i strolled around the old gothic quarter on a self-guided walking tour and sleuthed about in search of all known vestiges of the excavated roman walls. the ancient roman colony - then known as barcino - was founded between the years 15-10 bc in the time of emperor augustus. the barri gotic covered around ten hectares and housed some 1,000 inhabitants. living under the constant fear of attack, the romans built a sturdy wall in the 2nd century ad to protect the city and its residents. a second wall complete with watchtowers was built in the 4th century as further reinforcement.
fascinating to think some of these stones that i was admiring had been standing for 19 centuries. the battles they´ve seen...the evolution they´ve witnessed, the injustices and acts of bravery. blows my mind.
it´s a wonder people walking around the old town don´t collide more often as there is soooo much eye candy to contemplate up high in the cornices, windows and towers. my faves though are the gargoyles. there are so many different types, shapes, sizes and are immortalized in the oddest poses. i´ve gone gaga over gargoyles!
temps just soared today. ahhhhhhhhh, thank my lucky stars there is no longer a water shortage.
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