A walk through the Born district of Barcelona
El Born is now a modern and cosmopolitan neighborhood of Barcelona. But in its origins it was part of the intramural Barcelona, with the streets of the trades and artisans. Alleys with hardly any light and imposing enclosures such as the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar or the Born, the great market of Barcelona until recently. From MuchaMasia we invite you to stroll through El Born.
The Cathedral of the Sea, emblem in El Born
Few churches captivate as much at first sight as the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar. It is the heart of the neighborhood of El Born. Majestic and imposing, it is Barcelona’s Gothic treasure. Thanks to the novel by Ildefonso Falcones, La Catedral del Mar, it has become an icon of Barcelona. Step inside and look everywhere you can. The light that enters through the rose windows, the immensity of its hall, the altars… And on the outside, surround it and feel as if you were in the Middle Ages.
The visit involves a fee of 5 euros, but if you go during liturgy hours or at 10 am, you will get to know it for free. Don’t regret it and come and visit it.
The Santa Caterina Market
Another of the icons of the Born is the Mercat de Santa Caterina. Created in 1844 on the base of a convent, it was completely remodeled in 2005 to become one of the stars of the neighborhood. Not only for its attractive interior and quality of food, but also for the multicolored and wavy roof that gives it so much personality.
The work of architect Benedetta Tagliabeau, photos in front of this building are a must. And inside you can buy quality food or eat it in some of its bars.
El Born: a neighborhood to eat up the world
And of course, as we got hungry going to the market, in the Born you can find one of the most varied gastronomic offers in Barcelona. There is one obligatory place: Casa Mari y Rufo. For its dilapidated appearance you would not enter, but inside it is a temple of good product and quality. The Fismuler is also a good place, with an escalope and a cheesecake, or the Japanese Ikibana. The Golfo de Vizcaya, the Bar del Pla or the Els Casals are others not to be missed. And the Euskal Etxea, pioneers of pintxos in Barcelona, will surely please you.
Picasso left his legacy in the Born
And after we’ve had our fill, we’re off to soak up some art. The Born has the Picasso Museum. Located in a medieval mansion in the stately Montcada street, this is one of the most visited museums in Barcelona. Picasso and Barcelona have a very close relationship and this is reflected in this museum.
Here you can see mythical works by Picasso such as The Harlequin, his Meninas, or La Masia de Cal Quico. Picasso is a genius, and as such, he lived his life in Barcelona. It is the ideal place to end your walk through the neighborhood of El Born.