Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter: Top Places to Visit

             

Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, or Barri Gòtic in Catalan, is the center of the Old Town of Barcelona and is the city’s oldest quarter.

 

First and foremost, Barcelona's Gothic Quarter dates back to the Romans, when the Roman Colony Barcino was built during the late 1st century BC. Over the 13th and 14th centuries, Barchinona became the main residence of the court of the Crown of Aragon. The city experienced impressive growth, transforming into one of the most important political capitals. Here we find the City Hall and the seat of the Catalan Government - the Palau de la Generalitat, the Cathedral of Barcelona, and many other historical places to visit. The name “Barri Gòtic” was given in 1911, to unify the Gothic architectural style of the area.

 

Today Barcelona's Gothic Quarter features a fusion of buildings dating from Roman times to the 21st century. Walking through its narrow streets will lead you into a medieval atmosphere. It is defined by several small squares, churches, gothic constructions, and streets filled with trendy bars, clubs, and restaurants. Moreover, this neighborhood presents a vibrant modern culture, with several artisan shops, street markets, and restaurants offering authentic culinary experiences.

 

In this post, we present a selection of important landmarks and places to visit in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter. We try not to undervalue other points of interest that should be included. However if we would speak about all of them, the list would be endless, regarding its priceless historical heritage. Let us dive deep into this place of singular beauty and authenticity.

 

The Roman Wall

   

Barcelona's history began in today's Gothic quarter when the Romans built the walled colony named Barcino. This Roman town was founded in the late 1st century BC by Emperor Augustus. He was the first emperor of the Roman Empire, reigning from 27 BC until his death in AD 14.

Although Barcelona's first city wall dates back to the 1st century BC, the wall was reinforced during the early 4th century AD. Barcelona's Roman ruins are found everywhere in the older sections of the city: in Plaça dels Traginers - the Roman wall defense towers, at Plaça Nova you face the gateway of Barcino and at Plaça Ramón Berenguer can be seen some remains of the Roman walls. If you look closely, you'll see that the wall was erected with building materials retrieved from ancient constructions.

The wall of Barcelona originally had 74 towers, was 16 meters high, and marked the perimeter of Barcino city, which was 1.3 kilometers in circumference.

The Temple Augustus

     

As you explore Barcelona's Gothic Quarter you'll discover one of the city's oldest monuments, on Carrer Paradís. Inside a small medieval courtyard, the 2,000-year-old four columns from the Roman Temple of Augustus have survived over the centuries.

The Temple of the Roman colony of Barcino has been dated to the 1st century BC. It was consecrated to the worship of the Roman Empire and Emperor Augustus. In fact, the monument once towered over the ancient Roman city of Barcino.

 

The Cathedral of Barcelona

    The Catedral de la Santa Creu I Santa Eulalia, also known as La Seu or the Cathedral of Barcelona, underwent a lengthy construction process spanning over six centuries. This extensive period involved three distinct phases of building. Over the centuries, the Cathedral’s site has experienced numerous transformations and architectural changes. The Cathedral's name honors Santa Eulalia, one of Barcelona’s Patron Saints. Legend has it that Eulalia, a courageous 13-year-old girl, remained steadfast in her Christian faith during the Roman Empire in the 4th century and sacrificed her life for her beliefs. Construction commenced in 1298. Initially, builders focused on the foundations of a 4th-century early-Christian church. Subsequently, they constructed a Romanesque church during the 10th century. Furthermore, the Cloister, an important part of the design, was completed in 1448. In addition, the main façade and bell tower were finished in 1890, incorporating neo-Gothic elements. Finally, the present main façade and towers were completed in the early 20th century, adhering to the architectural plan from the 15th century. Throughout its development, the Cathedral has undergone significant changes, reflecting various historical styles and periods. These transformations underscore its rich and complex history, showcasing a blend of architectural evolution that spans several centuries.  

The Plaça del Rei

    At Plaça Del Rei, also known as the king's square, visitors find the historical site of Barcelona's Counts and the Crown of Aragon. This square features the Palau Reial Major, a building dating back to the 11th century, which builders later rebuilt in the Gothic style. Despite these changes, you can still observe a fascinating mix of architectural styles, including Visigothic and Romanesque details. The Royal Palace, also called the Palau Reial Major, along with its surrounding buildings, represents the city’s medieval splendor from the 13th to 15th centuries. Additionally, this Royal Palace is historically famous as the location where King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella welcomed Christopher Columbus in 1493 after his discovery of America. Overall, the blend of architectural styles and historical significance makes Plaça Del Rei a must-visit location for history enthusiasts.  

The Sant Jaume Square

   

The Plaça Sant Jaume (also known as Plaça de la Generalitat) has been the city's political center since its origins. With 2,000 years of history behind, it is now the site of the City Hall (on the southern side) and the Palau de la Generalitat, the seat of the Presidency and the Catalan Government (on the northern side).

The current appearance of the Plaça Sant Jaume dates from 1823. Throughout its history, it has been the venue for several historical and cultural events that include Barcelona's traditional festivals, political demonstrations, art exhibitions, and celebrations of football victories. Present square name memorizes the old and previous church of Sant Jaume, which was located at today's City Hall façade.

 

The Church of Sants Just i Pastor

   

The Church Sant Just i Pastor is ​​a single-nave church hidden between the oldest streets in the Gothic quarter. Considered to be the oldest church in Barcelona. Archaeological studies have allowed to identify the origin of a Christian church built over the 4th century. Moreover, it was previously a site of pagan worship before becoming a Christian church.

The current Gothic structure was constructed around 1342. Notably, its architecture and artifacts blend pagan and Christian mythologies. One of its most renowned relics is the sculpture of “La Moreneta” – the Black Madonna, which mirrors the design of the Black Virgin from Montserrat. La Moreneta, the patron saint of Catalonia, is also thought by some to have origins connected to the ancient Egyptian goddess Isis. Outside, in the square, is a famous landmark – the Fivaller Fountain, also known as the Font Sant Just. This Gothic-style fountain is adorned with three bas-reliefs depicting faces.  

The Ancient Synagogue and El Call - the Jewish Quarter in Barcelona's Gothic Quarter

  The Synagogue of Barcelona is one of the oldest in Europe. It is widely believed that builders constructed it around the 4th century. Inside, visitors can see the Opus africanus technique, an ancient wall construction method using ashlars. Furthermore, the Synagogue stands where the Jewish Quarter once existed. Historically, this area, known as “El Call” and “Judiaria,” was located at the heart of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter. During the 13th century, as the Call population grew, the city developed a new area called Call Menor, now the Church of Sant Jaume. Additionally, by the 14th century, Barcelona’s Jewish community had around 4,000 members. They followed their customs and laws, and the quarter included bathhouses, hospitals, schools, and two synagogues. However, the Spanish Inquisition expelled the Jews from Barcelona in the 14th century. Consequently, their culture and buildings vanished. The Major Synagogue was officially rediscovered in 1996.

The Basilica of Santa Maria del Pi

   

The Plaça Reial

   

Plaça Reial is Barcelona's royal square, it was built in the late 18th century on the remains of the Santa Madrona Capuchin monastery, which was demolished around 1835. At this period many of Barcelona's religious buildings disappeared as a result of the confiscation of properties.

At the center of the square stands the Font de les Tres Gràcies (fountain of the Three Graces). The first public works attributed to the architect Antoni Gaudí are located around the fountain. Two ornamental street lamps, one on each side of the fountain.

Today this square is one of Barcelona's Gothic Quarter's most popular nightspots, with great bars and restaurants.

 

La Rambla

    Written by Elisa Rodrigues