No one can deny that Barcelona is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain . There are many features that characterize it, such as its beaches, the multiculturalism that its citizens give off, its delicious gastronomy or elements such as the Sagrada Familia, which attracts attention even in the periods in which it is under construction. But, if there is one area that stands out, it is the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona .
It is located next to Las Ramblas and is part of the historic center of the city. Its buildings attract attention throughout Europe thanks to their design and conservation. In addition, it is always lively due to the many bars, restaurants and shops that are on site . Do you want to know it in detail? We talk about him throughout this article.
The Gothic Quarter of Barcelona
Anyone with a passion for art and history should not miss a long and quiet walk through the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona . This takes you to other times, which is why you can put yourself in the place of those who at some point occupied those buildings for which it stands out. Likewise, there are buildings that transmit magic from the first moment and that are located in this part of the city, such as the cathedral and the church of El Pino .
Of course, you have to be aware that, like you, thousands of tourists are curious about this area. In addition, there are many well-known personalities who reside here , such as politicians who work in the City Council or in the Generalitat. However, this is not a serious area for this reason, but there are many picturesque people that you will find in this labyrinth of medieval streets .
In order for you to find out more about what the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona hosts, throughout this section we are going to describe the visits that you cannot miss. However, at every step, you have the opportunity to observe elements that have not yet been discovered by others . Therefore, we recommend that you open your eyes and soak up everything that this place has to offer.
Barcelona Cathedral and the Diocesan Museum
When someone travels to a city, a must see is always the cathedral. Well, the same thing happens in Barcelona. The Cathedral of Santa Creu i Santa Eulàlia impresses due to its incredible Gothic façade . So much so that it is very similar to French cathedrals. It measures more than ninety meters high and forty wide. Likewise, its bell tower exceeds fifty meters and its main tower over seventy.
In the main portico we have the opportunity to witness an image of Christ surrounded by the Apostles . Once we are inside, we can see numerous chapels. These are installed between the buttresses. Regarding the choir stalls, we recommend that you miss a few moments for each of its details, as it is a laborious job that is worth evaluating. Likewise, in the crypt there is a sarcophagus in which the remains of Santa Eulalia rest . She is the co-patron of Barcelona.
In the chapel of the Souls of Purgatory it is possible to take an elevator that will take us to the terrace, where it is possible to walk through the roof of the temple from various walkways . Of course, you can imagine the views that you will enjoy from this place.
On the other side of the square where the Cathedral is located is the Casa de la Pia Almonia , which was built on the remains of one of the towers that were in the Roman wall. It is the House of Charity and inside it is possible to visit the Diocesan Museum . If you are a lover of religious art, especially if it is Romanesque and Gothic, you cannot miss it.
On the other hand, on Sunday mornings you will have the opportunity to enjoy an antique market in this square, which is known by citizens as the “Gothic market”.
Plaça del Rei (King’s Square)
Since the Medina Age, this square has been the seat of the Royal Palace . It is one of the main residences of the Counts of Barcelona. It is a visit that you must do on your walk through the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona . It was built on the Roman walls and, therefore, it was very similar to the space that houses a fortress. However, over the years, buildings have been erected around the square.
Everything that we can see in this place today was built in the 14th and 15th centuries. All these elements, together with the archaeological remains found in the subsoil, constitute the Museum of the History of the City . In the event that you dare to get to know it, you will have the opportunity to travel through the first 1500 years of life in Barcelona.
Mirador del Reig Martí
From the Plaza del Rey we can access a tower that has 5 floors, reaching the Mirador del Reig Martí (King Martín I of Aragón, the last of the Aragonese kings and Count of Barcelona). From this point we will be able to witness some beautiful views of the city of Barcelona. This space links the Royal Palace with the Lieutenant’s Palace (Palau Lloctinent) .
The latter is a Renaissance building built in the 16th century by order of Charles V for his representative in Catalonia. For this reason, it is also called Palau del Virrei, although it was never used for this purpose. However, it was the seat of the Inquisition and, later, it became the Archives of the Crown of Aragon .
Frederic Marès Museum in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona
The Frederic Marès Museum was inaugurated in 1948, housing the collection of the artist Frederic Marès i Deulovol. The building in which it is located was the seat of the Inquisition during the 15th century. However, it is true that the facilities have been expanded to accommodate more pieces. In it you will have the opportunity to see a large collection of sculptures that are classified by time. These are: Antiquity, Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and XIX century. You will also be able to observe everyday objects from the 19th century , such as combs, pipes, photographs, clocks and fans.
Plaça de Sant Jaume, Town Hall and Generalitat
Plaça de Sant Jaume (named after a church demolished in 1824) has been the center of political life in Barcelona since the 14th century. A large space houses the Ajuntament (Barcelona City Council) and the Palau de la Generalitat . The latter is the seat of the autonomous government of Catalonia. It is in the Plaza de San Jaime where, in the month of September, a competition of castells takes place . In them enormous human towers are formed in which more than five hundred people can intervene. Therefore, they are capable of reaching unimaginable heights.
Obispo Bridge, icon of the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona
The most photographed element of the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona is the Obispo Bridge . This links the Casa dels Canonges (House of Canons) with the Palau de la Generalitat. It has so much cultural value that it has become one of the architectural icons of the city today . It was built in 1928 by Joan Rubió i Bellver, known for being a disciple of Gaudí. It is located on Carrer del Bisbe that connects Plaça Nova with Plaça de Sant Jaume.
