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Live Virtual Tour: Barcelona’s Medieval and Trendy Born Quarter with Guille Genestar

Live Virtual Tour: Barcelona’s Medieval and Trendy Born Quarter with Guille Genestar


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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

Join a local expert, live-streaming from Barcelona's seaside historical district. During Medieval times these streets held a bustling market, and today it has become a hip area to wander and linger on the weekends. Locals gather here to enjoy the cafés and restaurants and shop for handmade wares – we'll show you all the best shops to visit during your next stay in Barcelona. Before the pandemic, this neighborhood suffered gentrification, but El Born has kept its quirky atmosphere and continues to be a desirable area to live in. The video-camera-led virtual tour will be supplemented by images and maps to better understand the landmarks and shops we explore during our time together. 

This unique quarter is named in two different ways: El Born (from the old Catalan term “bornar”, which refers to the medieval tournaments that took place here) and La Ribera (that means riverside, because of its location by the sea). 

The neighborhood's long-standing history will be revealed to us in every step we take together: from the magnificent Catalan Gothic style of Santa Maria del Mar (internationally famous for the best-seller “Cathedral of the Sea”), the alleys that keep the names and spirit of the former gilds (mirror makers, silversmiths, hat makers…), the former El Born market (actually an archaeological site with the 1700s remains of the Spanish Succession war and deeply related to Catalan struggle for independence), the streets of former prosperous merchants (today the seat of the Picasso Museum), and Santa Caterina, the amazing very local renovated covered food market (a former convent). 

Our local expert will lead us on a relaxing walk through the splendorous past of the 8th and 9th centuries when Barcelona was the capital of the count-kings of the Aragonese crown, but will also contextualize more recent historical events in the city's history. 

Led by the expert local licensed guide and cultural communicator, Guille Genestar, this interactive virtual tour is designed to show you why El Born is so appealing for locals and visitors. Aimed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased interest in visiting (or revisiting) Barcelona and its splendorous heritage.

Guille is a cultural guide and lecturer. He was born in Menorca and educated in Mallorca and Barcelona. He holds a degree in Tourism Management, a degree in Humanities and a Masters in Cultural Communication. He's a licensed tour guide of Catalonia & Barcelona, where he's been working since 1997. He gives regular talks and presentations on the world of Gaudí, the history of Catalonia and Barcelona and the Picasso universe. He previously worked as a travel agent and tour leader overseas. Thanks to his ample experience in the tourism industry, he also works as a trainer in communication skills for other tour guides. He's fluent in English, French, Italian and bilingual Catalan and Spanish. His personal interests are digital gadgets and swing dance.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 2 reviews
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Anonymous (Porto Alegre, BR)

Guest did not leave comment

D
Debra B. (Cody, US)
El Born

This was my first experience with Context Travel, and I found it excellent. Only wish I could have been walking the streets with the guide; but I made do by following along on Google Maps. He was very knowledgeable and informative. And delightful. I look forward to further virtual tours. And reviewing this one.

Customer Reviews

Based on 2 reviews
100%
(2)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
A
Anonymous (Porto Alegre, BR)

Guest did not leave comment

D
Debra B. (Cody, US)
El Born

This was my first experience with Context Travel, and I found it excellent. Only wish I could have been walking the streets with the guide; but I made do by following along on Google Maps. He was very knowledgeable and informative. And delightful. I look forward to further virtual tours. And reviewing this one.