BARCELONA MYTHOLOGICAL
Discover the most classic Barcelona!
DOWNTOWN
Like many cities in the world, Barcelona has an old town that serves as a cultural showcase for both tourists and citizens. From this point diverge many emblematic streets that form the main arteries of the city. Every street and every avenue owns a history that makes it unique. The Plaça Catalunya is the beginning and end of all this and it's the point between the old city and the new being the live expression of Catalonia. The beauty of the old town lies in the mixture of architectural styles that have an influence in all buildings, but also form a perfect harmony. Not far from there is the Parc de la Ciutadella, one of the lungs of the city and a gateway to the Eixample district, where you can see the diversity of modernist buildings and singular that demonstrate the splendor of the city during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
HERCULES
FOUNTAIN
There can be a contempt for which is the oldest ornamental fountain in Barcelona. Fountain of Hercules was installed in 1797 at the Esplanade Walk, now disappeared. It is crowned by the figure of Hercules (Heracles in Greek), represented with the skin of the Nemean lion and a club that holds his right hand.
How to get there?
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It is easily accessible by Metro Line 4, get off at Verdaguer.
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The option to approach it on foot or by bike is also good as the Passeig Sant Joan and nearby streets have bike lanes.
ARC DE TRIOMF
The Arc del Triomf is one of the most emblematic monuments of Barcelona, in Passeig Sant Joan. We could say that his visit is almost compulsory.
It was built as the entrance to the Universal Exhibition of 1888, held in the city. Since then it has become a benchmark in the city.
The set is full of mythological symbolism. You'll need to look very carefully all the reliefs that decorate and the statues of the Fames that flank it.
How to get there?
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The Arc is located in an important knot of communications. So it can be reached by metro (Line 1), by train or by bus (19, 39, 40, 42, 51, 55, H16, B20, B25 and N11).
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Get there on foot or by bike is totally advisable.
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However, it is not recommended taking the car to go there because parking is scarce.
STATUE OF HERMES
At the entrances to the Parc de la Ciutadella from the Paseo San Juan, you can see this magnificent statue of the god Hermes.
Hermes was the messenger of the gods and protector of thieves, travelers and trade. That last thing is what the figure symbolizes in reference to commercial past of the city. It is dressed with the famous winged helmet that allows him to fly everywhere and is next to the statue of the industry, conforming therefore the main economic pillars of Barcelona.
How to get there?
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Arriving here is easy. Just down from the Arc de Triomphe, walking by the same avenue up to the entrance of the park where there is located the sculpture.
WATERFALL OF THE PARC DE LA CIUTADELLA
As it happened with the Arc de Triomf, the Parc de la Ciutadella can be missed. The monumental waterfall imposes itself in front of the large square, always boisterous and exuberant.
It was built on the occasion of the Universal Exhibition of 1888 and symbolizes the birth of Venus, goddess of love and beauty.
The set is full of mythological elements. It's fun to try to find them all while you climb up the stairs to get to the back of the statue of the goddess. Not all are easy to find, such as the statue of Leda and the swan, but here is where you can demonstrate your skills as a real treasure hunters.
How to get there?
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Access is just as the previous monument. Once you've entered the park go to the left and let yourself be carried away by the senses.
DIANA'S FOUNTAIN
The fountain of Diana, located in the heart of the Gran Via, is of incomparable beauty. The statue stands on a pedestal that gives a prominent view that emphasizes more the arrogant and vindictive spirit of the goddess.
Diana was the goddess of the hunt, forests and the moon. Twin of Apollo, its characteristic attributes are the bow and quiver with arrows and the deer, animal that always accompanies it.
How to get there?
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The best way to get there is by using bus lines 7, 50, 54, H12.
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The nearest metro stop is Passeig de Gracia Lines 2, 3 and 4.
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Is relatively close from the center, so get there on foot or by bike is not difficult. I advise not to take the car for lack of parking.
PLAÇA CATALUNYA
What about Plaça Catalunya? Heart of the city and exponent of the cultural diversity of Barcelona. It is not surprising that at this point there is a high concentration of mythological figures.
This is where you can really demonstrate your research skills and attention. You can not let any detail left because anywhere you don't expect could be a goddess or a hero. Not all are easy to find, but who does not like challenges?
Firstly should be noted carefully all the statues that decorate the square. Of these, four have a relationship with the classical world. In addition, in the corner of Portal de l'Angel you will find the fountain of the six putti, of great interest, which represents the birth of Venus.
Strangely, and I'm not advertising, two of the three Corte Inglés there are around the square are decorated with mythological elements. Go down the Portal de l'Angel, but pull over to the Bank of Spain, then draw near to admire the facade of Can Jorba. Then, go to the Ramblas and see if you see the head of Hermes hiding in another shopping mall. Have you found everything?
Well, it does not end there, because if you raise your head and see the top of the buildings you will find two twins Hermes and Athena will be saluting you?
Difficult? No, right?
How to get there?
As was said in ancient times, all roads lead to Rome. Well, all roads lead to Barcelona's Plaza Catalonia.
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Two subway lines (Line 1 and 3) stop there and there are countless bus stops that pass through the area.
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The place has an huge underground paid parking, so you can address there in a private car.
Finally, walking and cycling are never bad options and less when the outward journey can be full of surprises.