Catalonia - Blogs - Tripatini2024-03-28T15:56:43Zhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/Catalonia6 Scintillating Sparkling Wines from Europehttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/europe-sparkling-wine2024-01-23T15:05:00.000Z2024-01-23T15:05:00.000ZBottle Barnhttps://tripatini.com/members/BottleBarn<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/11780451299?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=400"></div><div><p><br /> Raise a glass to the world of <a href="https://bottlebarn.com/collections/sparkling" target="_blank">sparkling wine</a>! French Champagne is the most famous, of course, but there are many types of bubbly wine enjoyed around the world, and some of the best/most nobale hail from <strong>Europe</strong>. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just want to enjoy a glass with friends, there is a sparkling wine out there for everyone. Here are some of the most popular types that you can find at your favorite wine shop or <a href="https://bottlebarn.com/collections/all" target="_blank">online</a>. </p>
<h3><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="https://bottlebarn.com/collections/champagne" target="_blank">Champagne (France)</a></span></h3>
<p>The world´s most renowned bubby is produced exclusively in the <strong>Champagne</strong> region of <strong>France</strong> using the traditional <em>méthode champegnoise</em> with the grapes of pinot noir, pinot Meunier, and chardonnay. Known for its high quality, Champagne is often associated with celebrations and special occasions. Look for bottles with the "Champagne" label, as this indicates they have been produced in the Champagne region and adhere to strict production standards. Our online wine store offers a selection of Champagne types, including brut, extra brut, and vintage Champagne, to cater to all tastes and preferences. </p>
<h3><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="https://bottlebarn.com/collections/prosecco" target="_blank">Prosecco (Italy)</a></span></h3>
<p>For those looking for a light and refreshing sparkling wine, this excellent sparkling wine is made from the Glera grape in northern Italian <strong>Veneto</strong> and <strong>Friuli-Venezia Giulia</strong> regions (the latter of which is home to the eponynous village of <strong>Prosecco</strong>, near<strong> Trieste</strong>). Known for its fruity and floral notes, it´s perfect as an aperitif, pairs well with light appetizers such as cheese and crackers, and comes in dryer versions from sweet to dry..</p>
<h3><a href="https://bottlebarn.com/collections/asti?pf_pt_product_type=Sparkling+Wine" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Asti Spumante (Italy)</span></a></h3>
<p>Also from northern Italy (the <strong>Piedmont</strong> region, to be precise, and named after the city of <strong>Asti</strong>), for those with a sweet tooth this beloved sparkling wine has a unique flavor profile. Produced from the Moscato Bianco grape, it´s known for its refreshing and delicate fruity and floral notes and high sugar content, pairing perfectly with desserts or enjoyed on its own. It also has a relatively lower alcohol content (7-9 percent), it's an excellent option for daytime celebrations, picnics, or brunch. Our online wine store has a variety of high-quality Asti Spumante options that will suit your taste and budget.</p>
<h3><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="https://bottlebarn.com/collections/cava" target="_blank">Cava (Spain)</a></span></h3>
<p>A popular sparkling wine produced in the <strong>Catalonia</strong> region of Spain using the traditional méthode champenoise from a blend of local grape varieties, including Macabeo, Parellada, and Xarel-lo, cava is known for its crisp and refreshing taste. Enjoy it on its own or paired with a wide range of foods. Our wine store offers a diverse selection of Cava bottle, from the classic brut style to the rosé and sweeter options, to cater to all tastes. </p>
<h3><a href="https://bottlebarn.com/collections/cremant" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Crémant (France)</span></a></h3>
<p>If you're looking for a high-quality sparkling wine that won't break the bank, this French bubbly is produced using the traditional method in several regions of France, including the <strong>Loire Valley</strong> and <strong>Alsace</strong>, and is made from a variety of grapes, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Chenin Blanc. Crémant is a versatile wine that pairs well with a wide range of foods and is a great choice for celebrations and special occasions.</p>
<h3><a href="https://bottlebarn.com/search?type=product&options%5Bunavailable_products%5D=show&options%5Bprefix%5D=last&q=sekt" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:14pt;">Sekt (Germany)</span></a></h3>
<p>Germany may not be known for its wine production, but it is home to some excellent sparkling wines, including Sekt. Made using the traditional method, it's crisp and refreshing and serves as a great alternative to Champagne. Made from a variety of grapes including Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay, expecially in revions like Baden, Pflaz, and Mosel, Sekt comes in a range of dry and sweet options.</p>
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<p>Are you looking to expand your wine knowledge and become a connoisseur? <a href="https://bottlebarn.com/blogs/news">Our blog page</a> offers a wealth of information on all things wine, from the history and culture behind each region to the latest trends and recommendations. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned enthusiast, <a href="https://bottlebarn.com/blogs/news/">our blog</a> is the perfect destination to indulge in your passion for wine. Join us and start exploring the fascinating world of wine today!</p>
<p><em><br /> <span style="font-size:8pt;">Source> </span></em><a href="https://newyorkcity.bubblelife.com/community/bottle_barn/library/3511536822/key/359138111/Types_of_Sparkling_Wine_from_Around_the_World"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>https://newyorkcity.bubblelife.com/community/bottle_barn/library/3511536822/key/359138111/Types_of_Sparkling_Wine_from_Around_the_World</em></span></a></p></div>What Not to Miss in Barcelonahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/barcelona-catalonia-spain-travel-attractions-guide2023-07-13T13:10:00.000Z2023-07-13T13:10:00.000Zrohny joneshttps://tripatini.com/members/rohnyjones<div><p><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12131168299,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12131168299,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12131168299?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://pixabay.com/photos/barcelona-the-city-spain-3226639/" target="_blank">walkerssk/pixabay</a></em></span><br /> <br /> <br /> There's a good reason <strong>Spain</strong>'s second largest city after <strong><a href="https://martijnaroundtheworld.com/europe/spain/madrid-travel-guide-tips/" target="_blank">Madrid</a></strong> is one of Europe's (indeed, the world's) most popular cities - famous and beloved for its art, architecture, culture, cuisine, and nightlife ever since hosting the 1992 <strong>Summer Olympic Games</strong>. It's also the capital of the region of <strong>Catalonia</strong>, one of Spain's nations along with <strong>Galicia</strong> and <strong>Euskadi (</strong>aka the <strong>Basque Country</strong>), with its own distinct language and culture. Well, there's a lot to unpack here, so let's get to the highlights!<br /> <br /> <br /> <span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12144914285,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12144914285,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12144914285?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pla%C3%A7a_del_Rei_2074102277.jpg" target="_blank">Carquinyol</a></em></span></p>
<h2><br /> Ciutat Vella (the Old Town)</h2>
<p>Barcelona's historic core dates back to ancient Bàrcino, founded around 13-15 BCE by colonists from the Roman Empire, with its spine the famous tree-lined pedestrian promenade <strong>La Rambla</strong> (aka <strong>Les Rambles</strong> or <strong>Las Ramblas</strong>) running 1.2 kilometres (three quarters of a mile) from <strong>Plaça de Catalunya</strong> down to the <strong>Christopher Columbus Monument</strong> near the waterfront. A onetime watercourse which developed into a street in the mid-15th century, these days it's touristy, yes (and watch our for pickpockets!), but undeniably marvelous for strolling, and also lined with kiosks, cafés, and shops. Here you'll also find landmarks such as the <a href="https://www.boqueria.barcelona/home" target="_blank"><strong>Mercat de Sant Josep</strong> (aka <strong>La Boquería</strong>)</a>, a huge and colourful covered market whose current iteration was established in 1853; the <strong><a href="https://www.liceubarcelona.cat/en" target="_blank">Liceu</a></strong>, the city's 176-year-old opera house; and the <strong><a href="https://www.mmb.cat/en/" target="_blank">Maritime Museum</a></strong>, housead in the onetime medieval shipyard. <br /> <br /> Flanking La Rambla to the east, the <strong>Barri Gòtic</strong> (Gothic Quarter, often referred to simple as <strong>El Gòtic</strong>) is a warren of narrow cobblestone streets which apart from various shops, restaurants, and hostelries is home to some of Barcelona's oldest sites, including excavations of the original Roman walls; the cathedral (dating back to the 13th century); the gracious <strong>Plaça Reial</strong> with its many restaurants and cafés; and the similarly named, 14th-century <strong>Plaça del Rei</strong> (above, where King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella received Columbus in 1493 after his voyage of discovery) and the surrounding <strong>Reial Major Palace</strong>, from that same era.</p>
<p>South of El Gòtic, the <strong>El Born</strong> district was for centuries the economic heart of the city, and the <strong>Basílica of Santa Maria del Mar</strong> is the heart of the neighborhood, although other attractions include the <strong><a href="http://www.museupicasso.bcn.cat/en/">Picasso Museum</a></strong>, the two-year-old modern-art museum <strong><a href="https://mocomuseum.com/about-moco" target="_blank">Moco</a></strong> right next door; and the exubertant Art Nouveau classical-music concert hall <strong><a href="https://www.palaumusica.cat/en" target="_blank">Palau de la Musica Catalana</a></strong>. <br /> <br /> Finally, on the other side of La Rambla from the Barri Gòtic is <strong>El Raval</strong>, once known as the Barri Xinès (Chinatown) and long famous for its nightlife and cabarets (but also its prostitution and crime). Even so, iif you use caution and common sense, it's fun to hit the eateries and bars here. There are also a number of cultural draws, including the <strong><a href="https://inici.palauguell.cat/en/?q=en" target="_blank">Palau Güell</a></strong>, an early work (late 1880s) by Barcelona's -and indeed, all of Spain's - most famous architect, <strong>Antoni Gaudí </strong>(whose designs are collectively designated a <strong>UNESCO World Heritage Site</strong>), and the <a href="https://www.macba.cat/en" target="_blank"><strong>MACBA</strong> (<strong>Museum of Contemporary Art)</strong></a>. <span style="color:#202122;font-family:sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;word-spacing:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:#ffffff;display:inline;float:none;"><br /> </span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><span style="color:#202122;font-family:sans-serif;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;word-spacing:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:#ffffff;display:inline;float:none;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12145067862,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12145067862,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12145067862?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://pixabay.com/es/photos/alto-primero-gaud%C3%AD-barcelona-5049236/" target="_blank">pcsfish<br /> <br /> </a></span></em></span></p>
<h2>The Eixample (19th-century 'New Town')</h2>
<p>Above the Ciutat Vella, beginning with the big, pigeon-filled square <strong>Plaça de Catalunya</strong>, the <a href="https://pixabay.com/es/photos/alto-primero-gaud%C3%AD-barcelona-5049236/" target="_blank"><strong>Eixample</strong></a> is the gracious expansion (which is what the word literally means) of the city on a grid pattern which took place in the latter half of the 19th century. Its main avenues are the <strong>Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes</strong>, the <strong>Avinguda Diagonal</strong>, and the <strong>Passeig de Gràcia</strong>, which in addition to being lined cafés, restaurants, and mostly high-end retailers and galleries is also home to some gems of Catalan <em>modernisme</em> (Art Nouveau) - in particular the 1906 apartment building <a href="https://www.lapedrera.com/en" target="_blank"><strong>Casa Milà</strong> (aka <strong>La Pedrera</strong>)</a> and the 1904 <strong><a href="https://www.casabatllo.es/en/" target="_blank">Casa Batlló</a></strong> (above). Both are open to the public, but the entry fees are pricy - 35 euros - so you might find yourself choosing between one and the other (incidentally, next to Batlló, also in the photo above, another Modernist masterpiece well worth a visit is the <strong><a href="https://amatller.org/en/" target="_blank">Casa Amatller</a></strong>, whose design by another seminal architect, <strong>Josep Puig i Cadafalch</strong>, dates back to 1900. Farther north, several metro stops away, the most famous Gaudí building of all is of course the majestic <span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong><a href="https://sagradafamilia.org/en/tickets-individuals" target="_blank">Sagrada Familia Basilica</a></strong> (visible in the photo at top), whose </span>construction started in 1882 and is slated to <em>finally</em> be finished in 2026 (interestingly, tickets here start at just 26€.</p>
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<p><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12144912055,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12144912055,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12144912055?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Parc_G%C3%BCell_27-2-12.jpg" target="_blank">Canaan</a></em></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>The Gràcia Neighborhood</strong></span></p>
<p>Above the Eixample, this onetime independent village is now Barcelona's smallest district but one of its most delightful, with a plethora of cool shops, eateries, and bars. Furthermore, it's not overrun with tourists - except for once a year, in August, during “<a href="https://www.festamajordegracia.cat/">La festa major de Gracia</a>.” its most important festival. when streets and squares compete for the best decorations. Perhaps the single most celebrated landmark here is <span style="font-size:10pt;"><strong><a href="https://parkguell.barcelona/en" target="_blank">Parc Güell</a></strong>, </span>a masterpiece by Gaudi, opened in 1926 and with beautiful views out over the cityscape (admission 10); you can get here easily my Metro; I took the Number 3 (green) line and got off at the Lesseps stop, a 15-minute stroll away (just be aware that it's a little hilly - be sure to wear decent walking shoes).<br /> <br /> <br /> <span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12218914700,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12218914700,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12218914700?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Parc_Montju%C3%AFc_(04-09-13).JPG" target="_blank">Canaan</a></em></span></p>
<h2><span style="font-size:14pt;">Montjuïc Hill</span></h2>
<p>Named ¨Jewish Mountain¨ for an medieval Jewish cemetery, this broad hill, flat-topped hill of parklands and woods is some 173 metres (568 feet) high and stretches from near the coast up to the <strong>Plaça d'Espanya</strong>. It´s played an important role in the history of Barcelona dating back to the city´s origins, and today is the site of many cultural and recreational venues as well as historical sites. The 1929 <strong>International Exposition</strong> and many events of the <strong>1992 Summer Olympics</strong> were held here, and you can visit their legacy in the form of the <strong>Olympic Stadium</strong> and the <strong>Palau Nacional</strong> (above), now home to the <strong><a href="https://www.museunacional.cat/en" target="_blank">National Art Museum of Catalonia</a></strong>. Other attractions include a 17th-century fort, the <strong><a href="https://poble-espanyol.com/en/" target="_blank">Poble Espanyol</a></strong>, an open-air museum of architecture of Spain´s various regions; other museums dedicated to <a href="https://visitmuseum.gencat.cat/en/museu-darqueologia-de-catalunya-barcelona" target="_blank">archaeology</a>, <a href="https://patrimoni.gencat.cat/en/collection/ethnology-museum-barcelona" target="_blank">ethnology</a>, <a href="https://www.museuolimpicbcn.cat/en/" target="_blank">the Olympics and sports in general</a>, and <a href="https://www.fmirobcn.org/en/" target="_blank">the work of Catalan artist <strong>Joan Miró</strong></a>; a <a href="https://museuciencies.cat/en/the-nat/venues/botanical-garden-of-barcelona/" target="_blank">botanical garden</a>; and various park areas and recreational facilities. Montjuich can be accessed via a funical and cable car from the south, and in the north just off the Plaça d'Espanya (which is accessible via Metro, bus, and taxi).<br /> <br /> <br /> <span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12218930073,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12218930073,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12218930073?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/en/page/1114/barceloneta-beach.html" target="_blank">Barcelona Turisme</a></em></span></p>
<h2>The Beaches</h2>
<p>The city has more than a dozen, but three are best known - and connected by a promenade - starting with<strong> <a href="https://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/en/page/378/la-barceloneta.html" target="_blank">Barceloneta</a></strong> (above), in the neighbourhood of the same name, once a quiet fishing village; it´s buzzing with people, water sports, bars, and restaurants, and can be a bit of a circus come warm weather. <a href="https://www.barcelona.cat/en/coneixbcn/pics/la-vila-olimpica_99400387334.html" target="_blank"><strong>Vila Olimpica</strong></a>, developed for the 1992 games, also has a nice beach with plenty of amenities but usually a bit less crowded than Barceloneta. Then there´s <strong><a href="https://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/en/page/432/poblenou.html" target="_blank">Poblenou</a></strong>, a once industrial district fallen upon hard times and also renovated for the Olympics, becoming one of the city´s hip neighbourhoods; great beaches here with all the trimmings include the main one, <strong>Bogatell</strong>, as well as <strong>Nova Icària</strong> and gay-popular <strong>Mar Bella</strong> (which also has a clothing-optional section).</p>
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<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9975734272,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9975734272,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9975734272?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><br /> Getting to and around Barcelona</strong></span></p>
<p>The main airport in Barcelona is <strong><a href="https://www.aeropuertobarcelona-elprat.com/ingl/index.html" target="_blank">El Prat</a></strong>, with two terminals and <strong><a href="https://www.tmb.cat/en/barcelona/metro/lines" target="_blank">Metro</a></strong> (2.40 euros), <strong><a href="https://aerobusbarcelona.es/">Aerobus</a></strong> (6<sub>€</sub> to Placa de Catalunya) and taxi service (30-40<sub>€</sub>). Many people also come and go by long- distance (including high-speed) and regional trains, in and out of <strong><a href="https://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/en/page/35/estacio-de-barcelona-sants.html" target="_blank">Barcelona Sants</a></strong>, west of city centre, and the elegant, historic <strong><a href="https://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/en/page/382/estacio-de-franca.html" target="_blank">Estació de França</a></strong> in the east of the city. There´s also good intercity motorcoach service based out of the <strong><a href="https://www.alsa.com/en/web/bus/bus-stations/barcelona-station" target="_blank">Estació de Sants</a></strong> (near the train station) and the <strong><a href="https://www.alsa.com/en/web/bus/bus-stations/barcelona-nord-station" target="_blank">Estació de Nord</a></strong> (near França). And of course there are also plenty of local and international car rental agencies both in town and at the airport.<br /> <br /> For getting around, city busses and the Metro are an excellent, frequent, and offer multi-day passes which can save you money. Taxis are also plentiful, and relatively affordable.</p>
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<p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1M7Ig-wSpcQ" width="750" height="400" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p>
<p><br /> Get the most out of your Barcelona visit with these <a href="https://bit.ly/travel-guide-barcelona" target="_blank">Barcelona travel tips</a>, along with even more information at <a href="https://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/en/" target="_blank">BarcelonaTurisme.com</a> and <a href="https://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/en/" target="_blank">VisitCatalunya.com</a>. As the Catalans say, <em>bon viatje</em> (have a good trip)!</p>
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<p> </p></div>Chasing Ghosts, Ghouls & the Devil in Barcelonahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/barcelona-catalonia-spain-haunted-ghosts-devil-ghouls2019-10-31T09:30:00.000Z2019-10-31T09:30:00.000ZIberia Airlineshttps://tripatini.com/members/IberiaAirlines<div><p><img class="aligncenter" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_L_FeSj78HuI/TT7arjKbe_I/AAAAAAAAB48/LmLfo-FX7oI/s898/Bloc%2BFantasmes%2B%25282%2529.jpg" alt="Image result for fantasmes de barcelona" width="870" height="441" /><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="http://fantasmesdebarcelona.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">fantasmesdebarcelona.blogspot.com</a></em></span></p><p><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>by Inka Piegsa-Quischotte</em></span><br /> <br /> <br /> Dank chill, drizzle, and streetlamps shrouded in fog are bad weather? A bad time for touring? Depends! In fact, they were just perfect for a nocturnal outing I had in <strong><a href="https://www.tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/10-barcelona-bucket-listers" target="_blank">Barcelona</a></strong> last winter that was hair raising – in a good way. And what better day than Halloween to tell you about it?</p><p>Like most ancient cities, <strong><a href="https://www.tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/spain-catalonia-barcelona-girona-tarragona-lleida" target="_blank">Catalonia</a></strong>’s capital is chock-full full of history, legends – and ghosts. And if that kind of thing gets your ecoplasm going, the city’s tourism office runs a creepy little stroll that might be right up your dark alley.</p><p>Conducted from 10:30 pm to midnight on Fridays during winter and Fridays/Saturdays the rest of the year, “<a href="http://bcnshop.barcelonaturisme.com/shopv3/en/product/22112/ghosts-of-barcelona.html" target="_blank"><strong>Fantasmes de Barcelona</strong></a>” is based on an eponymous book by Catalan author <strong>Sylvia Lagarda Mata</strong>, who collected stories about ghosts, murders, legends, and mysteries of the city, especially during the Middle Ages.<br /> </p><h6><em><a href="http://love2fly.iberia.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/L2F-Oct-17-pic-Spain-Barcelona-ghosts-alleyway.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="http://love2fly.iberia.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/L2F-Oct-17-pic-Spain-Barcelona-ghosts-alleyway.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" alt="L2F-Oct-17-pic-Spain-Barcelona-ghosts-alleyway.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="750" /></a></em><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Barcelona Turisme</em></span></h6><p> </p><p>Our little group, bundled up and wearing sensible shoes, gathered under the late-19th-century <strong>Arc de Triomf</strong>, and off we went, wandering deep into the shadowy, creepy alleys and byways of the <strong>Born</strong>, <strong>Ripoll</strong>, and <strong>Ciutat Vella</strong> to our final destination at <strong>Santa Maria del Mar Basilica</strong>.</p><p>Along the way, our entertaining guide Carme’s stories turned from weird to gruesome, sending delicious shivers down all of our spines (in addition to those induced by the clammy nighttime cold). According to her, the spirits of exorcists, murdered maids, and apprentices roam the streets of the Born and their wailing can be heard on nights with a full moon.</p><p>One example came on our first stop in the <strong>Port Nou</strong> waterfront district: a house which once belonged to a farmer known for growing the best onions in town (in mediaeval times, this area outside the old city walls was largely farmland). Our farmer was so proud of them, he counted them every day. One day, he noticed that onions were missing and discovered that the <strong>Devil</strong> had stolen them. He cursed the Devil, and for his effrontery was turned into a ghost who was hunting for his treasures in eternity, pockets bulging with onions, and trailing the smell behind him forever.</p><p><strong>Old Nick</strong> does feature a fair bit in these stories. For example, <strong>Santa Catarina Market</strong> is a lively produce market by day, remarkable for its recently added, undulating, multicolour roof. But at night the underlying ruins of the onetime <strong>Santa Catarina Convent</strong> are illuminated. The legend goes that one night a stranger entered the church and asked the priest who was about to shut things up for the night to urgently hear his confession. The priest told him to come back the next day and the stranger, no other than Satan, set fire to the convent, which was never rebuilt (why the <strong>Prince of Darkness</strong> would want to confess to a priest was never made clear).</p><p> </p><h6><em> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12270471874,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12270471874,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="750" alt="12270471874?profile=RESIZE_930x" /></a><span style="font-size:8pt;">Barcelona Turisme</span></em></h6><p><br /> At one point we came stopped at the entrance to a narrow, particularly mean looking narrow alleyway barely lit by a single lightbulb. “Do people actually live here?” one of us asked incredulously. “Oh yes,” Carme replied. “They have since the Middle Ages, and that’s where our next story happened. You are facing Barcelona’s narrowest street, the <strong>Carrer de les Mosques</strong> (Street of the Flies) . At the time, people had the bad habit of throwing their water and waste just out the windows. You can imagine the smell and the number of mosquitoes which just thrived on it. One night, a maid fell out of a third floor window. To everyone’s surprise she didn’t suffer even a scratch. Legend has it that the mosquitoes formed a dense cloud on which she safely glided to the ground.” That story caused a few chuckles at the thought of those pesky little bloodsuckers as life savers.</p><p><br /> More twists and turns, and then Carme stopped in front of a wall with an inlaid arch. “Look closely,” she said. “You’ll see faces in the stones.” With a bit imagination you could see the outlines of noses, eyes and mouths. “We are standing in front of the <strong>Hostal Flor de Lliri</strong>, in the Middle Ages the city’s best and most famous hostel, much in demand and always booked. A merchant had walked all the way from <strong>Zaragoza</strong>, and dead tired, got lost trying to find the hostal. Out of the blue, a beautiful lady materialised, taking him by the hand and leading him to the door. Before she disappeared she whispered ‘don’t sleep in the bed’. Happy to get the last available room, the traveller looked around but couldn’t see anything wrong. However, tired as he was, he heeded the advice of the mystery lady and slept on the floor alongside the bed. He was woken by desperate screams. As it turned out, the landlord was a vicious murderer who had fixed ropes to the legs of the bed connected to a pulley outside which turned the bed into a trap, folding up on the unsuspecting guests and suffocating them so he could calmly rob them. Legend has it, that the faces in the stones are those of his many victims. “I guess, I’ll look closely at my hotel bed tonight”, another group member commented wryly.</p><p><br /> <br /> <iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/47pNpkc5qAM?wmode=opaque" width="750" height="415" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> After several more stops and follicle-raising anecdotes, the tour ended at the 14th-century basilica of <strong>Santa Maria del Mar</strong>, a wonderful example of <strong>Catalan Gothic</strong> and the scene of a long story involving a young nun, a secret lover and a miraculous rising from the dead by night. As Carme explained, this event led to the practice of attaching a wire connected to a bell in the graveyard to the fingers of recently buried bodies, so they could raise the alarm if they were still alive.</p><p><br /> On the dot of midnight, with church bells tolling all around, Fantasmes de Barcelona came to an end. The appeal of <a href="http://bcnshop.barcelonaturisme.com/shopv3/en/product/22112/ghosts-of-barcelona.html" target="_blank">this 14-euro tour</a> is not only the fascinating frissons from the past but also to see well known buildings like the market and basilica in a new light. Happy Halloween!</p><p> </p></div>