Gothic Quarter

The Barri Gòtic, or Gothic Quarter, is the historic heart of Barcelona, one of the most fascinating and historically rich areas of the city. This neighborhood stretches from the famous Rambla to Via Laietana, and from the sea to Ronda de Sant Pere, including some of the oldest streets and squares in the city. It is a place where the past and present intertwine, offering visitors a unique experience through its labyrinthine streets, Gothic churches, and ancient Roman ruins. The Barri Gòtic is built on the ancient Roman city of Barcino, founded around 15 BC. Many remains from this era are still visible, such as sections of the Roman walls and the remains of the Temple of Augustus, located near Plaça Sant Jaume, which now houses the Barcelona City Hall and the Palace of the Generalitat de Catalunya. This square has been the administrative heart of the city for over two thousand years. The architecture of the neighborhood reflects a long history from Roman times to the Middle Ages to the additions of the 20th century. A significant example is the Barcelona Cathedral, begun in 1298 and completed only in the 19th century. The cathedral, dedicated to Santa Eulalia, the city’s patron saint, is a Gothic masterpiece with its imposing facade, serene cloister, and magnificent stained glass windows. Every corner of the Barri Gòtic has a story to tell, such as Plaça del Rei, where the Major Royal Palace and the Chapel of Santa Agata are located, and the evocative Plaça de Sant Felip Neri, which still bears the scars of the bombs from the Spanish Civil War. One of the most fascinating aspects of the Barri Gòtic is its mix of history and contemporary life. The narrow and winding streets, like Carrer del Bisbe with the famous neogothic bridge built in 1928, are lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants that offer a taste of vibrant Catalan culture. Among these stands out Els Quatre Gats, a café that was the center of intellectual and artistic life in modernist Barcelona and also hosted a young Picasso. The Barri Gòtic is also a prominent cultural center. The Museum of the History of Barcelona (MUHBA), located in Plaça del Rei, offers a fascinating journey through the city’s history, with Roman excavations that can be visited under medieval streets. Another point of interest is the Picasso Museum, which houses one of the most complete collections of the artist’s early works. The Barri Gòtic has been the stage for many crucial events in the history of Barcelona and Catalonia. In addition to the aforementioned Plaça Sant Jaume, the neighborhood also houses the Sinagoga Major, one of the oldest in Europe, a testament to the rich history of Barcelona’s Jewish community, and the Call, the ancient Jewish quarter.