The following day after the seven-mile walk, we recovered and decided to take it easy. We ventured out by 10am with no real agenda. Let’s just walk, find a place for lunch, and see what we run into. And then maybe Uber back home. There were some fine restaurants that we noticed in the Gothic Quarter. Let’s see if we can find one that matches up to at least a basic one in Florence….
Arc of Triomf
We were walking along and saw this structure that looked as if it belonged in Paris. A quick google search gave us this information from Barcelona’s website: In 1888 Barcelona hosted the Universal Exhibition. The Arc de Triomf was built as the gateway to the fair which was held in the Parc de la Ciutadella. The monument is classical in shape and proportions and features ground-breaking sculptural and decorative finishes replete with symbolism. It has become one of the city’s iconic landmarks.
The arch is built in reddish brickwork in the Neo-Mudejar style. The front frieze contains the stone sculpture “Barcelona Welcomes the Nations.” There is also a large plaza after you pass through the arch. It appears the city allows festivals and fairs to set up in the plaza as they were setting up something when we were there. Maybe a music festival.
Columbus Monument
The Columbus Monument is a 197 ft tall monument to Christopher Columbus at the lower end of La Rambla, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. It was constructed for the Universal Exposition (world’s fair) in 1888, in honor of Columbus’ first voyage to the Americas. The monument serves as a reminder that Christopher Columbus reported to Queen Isabella I and King Ferdinand V in Barcelona after his first trip to the America.
There are many relief panels that tell stories of Columbus’ adventures from asking the King for money to his arrival in the new world. This monument and the arc mentioned above were the bookends for the 1888 world’s fair. It would have been something to see back at that time.
Columbus is well known for his four voyages from Europe to the Americas and for his constant requests for fund raising from England, Portugal, Spain and probably some others. This is where he began and of course he ended in the Americas.
Barcelona Harbor
The harbor here is hard to imagine just how vast it is. We walked only a small part of it and never got close to where the cruise ships are moored. We visited on foot this time but will be back the night before our cruise and stay in a different area in a Hampton Inn of all things here in Spain.
Lunch
As we walked the Gothic Quarter, we came upon a well rated place that looked great, except there was no one in the place. Granted, it was early for lunch (12 noon) in the Spanish culture. I asked the server/manager and he they were open, so in we went. Turned out to be a great lunch with a dedicated waiter just waiting to be beckoned. By the time we left it was half full.
Wrap Up
The day was a success! I enjoy the no agenda, “let’s just walk and find something.” We had a very good lunch that may have been close to the quality in Italy. If you search them out there are good dining options in Barcelona. We did take a taxi for the trip back and that made it super easy!
Thanks for following along! Take care and God Bless.