Barcelona Photo Gallery - La Rambla

La Rambla is Barcelona's most famous shopping street although it is only 1.2km long, linking the main square with the harbour. Laid out in 1766 by paving over a medieval riverbed that was an open sewer, it is now a nice place for people watching. Wary of pickpockets, I didn't stroll along the busy tree-lined areas, instead looked for less crowded spots just off the main street. Rather than shopping, I headed into the side street looking for the less expensive and hopefully less known Gaudi works. Palau Güell was built between 1886-89, featuring grand reception rooms, playful mushroom-like motifs, and even a basement stable. The Gran Teatre del Liceu opened as a private theatre in 1847 but fire destroyed it soon after and it was rebuilt in 1861. Tragedy would ravage it two more times with a bombing and another fire but the opera house has been restored once again.