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El Born district has become one of the most delightful, surprising and enigmatic neighbourhoods of Barcelona. Anyone who has walked among its streets would have fallen completely under its spell. This is an exquisite neighbourhood that radiates beauty and magic everywhere you look: the Ciutadella Park, its intrinsic and winding streets, its wonderful Rambla, the fascinating church of Santa Maria del Mar or the modern market of Santa Caterina. Everything there is special!

What now is known as “el Born” was once called the “Ribera” (the Bank) neighbourhood of medieval Barcelona. It was so named due to a huge irrigation ditch that crossed the quarter and brought water in from the Besós River. In the Ribera neighbourhood merchants and sailors used to live together, but as time passed by palaces were built that nowadays are home to some important museums, such as the Textile and Clothing Museum (located in the Marquises of Llió Palace), the Barbier-Mueller Pre-Columbian art Museum (located in the Nadal Palace) or the famous Picasso Museum (located in the Aguilar Palace).

El Born is currently the most fashionable neighbourhood of Barcelona and it offers a wide range of leisure and culture: hundreds of pubs, design restaurants, unique boutiques, art galleries, museums, parks and theatres. In addition, it preserves its medieval structure almost intact.

El Born district is situated between Via Laietana and La Barceloneta Quarter. Its main street is the Paseo del Born, a beautiful boulevard flanked by bars, restaurants and shops and dominated by the square which is home to the Gothic cathedral Santa Maria del Mar, undoubtedly the most appreciated jewel of the neighbourhood.

Montcada Street houses, among others, some of the most visited museums in Catalonia such as the Picasso Museum. The adjacent narrow streets have an intense medieval air. There are many shops along with design and craft workshops.

The famous Palau de la Música Catalana, designed by the architect Domenech i Montaner, is also in located in this quarter. The beautiful modernist building is a compendium of the best architecture in Catalonia. Close to the Palau is the Santa Caterina market. This is the last market built in Barcelona by Enric Miralles and Benedetta Tagliabue. The famous corrugated and colourful ceramic roof and the charm of the place have made it a mandatory stop for any visitor to Barcelona.

Finally, another of the great treasures of el Born district is the great Parc de la Ciutadella once a site of a former military citadel. It still retains some military installations such as the arsenal, the governor’s palace which is now a school, and the chapel. The huge park houses the Zoology Museum, in addition to the Barcelona Zoo, the Geology Museum, the Umbracle – a greenhouse made of brick and wood, and the Hivernacle – made of glass and iron that houses a café. In addition, there is a lake where you can hire small rowing boats and many fountains, one of them by Antoni Gaudí. Every year from April 1st the Spring Festival is celebrated here. There are workshops organized, shows, festivals, performances and games for both young and old.

Find out why el Born is the most beautiful neighbourhood of Barcelona and the most visited by tourists. Rent Apartments in Barcelona and enjoy the best district of the city.

Tags: apartments in barcelona, barcelona, barcelona apartments, Domenech i Montaner, El Born district, el borne, Paseo del Born