Travel

Barcelona part 3 Cathedral and Palace

Naturally, in the center of Barcelona's oldest section you are going to find a gothic cathedral, the pattern of many ancient European towns. Catedral de Seu was first built in the 13th through 15th centuries in the traditional gothic style, with a soaring nave, pointed arches, tall columns, 28 side chapels and a spectacular cloister that is home to a flock of noisy geese with an attitude. Nobody knows where the geese came from but they have been here for centuries and are said to represent purity, fitting right in with the atmosphere of this wonderful church. Take a ride up the elevator and venture onto the roof for a stunning view across the center of town, which helps orient you for the walks to come. This prime location atop a low hill was the earlier home of a Roman temple and then a 6th century church, so it's no wonder the narrow lanes immediately adjacent are dense with historic structures and small plazas. Standing in front of the cathedral on Placa de la Seu, you are flanked by two medieval structures: the former Pia Almoina on the left, which had been a monks' residence and almshouse for the poor and is open now as the Diocesan Museum with medieval religious treasures and changing exhibits, and on the right, the fascinating Archdeacon's Palace, Casa de l'Ardiaca, worthy of closer examination. From the outside you can see the Archdeacon's Palace with three towers which were part of the original Roman fortified wall. Walk around to the entrance and notice the elaborate mail box next to the entrance, with an incised carving of flying birds and a turtle, symbolizing how fast the mail should travel but how slowly it actually moves. This also refers to the wheels of justice, for legal offices were here in the 19th century. Walk into the patio to enjoy the quiet, cloister atmosphere complete with arcaded columns around the central fountain and noble 100-year-old palm tree in the center. You are free to enter the building lobby and admire the beautifully-preserved Roman wall that stands inside. The cathedral is in the heart of the Old Town, so there are lovely strolls to be enjoyed all around it day and night. Many shops and restaurants are clustered in the nearby blocks, with lots of people out for a stroll and probably several sidewalk musicians providing entertainment.