museu frederic marés

i've never been to this strange sounding little museum, but it's supposed to contain some pretty interesting stuff, including a "museu sentimental" with artifacts from daily life in barcelona over the last couple of centuries, and a lot of wonderful sculptures. admission is pretty cheap too, so it's probably worth a look. i have been to this adjacent outdoor patio, however, and it's a wonderful place to sit and take a break from the city. it's quiet, with a little bubbling fountain, and pretty orange trees, all tucked next to the cathedral through a little gateway. there are a few benches there, and usually even fewer people, so it's a nice place to read or relax. there is also a little cafe (though i have never seen it open) and windows that look into the museu d'história de la ciutat where you can see a little of the roman history that lies beneath the city. the patio closes with the museum.