage in the city-wide
Grec Festival of performing arts which is celebrated every July in Barcelona.
Open-air theatre, live music and performance from some of the most talented
national and international companies fills its prestigious agenda. The theatre is
rarely used during the rest of the year, but visitors can come and soak up its
suggestive ambience.
HIDDEN TREASURES
OF THE CITY
DISCOVER BARCELONA’S
CHARMS OFF THE
BEATEN TRACK.
Horta Labyrinth Park
This is the oldest and perhaps the most beautiful park in Barcelona. It is located
on the outskirts of the city, next to the surrounding Collserola Natural Reserve.
Considered off the beaten track by regular tourists, those who make the effort to
explore its grounds are rewarded by an oasis of peace and breathtaking landscaped
gardens. It was created in 1792 as part of the estate of the nobleman Joan
Desvalls, Marquis of Llupià and Alfarràs. Back then, the walled city of Barcelona
was far away in the district now known as the Ciutat Vella, encircled by fields and
small villages.
The park is named after its most famous feature, located on the bottom terrace.
A large labyrinth composed of tall cypress trees beckons visitors to enter the maze
and find the centre, reigned over by a statue of Eros. Perhaps there’s a certain
poetic irony in the tendency to find the return journey back more challenging; its
dead-end hedges require a combination of trial and error and strategic navigation.
Two Italian style pavilions preside over the central terrace, with statues of
Danae and Ariadne, and a bust of Dionysus, god of wine and fertility. The pavilion
of the top terrace is dedicated to the nine muses, and an inspiring inscription
reads “The harmony of art and nature generates beauty.”
This theme permeates every corner of the gardens. Water features abound,
such as a low canal reminiscent of Amsterdam with romantic bridges and a channel
filled with shoals of bright goldfish. Artistic fountains, tall reeds with nesting birds
and remarkable trees can all be enjoyed from well-placed benches. There is also an
open-air kiosk near the entrance for refreshments and snacks.
Address: Pg Castanyers, 1
Barcelona was a thriving town for craftsmen and this square was also the
location of the shoemakers’ and coppersmiths’ guilds. The former building has
now become a footwear museum with one of the quirkiest collections that you
can visit in the city. Characteristic bars and restaurants also surround the square,
making it an ideal place to take a break as you contemplate its history and plan the
next stage of your sightseeing itinerary in the Catalan capital.
Address: Plaça de Sant Felip Neri
Plaça de Sant Felip Neri
Just off the busy tourist centre of Barcelona, this small square stands as testament
to one of the most turbulent epochs in Spanish history. The Civil War which was
fought on the streets of Barcelona between 1936-1939 left its mark on the city
and nowhere more visibly than this nostalgic square.
Narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter lead from the Cathedral to the church of
Sant Felip Neri, which also marks the entrance to the old Jewish Quarter of El Call.
Its Baroque majesty is emphasised by stately doors and fine stonework details.
Old cast-iron lamp posts add a romantic touch.
A plaque honours the memory of 42 people, mostly children from the adjacent
school, who lost their lives when a fascist bomb fell in an air raid, one inauspicious
day of January 1938. You can also see bullet holes pock-marking the lower part of
the stone walls made by automatic machine-gun fire.
The square has a small stone fountain with an unusual octagonal base in the
centre, ornate and yet subdued. Its flowing waters remind us that life carries on,
its cycles and events as mysterious as the essence of the church reflected in its
clear waters.
Tibidabo
Barcelona is framed by the Collserola mountain range which includes the
distinctive mountain of Tibidabo. Its name means “I will give you,” and is a reference
to the Biblical phrase spoken to Jesus by the devil, who took him to the highest
mountain and tried to tempt him by showing all the opulent lands below. It is
crowned by the Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor, a Romanesque church which was
built between 1902-1961. This is illuminated by night, and its distinctive yellow
outline high on the horizon can be seen from the city below.
One of the world’s oldest amusement parks is also located here, with some
original rides dating back to 1889. The top attraction is perhaps a large ferris
wheel which slowly takes you higher and higher as you enjoy the beautiful views.
Kids of all ages will love the rollercoaster and rides.
Several snack bars include Enrique Tomás, which serves quality Spanish ham,
and La Masia, with traditional tapas and dishes.
To reach the top by public transport, take the FGC train from Plaça Catalunya
to Tibidabo. The “Tramvia Blau” tram goes to the top of Avinguda Tibidabo, and a
funicular rail completes the journey.
Montjuïc and the Gardens of the Grec Theatre
One of the most pleasant areas to explore in Barcelona is the mountain of Montjuïc,
which can be reached in several ways. We suggest you take the spectacular cablecar
ride from the Port of Barcelona, which offers great views. Montjuïc is known
as the city’s “green lung”, as this large open space includes many parks and gardens
such as the Botanical Garden, Laribal Garden and Cactus Garden.
Our favourite corner of Montjuïc is the gardens of the Grec Theatre. These
were created in 1929, with the rest of the features and installations designed
to welcome the Barcelona International Exhibition. The gardens are exquisitely
laid out with well-kept flowerbeds and details such as tumbling pergolas. A wide
variety of plants, flowers and trees flourish here, including orange trees, tall
palm trees and a herb garden full of colourful and fragrant lavender plants. It’s
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