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February 25, 2013

0524, 0525 SPAIN (Catalonia) - Gothic Quarter in Barcelona

0524 Barcelona - Street of the Bishop,
the heart of the Barri Gotic (1)

The Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) is the historic center of the old city of Barcelona, which stretches from La Rambla to Via Laietana, and from the Mediterranean seafront to Ronda de Sant Pere. Many of the buildings date from Medieval times, but can be seen even remains of the squared Roman Wall. El Call, the medieval Jewish quarter, is located within this area too. The Barri Gòtic retains a labyrinthine street plan, with many small streets opening out into squares.

0525 Barcelona - Street of the Bishop,
the heart of the Barri Gotic (2)
 

Despite its name, a number of landmark Gothic buildings in the neighborhood don't date to the Middle Ages. Rather, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the quarter was completely transformed from a somber neighborhood to a tourist attraction through a massive restoration project, timed to be completed for the 1929 International Exhibition. This allowed the city and the surrounding region of Catalonia to portray itself in a positive light to the world's media.


About the stamp

 
The stamp, Tourism - Map of Spain, was issued on January 2, 2012.

References
Gothic Quarter - Wikipedia

Sender 0524, 0525: Marius Vasilescu
Sent from Barcelona (Catalonia / Spain), on 27.12.2012
Photo 0524: Ricard Pla
Photo 0525: Pere Vivas

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