Blog post 2 - Medieval Catalonia - La Ribera Quarter

Jackson Lev 

IES Barcelona - HPAN 345 Catalan Cultural Studies

Prof. Xavier Alcón Riera

28/2/23 

Blog post 2 - Medieval Catalonia - Let’s go to The Born (la Ribera Quarter)

1. Make a list of five streets dedicated to craftsmanship or trades and describe them. What are the “Els Gremis” (guilds)? 

1. Carrer dels Sombrerers: 

This street is known for the art of producing hats and has a vast array of small shops that sell handmade hats as well as other headwear material. The traditional Catalan hats that these shops specialize in such as the barretina is what gives this street such a sense of Catalan culture.  

2. Carrer dels Banys Nous: 

This street is dedicated to the art of soap making, consumers shop for a multitude of lotions, soaps, bath salts, amongst other handmade products. Furthermore, visitors can find many bathhouses to relax and enjoy themselves. 

3. Carrer de l'Argenteria: 

The silver and goldsmiths on this street are well-known and what this street dedicates itself to. It's a fantastic location to find boutiques that sell one-of-a-kind, handmade jewelry and other beautiful products. 

   4. Carrer de la Llibreteria: 

The booksellers and printers who once operated here earned this street its name. Many independent bookstores call it home, and it has become a well-liked destination for those who love to read. 

       5.  Carrer de la Volta dels Tamborets: 

This street is renowned for its abundance of artisanal retailers and boutiques, many of which are devoted to ceramics and pottery. 

In medieval Catalonia, trade and artisan guilds known as "Els Gremis" were established in order to safeguard the rights of their members and maintain high standards for their output. The guilds were vital to Catalonia's economic and social life during the middle ages and their influence can still be felt in the city's historic buildings as well as crafts.  

2. “La casa-taller” (The house-workshop) was the typical craftsmanship family house in    medieval Catalonia. The same place to live and work. Describe how spaces were organized in a “Casa-taller”.

The layout of a casa-taller was planned to maximize efficiency and was quite meticulous. There are several distinct regions in these houses, each with a different function. To begin, the ground floor typically housed the casa-primary taller's workspace. Next, the mezzanine structure was a half-floor above ground level and was utilized for storing supplies as well as finished goods. The primary living area, including the kitchen, dining area, and living room, was located on the first level. Lastly, the upper levels were designated for bedrooms and other living areas. 

3. Observing the buildings of this area of Barcelona, mention some of the main architectural aspects that distinguish the craftsmanwork buildings to the industrial production ones. For example, materials, spaces or structures of the buildings and streets.

The structures in the La Ribera District are examples of the intricate craftsmanship and extensive history of medieval Catalonia. The use of traditional materials like stone, brick, and wood, together with detailed stonework and embellishments, is one of the key architectural features that distinguishes handcrafted structures from those produced industrially. In contrast, industrial production buildings typically make use of more contemporary materials like steel and concrete. In comparison to craftsman labor buildings, these structures will also have expansive open spaces. 

4. Find the cultural relation and symbolism of these five places cited below to catalan culture. Take on account the different historical periods in each case.

a) Santa María del Mar

Built between 1329 and 1383, this medieval church is located in Barcelona's Gothic District and has several Catalan Gothic elements. It is renowned for its historical value, scale, ornamentation, and architecture. The Virgin Mary was honored in the church. This church is remarkable in that it is supported by ordinary people rather than the nobles. The Santa María del Mar is still a well-liked tourist destination in Barcelona and a significant place of worship for the local populace.  

b) El Mercat del Born

El Mercat del Born, a historic public market erected in the 19th century and now located in Barcelona's La Ribera area, once served as the city's main marketplace for more than a century. After the market's demise and years of vacancy, it was renovated and reopened in 2013 as a cultural hub and museum. Because it gives visitors a look of Barcelona's culture and rich history, the market is a well-liked tourist site. 

c) El Fossà de les Moreres

El Fossá de les Moreres is a monument honoring those who lost their lives while defending Barcelona during the siege of 1714. The mulberry trees that were placed there to conceal the numerous burials are referenced in the name of the cemetery, which reads "Cemetery of the Mulberry Trees." This place serves as a representation of Catalan tenacity, identity, and resistance. 

d) La ciutadella Park (The Fortress of Philip V by 1714)

A former military fortress established by Philip V following the Siege of 1714 is now La Ciutadella Park, a public park in Barcelona. The fortress was built to stifle Catalan rebellion and maintain control over the city, but in the late 19th century it was demolished and replaced by the park. La Ciutadella Park is now a well-liked vacation spot for both locals and visitors, offering a variety of attractions, including museums, gardens, and leisure activities. The Catalan Parliament, a representation of the region's independence and identity, is also housed in the park. 

5. After September 11th 1714 the decrees of Nova Planta were proclaimed in Catalonia by Philip V. Mention the main changes in catalan society doing a little research after the Field study.

Catalan society underwent considerable changes following the Nueva Planta decrees. Spanish was made the sole official language as a result, largely suppressing Catalan institutions and legislation and causing a decrease in Catalan identity and culture.  

6. What is el Consolat de Mar?

The Gothic District of Barcelona, Spain is home to the historic structure known as El Consolat de Mar. It was constructed in the fourteenth century and served as the location of the Consulate of the Sea, a medieval court that oversaw trade and maritime law. Run by a group of judges known as the "Consuls of the Sea," who were in charge of hearing cases and rendering decisions in accordance with a system of rules and laws.