José Maria Urquinaona y Bidot was born in Cadiz in 1814. From being a priest he went on to become bishop of the Canaries and, later on, was named bishop of Barcelona. On occasion of the feasts of the Mil·leni of Montserrat, this bishop convinced Pope Leo XIII to declare Mare de Déu de Montserrat, Patron Saint of Catalonia.
CASA CALVET carrer de Casp, 48 Phone 934 124 012 www.casacalvet.es A classic of Mediterranean creation cuisine. It’s one of those places in which it doesn’t matter having to pay a little bit more to eat well, and more so if one keeps in mind that the building was designed by Gaudí in 1900.
CASA ALFONSO carrer de Roger de Llúria, 6 Phone 933 019 783 www.casaalfonso.com I recommend you try the jamón de jabugo: It’s five stars! Closed on Sundays.
LAIE LLIBRERIA-CAFÉ Phone 933 181 739 www.laie.es You can enjoy their breakfast buffet while reading a book bought on the ground floor. Closed on Sundays.
PALAU DE LA MÚSICA CATALANA carrer de Sant Pere Més Alt, s/nº Phone 902 442 882 www.palaumusica.org Built between the years 1905 and 1908, this project which was designed by the Modernist architect Domènech i Montaner as home to the Ofeó Català, a choral society which has always defended Catalan cultural values, and is one of the city’s most precious gems. In one of the Palau’s corners one can observe a sculpture ensemble by Miquel Blay, representing San Jordi, Patron Saint of Catalonia, wielding a sword and holding the senyera, the Catalan flag. The girl’s sculpture represents the popular music of Catalonia. The building of the Palau was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. As well as visiting it I recommend you go listen to a concert in order to enjoy what is considered one of the most beautiful concert halls in the world.
ESPAI VOLART. FUNDACIÓ VILACASAS carrer d,Ausias March, 20, pral. Phone 934 817 980 www.fundaciovilacasas.com There are two spaces dedicated to temporary exhibitions of the contemporary catalan art, from the 60s to the present day. Free entrance.
ATENEU BARCELONÉS carrer de la Canuda, 6 Phone 933 436 121 www.ateneubcn.org More than a century of history, it houses a very complete library and an interior garden where to have a drink far from the noise of the city.
With a century and a half of history, this cultural athenaeum has seen the most outstanding personalities of this country go by. It has a library which stands-out for its beauty as well as for the fine volumes on display. I recommend you escape from the city’s noise by having a coffee in its quiet interior romantic style garden. The elevator at this place is one of the first that was installed in the city.
Seu central de la Caixa de Pensions Via laietana, 56-58 Emblematic building of the architect Enric Sagnier, designed between 1914 and 1917. It was built with concrete, usually used for industrial buildings.
REI DE LA MÀGIA THEATER-MUSEUM carrer de Jonqueres, 15 Phone 933 187 192 www.elreydelamagia.com Its stage is dedicated only to magic shows, every week from Thursday to Sunday. The parts of this museum come from the Tienda del Rey de la Magia in Princesa street, founded in 1881. Recommended visit from Tuesday to Sunday!
TIVOLI THEATER carrer Casp, 8 Phone 902 33 22 11 www.grupbalana.com The theatre can seat 1500 where you will enjoy topical plays.
BORRÁS THEATER Plaça Urquinaona, 9 Phone 902 33 22 11 www.grupbalana.com In the heart of the city this theatre halls usually are full of people, so a previous reservation is recommended.
