Barcelona Audiotour: De Historische Bezienswaardigheden Audiotour van Barcelona

The Basilica of Saints Justus and Pastor, also known as Església dels Sants Just i Pastor in Catalan, is a remarkable basilica located in Barcelona, Catalonia. It received the prestigious title of minor basilica in 1948, making it the sixth church in Barcelona to be bestowed with this honor by Pope Pius XII. The construction of this Gothic church commenced on February 1, 1342 and continued until 1574. The basilica was built upon the foundation of the previous Romanesque church and the site of the former chapel of Sant Celoni. The initial three sections of the nave were completed in 1363, with the vault of the feet following suit in the subsequent century. The construction of the façade and belfry extended until the 16th century, under the watchful guidance of master builders Pere Blai, Joan Safont, and Joan Granja. In the 19th century, significant renovations took place, including the relocation of the choir from the center of the nave to the apse. To accommodate this change, the altar was moved forward. Between 1880 and 1887, the façade was reconstructed in the Gothic Revival style by the skilled hands of architect Josep Oriol Mestres. Additional renovations were carried out in 1904 by August Font i Carreras, focusing on the chapel of the Santíssim. In 1944, the polychromy of the nave and 19th-century vaults were removed, and in 1946, the basilica underwent restoration under the supervision of architect Jeroni Martorell i Terrats. As a testament to its grandeur and significance, the Basilica of Saints Justus and Pastor was granted the title of minor basilica in 1948, signifying its esteemed place within the Catholic Church.

During the late 13th century, the renowned medieval rabbi Shlomo ben Adret served as the leader of this synagogue for an impressive 50 years. However, after the Jewish population of Barcelona was tragically massacred in 1391, the building was repurposed and its original use was forgotten. It was not until 1987, when Jaume Riera y Sans began researching the location of the Sinagoga Major, that the synagogue was rediscovered. The building's structure was found to align with religious requirements, facing Jerusalem and featuring two windows, suggesting its original purpose as a synagogue. In 1995, Miguel Iaffa purchased the building and initiated its restoration, leading to its reopening as a synagogue and museum in 2002. Although no congregation regularly prays here, the Ancient Synagogue is used for special occasions such as B'nei Mitzvah and weddings. This remarkable landmark has drawn thousands of visitors since its opening and holds significant historical and cultural value. It is a testament to the rich Jewish heritage of Barcelona and serves as a reminder of the diverse history of the city.

The name "El Call" comes from the Catalan language, meaning "little street" or "alley," referring to the narrow streets that were inhabited by the Jewish population. The community of Jews living here was known as the aljama. The presence of Jews in Barcelona dates back to soon after 70 CE when small groups arrived in Europe, fleeing Roman repression during the First Jewish-Roman War. By 1079, the Jewish population in Barcelona had grown to around 70 families. Over time, the Jewish population became concentrated within the Call, which expanded to include Carrer del Call, Carrer de Sant Domènec del Call, Carrer Marlet, and Arc de Sant Ramón del Call. As the community continued to grow and Jews expelled from France arrived, the Call Menor, or Minor Call, was established alongside the Call Major. By the 13th century, the Call had become the largest Jewish quarter in Catalonia. During its golden age, around 15% of medieval Barcelona's population was Jewish, with the majority residing in the Jewish quarter. Jews held important positions as doctors, scientists, merchants, and money lenders for the Catalan aristocracy. Legislation even made Jews the official financiers of Catalonia's sovereigns. However, life became more challenging for the Jewish community in Barcelona. At the Fourth Lateran Council in 1215, Jews were required to wear hoods and a red button sewn into their clothes for identification. King James I later removed this requirement in 1268. The situation worsened in the 14th century when Barcelona faced famines and the devastating Black Death in 1348, which took the lives of many residents, including Jews. Blaming the Jewish community, an attack on the Jewish quarter occurred in 1349. The violent pogroms of 1391 across Spain essentially eradicated the Jewish quarter, with approximately 300 Jews being killed in Barcelona alone. During the Spanish Inquisition, the Jewish population in Barcelona suffered greatly. King Ferdinand imposed restrictions on the size of synagogues and nearly wiped out the community. Nonetheless, in the center of the Jewish quarter stands the Ancient Synagogue, also known as the Sinagoga Major. This synagogue is believed to have existed since the 5th century and is one of the oldest synagogues in Europe. It underwent restoration in the 1990s and reopened to the public in 2003. In the 21st century, Barcelona is home to an estimated 3,500 Jews, marking the largest concentration of Jews in Spain. The Jewish quarter, with its rich history and the Ancient Synagogue, serves as a reminder of the vibrant Jewish community that once thrived in Barcelona.

Plaça de Sant Felip Neri is a significant and somber landmark located in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona. This small square, situated in the district of Ciutat Vella, showcases various architectural styles, including Renaissance and Baroque buildings. It derives its name from the Church of Saint Philip Neri, which stands prominently in the square. To the right of the church, you will find the School of Saint Felip Neri, utilizing the square as a playground for its students. On the left side of the church, there is a house used by the Oratory of Saint Philip Neri. In the center of the square lies a notable octagonal fountain, symbolizing the essence of life. The square was once home to the Palace of Neri, constructed in 1752. In an attempt to preserve the gothic style of the square, Renaissance buildings from other parts of the city were carefully relocated here during the mid-20th century. Additionally, the hotel Neri was constructed with gothic stone to maintain the square's unique character. Tragically, Plaça de Sant Felip Neri holds a painful history dating back to the Spanish Civil War. In the midst of the conflict, on January 30th, 1938, Franco's forces besieged Barcelona, and one of their bombs struck the church. The devastating explosion resulted in the loss of 30 lives, predominantly children from the School of Sant Philip Neri and orphaned refugee children from Madrid. As the community rallied to rescue survivors, a second bomb tragically fell on the square, claiming the lives of 12 more individuals, bringing the total death toll to 42. The church's walls still bear the scars of these bombings, serving as a chilling reminder of the past. It is worth mentioning that during the Francoist regime, authorities spread a false myth suggesting that the pockmarks on the church's stone facade were the result of an anarchist execution targeting church priests. This fabrication aimed to conceal evidence of the bombings that took place in 1938. Although the Museu del Calçat, a museum dedicated to footwear, closed its doors in 2015, the building remains unused. However, the tragic history and architectural significance of Plaça de Sant Felip Neri continue to attract visitors who seek to understand Barcelona's past. For those using public transportation, the closest metro stations are Jaume I (L4) and Liceu (L3). Additionally, several bus lines, including 45, 59, 91, 120, V13, V15, V17, and the Barcelona tourist bus, provide convenient access to the square. It is also in close proximity to the Barcelona Cathedral, located at the end of Carrer de Montjuïc del Bisbe.

The Church of Saint Philip Neri, known as Església de Sant Felip Neri in Catalan, is an impressive example of baroque architecture. It is situated in the Plaça de Sant Felip Neri, within the historic Gothic quarter of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. Construction of the church took place between the years 1721 and 1752, resulting in the magnificent structure you see before you today. This church holds a tragic piece of history, as it endured the ravages of the Spanish Civil War. On January 30, 1938, it became a target for Franco's air forces, and the impact of the bombardment can still be observed on its facade. This event left a lasting impact on the church, serving as a grim reminder of the destruction caused during that period. Adjacent to the church stands a convent belonging to the Oratory of Saint Philip Neri. Within these sacred walls, the composer Francesc Queralt created a collection of oratorios specifically crafted for performance in this very church. The Church of Saint Philip Neri is not only a religious landmark but also an embodiment of history, resilience, and the enduring spirit of Barcelona.

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Barcelona, officially known as the Archidioecesis Barcinonensis, is a significant religious institution in the Catalonia region of northeastern Spain. The archdiocese is centered around the Catedral Basílica Metropolitana de la Santa Creu i Santa Eulàlia, Barcelona, which holds the status of a Minor Basilica. In addition to the cathedral, the archdiocese has nine more Minor Basilicas. The current Archbishop of Barcelona is Juan José Omella Omella, who was appointed by Pope Francis on November 6, 2015. Within the ecclesiastical province of Barcelona, there are two suffragan sees: the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sant Feliu de Llobregat and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Terrassa. As of 2014, the archdiocese served approximately 2,116,479 Catholics, accounting for 79.7% of the total population of 2,657,000 in the area. The pastoral care is carried out in 214 parishes and 153 missions, with the assistance of 826 priests (396 diocesan and 430 religious), 46 deacons, 3,092 lay religious (639 brothers and 2,453 sisters), and 19 seminarians. While there are claims of the diocese dating back to the time of the apostles, historical evidence primarily supports its existence from the third century onwards. Barcelona was one of the fourteen dioceses of the ecclesiastical province of Tarragona during the Visigothic Kingdom. In the fifth century, it temporarily lost territory to establish the Diocese of Egara but regained it later. After the Christian fall in 712, a long period of sede vacante, meaning a vacant see, ended with the appointment of Bishop Joan in 850. At this time, the diocese became subordinated to the Carolingian See of Narbonne. During the Reconquista, Bishop Oleguer assumed the archiepiscopal seat of Tarragona in 1017 while maintaining his position in Barcelona. Barcelona then became suffragan to Tarragona once again. In 1237, it lost its Balearic territory to establish the Diocese of Mallorca. Throughout the Middle Ages, the bishops often resided in pontifical or royal courts rather than in the city itself. Bishop Jaume Caçador introduced reforms according to the Council of Trent in the 16th century. Except for a period of sede vacante from 1808 to 1814 during the Napoleonic Wars, Barcelona and its diocese continued to grow in wealth and influence. On March 25, 1964, Pope Paul VI elevated the Diocese to the level of a non-Metropolitan Archdiocese. However, it only gained the status of a Metropolitan Archdiocese in 2004 when Pope John Paul II divided its territory into the Archdiocese of Barcelona and the suffragan sees of Sant Feliu de Llobregat and Terrassa, appointing Archbishop Sistach. The Archdiocese of Barcelona has seen important visits from Pope John Paul II in February 1982 and Pope Benedict XVI in November 2010. Throughout its history, the source of the diocese's bishops can be traced back to apostolic times, as documented in various catalogs. These catalogs, though not entirely authentic, have preserved the names of numerous bishops who played significant roles in the diocese's development.

The cathedral features a neo-Gothic façade added in the late nineteenth century, transforming its previously nondescript exterior into a more grandiose structure commonly seen in Catalan churches. The interior is designed in a pseudo-basilica style, with five aisles that are vaulted and divided into chapels. The transept of the cathedral is truncated, and the east end showcases a chevet consisting of nine radiating chapels connected by an ambulatory. The high altar is elevated, offering a clear view into the crypt beneath. This crypt is where the body of Saint Eulalia, the co-patron saint of Barcelona, is entombed. According to Catholic tradition, she was a young virgin who suffered martyrdom during Roman times in the city. One story recounts that she was exposed naked in the public square, and a miraculous snowfall covered her nudity in mid-spring. The enraged Romans then rolled her down a street in a barrel filled with knives. If you take a look at the choir stalls, you will notice the coats-of-arms belonging to the knights of the Order of the Golden Fleece. It is worth noting that in his first visit to Spain, Charles, the eventual Holy Roman Emperor, chose Barcelona as the site for a chapter of his Order. The cathedral's large proportions made it suitable for the grand ceremonies he intended. The Barcelona Cathedral also showcases the Chapel of the Holy Sacrament and the Holy Christ of Lepanto, which houses a cross believed to date back to the Battle of Lepanto in 1571. Additionally, several tombs can be found within the cathedral, including those of Saint Raymond of Penyafort, Count Ramon Berenguer I, his third wife Almodis de la Marche, and several bishops. Within the Gothic cloister of the cathedral, you will find 13 white geese. It is said that there are precisely 13 geese because Saint Eulalia was 13 years old when she was martyred. To learn more about the history of the cathedral, you can visit the Barcelona City History Museum, which displays parts of the early Christian and Visigothic episcopal complex that once stood in this location. This complex included a baptistery, a basilical hall, a cross-shaped church, and a bishop's palace. Thank you for your attention.

Els Quatre Gats was inspired by a French café called Le Chat Noir, where one of the founders, Pere Romeu, had previously worked. The name "Els Quatre Gats" translates to "The Four Cats" in English, derived from a Catalan expression referring to a small group of people, often perceived as outsiders. Romeu was financially supported by his friends, Ramon Casas i Carbó, Santiago Rusiñol, and Miguel Utrillo, who were influential modernist Spanish artists. Casas even painted a famous piece specifically for the café's interior, titled "Ramon Casas and Pere Romeu on a Tandem," reflecting their progressive mindset through the accompanying quote: "To ride a bike, you can't go with your back straight." The café quickly became a popular hub for artists, musicians, architects, and intellectuals. It was praised not only for its food and drink but also for providing an atmosphere conducive to artistic discussions, cultural events, and creative exchanges. Figures such as Antoní Gaudí and Julio González frequented Els Quatre Gats, further enhancing its reputation among the bohemian and modernist circles of Barcelona. In 1899, a young Pablo Picasso began frequenting the café, eventually holding his first solo exhibition in its main room. The poster that stands outside the café today was even designed by Picasso himself. Unfortunately, due to Romeu's lack of business acumen and his habit of giving discounts or even free meals to his friends, Els Quatre Gats faced financial difficulties and closed its doors in June 1903. Nevertheless, the legacy of this extraordinary café endured thanks to the dedication of Ramon Casas and Miguel Utrillo. They continued to publish a literary review inspired by Els Quatre Gats for five years after its closure. After the death of Francisco Franco and the arrival of democracy in Spain in the 1970s, efforts were made by Pere Moto, Ricard Alsina, and Ana Verdeguer to restore the café to its former glory. Their proposal highlighted the cultural significance of the café and its role in the revitalization of Barcelona's cultural environment after the oppression suffered during the Franco regime. So take a moment to soak in the unique ambiance and appreciate the historical importance of Els Quatre Gats as a meeting place for renowned artists and intellectuals during the vibrant era of Modernisme in Barcelona.

Via Laietana is always bustling with both locals and tourists who are drawn to its stunning Modernista Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Noucentista neo-classical architecture. Its proximity to the Ramblas and the quiet pedestrian streets of Barri Gòtic adds to its appeal. Additionally, this avenue is home to the headquarters of various banks and institutions, including the historic building of the old Caixa Catalunya. The construction of Via Laietana was first planned in 1879 and commenced in 1907. However, it faced much controversy due to the need to demolish a significant number of houses and rearrange the streets in the area. As a result, traditional guilds of the city, some dating back to the Middle Ages, had to be relocated, notably to Plaça de Sant Felip Neri. The first section to be built was named Carrer de Bilbao, which now exists as a separate, shorter street branching off from Via Laietana. Finally, in 1926, the avenue was completed. During the Spanish Civil War from 1936 to 1939, it was temporarily renamed Via Durruti. As an avenue constructed in the early 20th century, the buildings along Via Laietana reflect the aesthetic ideals of the time and the influence of different political regimes. The architectural style of some buildings is unique to Barcelona and has greater similarities to the architecture seen in Madrid. Interestingly, several of these buildings are currently undergoing conversion into hotels. Throughout Via Laietana, you can admire notable structures such as the Conservatori Superior de Música del Liceu, Casa Bulbena-Salas, Edifici del Col·legi d'Enginyers Industrials, Casa Artur Suqué, Caixa Catalunya building (formerly Banco de España), Casa dels Velers, Foment del Treball building, Edifici de Tabacs, and Edifici de Correus. Please take a moment to appreciate the grandeur and architectural diversity of this avenue. Thank you for joining me on this tour of Barcelona's historical landmarks!