Barrio gotico en barcelona: The Top Things to Do in Barrio Gótico, Barcelona

Contenido que vas a encontrar

• Qué ver y hacer en el Barrio Gótico
  • 1. Catedral de Barcelona
  • 2. Plaza del Rey
  • 3. Carrer de Bisbe y Puente del Obispo
  • 4. Plaza de Sant Jaume
  • 5. Basílica de Santa María del Pi
  • 6. Carrer de Petritxol
  • 7. La Rambla de Barcelona
  • 8. Plaza Real
  • 9. Plaza de Sant Felip Neri
  • 10. «El beso» de Joan Fontcuberta
• Más cosas que ver y hacer en el Barrio Gótico
• Restaurantes en el Barrio Gótico
• Mapa del barrio Gótico de Barcelona

Qué ver y hacer en el Barrio Gótico

Bullicioso, animado y en ocasiones enigmático, este laberinto de calles del centro de Barcelona parece no descansar nunca… Aunque si tienes la oportunidad de visitarlo bien entrada la noche, te llevarás una sorpresa: sí, hay momentos en los que hasta él descansa y la atmósfera que lo rodea, cuando el trajín de los turistas ha cesado, es casi mística.

¿Sabes por qué se llama Barri Gòtic? Lo cierto es que la mayoría de edificios que forman este barrio no pertenecen a esa corriente artística, y aquí viene lo curioso. Más que por un tema arquitectónico, la razón de su nombre fue pura estrategia de marketing: cuando en el siglo XIX surgió la idea de posicionar a Barcelona como destino turístico internacional, surgió la idea de “Barrio Gótico”. ¿Por qué? Porque el estilo gótico siempre fue muy valorado y, además, recordaba una época dorada para Barcelona y la cultura catalana.

Obviamente el marketing funciona mejor si detrás de un gran eslogan encontramos un producto interesante. Y en este caso no defrauda, ya verás que cada uno de los minutos que inviertas en recorrer el Barrio Gótico de Barcelona merecerán la pena. Toma papel y lápiz (o tablet, o word, o smarthone), porque a continuación te contamos cuáles son sus imprescindibles:

1. Catedral de Barcelona

Volviendo sobre nuestras palabras, dijimos que la mayoría de edificios por aquí no son de estilo gótico, pero no todos. Y el mejor ejemplo es la Catedral de la Santa Creu i Santa Eulalia. Su preciosa fachada principal llena de detalles, tras la que se eleva un enorme cimborrio de 70 metros de altura, son la carta de presentación del icono inequívoco del Barrio Gótico de Barcelona.

Tras contemplarla desde la Placita de la Seu mientras escuchas a alguno de los músicos callejeros, no dudes en subir su escalinata principal y acceder al interior, que alberga unas cuantas sorpresas… Por ejemplo la cripta con el sepulcro de Santa Eulalia, la sillería del coro y, cómo no, el claustro con sus 13 ocas. ¿13 ocas?

Leyenda de Santa Eulalia y de las 13 ocas

Dicen que Santa Eulalia, la patrona de Barcelona, a su corta edad ya se dedicaba a pastorear ocas en el barrio donde vivía: Sarriá. Cuando se negó a renunciar a la fe cristiana durante la época romana, fue condenada a 13 martirios (uno por cada año de vida) que terminaron con la crucifixión de la Santa. Las 13 ocas nos recuerdan este hecho y es la forma en que la ciudad homenajea a Santa Eulalia.

Consejo extra: para tener las mejores vistas de la Catedral te recomendamos tomar algo en el rooftop del Hotel Colón. El acceso es libre (bebidas 5€ aprox) aunque probablemente te toque esperar un ratito.

2. Plaza del Rey

Esta preciosa plaza rodeada de enormes muros de piedra, de grandes ventanales enrejados, de gárgolas y repleta de historia te transportará a plena Edad Media. En realidad, más que de una plaza, hablamos de un verdadero conjunto monumental, en el que se dan lugar varios edificios pintorescos.

Empezando por el Palau Reial Mayor, residencia de los Condes de Barcelona y de los reyes de la Corona de Aragón entre los siglos XIII y XV, y de la que destaca su torre mirador super característica (ya no se puede acceder). También la Capilla Real de Santa Ágata (del siglo XIV) que se levantó sobre las antiguas murallas romanas. Y, por supuesto, el Museo d’Historia de la Ciutat en el que se exhiben restos arqueológicos de Barcino, la Barcelona Romana.

Curiosidad: en las escaleras de la esquina que dan acceso al Palacio el 7 de diciembre de 1492 se produjo un atentado fallido al rey Fernando “El Católico”. El autor fue Juan de Cañamares quien fue detenido y ejecutado de manera salvaje (su cuerpo fue descuartizado y quemado públicamente).

3. Carrer de Bisbe y Puente del Obispo

Esta callejuela empedrada que bordea el lateral de la Catedral es la más famosa del Barrio Gótico de Barcelona, y sin duda una de las estampas más reconocibles de la Ciudad Condal. Por una razón: el Puente del Obispo (o Pont de Bisbe, en catalán). Se trata de un puente elevado que une los dos edificios de los extremos de la calle y que Joan Rubió, discípulo del genio Antoni Gaudí, construyó en 1928.

Antes de tomar esta calle, en la esquina de la Catedral podrás hacerte una foto con las letras que forman la palabra «BARCINO», nombre romano de Barcelona, justo frente a las ruinas del acueducto romano.

Curiosidad: cuando pases bajo él, fíjate en la calavera con una daga atravesada. Según la leyenda, el día en que se saque la daga de la calavera, Barcelona se hundirá. Menudos dramones se montaban por aquel entonces 😉

4. Plaza de Sant Jaume

Nuestros pasos nos llevarán hasta esta plaza, una de las más importantes de Barcelona por acoger las sedes del Ayuntamiento a un lado, y del Gobierno de la Geralitat de Catalunya al otro. Es por ello que aquí suelen concentrarse manifestaciones y protestas contra ciertas decisiones políticas (el 99,99% de las veces pacíficas, no te asustes).

Sin ser una plaza particularmente bonita, es el centro neurálgico sobre el que se asienta el Barrio Gótico y por donde inevitablemente pasarás si estás recorriendo esta parte de la ciudad. Con suerte, si coincides con alguna fecha concreta, podrás asistir a eventos y celebraciones, como las decoraciones típicas de Navidad o festejos populares.

⭐ C O N S E J O ⭐ Apúntate a este free tour nocturno por el Barrio Gótico

5. Basílica de Santa María del Pi

Construida entre 1306 y 1391, esta Basílica es otra de las joyas por las que pasarás en tu visita al Barrio Gótico de Barcelona. Se trata de uno de los mejores ejemplos de arte gótico religioso catalán, y de ella destaca sobre todo el maravilloso rosetón central de vidrios coloridos de unos 10 metros de diámetros.

El interior (entrada gratis) es un espacio de penumbra iluminado por cientos de velas, creando una atmósfera casi onírica que es aprovechada en muchas ocasiones en conciertos y eventos, como el Candlelight. Y guarda una sorpresa más: se puede subir al campanario para aprovechar su elevada posición y contemplar el barrio desde las alturas. Este es uno de los mejores miradores de Barcelona.

La encontrarás en la bonita Plaza del Pi donde a menudo se montan mercadillos y siempre hay terrazas en las que tomar algo antes de seguir explorando la ciudad.

6. Carrer de Petritxol

Callejear por esta calle es una auténtica delicia para ojos y ¡olfato! Y si eres goloso… tienes que apuntarla bien en el mapa: el Carrer de Petritxol se conoce también como la calle del chocolate. ¡Ñam! En serio, una vez giras la esquina y entras en esta callecita, el olor a chocolate lo inunda todo.

Hay muchísimas tiendas donde venden este adictivo producto, aunque nosotros te aconsejamos ir a probar el chocolate suizo (con nata) y churros de La Pallaresa: para nosotros son los mejores churros de Barcelona.

Entre esta calle y la plaza del Pi te aconsejamos ir a darte una vuelta por las Galeries Maldà, un lugar curioso como pocos donde flipar con tiendas raras y originales.

7. La Rambla de Barcelona

¿Quién no conoce la Rambla? Es la principal arteria del casco histórico de Barcelona, que separa el Barrio Gótico del Raval y por supuesto no puedes dejar de pasear por ella. Flores, artistas callejeros, ambiente a cualquier hora del día (y de la noche) y también montones de restaurantes ofreciendo el combo paella + sangría que deberías evitar. Es lo que te espera en la calle más famosa de la ciudad Condal.

En sus 1,2 km de longitud hay varios sitios especialmente interesantes: el Mercado de La Boquería, muy turístico pero con productos de calidad, el mosaico de Miró, el dragón chino Art Decó de la Casa de los Paraguas, el Teatro del Liceo que esconde una trágica historia, el Museo Erótico, el Museo de Cera o el curioso Bosc de les Fades, un bar que te catapulta en un mágico bosque.

8. Plaza Real

Si Madrid tiene la Plaza Mayor, Barcelona tiene la Plaza Real. Planificada por Francesc Molina donde antiguamente se levantaba un convento de Capuchinos, es uno de los lugares favoritos tanto de turistas como de locales… Y lo cierto es que siempre se respira un ambiente muy agradable. Quizás la combinación de edificios elegantes de piedra, soportales que rodean toda la plaza, terracitas, una fuente central y palmeras que salpican este espacio, tiene algo que ver.

Es uno de los sitios preferidos por los artistas callejeros para desplegar todo su arte (o ingenio) y aquí también se encuentran algunos clubs y salas de conciertos, como el Jamboree (de jazz) o el Sidecar (pop y rock) así que ya te aseguramos que aburrirse no es una opción.

9. Plaza de Sant Felip Neri

Este es uno de nuestros rincones favoritos del barrio Gótico de Barcelona, un espacio tranquilo, romántico y agradable que te permitirá empaparte de calma y belleza por unos instantes. Rodeada por laberínticas callejuelas, esta pequeña plaza nos regala las vistas de la Iglesia de Sant Felipe Neri, de estilo barroco.

Si te fijas en las paredes de la iglesia verás las cicatrices provocadas por el bombardeo del 30 de enero 1938, en el que murieron 42 personas que buscaban refugio tras los muros de la iglesia, muchos de ellos niños. Sin duda es un punto importante para recordar el pasado, no demasiado lejano, de la ciudad.

10. «El beso» de Joan Fontcuberta

Acabamos este listado con los mejores lugares que visitar en el Barrio Gótico con una de las imágenes más famosas y fotografiadas en los últimos tiempos. No se trata de un edificio, ni de una calle, ni de una plaza, es una pared en la que Joan Fontcuberta plasmó una obra de arte urbano conocida como “petó” (beso). Se encuentra en la Plaça d’Isidre Nonell.

Lo que a primera vista parece un beso esconde una sorpresa. Más que un mural se trata de un enorme foto-mosaico, si prestas atención verás que está formado por 4.000 pequeñas fotografías que representan a la “libertad”. No seas tímido y acércate para descubrir las pequeñas obras de arte cotidianas que lo componen.

Más cosas que ver y hacer en el Barrio Gótico

Hasta el momento te hemos contado nuestros 10 lugares favoritos del Gótico, pero hay muchos otros que merecen al menos una pequeña mención. Completa tu visita a este barrio del centro histórico de Barcelona con estos planes:

• Date una vuelta por el Call, el antiguo barrio judío. Es una zona con una historia muy interesante que te aconsejamos estudiar un poquito.
• ¿Sabes que puedes ver 4 columnas de época romana en el Barrio Gótico? Para hacerlo tienes que visitar el edificio del Centre de Excursionista de Catalunya. Al parecer son los restos de un antiguo templo fundado en honor al emperador Augusto. La entrada es libre.
• En la Plaça de Sant Just puedes ver la que dicen, es la fuente de agua potable más antigua de la ciudad, con dos grifos incrustados al lado de 3 máscaras de piedra. Originalmente los grifos eran 3 y salían directamente desde las bocas de estas máscaras.
• ¿Quieres entrar a alguno de los palacios históricos que hay en el Gótico? Tienes la opción de hacerlo de forma completamente gratuita en el Palacio del Lloctinent (sede del Archivo de la Corona de Aragón) y en el Museo Frederic Marès.
• Tomar algo en Caelum una pastelería que ofrece mucho más que dulces: en su sótano están los restos de lo que fue un baño del antiguo barrio judío
• Si te gusta el shopping tienes que patearte la Avenida Portal del Ángel (que nosotros llamamos Rambla de la Luna sin ningún motivo): es una de las calles comerciales más animadas de Barcelona.

Restaurantes en el Barrio Gótico

Como te adelantamos, por aquí la oferta gastronómica no falta y encontrarás algunas de las mejores propuestas para comer en Barcelona. Estos son nuestras recomendaciones de restaurantes donde comer en el Barrio Gótico:

• La Dolça Herminia, para aprovechar de ricos menús del día a buen precio.
• Bun Bo Vietnam, y degustar platos típicos de la gastronomía vietnamita.
• Da Nanni Pizzería, para probar una auténtica pizza napolitana bbb (solo para llevar).
• La República, restaurante argentino donde probar una tremendas milanesas.
• La Pallaresa Xocolateria y Xurreria, si quieres comer los mejores churros con chocolate de Barcelona.

Mapa del barrio Gótico de Barcelona

Es normal que toda esta información te abrume, pero si toooooda esta parrafada la ves transformada en un mapa, todo es mucho más claro. Y para facilitarte las cosas, ya nos hemos encargado nosotros de ello: aquí tienes un mapa con la ubicación de los lugares de interés y sitios que visitar en el barrio Gótico de Barcelona:

Seguro que nos estamos olvidando de un montón de cosas que ver y hacer en el Barrio Gótico de Barcelona, pero es que hay tantos sitios increíbles que el listado podría ser de 100 o 1.000 lugares! ¿Conoces algún que otro sitio imprescindible?

Gothic Quarter (Barrio Gotico) – a landmark of the city of Barcelona

The Gothic Quarter of Barcelona or “Barrio Gotico” is the very center of the “old town” of Barcelona and the place that gave rise to the capital of Catalonia. The Gothic Quarter starts from Plaza Catalunya, passing through La Rambla Boulevard and ending in Via Laetana. This is the most popular route for tourists who come with excursions to the many attractions of the Gothic Quarter, in the form of medieval mansions in narrow streets, churches, cathedrals, small squares and palaces.

How did the Gothic Quarter come about?

The history of the Gothic Quarter is inextricably linked with the history of a small and very modest settlement of the ancient Romans – Barcino. It began over two thousand years ago. Barcino was formed by Roman soldiers who retired and settled near the Mediterranean coast. The settlement in those ancient times was protected by a high stone fence, the thickness of which reached a couple of meters. Now here is the Gothic Quarter, of course, only a few ruins remain from the original Roman buildings. In general, the oldest house of Barrio Gothico dates back to the eleventh century; it survived not only a lot of historical events that took place on these lands, but also a very destructive earthquake of the fourteenth century.

The name of the quarter – “Gothic” appeared not during the Middle Ages, but in the last century, it is clear that this was facilitated by the fact that in such a small area there is the largest architectural ensemble of buildings in Europe, buildings of the fourteenth – fifteenth centuries, mainly in the Gothic style . This place is an ideal example of the planning of European cities of the Middle Ages, with a large number of intricate little streets, where it is sometimes very difficult for even two people to pass each other. These streets lead to secluded squares with impressive mansions and palaces that once belonged to the local nobility. Here, in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, ​​the harmony of architectural combinations relating to the most different eras can be traced like nowhere else: Ancient Rome, the Middle Ages, the modern of the twentieth century. So, let’s lay our virtual route through the architectural and historical sights of the Gothic Quarter.

The Cathedral of St. Eulalia or “Cathedral of the Holy Cross” is a landmark of the Gothic Quarter, it is the best place to start your sightseeing tour. The Cathedral of the Holy Cross is a large-scale Gothic religious building built in 1298. This cathedral still serves as the real residence of the Archbishop of the city of Barcelona, ​​​​it amazes all visitors with its enormous size: its length is ninety-three meters, its width is forty meters, its height to the level of the clock tower is fifty meters, and to the highest point of the main tower is seventy meters. The incredible beauty of the cathedral nave with Gothic choirs is decorated with coats of arms and symbols of all the most significant royal families in Europe.

The tomb of St. Eulalia is located in the cathedral, and the church is named after her. This saint accepted the death of a martyr for her faith in the fourth century from the soldiers of the emperor Diocletian. Moreover, Eulalia was then thirteen years old. Saint Eulalia is one of the heavenly intercessors and patrons of Barcelona, ​​in honor of her there is even a separate holiday here – Festa Mayor. Inside the temple are the tombs of the Counts of Barcelona – Ramon Berenguer the First and his wife Countess Almodis, the fact is that they laid the first stone of the temple in the thirteenth century. In the cloister of the cathedral, in commemoration of the innocence of Eulalia, thirteen white geese live permanently. If you go from the cloister to the premises of the Chapel of St. Lucia – “Capella de Santa Llucia”, then you can see ancient tombstones and a stone crusader.

“Sant Jaume Square” or “Saint James Square”, “Plaza de San Jaime” is a unique place in the Gothic Quarter, where several important historical buildings of the sightseeing tourist route are located at once: – “House of Judges”, “Meeting of Vegers” , “House of Parliament”, “Mayor’s Office”.

“Casa de la Ciutat” – “City Hall of Barcelona” has been located in this building since 1372, more precisely, then the “Council of a Hundred” worked here, it included the most authoritative and influential residents of Barcelona, ​​to resolve various city issues. The building, although it was reconstructed, retained its Gothic decor; on the side, you can even see the old coat of arms of the city of Barcelona. Near the city hall there are two monuments-sculptures, one of them is dedicated to King Jaume the First, who in the thirteenth century formed a new body of Barcelona – the “city council”, the other monument to the Fivelière, who in the sixteenth century convinced the Spanish court aristocracy of the need to pay taxes.

“Palau de la Generalitat” – “Parliament of Catalonia”, where the deputies of this region work, is located in a beautiful historical building, built in 1359, with a chic facade in the form of the “Chapel of St. George”, and the statue of this saint, which is heavenly the patron saint of Catalonia, is located above the main entrance. You should definitely look into the patio, created in the Catalan Gothic style, and called “Orange”, and admire the beautiful bell tower, the sixteenth century. The President of Catalonia works in this building.

“Royal Square” or “Plaça del Rei”, “Plaça del Rei” – is located near the street “Via Laietana”, representing a grandiose complex ensemble of the Middle Ages, in the form of palaces.

“Grand Royal Palace” or “Palau Reial Major” – once built as the residence of the counts of Barcelona, ​​then became the residence of the kings of Aragon. This is a large complex of three historic buildings standing on the “Royal Square” of the Gothic Quarter. The palace includes three buildings that stand separately from each other: – “Zalo del Tinel”, the brainchild of King Peter the Fourth, built in the period from 1359to 1362; – “The Chapel of St. Agatha”, built by decree of King James II in 1302; – “Palau del Lloctinent” – “Palace of the Governor”, built under King Charles V in 1549, now the archive of the Aragonese royal dynasty is stored here.

The building of the palace is an example of Catalan Gothic, the interior is also Gothic, it is decorated with magnificent paintings. Until the sixteenth century, the residence of the king was located in the palace, then the inquisition and administration were located there. The watch tower, built under King Marty in 1555, also belongs to the palace architecture.

“Zalo del Tinel” with the “Chapel of Saint Agatha” tourists can visit by purchasing a ticket for the group tour “Historical Museums of Barcelona MUHBA”. Interesting exhibitions are constantly held in these parts of the palace.

“Museum of the History of Barcelona” or “MHCB” – located in “Casa Clariana-Padellas” it contains the preserved ruins of an ancient Roman building that once stood directly under the “Royal Square”, and there are also the ruins of a Visigothic temple that used to stand here. The museum stores ancient objects of labor, everyday life, discovered on the territory of the “old city”. “King’s Square” is an incredibly interesting place of the historical route through the Gothic Quarter, like the museum building, it has a special history, as it used to stand in a different place, but was dismantled and moved here in parts, and then assembled again.

The Canon’s House is a beautiful eleventh-century building built on ancient foundations and used as an almshouse where free charitable meals were organized for the poor of Barcelona. And in 1450, the building was given to the cathedral canon, now the residence of the Catalan president is here.

“New Square” or “Placa Nova” is not a remake at all, because it appeared on the territory of the Gothic Quarter in 1355, when the main gate of the city of Barcelona was located here. Here you can still see the episodic ruins of the ancient Roman walls, a pair of four-story Roman towers, which served as the protection of one of the gates of the city until the eighteenth century. In the square there are some fragments of the aqueduct, and directly opposite it, there is a modern work by the artist Joan Brossa – the letters that make up the word “Barcino”, the name of the first settlement in the Roman era, which influenced the modern name of the city – Barcelona.

Bishop’s Palace is the main architectural landmark of the New Square in the Gothic Quarter. The Baroque building stands on the foundations of Roman times, it has been reconstructed many times, as a result it has a mixed style – Gothic with the Renaissance. Especially a lot of Renaissance elements can be traced in the design of the courtyard with a beautiful terrace on top and a small fountain, built in the sixteenth century.

“House of the Archdeacon Luis Desplat” or “Casa de l’Ardiaca” – stands on the foundation of a building of the twelfth century, its back side is a direct part of the ancient Roman walls. An ancient Roman tower is built into the Casa del Ardiaca. Over time, a gallery was added to it, a patio with a charming fountain. This mansion in the Gothic Quarter now houses an archive.

Frederic Mares Museum or Museu Frederic Mares is an unusual cultural attraction along Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter route. This man was a sculptor and collector, he presented his unusual assorted collection of exhibits to the museum: ritual figurines that were previously used during sacrifices, harness from Portugal, various types of keys, canes, sewing machines.

Jewish Quarter “El Call” – part of the Gothic Quarter, which was set aside for residence and business by representatives of the Jewish community of Barcelona – the largest in Spain, it numbered five thousand people. The streets in the quarter are incredibly narrow, there was little space, so the houses were built as high as possible.

Until the fifteenth century, only Jews lived in the street of the Carrer del Call quarter, until the increasing exactions and frequent pogroms, approved by the Catalan rulers, drove them from their homes. Now in the Jewish quarter and next to the “Carrer del Call” there are outlets: antiques, secondhand books, souvenirs. If you want to learn more about the life of the Jews, then visit the “Cal Information Center” – “Centre d`Interpretacio del Call”.

Roman columns is another interesting attraction of the Gothic Quarter, to see it, you need to walk to Carrer Ferran street. Previously, the Roman forum was located here and the square was decorated with the “Temple of Augustus”, built in honor of the emperor of Rome Octavian Augustus in the first century AD, and four columns were its supports. These columns are incredibly difficult to see right away, because they have almost grown into the walls of the house.

“Pine Square” or “Plaça del Pi” – entering this small spot, hidden among the streets of the Gothic Quarter, you do not expect to see a charming large church – “Santa Maria del Pi”. The square itself often becomes a place where noisy folk fairs unfold, where you can find great Catalan products: cheeses, sausages, jamon, wine, sweets, honey and so on.

“Church of Santa Maria del Pi” – as with many other religious buildings in Spain, a legend is associated with the emergence of this temple, telling that once there was a swampy area where people did not go, because they were afraid of contracting a fever, but for some reason, a local fisherman turned out to be here, who saw something gleaming on the branches of a pine tree, and when he came closer he saw the icon of the Virgin. He told the locals about this and it was decided to settle the territory in order to build a chapel in honor of the Virgin Mary here. Here the “Pine Square” was laid out, and a chapel was built – “Santa Maria del Pi”. That pine tree is no longer there, but when the next tree becomes obsolete, the Catalans carefully plant a new one, this tradition has been observed since 1568, the last pine tree was planted at 1985 year. As for the “Church of Santa Maria del Pi”, the first building appeared in 413, then it was replaced by a building in the Romanesque style, then the church became Gothic. Over the centuries, it has undergone a lot of disasters: fires, earthquakes, even explosions. In 1936, during the battles of the Civil War, the church burned down, but was rebuilt again. The building is an excellent example of Catalan Gothic with an octagonal fifty-four-meter bell tower, a beautiful rose window. It is pleasant to sit in an open cafe on the square, admiring the beauty of the building.

The Basilica of La Merce or the Church of Our Lady of Mercy, “Basilica de Nuestra Señora de la Merced” is an interesting landmark of the “Gothic Quarter”, built in 1775, but not from scratch, but on the ruins of the Church of St. Michael. The project was created by the architect Josep Mas. In Spain, the cult of Our Lady of Mercy arose after the miraculous appearance of the Virgin Mary to St. Peter Nolasco, this happened in 1218 in the city of Barcelona. The Virgin Mary ordered the creation of a monastic order that would be engaged in the redemption of Christians from slavery. He appeared and was called – “the order of the Mercedarians.” The basilica houses an ancient image of Our Lady of Mercy in the form of a wooden statue. On the twenty-third of September, a majestic celebration takes place in Barcelona in her honor.

So, now that we have talked about the main attractions of Barcelona’s “Gothic Quarter”, which are worth visiting with a guided tour, it’s worth telling you how to get to the quarter itself.

How to get to the Gothic Quarter?

– By metro: get to the stations “Liceu” or “Jaume I”, then walk a little.

– To the “Bass Touristique of Barcelona” – straight to the stop “Barri Gotic”.

Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter: Inspired by the Middle Ages

The Gothic Quarter of Barcelona is the oldest part of the city. Initially, this place was the Roman settlement of Barcino. By the way, Barcelona originated from here. Today, the Gothic quarter is the most popular among tourists.

Attractions Barrio Gótico

Barcelona’s Gothic quarter got its name at the beginning of the 20th century, although Gothic buildings can be found in any area of ​​Barcelona. However, it is in this place that we observe the perfect harmony of architecture, so a number of restoration works have been carried out in the Gothic Quarter.

And, of course, there are many attractions in the Gothic Quarter.

1Barcelona Cathedral

The main attraction of the Gothic Quarter is considered to be the Cathedral of Barcelona (la Catedral) with a chic facade in the Gothic style.

Inside the Cathedral there is an open courtyard where 13 white geese live.

The Catalans believe that the whiteness of the geese is the personification of the purity of Saint Eulalia, who suffered a painful death at the hands of the pagans. By the way, Eulalia was exactly 13 years old, so there are 13 geese here too.

2King’s Square

In Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter there is a medieval complex whose buildings were the residence of the Catalan monarchs for five hundred years. King’s Square is considered the historical center of the Gothic quarter. According to some reports, on April 3, 1493, it was on this square that the Catalan king Fernando received Christopher Columbus after his first trip to America.

3 Buildings of the City Hall and Government of Catalonia

In the 15th century, the City Hall and the government of Catalonia were erected in the Gothic Quarter. Later, the city hall building was rebuilt, but retained elements of the Gothic decor in the end part, decorated with the coat of arms of Barcelona. At the entrance to the city hall there is a monument to Jaume I, who created the city council of Barcelona in the 13th century, as well as to J. Fiveller, who obliged the city elite to pay taxes.

Next to the city hall is the Palace of the Government of Catalonia. Statue of St. George, the patron saint of Catalonia, adorns the main entrance to the building.

4 Archdeacon’s house

Also noteworthy is the House of the Archdeacon (Casa del Ardiaca), which was erected on the foundations of a 12th-century building.

By the way, in our time there is an archive, at the gate of which there is a bizarre mailbox decorated with images:

• swallows, which reflect the hope of people to get a quick answer;
• and a turtle symbolizing the pace of letter delivery.

5Museums of the Gothic Quarter

In the Barrio Gótico, it is worth visiting the museum of the sculptor Frederic Mares. Also not to be missed is the amazing museum of the history of the city.

Other sights of the Gothic Quarter include:

• wonderful orange courtyard;
• the chapel of Sant Jordi;
• 16th century bell tower;
• Royal Palace.

The Royal Palace was built in the 13th century as a residence for the counts of Barcelona. Later, meetings of the Holy Tribunal were held in it.

The best tours of the Gothic Quarter

6Plaza Nova and Bishop’s Palace

Plaza Nova (New Square) can be marked as the beginning of the quarter. This is the oldest square in Barcelona, ​​which used to be the entrance to the Roman settlement “Barsino”. It also housed the main city market, where even slaves were sold. By the way, the remains of the fortress wall in the form of two Roman towers have been preserved near the square.

Around the same time, the Bishop’s Palace was built, located to the right of the towers. Pablo Picasso himself had a hand in creating the frieze of the outer facade. One of the three facades of the palace overlooks the famous Episcopal Street, which is considered the heart of the Gothic Quarter and stretches to the Plaza de Sant Jaume.

7The Kissing Bridge also adorns Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter

Walking along this street, one cannot but pay attention to the pretty bridge that connects the House of Canons with the Government Palace. This bridge was created by Joan Rubio in 1926. It is a famous landmark and an undeniable masterpiece of Gothic art.

8Canon’s House

Remarkably, the Canon’s House is the only building that has survived from the 11th century. It hosted dinners for the poor of the city, and in 1450 the house was handed over to the clergyman of the Cathedral. Today, the house of the canon is the residence of the President of Catalonia.

The Canons’ House is a fairly large building with a non-standard layout. It was erected in the XIV century. and, by the way, recently restored.

One of its facades overlooks the Carrer Paradis, where there are several medieval buildings. By the way, they are open to tourists.

9Temple of Augustus

There are also remains of a 2nd century Roman temple dedicated to Augustus. The monument is presented in the form of four large Corinthian columns.

The temple was built on top of Mount Taber, the highest point of the Roman colony “Barsino”.

10Plaza de San Felip Neri

Walking down a narrow alley to the right of Plaza Nova along Carrer del Bizbe Irurita, we arrive at Plaza de San Felip Neri. This is a quiet and cozy square, with a small fantanchik and a discreet building of the Church of San Felip Neri, erected in the 18th century. Also adjacent to the square is the building of the Museum of the History of Shoes.

No city in Europe can boast of such a number of sights of Gothic architecture as in the Gothic Quarter.

Sign up for a group tour of the historic part of Barcelona can be at the link on Booking.com.

Location Barrio Gótico

• How to avoid queues at Barcelona attractions. Tickets for Sagrada Familia and Park Güell skip the line.
• How not to be deceived by local taxi drivers. Order a taxi in advance with fixed rates online. The most reliable service for ordering a taxi – KiwiTaxi .
• Excursions in Barcelona with locals will help you to get to know this city for real. The best way to get comfortable in an unfamiliar city is to walk around it with a person who has lived here for many years.
• We advise you to take out travel insurance so that there are no unpleasant surprises while traveling to Barcelona.

• Barcelona City Pass is a one-stop card that makes organizing your holiday in Barcelona easier and saves a lot of time and money.