Barri de La Ribera

La Ribera (or The Shore) is one of the many neighbourhoods that Gayle and I strolled through during our recent trip to Barcelona. Many of the buildings date from late Medieval times. It was a well-to-do quarter during 13th-15th centuries, when it really was by the sea shore. In fact, the area that today is named Barceloneta was still an island. La Ribera housed the wealthier shippers and merchants. Its streets were lined with their grand mansions, which like the nearly Church of Santa Maria del Mar, where built with their wealth. Besides the Basilica, notable places we saw included the Museu Picasso, the Palau de la Musica Catalana, the Museu de la Xocolata (and the cool Arxiu Fotographic upstairs), Fossar de les Moreres, and trendy Passeig del Born.

The Neighborhood of Ribera is certainly an imperviable of any visiting the city of Condal. Located between the sea and the old city of Barcelona, which stood up behind an impressive wall, was really important during the 15th and 16th century, since there was mainly a rising bourgeoisie. To walk your narrow streets is a journey in time. It is a very tourist-visited area and although it has been massed and filled with business of souvenirs, it is an important part of the city's cultural heritage and a must between travelers and locals. I recommend especially walking through the Carrer de la Argentería, reaching the Church of Santa Maria del Mar and then continue through the Passeo del Borne.