Insight Guides: Barcelona City Guide by Insight Guides

Author:Insight Guides
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Travel, Spain, Barcelona
Publisher: APA
Published: 2014-01-27T05:00:00+00:00

Towering above the scene is the Torre de Sant Sebastià, whose 78-metre (257ft) height marks the end, or the beginning, of the route of the cable car, which completes its 1,300-metre (4,200ft) journey on Montjuïc.

At the foot of the tower, Club Nataciò Atlètic Barceloneta (also known as Banys Sant Sebastià) has an excellent heated outdoor pool (tel: 93-221 0010; Mon–Sat 6.30am–10.30pm, Sun 8am–7.30pm, winter Sun 8am–4.30pm). It also has a large indoor pool and small spa area and overlooks the beach of Sant Sebastià.

The landscape has changed here recently as the promenade has been developed to reach the domineering new landmark of the Hotel W Barcelona, designed by local architect Ricardo Bofill. If your budget does not run to the €10,000 Extreme Wow suite, you may at least be able to have a copa in the Eclipse bar on its 26th floor, or a drink at its beach bar. The sea wall beyond the hotel is free, giving a great new perspective on both port and city. Some feel, though, that the intelligent town planning of the 1980s is now being compromised.

Origins of Barceloneta

Town planning in the 18th century was also of questionable merit. The streets behind the quayside are in a grid formation, the pattern of which was born of a military decision. It was to Barceloneta that the inhabitants of La Ribera were relocated when their homes were demolished to make way for the building of the fortress La Ciutadella, after the siege and conquest of Barcelona by Felipe V. The streets were built in a series of narrow, rectangular blocks all facing in the same direction (towards La Ciutadella), facilitating easy military control (volleys from the citadel could be directed down the streets).

This residential area is now an appealing mix of traditional and modern; washing hangs along the narrow balconies, while the bars and restaurants have become popular nightspots, and apartments are being restored and let to tourists.

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