About this experience
The sea is Barcelona's hallmark, the eternal envy of Madrid residents, the provider and protector of Catalans for 2000 years. All this time, the city and the sea have been reclaiming territory from each other: sometimes the sea approached the city walls, sometimes Barcelona pushed back the element with breakwaters and docks. Let's figure out how it happened. And also enjoy the seaside views and cuisine.
What to expect
Marine places and stories
We will visit the picturesque courtyard of the Maritime Museum, touch a real submarine, and discuss one of the oldest shipyards in Medieval Europe. Next, we will visit Columbus on his pedestal and figure out if he was a hero or a villain. And then we will head to the sea! I will tell you why trading with Barcelona in the Middle Ages was dangerous for life and how essential goods arrived here. I will also show you the gothic temple of Santa Maria del Mar, where Catalan 'marineros' sought the gods' intercession before sailing to sea.
Walk along the waterfront and a gastronomic paradise
I will reveal how people live in the coastal area of Barceloneta and why all the houses here used to be one-story. I will share the history of the appearance of Barcelona's beaches and tell you how they were divided between women and men. After building up an appetite, we will land in a cozy restaurant by the Mediterranean Sea. You can enjoy a 'bucket' of seafood or a huge pan of Catalan paella with 'fideuá' pasta. As a farewell gift, I will give you a list of the best restaurants in Barceloneta.
Organizational details
- Food and drinks are paid for separately (restaurant visit at will)
- You can go up to the observation deck inside the Columbus monument - 6 euros per person
