As maritime commerce grew in the 13th and 14th centuries, “Barrio de la Ribera” (“neighborhood of the waterfront”) became a populous residential district for the merchant class. Until recently, this area was known principally for its great church called: Santa María del Mar, and the well-known Museu Picasso (Picasso Museum). During the past decade, La Ribera, and in particular the zone within it called El Born, has become the city’s most fashionable district, with chic bars, restaurants, and boutiques. Be advised that it could get a little bit rowdy late at night, but it still retains its medieval character.

“Santa María del Mar” church

 the inside of this church is beautiful too …

The bride & groom have left, only the red rose petals remains …

Visiting this extraordinarily graceful 14th century Catalan Gothic church Santa María del Mar is a must. It is a good way to clear your head before you continue exploring this bustling neighborhood

In Plaza de Santa María (Saint Mary Park), just behind the church, you can take a break in many of the chic bars, patisseries and restaurants around

this lady took my advice …

time to sit down, relax and enjoy a drink and a snack in company of good friends

even the amazing human statues find time to take a break along Plaza de Santa María

Paseo del Born (The Born promenade) is a wide and elegant tree-lined promenade with stone benches that makes it a good place for a breather. Once the site of medieval jousting tournaments, it became the main square and heart of the city during Barcelona’s seafaring heyday (13th to 18th century). Today apartment dwellers in its Gothic mansions are more commonly up in arms about the busy boutiques, outdoor cafes, bars and pastry shops that populate this neighborhood

right in the heart of this neighborhood, Pastry Chef Carles Mampel member of “Relais Dessert International” and with many world award prizes on the top of his toque (like Best Chocolatier, Lyon – France 2005 and best pastry chef of the world, Rimini – Italy 2004), has one of his four patisseries, bar and catering services: Bubó

with so many delicious sweet choices offered at this pastry shop, your head will go upside down too!

individual tarts

yum!

chocolate, raspberry, vanilla, passion fruit, nectarine, and much more flavors …

apple tart, Napoleons and much more

colorful macaroons

Bubó has its own tasting room where I decided to take a break and enjoy this exquisite individual tart

sponge cake, milk chocolate mousse, heart of clementine cream and confit covered in a shiny clementine chocolate glaze with chocolate decór on top … wow!

it was worth every bite!

after my sweet tasting at Bubó, it is time to keep walking and exploring the neighborhood

walking down carrer de la Argenteria (Argenteria street) and leaving behind the congestion of Via Laeitana, I arrived to “The Roman Great Wall”, where I was amazed by all the work of art found in the architecture of each building and cathedral around

can you see this hand painted mural on the wall of this building?

beautiful art displayed in this mosaic wall decór

it is always a good time to enjoy music from the local artists

reaching Sant Pere mes alt street, we find El Palau de la Música Catalana (The Catalan Music Palace). This magnificent 1908 music hall is over-the-top ornate and one of Barcelona’s Modernism masterpieces. Fantasy of ceramics and  colored glass inside and out.

the mosaic work in the Palace of Catalan Music facade is amazing!

wow!

home sweet home for this little dove

this is surely the most exuberant music palace you will ever see!