El Born

Gothic, Picasso and cocktail bars

Barcelone

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The vibe

Separated from the Barri Gòtic by Via Laietana, El Born mixes medieval palaces, designer shops, cocktail bars and the church of Santa Maria del Mar. The Picasso Museum occupies five palaces on Carrer Montcada.

Good to know

Entry to the El Born cultural centre, with its 18th-century ruins, is free.

When to go

Late afternoon, then for drinks.

Getting there

Metro to Jaume I (Line 4) or Barceloneta (Line 4).

The story

How the neighbourhood came to be

A district of merchants and sailors in the Middle Ages, El Born saw the building of the basilica of Santa Maria del Mar in the 14th century, thanks to donations and labour from local residents. The former Born market, an 1876 iron hall, now shelters the ruins of the city destroyed after the 1714 siege.

Did you know?

1Santa Maria del Mar was built in just over fifty years, a record for a Gothic church.
2The Picasso Museum, opened in 1963, was the first devoted to the artist during his lifetime.

Want to explore further?

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