The pedestrian street La Rambla is an iconic place in Barcelona, its soul and heart. Local bohemia, modern youth and enthusiastic tourists mix here. It is unlikely that you will find a traveler who came to Barcelona and did not visit La Rambla. This has long been a favorite street of locals and city guests, and a walk along it has become a necessary ritual. Whom you won't see on La Rambla anymore: curious tourists, native Barcelonans, flower and souvenir sellers, freelance artists, living sculptures, musicians.
The length of the boulevard is 1200 meters. It starts from Plaça Catalunya, runs between Raval and Gothic Quarter and ends at the monument to Christopher Columbus.
If you think that La Rambla is one street, you are mistaken. It consists of five streets, following each other and having a characteristic features and an appropriate name. We will also follow in order.
Rambla de Canaletes:
The first boulevard from which the Rambla begins. Located next to Plaza Catalunya. The name was given in honor of a cast iron drinking vessel popular among tourists from the 19th century. They say that whoever drinks water from there will love Barcelona forever and will definitely return there.
Rambla dels Estudis (Rambla of studies):
Second Boulevard. Starts from Santa Anna street. It was named after the university located here, l'Estudi General, which was closed during the reign of Philip V. The main architectural attraction is the Royal Academy of Sciences and Arts, on the ground floor of which are the Poliorama Theater, the Mozha Palace, built in 1774, and the 17th-century Baroque Church of Our Lady of Bethlehem. There is also a bird market here.
Rambla de les Flors (Rambla of Flowers):
Third Boulevard. Starts from Carrer del Carme street. It got its name because of the many flower stalls and shops located here. It used to be called (Rambla de Sant Josep). The main attractions are the Palace of the Vicereine (Palau de la Virreina), which houses the city exhibition center, and Boqueria Market - Mercat de la Boqueria, existing since 1840.
The Boulevard of Flowers ends with Pla de l'Os, the center of which was lined with colorful mosaics based on the idea of the famous Catalan artist Joan Miró in 1970.
Rambla of the Capuchins - Rambla dels Caputxins:
Fourth Boulevard. At the beginning of it, enjoy the house of Bruno Quadras, which is better known as "House of Umbrellas", because at one time umbrellas and other things were sold there.
The second interesting object is Grand Theater Liceo:
At the end of the Boulevard des Capucines you will come to the Royal Square, where you can highlight the the Three Graces fountain, Street Lights, created by the famous Antonio Gaudi, and the Principal Theater (Principal) XVIcenturies. To the left of the theater stands a monument to the famous playwright and poet Frederic Soler.
Rambla de Santa Monica (Rambla of St. Monica):
Fifth Boulevard. The name was given in honor of the Convent of Saint Monica, which in 1988 was converted into the Santa Monica art center and art gallery.
The boulevard ends at the Portal de la Pau (Plaça del Portal de la Pau), which means “Gateway of the World”. In the center, at the intersection of Ramble and Columbus boulevards, there is a 60-meter monument on which stands a 7-meter statue of Christopher Columbus. At an altitude of 50 meters there is an observation deck where an elevator will take you. It will cost you 6 euros. The lower part of the monument depicts Columbus's preparations for the journey and those who helped him (cartographer, priest, ship captain) and the goddess Nike.
Sometimes La Rambla is also called Sixth Street. This is Rambla del Mar (Sea Rambla):
In fact, this is not a street, but a pedestrian bridge that will lead you to the Maremagnum shopping center, located in the waters of Barcelona harbor.
La Rambla is a kind of energy center of Barcelona. It seems he never sleeps. No one will get bored here. Cafes, restaurants, trade of any scale - from small counters to large stores. Street actors, mimes, living sculptures, acrobats, clowns, and dancers give the boulevard a special flavor - they try to surprise passers-by. You can become a spectator or participant in this performance at any time.
How to get to La Rambla:
- green L3 metro line, stop Liceu or Catalunya ; red L1 line, stop Catalunya.
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