Trip 45

January 13,2024

We took the metro back out to the Barri Gòtic area in search of …Churros and hot chocolate. But took in some sights along the way. At the Passieg de Lluis Companys the is the Arc de Triomf. Though the name is similar to the one in Paris, the purpose and construction are completely different. The Arc formed the main access gate for the 1888 Barcelona World Fair. The arch crosses over the wide central promenade of the Passeig de Lluís Companys, leading to the Ciutadella Park that now occupies the site of the world fair.

The promenade is a really wide pedestrian walkway, bounded on both side by streets. All along the promenade are ornate street lights and there are a few street musicians playing, one a violinist who was very good.

We did not walk all the way to the park, but turned at the monument and crossed the Passeig de Lluis into the quarter where we hoped to find our churros and hot chocolate (at a restaurant recommended by our hotel concierge) . We stopped at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross where a service was in progress.

The baptismal font dates from 1433

Moving on, we walked down the crowded narrow streets, with their Christmas lights still hanging (though not lit) overhead. Though it’s dark, it’s only 6:30pm. The shops and restaurants are all open. As always, a wide variety of people.

Finally, we spot our restaurant., La Pallarersa Xocolateria Xurreria. There’s a line, but not too long. They cram a lot of people into this restaurant.

From here, we continued on down the path (can hardly call this a street) to the Basilica Santa Maria del Pi, a 15th-century Gothic church. Also known as the Blessed Lady of the Pine Tree (one of the titles of the Virgin Mary). The church was most likely built between 1319 and 1391. It opened on 17 June 1453. There is a large Plaça (public square) outside with (not a coincidence, I’m sure) a large pine tree. It too has services going on.

Here’s the area we covered in just a few days.