Gothic Quarter Barcelona: discover the heart of the old town

Along its labyrinthine streets, the Gothic Quarter is a place to discover. a journey through time.

Visitors can discover that seem to have emerged from the Middle Ages where myths and legends.

The old town - the Ciutat Vella - is made up of several districts: the Gothic Quarter, Born, Raval and Barceloneta. Each of these neighborhoods has its own special characteristics... but the Gothic Quarter remains one of the most popular!

For its medieval-style streets and its Romanticism that emerges.

The Gothic Quarter is the historic heart of the city. egg-shaped and was already occupied by the Romans. They named the city Barcino.

City History MuseumThis extremely well-designed guide will explain in detail the archaeological remains and early history of today's Gothic Quarter...

Where is Barcelona's Gothic Quarter?

The Gothic Quarter is quite consequently and includes the entire area extending from Plaça de Catalunya, along the left-hand side of the Ramblas towards the old port and bounded by the Via Laetana.

For easy access to the district, there are several possibilities, but one simple way is to leave from Plaça Catalunya and enter via avenue Portal de l'Angela pedestrian-only commercial artery.

You'll then be whisked away to the Cathedral and its narrow streets...

Lose yourself for a few hours in the Gothic Quarter...

To get the most out of the area, I invite you to lose yourself to hazards its narrow streets...

However, some small squares are well hidden, and you'll need to follow the marked route meticulously, as it's easy to get lost in the Gothic Quarter...  The alleys are all the same, and every little street makes you want to linger...

A Gothic district that doesn't quite live up to its name...

And yes, the Gothic Quarter is not Gothic! It's one of the paradoxes of this beautiful city!

Just a few elements are truly period.

Otherwise, from many buildings were constructed in the 20th century and many ornaments have been added over time to give it that Gothic look...

One of the district's boundaries, Via Laietana, for example, features very few Gothic elements, but is nonetheless part of the district...

Myths and legends of the Gothic Quarter

If the Gothic Quarter inspires you and takes you back to another time, you're not alone. These narrow streets have inspired many stories and legends...

In the heart of its romantic streets, you can come face to face with centaurs, snakes, princess saved by the Saint-George... The sculptures here and there are by sculptor Père Joan and date back to the 15th century.

Calle del Obispo, with its enchanting bridge, is also steeped in history, with its bishop's palace. Manuel Irurita Amandoz and the strange circumstances surrounding his assassination at the start of the Civil War. Even if he was later seen in the streets, notably in 1939.

This is just a small part of what you can find out about these places, and I recommend that you immerse yourself in the stories to immerse yourself in the neighborhood and better understand its uniqueness.

The Gothic Quarter's most famous streets and monuments

The Gothic Quarter is an area with a wealth of prestigious squares and monuments, thanks to its strategic position and historical importance. Here you'll find Palau Reial, Casa de la Ciutat, Palau de la Generalitat, Palau del Lloctinent...

To get a feel for the area, I invite you to discover the most important squares and monuments...

• Holy Cross CathedralIts foundations date back to 1298, during the reign of James II of Aragon. Gothic in style, its construction is estimated at around 13th and 15th centuries. The Cathedral is monumental and its strategic position means you're both in the old town and close to the sea.

Loaded with history, you can visit it all year round...

The museum is well worth a visit if you want to learn about its legends and discover its architectural splendors.

• El Pont del Bisbe o Puente del Obispo - The Bishop's Bridge

Once the city's main artery in Roman times, this street provided the link between the Cathedral square and the squares dedicated to political affairs.

The bridge was designed by Joan Rubió i Bellverdisciple of Gaudiin 1928.

Long after the Gothic period. The aim was to give the city a unique prestige over its European counterparts.

Today, it's one of the city's most photographed and admired monuments.

• La Plaça Nova is the square on which the Cathedral stands. It's a lively place where many street artists and hawkers gather. There are also regular a flea market. A gathering place, it's also a place where you can discover performances of fokloric dances such as sardanes. This square has always been a place of commerce, since the Palla market used to sit there.

• Visit Plaça Sant Jaume includes the most important sites of Barcelona's political administration, with Palace of the Generalitat of Cataloniaheadquarters of the Presidency and Government of Catalonia, and Barcelona City Hall, opposite each other. In the past, during Barcino's reign, this was where a temple dedicated to the emperor Augustus. As many institutional buildings are located here, it's also a lively place, especially during the Mercè and Sainte-Eulalie festivals.

• Visit Plaça Reial  was named after King Ferdinand VII. It's a lively square where tourists, revellers and hawkers meet. Under its arcades are numerous bars and restaurants, always packed to the rafters. At the center of the square is an iron fountain. "The Three Gracesand lighting fixtures that were early works of the famous Antonio Gaudi.

And there's so much more to see and do in this district: discover the Plaça Felip Neri, dine in the tapas bars, discover the patisseries, and then get lost in the narrow streets...