Port Guide - Barcelona

barcelona_SHXPRTGDE_0001
B A R C E LO N A
Adventures Ashore Port Guide
®
Barcelona: Where A City Unlike the
Country, Captures the Essence of Spain
SPAIN
AT A GLANCE
SIZE: 194,896 square miles, about the
size of Arizona and Utah combined.
POPULATION: 39,384,000,
16.5% of whom are Catalan.
LANGUAGE: Spain is the official
language, but Catalan, Galician
and Basque are also spoken.
CAPITAL: Madrid
TYPE OF GOVERNMENT:
Constitutional Monarchy
CURRENCY: Euro
TIME ZONE: GMT +2
Barcelona
ABOUT YOUR PORT GUIDE
This is your guide to Barcelona, specially
prepared by Princess Cruises. This guide
is intended to assist you if you are on a
shore excursion, touring independently
or doing both.
Please note that the information provided is
general in nature and is subject to change.
Although it is one of Spain’s most
dynamic cities, Barcelona is really not
Spanish at all. As the capital and cultural
hub of the region of Catalonia, the city
has a long and glorious history all its own.
Romanesque style, but not entirely
finished until the 19th-century.
The twin octagonal towers have
become a characteristic local trademark.
There is also a pretty interior cloister.
Catalonia was a leading trading power
in the Mediterranean during the 14thand 15th-centuries, with enterprising
merchants and bankers, and no feudal
remnants whatsoever. United with the
Kingdom of Aragon in the 12th-century,
the region became part of Spain in
1469 with the marriage of Ferdinand
and Isabella.
The Royal Palace was the residence of
the Counts of Barcelona, who became
Kings of Aragon after 1137. Today it
houses what may be the finest art
collection in the city. Be sure to see
Santa Agata, an extraordinary example
of Catalan Gothic style.
Most of the centuries-old Catalan
institutions and privileges were then
suppressed until a cultural resurgence
in the 19th-century. The Catalan language was banned by General Franco’s
regime in 1939, and was only revived
in 1975.
King Juan Carlos spoke Catalan to
address Parliament in 1978, and again
to open the 1992 Olympics, making
him a very popular monarch.
Today Barcelona is a bustling and
cosmopolitan place, a center of
experimentation in politics and the
arts. Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro, Salvador
Dali, and Pablo Casals have all called
Catalonia “home.”
The old heart of the city is called the
Gothic Quarter, since most buildings here
date from the 13th to 15th centuries.
But Barcelona itself is much older. It was
an important trading hub of the Roman
Empire, and many Roman ruins remain.
The Cathedral of St. Eulalia (Gothic
Cathedral) was begun in 1298 in the
The Generalitat Palace is the focus of
Catalan nationalism, since it has been
the seat of autonomous government
since the 14th-century. The present
ornate structure was built between the
15th-and 17th-centuries, and serves as
a great symbol of regional pride.
Inside, the Hall of the Hundred was the
meeting place for one of Europe’s first
true republican parliaments. And behind
the palace, on the Placa Sant Jaume,
you may find students playing medieval
tunes with flutes and guitars.
Not far from the Gothic Quarter is
the Picasso Museum, which houses
early works in the beautiful 14th-century
Aguilar Palace. The collection shows the
evolution of Picasso’s talent from school
sketches and anatomy diagrams,
through painstaking studies of the
great Spanish masters.
Another fine experience is the Museum
of Modern Art, which showcases Catalan
painting of the past two centuries.
Works of Tapies, Dali, Miro, Fortuny
and others illustrate the richness and
diversity of this country’s culture.
Adventures Ashore Port Guide ~ Barcelona
®
The Catalan Parliament also shares the
same palace with the Museum.
You’ll also want to visit the shopping
district of Las Ramblas. Originally a
stream bed between the huge Placa
Catalunya and the Columbus Monument,
it has been transformed into a gracious
promenade for the fashionable.
Nearby is an extensive park and sports
area with several fascinating museums.
One of the most interesting is the
Poble Espanyol or “Spanish Village,”
built for the 1929 Exhibition to illustrate
architectural styles and folk arts from
each part of the country. It was aptly
nicknamed “Spain in a bottle.”
No trip to Barcelona would be complete
without seeing the work of Antoni Gaudi
(1852-1926), who combined art nouveau
and modernismo. Examples of his work
are found all over town, but the towering
La Sagrada Familia is certainly the
most striking.
Gaudi believed in natural and organic
lines, with no trace of anything angular
or mechanical. He began construction of
his unique church in 1883 and completed a great part of it before he was killed
by a tram in 1926. Work has resumed in
spite of the fact that he left no plans or
notes behind to help his successors.
Take special note of the facades on the
east (the Nativity) and the west (Passion
and Death).
Outside the city there are fine resort areas
like Sitges. What began as a picturesque
fishing port is now a favorite retreat for
wealthy local families, who have built
elegant houses along the Paseo Maritimo,
and near the white and rose-colored
buildings of the old town. The long,
sandy beach here is particularly fine,
and is not far from the wine country
and beautiful pine woods.
A side trip to Montserrat will show a
different face of Catalonia. Founded in
the 9th-century, this stunning Benedictine
monastery is nestled among eroded
mountain crags.
It is the home of the famous Black
Madonna, a polychrome wooden statue
carved in the 12th-century. Although
heavily restored, the Madonna remains
the patroness of Catalonia, and draws
thousands of pilgrims annually.
The religious services conducted by the
monks here are known for the quality
of their singing. One of Europe’s oldest
boys choirs, the Escolania, was founded
here in the 13th-century.
Montserrat grew large and wealthy until
it was sacked by Napoleon’s troops in
1812. Most of the building seen today
are restorations. As a religious center,
Also outside of the city the Sant Sadurni
region is well-known for the production
of great wines and sparkling ‘cava’ wines.
Maxabeo, Perellada and Xerello grapes
are of superb quality. The production
of the cava sparkling wines of this area
have been time-honored traditions since
the 16th-century.
Places of Interest
AJUNTAMENT
Barcelona’s centuries-old “City Hall”.
BARRI GOTIC – “GOTHIC QUARTER”
Barcelona’s old city filled with medieval
buildings, great to explore on foot.
JOAN MIRO FOUNDATION –
“FOUNDATION MIRO”
Museum dedicated to the artist Joan Miro .
GOTHIC CATHEDRAL (ALSO KNOWN AS
THE CATHEDRAL OF ST. EULALIA)
Magnificent Gothic cathedral found in the
Gothic Quarter that was built between 1298
and 1450, its twin towers are a characteristic
trademark of Barcelona.
CHURCH OF LA SAGRADA FAMILIA –
“CHURCH OF THE HOLY FAMILY”
Unique and surreal unfinished cathedral by
the famed Catalan architect Antonio Gaudi
LA PEDREDA
Gaudis unique modernistic residentialcommercial building.
LAS RAMBLAS
Barcelona’s most famous street in the heart
of the shopping and entertainment district.
MONTJUIC MOUNTAIN
AND MIRADOR DEL ALCALDE
Spectacular viewpoint of Barcelona; also home
to Montjuic Castle.
MONUMENT A COLON –
“COLUMBUS MONUMENT”
Located at the foot of Las Ramblas and at the
entrance to Barcelona Harbor.
MUSEU D’ART DE CATALUNYA –
“MUSEUM OF CATALONIAN ART”
Barcelona’s best art museum located in the
Palau Nacional.
MUSEO PICASSO – “PICASSO MUSEUM”
Two 15th-century palaces provide a handsome
setting for this collection of mostly early works
by Picasso.
OLYMPIC STADIUM
Home of the opening and closing ceremonies
of the 1992 Olympic Summer Games.
Practical Information
DOCKING
Your Princess ship docks in Barcelona at either the
Barcelona Pier or the Adossat Pier. Please refer to
the Barcelona City Map for the general location.
SHORE EXCURSION DEPARTURES
Passengers will meet at a specific location for each
shore excursion departure. Please refer to your tour
ticket and the Princess Patter for the correct place
and time. Your Shore Excursion staff will be at that
location to assist you.
TAXIS
Taxis are available pierside and throughout the city.
Confirm your fare with driver before departing.
SHOPPING
Barcelona offers good bargins in: Leather: Colorful
saddlebags, purses and shoes. Ceramics: Distinctive
country-style ceramics. Liquor: Sparkling and red
wines and sherry, all famous around the world.
Clothing: High fashion by top designers. The best
places to shop are along the Las Ramblas, in the
Gothic Quarter at Paseo de Gracia and around the
Placa Reial. Please refer to the Barcelona City Map
for more information.
PUBLIC SERVICES
Post Office: Plaza de Antonio Lopez. Open Monday
through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Banks: Generally open Monday through Friday
from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and Saturday from
8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Museums: Most museums are open from 9:30 a.m.
to 2:00 p.m. and from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and are
closed one day a week, usually Monday.
Shops: Most stores are open from 9:00 a.m. to
1:30 p.m. and from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., and closed
all day Sunday.
PROPER ATTIRE
Please wear proper attire ashore when planning to visit
churches, cathedrals, and other sacred places. Shorts for
both men and women are considered improper.
Women should also cover their bare shoulders.
LOCAL CUISINE - Food Specialties
The cuisine in Spain is among the most varied
and sophisticated in Europe. Catalan cuisine
combines the best elements of Spain and France.
Recommended foods include:
Paella: Famous Spanish seafood and rice dish
Tapas: Another Spanish tradition, these delicious
appetizers are served in bars and restaurants
Pan con tomate: A simple yet delicious accompani-
ment to bread and olive oil and tomato
Habas a la Catalina: Spicy bean stew that’s a
favorite of Catalans
Drink Specialties - Spain is best known for its wine
and sherries:
Red Wine: from the Riojas area
White Sparkling Wine: from Catalonia
Sherries: from Jerez
It is always recommended that you drink bottled
water while in port.
TIPPING
Suggested tipping is 10 percent for good service.
SOME USEFUL WORDS
Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Si
No . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No
Please . . . . . . . . . . . Por Favor
Thank you . . . . . . . Gracias
Good morning . . . Buenos Dias
PRINCESS CRUISES AGENTS
In case of emergency while you are ashore,
please contact:
MacAndrews Cruise & Travel
Plaza de Duque de Medinaceli 5
Apartado 441
08002 Barcelona, Spain
Telephone: 34-93-344-25-00
Telefax: 34-93-344-25-19
PALAU DE LA GENERALITAT
Elegant 15th-century palace and home of the
autonomous Catalan pride and nationalism.
PALAU GUELL
Gaudi-designed mansion and home of the
Scenic Arts.
PLACA CATALUNYA – “CATALONIA SQUARE”
Located at the top of Las Ramblas.
PLACA REIAL
Beautiful 19th-century arcaded square located
in the Gothic Quarter; filled with shops and
sidewalk cafes.
Historic architecture
Montserrat
PLACA SANT JAUME
Cobbled square in the heart of the Gothic
Quarter and sight of the Palau de la Generalitat
and the Ajuntament.
POBLE ESPANYOL – “SPANISH VILLAGE”
Authentic spanish Village built for the
1929 World’s Fair.
THESE SITES CAN BE FOUND ON THE
MAP AT THE BACK OF THIS GUIDE
Olympic stadium
Note: The information in this port guide is subject to change without notice. We apologize for any inconvenience,
but Princess Cruises cannot accept responsibility for any such alterations. Thank you.
Adventures Ashore Port Guide ~ Barcelona
®
The Catalan Parliament also shares the
same palace with the Museum.
You’ll also want to visit the shopping
district of Las Ramblas. Originally a
stream bed between the huge Placa
Catalunya and the Columbus Monument,
it has been transformed into a gracious
promenade for the fashionable.
Nearby is an extensive park and sports
area with several fascinating museums.
One of the most interesting is the
Poble Espanyol or “Spanish Village,”
built for the 1929 Exhibition to illustrate
architectural styles and folk arts from
each part of the country. It was aptly
nicknamed “Spain in a bottle.”
No trip to Barcelona would be complete
without seeing the work of Antoni Gaudi
(1852-1926), who combined art nouveau
and modernismo. Examples of his work
are found all over town, but the towering
La Sagrada Familia is certainly the
most striking.
Gaudi believed in natural and organic
lines, with no trace of anything angular
or mechanical. He began construction of
his unique church in 1883 and completed a great part of it before he was killed
by a tram in 1926. Work has resumed in
spite of the fact that he left no plans or
notes behind to help his successors.
Take special note of the facades on the
east (the Nativity) and the west (Passion
and Death).
Outside the city there are fine resort areas
like Sitges. What began as a picturesque
fishing port is now a favorite retreat for
wealthy local families, who have built
elegant houses along the Paseo Maritimo,
and near the white and rose-colored
buildings of the old town. The long,
sandy beach here is particularly fine,
and is not far from the wine country
and beautiful pine woods.
A side trip to Montserrat will show a
different face of Catalonia. Founded in
the 9th-century, this stunning Benedictine
monastery is nestled among eroded
mountain crags.
It is the home of the famous Black
Madonna, a polychrome wooden statue
carved in the 12th-century. Although
heavily restored, the Madonna remains
the patroness of Catalonia, and draws
thousands of pilgrims annually.
The religious services conducted by the
monks here are known for the quality
of their singing. One of Europe’s oldest
boys choirs, the Escolania, was founded
here in the 13th-century.
Montserrat grew large and wealthy until
it was sacked by Napoleon’s troops in
1812. Most of the building seen today
are restorations. As a religious center,
Also outside of the city the Sant Sadurni
region is well-known for the production
of great wines and sparkling ‘cava’ wines.
Maxabeo, Perellada and Xerello grapes
are of superb quality. The production
of the cava sparkling wines of this area
have been time-honored traditions since
the 16th-century.
Places of Interest
AJUNTAMENT
Barcelona’s centuries-old “City Hall”.
BARRI GOTIC – “GOTHIC QUARTER”
Barcelona’s old city filled with medieval
buildings, great to explore on foot.
JOAN MIRO FOUNDATION –
“FOUNDATION MIRO”
Museum dedicated to the artist Joan Miro .
GOTHIC CATHEDRAL (ALSO KNOWN AS
THE CATHEDRAL OF ST. EULALIA)
Magnificent Gothic cathedral found in the
Gothic Quarter that was built between 1298
and 1450, its twin towers are a characteristic
trademark of Barcelona.
CHURCH OF LA SAGRADA FAMILIA –
“CHURCH OF THE HOLY FAMILY”
Unique and surreal unfinished cathedral by
the famed Catalan architect Antonio Gaudi
LA PEDREDA
Gaudis unique modernistic residentialcommercial building.
LAS RAMBLAS
Barcelona’s most famous street in the heart
of the shopping and entertainment district.
MONTJUIC MOUNTAIN
AND MIRADOR DEL ALCALDE
Spectacular viewpoint of Barcelona; also home
to Montjuic Castle.
MONUMENT A COLON –
“COLUMBUS MONUMENT”
Located at the foot of Las Ramblas and at the
entrance to Barcelona Harbor.
MUSEU D’ART DE CATALUNYA –
“MUSEUM OF CATALONIAN ART”
Barcelona’s best art museum located in the
Palau Nacional.
MUSEO PICASSO – “PICASSO MUSEUM”
Two 15th-century palaces provide a handsome
setting for this collection of mostly early works
by Picasso.
OLYMPIC STADIUM
Home of the opening and closing ceremonies
of the 1992 Olympic Summer Games.
Practical Information
DOCKING
Your Princess ship docks in Barcelona at either the
Barcelona Pier or the Adossat Pier. Please refer to
the Barcelona City Map for the general location.
SHORE EXCURSION DEPARTURES
Passengers will meet at a specific location for each
shore excursion departure. Please refer to your tour
ticket and the Princess Patter for the correct place
and time. Your Shore Excursion staff will be at that
location to assist you.
TAXIS
Taxis are available pierside and throughout the city.
Confirm your fare with driver before departing.
SHOPPING
Barcelona offers good bargins in: Leather: Colorful
saddlebags, purses and shoes. Ceramics: Distinctive
country-style ceramics. Liquor: Sparkling and red
wines and sherry, all famous around the world.
Clothing: High fashion by top designers. The best
places to shop are along the Las Ramblas, in the
Gothic Quarter at Paseo de Gracia and around the
Placa Reial. Please refer to the Barcelona City Map
for more information.
PUBLIC SERVICES
Post Office: Plaza de Antonio Lopez. Open Monday
through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Banks: Generally open Monday through Friday
from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and Saturday from
8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Museums: Most museums are open from 9:30 a.m.
to 2:00 p.m. and from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and are
closed one day a week, usually Monday.
Shops: Most stores are open from 9:00 a.m. to
1:30 p.m. and from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., and closed
all day Sunday.
PROPER ATTIRE
Please wear proper attire ashore when planning to visit
churches, cathedrals, and other sacred places. Shorts for
both men and women are considered improper.
Women should also cover their bare shoulders.
LOCAL CUISINE - Food Specialties
The cuisine in Spain is among the most varied
and sophisticated in Europe. Catalan cuisine
combines the best elements of Spain and France.
Recommended foods include:
Paella: Famous Spanish seafood and rice dish
Tapas: Another Spanish tradition, these delicious
appetizers are served in bars and restaurants
Pan con tomate: A simple yet delicious accompani-
ment to bread and olive oil and tomato
Habas a la Catalina: Spicy bean stew that’s a
favorite of Catalans
Drink Specialties - Spain is best known for its wine
and sherries:
Red Wine: from the Riojas area
White Sparkling Wine: from Catalonia
Sherries: from Jerez
It is always recommended that you drink bottled
water while in port.
TIPPING
Suggested tipping is 10 percent for good service.
SOME USEFUL WORDS
Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Si
No . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No
Please . . . . . . . . . . . Por Favor
Thank you . . . . . . . Gracias
Good morning . . . Buenos Dias
PRINCESS CRUISES AGENTS
In case of emergency while you are ashore,
please contact:
MacAndrews Cruise & Travel
Plaza de Duque de Medinaceli 5
Apartado 441
08002 Barcelona, Spain
Telephone: 34-93-344-25-00
Telefax: 34-93-344-25-19
PALAU DE LA GENERALITAT
Elegant 15th-century palace and home of the
autonomous Catalan pride and nationalism.
PALAU GUELL
Gaudi-designed mansion and home of the
Scenic Arts.
PLACA CATALUNYA – “CATALONIA SQUARE”
Located at the top of Las Ramblas.
PLACA REIAL
Beautiful 19th-century arcaded square located
in the Gothic Quarter; filled with shops and
sidewalk cafes.
Historic architecture
Montserrat
PLACA SANT JAUME
Cobbled square in the heart of the Gothic
Quarter and sight of the Palau de la Generalitat
and the Ajuntament.
POBLE ESPANYOL – “SPANISH VILLAGE”
Authentic spanish Village built for the
1929 World’s Fair.
THESE SITES CAN BE FOUND ON THE
MAP AT THE BACK OF THIS GUIDE
Olympic stadium
Note: The information in this port guide is subject to change without notice. We apologize for any inconvenience,
but Princess Cruises cannot accept responsibility for any such alterations. Thank you.
Barcelona
barcelona_SHXPRTGDE_0001
SPAIN
AT A GLANCE
SIZE: 194,896 square miles, about the
size of Arizona and Utah combined.
POPULATION: 39,384,000,
16.5% of whom are Catalan.
LANGUAGE: Spain is the official
language, but Catalan, Galician
and Basque are also spoken.
CAPITAL: Madrid
TYPE OF GOVERNMENT:
Constitutional Monarchy
CURRENCY: Euro
TIME ZONE: GMT +2
ABOUT YOUR PORT GUIDE
This is your guide to Barcelona, specially
prepared by Princess Cruises. This guide
is intended to assist you if you are on a
shore excursion, touring independently
or doing both.
Please note that the information provided is
general in nature and is subject to change.
B A R C E LO N A
®
Adventures Ashore Port Guide
Another fine experience is the Museum
of Modern Art, which showcases Catalan
painting of the past two centuries.
Works of Tapies, Dali, Miro, Fortuny
and others illustrate the richness and
diversity of this country’s culture.
Not far from the Gothic Quarter is
the Picasso Museum, which houses
early works in the beautiful 14th-century
Aguilar Palace. The collection shows the
evolution of Picasso’s talent from school
sketches and anatomy diagrams,
through painstaking studies of the
great Spanish masters.
Inside, the Hall of the Hundred was the
meeting place for one of Europe’s first
true republican parliaments. And behind
the palace, on the Placa Sant Jaume,
you may find students playing medieval
tunes with flutes and guitars.
The Generalitat Palace is the focus of
Catalan nationalism, since it has been
the seat of autonomous government
since the 14th-century. The present
ornate structure was built between the
15th-and 17th-centuries, and serves as
a great symbol of regional pride.
The Royal Palace was the residence of
the Counts of Barcelona, who became
Kings of Aragon after 1137. Today it
houses what may be the finest art
collection in the city. Be sure to see
Santa Agata, an extraordinary example
of Catalan Gothic style.
Romanesque style, but not entirely
finished until the 19th-century.
The twin octagonal towers have
become a characteristic local trademark.
There is also a pretty interior cloister.
Barcelona: Where A City Unlike the
Country, Captures the Essence of Spain
Although it is one of Spain’s most
dynamic cities, Barcelona is really not
Spanish at all. As the capital and cultural
hub of the region of Catalonia, the city
has a long and glorious history all its own.
Catalonia was a leading trading power
in the Mediterranean during the 14thand 15th-centuries, with enterprising
merchants and bankers, and no feudal
remnants whatsoever. United with the
Kingdom of Aragon in the 12th-century,
the region became part of Spain in
1469 with the marriage of Ferdinand
and Isabella.
Most of the centuries-old Catalan
institutions and privileges were then
suppressed until a cultural resurgence
in the 19th-century. The Catalan language was banned by General Franco’s
regime in 1939, and was only revived
in 1975.
King Juan Carlos spoke Catalan to
address Parliament in 1978, and again
to open the 1992 Olympics, making
him a very popular monarch.
Today Barcelona is a bustling and
cosmopolitan place, a center of
experimentation in politics and the
arts. Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro, Salvador
Dali, and Pablo Casals have all called
Catalonia “home.”
The old heart of the city is called the
Gothic Quarter, since most buildings here
date from the 13th to 15th centuries.
But Barcelona itself is much older. It was
an important trading hub of the Roman
Empire, and many Roman ruins remain.
The Cathedral of St. Eulalia (Gothic
Cathedral) was begun in 1298 in the