April 23 is the day of Sant Jordi in Catalonia. It coincides with world Book Day, so all the streets are filled with roses and books, in a celebration of love and culture.
We at Derby Hotels Collection suggest 4 of our favourite spots in Barcelona to completely immerse yourself in Sant Jordi and enjoy this special day. Will you join us?
Take a stroll past the book and rose stalls on Las Ramblas
All the way down Las Ramblas and the surrounding squares and streets, books stalls are everywhere. Many of them will feature authors signing their books. Alongside the books you will find hundreds of rose stalls, for the tradition of giving a rose to the one you love.
Gaze at Casa Batlló covered in roses on Paseo de Gracia
Casa Batlló is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an icon of Barcelona; it is an essential stop to discover the work of Gaudí and an ultimate expression of modernism. On Sant Jordi day, its balconies are decorated with red roses to celebrate such a special day, making quite a sight to see.
Discover the secrets of Barcelona City Hall
On the day of Sant Jordi, Barcelona City Hall holds an open day,with free access to the public. It is the perfect moment to discover the inside of this building and its emblematic rooms.
Enjoy a Sant Jordi food extravaganza at Derby Hotels Collection
When lunchtime comes around, what better than a lovely lunch? We have an extra special offering for 23 April, to celebrate the day with a bang:
- Our restaurant La Terraza del Claris, with head chef Daniel Hernández, offers a set menu, available at for lunch and dinner, with dishes such rice with Iberian sobrassada, traditional mayonnaise and Mediterranean lobster; monkfish with shellfish salad, seaweed and Ribeiro; and a dessert of chocolate Catalan chocolate dumplings, and a chocolate, coffee and tonka bean ice cream.
- Be adventurous and try the Bocca di Rosa cocktail prepared by Daniel Maddedu, at Bar Kao or La Terraza del Claris. A mix of Brockmans gin, brandy, berries and essence of orange, with a chocolate border for the romantics.
- If you prefer a more intimate setting, Restaurant 3 at Hotel Granados 83 will suit you. Begin with a welcome “Sant Jordi” drink, and enjoy dishes such as Provolone with “smitten” onion marmalade and toasted bacon; grilled loin of pork with sweet potato mash and cherry sauce; or Catalan-style chicken thigh.
- And for lovers of modernism, the Hotel Astoria Sant Jordi menu will delight you. Begin with a sharing board of Iberian ham, mixed salad, salmon tartar and a canapé of anchovy in vinegar; Enjoy a main course of either chargrilled veal entrecôte with slow-roasted potatoes, or the supreme of hake with tender roasted vegetables; for desert, Catalan crème brûlée or fresh strawberries dipped in chocolate. As a final touch, a glass of cava and a beautiful Sant Jordi rose.
These are some of our favourite spots in Barcelona to enjoy Sant Jordi, but we invite you to take a stroll around the city on this special day, and no doubt you will discover much more. Happy Sant Jordi day!
