The Arc de Triomf stands as a symbol of the first Expo that took place in Barcelona in 1888 and as the entrance from the North West to the Sant Pere and Born districts (known together as La Ribera) that form part of the old centre of Barcelona. In the 13th century, a century of splendour for maritime trading, the majority of the town?s trade was concentrated here along with the palaces of the rich merchants. These days this area is best known for its long streets, filled with small shops, bars and restaurants. It?s a splendid starting point for the Barcelona adventure: its location, as well as being well linked to public transport (the main metro stations being Arc de Triomf, Urquinaona, Jaume I) allows you visit many of the sights in no time at all, even on foot: Plaza Catalunya and the Cathedral in the Gothic Quarter are five minutes away and to get to the Barceloneta beach will only take 15 minutes or one stop on the metro. But first of all a walk through the Parc de la Ciutadella is highly recommended. The park was previously the site of the military stronghold that the Borbones built after victory in the war of the Spanish succession in 1714 and today its serves as the main park for the old city and even includes a small lake where boats are available to rent. Some of the most important architectural pieces of that area are the Palau de la Música, the Picasso museum, the church of Santa Maria del Mar and the successful renovation of the old Santa Caterina market, one of the last achievements of the Catalan architect Enric Miralles.