Hermes around BarcelonaLast Sunday a group of Barcelona bloggers went out in search of Hermes, messenger of the gods, who appears all over the city’s architecture.

Being the messenger god, he came to be associated with acting as a go-between in social relations and trade, and so in the end he was also worshipped as the god of commerce. That’s how, from the 19th century onwards, Hermes came to be linked with Barcelona, a port city that has always had close ties with great merchants.

You can recognise Hermes by the two wings, either on a helmet on his head or on his feet, and by the caduceus, a winged staff with two snakes coiled around it. Sometimes you’ll find the whole figure, sometimes just the caduceus, but Hermes only reveals himself to the very observant. 😉

Between Rambla de Catalunya at Rosselló and Plaça Catalunya, you can find at least 20 figures of Hermes on building façades, domes, balconies and so on. Here’s a long list of every Hermes that has been spotted around the city.

The mythical story of the founding of Barcelona and its link with Hermes.

The roles of Hermes and the arts.

Hermes in Barcelona’s architecture.

Thanks to Neus and Apu for the idea, and to all the other bloggers for their enthusiasm.

Las crónicas de Thot, Tot Barcelona, Y sigo en la cocina, La Barcelona que me gusta, Barcelona en horas de oficina, Flickr Jordi Agustí, Milerenda, Plataforma Salvem la Rotonda, Gothalo, Mundo Barcino, Nuna y Aga de Barcelona, Cosas de Absenta.