Between the 13th and the 17th century, the tree-lined Passeig del Born was pretty much Barcelona’s main square. As the focus shifted towards the city’s new centre, the area surrounding the square – known as El Born – was left to decay, until the beginning of this decade that is, when the area that houses one of the most important Gothic churches – Santa Maria del Mar – and the impressive metal and glass structure of the former Mercat del Born was given a new lease of life thanks to a new wave of hip restaurants and boutiques. Today El Born offers a better alternative to the tourist-thronged Ramblas, and is popular with locals, who see it as a chance to enjoy ‘their’ Barcelona.
09 Jul 08 / M.E.
