Barcelona - The Gothic Quarter

We took a really interesting guided walking tour of Barcelona's Gothic Quarter. Barcelona was a big deal back in the 14th century, competing with rivals like Venice and Genoa for control of the Mediterranean Sea trade. But after Columbus accidentally bumped into America, the focus shifted westward and those with access to ports on the Atlantic were ascendant while Barcelona fell into decline. Fortunately, this meant a lot of the Gothic structures were preserved. Bits of the city's even earlier history as a Roman colony are evident as well. The fascinating City History Museum is built around an archeological excavation down below street level. Elevated walkways take you through and over the ruins of a Roman town, including the laundries where pots were placed outside for passers by to pee in because urine was used as a disinfectant and also as an ingredient to fix dyes. No wonder Rome fell.

Remnant of the Roman wall



A rare (but logical) pregnant Mary


Modern day minstral


Inside the cathedral


Offerings


The construction of the cathedral was accomplished mostly in the 14th century, but was given a neo-gothic sprucing up in the 19th century.


gargoyle


Two more gargoyles