Literary Barcelona

If you are coming to Barcelona and want a little historical introduction and orientation why not read one (or both) of the biggest international best-sellers in recent years: The Shadow of the Wind and The Cathedral of the Sea. Both authors are from Barcelona and both historical novels are set in Barcelona neighbourhoods within easy walking distance of the hotel.

Carlos Ruiz Zafon´s The Shadow of the Wind, spans the time from the late 19th century industrial revolution to the post Civil War Franco years. It weaves the occult, the diabolical, a tragic history of love, and a literary mystery into an international gothic blockbuster that has been translated into 45 languages and has sold more than one million copies in Great Britain alone. If you speak Catalan or Spanish you can convert this historical fiction into reality by taking an organized tour given by Rutas Culturales de Barcelona. Or, with a little help from our hotel staff, you can investigate the novel´s settings and mysterious places on your own. You can retrace the footsteps of Daniel Sempere, Julian Carax, and all the others through “the cemetery of lost books”, Santa Maria del Mar, the Quatre Gats restaurant, the Canuda bookstore, calle Montcada, Plaza San Felipe Neri, and las Ramblas.

The Cathedral of the Sea by Ildefonso Falcones, Spain´s Ken Follett, takes place in 14th century Barcelona. This super best-seller in Spain relives the historical drama of plagues, social injustice, and the incredible building of Santa Maria del Mar while spinning a personal story of treason and love. Again you can discover the sights of this novel with rutas culturales or you can leisurely visit the Sinagoga Romano-Medieval (The Roman-Medieval Synagogue), Call Jueu (the old Jewish quarter), the Roman Temple of Augusto, la Plaza del Rei and of course Santa Maria del Mar on your own as well as wander down calle Montcada, calle Canvis Nous I Canvis Vells, and calle Consolat de Mar.

What to do in Barcelona? (3 of 4 parts)

11. Perfect your path to heaven

Even if you're not the religious sort, you should visit the magnificent churches of Barcelona. The Sant Pau del Camp is a rare example of Romanesque architecture, with a fantastical façade and extraordinary cloister. The graceful basilica of the Santa Maria del Mar is perhaps the best surviving example of Catalan Gothic, and makes a great place to go for a classical concert. And the holy architecture of Sagrada Familia will lift your heart to the heavens. Take your time to explore these beautiful buildings, you might even become a believer.

12. Savour the best in new Catalan cooking

For a taste of Catalan cooking, visit the Cinc Sentits, which is creating quite a stir in Barcelona gastronomic circles. The owners promise to tickle all your senses with gourmet dishes. The menu is a mix of classics such as suckling pig with apple compôte, or Catalan flat coca bread with foie gras, and individual dishes such as lamb cutlets with a crust of porcini dust, and slow-braised pork belly on gingerbread. Save room for the apple sorbet and maple quesada (far better than cheesecake), or the artisan Catalan cheese plate. The wine pairings are impeccable.

13. Discover your sweet tooth

Barcelona is the perfect place to indulge in sweet treats. You'll be spoilt for choice with its selection of confectionery shops. For posh chocolates in fancy packaging, head to Escribà; and for cooked candy visit Papabubble, where you can see the sweets being rolled in front of your eyes. If you're over in Spain during the winter and fancy a hot chocolate, stop by the milk bar La Granja (Banys Nous 4), handsomely fitted with antiques, it serves thick and frothy cocoa, which will warm you up.

14. Marvel at Modernista architecture

Barcelona's love of Modernista has been a passionate affair and the evidence is scattered across the city. In the Dreta area of Eixample, there are some masterpieces. The fairest of them is Gaudí's luminous Casa Batlló, built for textile tycoon. Nearby, you can gaze at his rivals' architecture: the shiny Casa Amatller by Puig i Cadafalch, which houses the Centre del Modernisme, and the decadent Casa Lleó Morera (on the corner of C/Consell de Cent at No.35) by Domènech i Muntaner. Nearby, you'll find his Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, whose city gardens offer a pleasant oasis amid the bustling city. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has 18 pavilions.

15. Fill your suitcase with local threads

Style comes with all kinds of price tags in Barcelona. High street shoppers will easily recognise the Spanish labels Mango and Zara, but fashionistas should check out Custo Barcelona for its trademark bright T-shirts, and MTX Barcelona (Rec 32) for its restructured womenswear. These are not cheap, but they are certainly designer originals. Those with a yen for footwear should spring to the Mallorca-based eco shoe company, Camper, which is famous for its clog heels and bowling shoe classics.

Literary Barcelona

If you are coming to Barcelona and want a little historical introduction and orientation why not read one (or both) of the biggest international best-sellers in recent years: The Shadow of the Wind and The Cathedral of the Sea. Both authors are from Barcelona and both historical novels are set in Barcelona neighbourhoods within easy walking distance of the hotel.

Carlos Ruiz Zafon´s The Shadow of the Wind, spans the time from the late 19th century industrial revolution to the post Civil War Franco years. It weaves the occult, the diabolical, a tragic history of love, and a literary mystery into an international gothic blockbuster that has been translated into 45 languages and has sold more than one million copies in Great Britain alone. If you speak Catalan or Spanish you can convert this historical fiction into reality by taking an organized tour given by Rutas Culturales de Barcelona. Or, with a little help from our hotel staff, you can investigate the novel´s settings and mysterious places on your own. You can retrace the footsteps of Daniel Sempere, Julian Carax, and all the others through “the cemetery of lost books”, Santa Maria del Mar, the Quatre Gats restaurant, the Canuda bookstore, calle Montcada, Plaza San Felipe Neri, and las Ramblas.

The Cathedral of the Sea by Ildefonso Falcones, Spain´s Ken Follett, takes place in 14th century Barcelona. This super best-seller in Spain relives the historical drama of plagues, social injustice, and the incredible building of Santa Maria del Mar while spinning a personal story of treason and love. Again you can discover the sights of this novel with rutas culturales or you can leisurely visit the Sinagoga Romano-Medieval (The Roman-Medieval Synagogue), Call Jueu (the old Jewish quarter), the Roman Temple of Augusto, la Plaza del Rei and of course Santa Maria del Mar on your own as well as wander down calle Montcada, calle Canvis Nous I Canvis Vells, and calle Consolat de Mar.