One could argue that this part of the city is why thousands of tourists flock to Barcelona every year wanting to get a glimpse of those streets that lead you on a mind bending journey down paths lost in time. Every once in a while you are consumed by the smell of chocolate and freshly baked bread, while strolling through an endless collection of local retails whilst overhead, balconies perch casting their shadows onto the streets. This setting may as well be typically European but for those who come from a land down under, such a scene is phenomenal.
In contrast to Melbourne, which is a city known to have a considerable amount of history in Australia, this area is another world. This history is preserved as it is in Ciutat vella but in Melbourne exists a constant play between the old and new, whether it be the adjacent building or down to the detail of an entrance, each building is uniquely part of a time or the contrast so prominent that the old and new characteristics are clearly defined. In Ciutat Vella this gap between the old city and the layers that have since been added to create the modern city are somewhat blurred. The interventions are subtle and keeping with the reflection of the city. Refer to the image.
Perhaps my favourite part of this area is the route I often take to escape the crowd. It starts from the cathedral, up calle Bisbe where often the sound of the opera singer reverbrates through the walls. Taking a left into carrer de la Pietat to enter into the maze of the cathedral. The name of this street was originally taken from the magnificent Puerta de la Peidad. a door of gothic origin that exists on the street (see image) in the siglo XV, originally designed by german sculptor Michael Lochner. I usually wander,lost in the sinuosity of this street while the sound of the musicians behind me dissapear. Reaching Placa del Rei, the perfect place for a break and perhaps a beer!
