Consolat de Mar

Point of interest (13) Pla de Palau. The Ribera neighbourhood.

Now we are on the square Pla de Palau where was writen the Consolat de Mar, but where is the Palace? On the left of the square was a Royal Palace that was bought by an individual at the time of the Spanish Republic when the federal government sold all of the king’s belongings.

One Christmas night, an accidental breakdown of the heating system set fire to and completely destroyed the palace.

To the right of the square was the stock market or contracting room. From the 14^th century onwards the school of arts was located in this building. This business centre was the beginning of a more commercial Barcelona. From then on, the city became much more open to other cultures and countries across the Mediterranean Sea.

Legend of Consolat de Mar.

Until the kingdom of Jaume I, transactions at sea were not regulated and people did as they wished. The king wanted to bring order to the situation and asked the people of the sea to establish rules.

A very traditional and simple old boat skipper knew best what should be done to organise the navigation system, so his advice prevailed and everyone paid attention to what he said.

When the great men of Ribera showed the sea ordinances to the king, everyone praised the work carried out by the humble and weathered sailor.

The king wanted to reward him and named him a gentleman in the court. When the nobility around the king found out, they were angry and outraged to have such a simple man as a companion at court.

The king found out and was outraged. One day he met all the court members, and he ordered the sailor skipper to sit at a table before him. The king served him all the meals that pleased the embarrassed sailor. With great admiration from all members of the court, the king said:

Noble lords, you do not want to deal with this good man because he is not to your liking. You are absolutely right; you are part of those who serve the king, but this man is part of the people who the king serves. He is far above you. Those of you who, from now on, do not consider him for his value, will feel the full weight of my justice.

Moral, do not be conceited. Intelligence and abilities can be hidden in the humblest of people; pay attention to find out who they are.