Address: El Born is a district of Barcelona located in the Ciutat Vella district, right next to the Gothic Quarter. It is bounded by the via Laietana on one side and the "Parque de la Ciudadela" on the other. You are, moreover, only a few steps away from the beaches of Barcelona!
El Born is very well served by public transportation in Barcelona:
Metro: The closest metro stations to El Born are Jaume I (L4) Barceloneta (L4) Urquinaona L4 and L1.
Bus: The nearest bus lines are V15, 45, 39, 51, 120 and H14.
Hop on Hop Off Bus: Museu d'Història de Catalunya (Museum of the History of Catalonia) stop near the Barceloneta metro station is also an option for visiting El Born
Train: The Estación de Francia station offers connections to other cities in Catalonia, especially on the coast.
Map of El Born
Famous for its cobblestone streets, El Born is a small village within the city. Very fashionable but also very authentic. Violin makers, master glassmakers, boot makers and trendy designers rub shoulders. Retired people play cards, young people chat by the fountains. A festive atmosphere especially in the evening. Don't hesitate to go into the dark alleys to breathe in the old Barcelona. Full of history, witness to the commercial prosperity of the 13th century, El Born (also known as La Ribera) forms with the Barrio Gótico the historic old town of Barcelona.
A tip: Lodging in El Born is a very good idea, you are in a very pleasant area both during the day and at night and it is very central to visit the whole city: Find your hotel in El Born
History of El Born
El Born developed around the church of Santa Maria del Mar. It was formed in sandy areas called Vilanova de la Mar from the 13th century. In medieval times, the Passeig del Born was the site of tournaments and jousts, hence its name, "born", meaning enclosure where jousts and tournaments between medieval knights were held. The district was initially inhabited by sailors, porters and dockers and laborers. It was not until the 13th century that merchants built more noble houses. El Born became part of the Barcelona city wall in 1438, when the wall was extended.
El Born today
El Born is one of the most charming and popular areas of Barcelona for tourists. A little less so for its inhabitants, who are constantly protesting against ever more invasive tourism. The cohabitation however works very well.
Here are a few points of interest that we particularly appreciate:
The Picasso Museum - A must-see in the neighborhood and in the city. Increasingly large, it now occupies several 13th century Gothic buildings. Great temporary exhibitions for the most visited museum by Catalans in Barcelona! The Santa Caterina market for its colorful architecture and the quality of its products. Without being a competitor of the Boqueria, it is to be discovered. The church of Santa Maria del Mar - considered one of the finest examples of Catalan Gothic architecture. The beautiful Parc de la Ciutadella, located just outside El Born. It is perfect for a walk or a picnic and is also home to the Barcelona Zoo.
Tourist route in El Born
More places to discover El Born.
>>Take advantage of our good addresses such as restaurantsand shops.This is also part of discovering a city.
>>> We recommend the best Hotels Barcelona El Born district. As you can see, El Born is the ideal place to stay. With its cultural venues, restaurants, shopping and entertainment. And it's centrally located, with easy access to the whole city, often on foot!
"Palau de la Música Catalana" (Music Palace), is a concert hall designed by the architec Lluís Domènech i Montaner and opened in 1908.This building is the headquarters of "Orfeó Catala", a prestigious institution grounded in the year 1891 to support Catalan music and culture. This is why the decoration of the building shows some representations of the "quatre barres" (which is the Catalan coat of arms).
Inside the scene is a sculpture representing on one side the "Ride of Valkyries" and on the other side, the figure of Beethoven, sculpted by Pau Gargallo and Dídac Massana. The splendid central glass light on the roof was made by Rigalt and Granell. The façade is made of red brick and decorated with mosaics from Lluís Bru.
The Palau de la Música Catalana organizes daily guided tours of the Modernist Concert hall and, when available, Lluís Millet Hall and the Chamber Music Hall.
The Palau de la Música Catalana is located in the El Born district of Ciutat Vella. It is one of the most emblematic buildings in the city and a must-see for all lovers of architecture and music.
The Catalan Music Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Catalan Music Palace was built between 1905 and 1908 to house the Orfeó Català choir (an association of Barcelona choirs), which needed a larger space for its rehearsals. Today it hosts concerts and musical events of international renown.
The Palau de la Música is one of Barcelona's architectural gems, designed by the modernist architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the building is famous for its large concert hall decorated with coloured stained glass windows, sculptures and mosaics, and is considered one of the finest examples of Catalan Modernist architecture, also known as Art Nouveau. This architecture is characterised by the use of modern materials such as iron, glass and concrete, as well as motifs and forms inspired by nature.
Specific construction techniques used in the Palau de la Música Catalana include the use of natural light, which is abundant thanks to the large skylights and rose-shaped windows. The structure also features colourful mosaics, sculptures and floral motifs, creating a unique and vibrant aesthetic effect.
The architect, Lluís Domènech i Montaner, also used advanced techniques for the time, such as the use of steel trusses for the structure of the building, which allowed him to create a large concert hall without intermediate pillars. Another technical detail is that the building was constructed without using steel beams, which was very rare at the time. Instead, the structure rests on decorative cast iron columns and brick arches, creating a unique and magical atmosphere inside.
Lluís Domènech i Montaner is also known for having designed the Casa Lleó i Morera in 1902, the Casa Fuster in 1911 and, of course, the Sant Pau Hospital between 1901 and 1930, which has also been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997..
Our tip: To make the most of your visit to the Music Palace, we recommend taking a guided tour to learn about the history and architecture of the building. You can also attend a concert to appreciate the exceptional acoustic quality of the concert hall.
Finally, an interesting anecdote about the Music Palace is that during the Spanish Civil War, the building was used as a garage for military vehicles, which saved the building from destruction! A miracle.
The Church Santa Maria del Mar(Santa Maria of the Sea) is a 14th-century Gothic basilica, located not far from the sea in the district of La Ribera, El Born, and was built by sailors who wanted to compete with Barcelona Cathedral despite their limited resources. Its sobriety makes it one of the most beautiful examples of Catalan Gothic. The Basilica is located next to the Picasso Museum.
What to see in the Church of St Maria del Mar?
The Basilica of Santa Maria de la Mar is also known by the inhabitants of the city as the "Catedral de la Ribera" or "Catedral del Mar".
From the outside, Santa Maria gives an impression of massive severity that belies the interior. It is hemmed in by the narrow streets of the Ribera, making it difficult to obtain an overall impression, except from the Fossar de les Moreres and the Plaça de Santa Maria, both of them former burial grounds. The latter is dominated by the west end of the church with its rose window. Images of Saint Peter and Saint Paul occupy niches on either side of the west door, and the tympanum shows the Saviour flanked by Our Lady and Saint John.
The northwest tower was completed in 1496, but its companion was not finished until 1902.
In contrast with the exterior, the interior gives an impression of light and spaciousness. It is of the basilica type, with its three aisles forming a single space with no transepts and no architectural boundary between the nave and presbytery. The simple ribbed vault is supported on slender octagonal columns and abundant daylight streams through the tall clerestory windows. The interior is almost devoid of imagery of the sort to be found in Barcelona's other large Gothic churches, the cathedral and Santa Maria del Pi, after the fire which occurred in 1936 during anticlerical disturbances. Amongst the most notable of the works destroyed at that time was the Baroque retable by Deodat Casanoves and Salvador Gurri.
The Church of Santa Maria de la Mar is an outstanding example of Catalan Gothic architecture. It was built in the 14th century by the architect Berenguer de Montagut. The construction of the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar dates back to the 14th century, in the medieval period.
It was built between 1329 and 1383, a record time for a church of this size at the time, thanks to the contributions of the inhabitants of the Ribera district, where it is located.
The construction of the basilica was financed by the sailors, fishermen and inhabitants of the neighbourhood who wanted a place to worship the Virgin Mary, who was considered the protector of the sailors and fishermen. They decided to build this church in honour of the Virgin, with the aim of making it a symbol of their neighbourhood and their city.
The architect Berenguer de Montagut was responsible for the design of the basilica, which is considered a masterpiece of Catalan Gothic architecture. The basilica was built in stone and brick, in an austere and elegant Gothic style, typical of Catalan architecture.
Over the centuries, the basilica has undergone several renovations and restorations, due to various natural disasters and armed conflicts, such as fires, earthquakes and the Spanish Civil War
.
During the visit, we learn that most of the stained glass windows were destroyed in a fire in 1936. However, some of them survived, such as the Last Judgement, Pentecost and Holy Communion windows. The main rose window, dedicated to the Coronation of Mary, had to be rebuilt after an earthquake in 1428, and the cracks left by the earthquake are still visible from the roof.
Recent work has allowed visitors to access the roofs of Santa Maria del Mar and discover previously inaccessible areas. The main rose window, the windows, the towers, the gargoyles and the upper part of the central nave can now be seen from above on the ribbed vaults. It is also an opportunity to enjoy spectacular views of Barcelona from a height of over thirty-three metres!
A recent anecdote about the church of Santa Maria del Mar is that it inspired the Spanish author Ildefonso Falcones to write his famous novel "The Cathedral of the Sea" in 2006. The book tells the story of the construction of the basilica and the lives of the workers who took part in it. Many of his readers now seek out the details of the book when visiting this "cathedral"...
Our advice: To get the most out of your visit to the Basilica of St Mary of the Sea, we recommend taking a guided tour to discover the history and details of its architecture. Don't forget to take time to admire the colourful stained glass windows and impressive sculptures that adorn the basilica.
Mercat Santa Caterina (Market Holy Catherine) is the latest market built in Barcelona. Totally renovated in 2005 with brilliance by the architects Enric Miralles and Benedetta Tagliabue of EMBT, is a little marvel located in the district of Ribera in Ciutat Vella. Beautiful architectural idea for this multicoloured ceramics roof having the shape of wave posed on an air structure of wood, which shelters all the stalls of the market. One finds there all the products of the producers of the area: fruits, vegetables, flowers but also fish, meat, pork-butchery including one or two stalls dedicated to Jabugoham and finally a small supermarket “Caprado”.
A very good Tapas bar is located contrary to the main entrance and a restaurant “Cuines Santa-Catarina” of which we appreciate particularly the chart, next to the entry. In brief, the place worth a walk for its architecture, for shopping or to lunch.
Barcelona's Mercat de Santa Caterina in figures and dates:
The Mercat de Santa Caterina was inaugurated in 1848, making it one of Barcelona's oldest markets.
It occupies an area of around 4,200 square meters and is home to around 60 stalls and traders, offering a wide variety of fresh food products. A wide range of food products can be found here, including fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, cheeses, cured meats, bakery and pastry products, as well as local and artisanal products.
The market building was renovated in 2005. One of its most distinctive features is its colorful wave-shaped roof, made of colorful ceramic tiles. It has become an emblematic element of Barcelona's modern architecture.
Address :
Francesc Cambó, 16 Opening hours :
Monday 7.30am to 2pm / Tuesday and Wednesday 7.30am to 3.30pm / Thursday and Friday from 7.30am to 8.30pm / Saturday from 7.30am to 3.30pm. Check for summer time opening hours Phone :
00 34 933 195 740 Metro/Bus :
Metro: L4 Jaume I / Bus:
El Born is a favorite area for lovers of Barcelona nightlife. Nowadays the Born is even more packed with bars, though it's nice that places like the Miramelindo are still there, largely unchanged. Is was also a site of the executions and witch burning in medieval times.
Do not miss it and walk along its narrow streets full of very fashionable stores and restaurants.
42 years after its closing Mercat del Born, the market of El Born, is back under the name of EL Born CC for El Born Centre Cultural. It is understood that El Born CC is not anymore a market but an Cultural Center which recalls a hard period of the history of Barcelona: TheWar of the Spanish Succession from 1701 to 1714. Period which marked forever the history of the Catalan Nation.
This building, today completely reinvented, offers under its splendid metal structure a sight on the archaeological vestiges of this time. One comes there to visit these vestiges, to see conferences or concerts, but also for its restaurant:"L'espai gastronòmic Moritz" and for its very interesting bookshop (llibreria-botiga).
Since its opening in 2013 the entire area has been transformed and you will appreciate to make a stop in the neighborhood before heading to the Picasso Museum or to the church Santa Maria del Mar, just around the corner.
Opening hours :
Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6:45 pm ( Espai Gastronòmic Moritz Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to midnight) Phone :
+34 93 256 68 51 Metro/Bus :
Jaume I, Barceloneta
Foto Colectania is the place of reference in Barcelona for lovers of contemporary and classic photography. The Foto Colectania Foundation is a non-profit organization, created in Barcelona in 2002, with the aim of spreading photography and making it known in the Spanish social, artistic, and educational spheres.
Foto Colectania is a great place to discover photography, it organizes exhibitions, conferences, and meetings. Its objective is to make known historical, unrecognized, and emerging photographers. The Foundation also has a library specialized in photography and a collection of photographs of more than 3,000 works by 80 Catalan, Spanish and Portuguese authors, which continues to grow through donations. The opportunity to discover incredible Catalan photographers such as Joan Colom, Ramón Masats, Oriol Maspons, Leopoldo Pomés, Joan Fontcuberta...
Since 2017 the foundation has moved to a new space, behind the Picasso Museum, opposite the Ciutadella Park. Each exhibition is a little gem that you should take the time to visit.
There is also an outstanding specialized bookstore open to all at the entrance of the place. Tickets on the spot.
Address :
C/ Passeig Picasso, 14 Opening hours :
Wednesday to Saturday: 11 am - 2.30 pm and 4 - 8 pm Sunday: 11 - 15 h - The foundation Foto Colectania is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays Phone :
+34 93 217 16 26 Metro/Bus :
Jaume I, Urquinaona
Whether you are looking for a family or a business stay or just for a weekend, we have selected for you the best hotels in the city to choose from. All categories at all prices. But also the bargains according to your travel dates. Have a good stay!
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5 comments
a different time - cindia(27 Mar 2023 - 09:20)
Another era, another time... While visiting El Born, we travel not only in Spain but also in time...
a fantastic mixture of ages!
nice - natacha(15 Feb 2015 - 12:15)
Love this district, last time I found an hotel there and just went around by walking. It was perfect. You'll find great shops, bars and restaurants. A delight
el born is the best to visit - feld(23 Oct 2012 - 07:15)
el born is my favourite area in Barcelona.. beautiful
El Born by bike - maxicloclo(27 Jun 2012 - 10:15)
I went a few days in Barcelona and I rent a bike at BornBikeBarcelona, it's just next to the metro station Barceloneta, very usefull and it's a nice way to visit el Born and further if you want ! (They gave me good advises to visit ! =)
The Born route - Kristina K(21 May 2011 - 10:00)
On the way from the Palau de la Musica Catalana, you should get a glimpse at the Santa Caterina market. It is right on the way and the roof work is definitly worth the detour.
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5 comments
a different time - cindia (27 Mar 2023 - 09:20)
Another era, another time... While visiting El Born, we travel not only in Spain but also in time...
a fantastic mixture of ages!
nice - natacha (15 Feb 2015 - 12:15)
Love this district, last time I found an hotel there and just went around by walking. It was perfect. You'll find great shops, bars and restaurants. A delight
el born is the best to visit - feld (23 Oct 2012 - 07:15)
el born is my favourite area in Barcelona.. beautiful
El Born by bike - maxicloclo (27 Jun 2012 - 10:15)
I went a few days in Barcelona and I rent a bike at BornBikeBarcelona, it's just next to the metro station Barceloneta, very usefull and it's a nice way to visit el Born and further if you want ! (They gave me good advises to visit ! =)
The Born route - Kristina K (21 May 2011 - 10:00)
On the way from the Palau de la Musica Catalana, you should get a glimpse at the Santa Caterina market. It is right on the way and the roof work is definitly worth the detour.