Gothic Quarter in Barcelona is located in the heart of the old city. Its name is explained by the fact that such a number of buildings of Gothic construction, collected in one place, is not found in any city in Europe.

A nice bonus only for our readers - a discount coupon when paying for tours on the site until October 31:

• AF500guruturizma - promo code for 500 rubles for tours from 40,000 rubles
• AFTA2000Guru - promo code for 2,000 rubles. for tours to Thailand from 100,000 rubles.
• AF2000TGuruturizma - promo code for 2,000 rubles. for tours to Tunisia from 100,000 rubles.

On the site onlinetours.ru you can buy ANY tour with a discount of up to 3%!

And many more advantageous offers from all tour operators you will find on the site tours.guruturizma.ru. Compare, choose and book tours at the best prices!

The Gothic Quarter is the oldest part of Barcelona, ​​dating back over 2000 years. In those days, there was a small settlement (about 1 thousand people) surrounded by a fortress wall, called Barcino. In this place, retired Roman soldiers received land and settled, who were engaged in crafts, cultivating lands, growing grapes, and producing wines.

By the 3rd century A.D. the settlement already numbered about 5 thousand people. Houses, temples, baths, aqueducts characteristic of the Romans of that era were built. As the power of the Roman Empire weakened, Barcino gradually fell into decline. The inhabitants were raided by the nomadic tribes of the Suebi, Vandals, Alans, and in the 5th century it was conquered by the Germanic tribe of the Visigoths. Roman buildings were partially destroyed, new ones arose in their place. Periodically, the city passed from one tribe to another. And only when Barcino in the XII century. became part of the powerful Aragonese kingdom, construction and economic growth began.

What to watch?

The Gothic Quarter is not a separate attraction, but a whole city with narrow labyrinths of gloomy medieval streets, squares, lancet towers of cathedrals, wrought iron bars and colored stained-glass windows. There are many concentrated here the most beautiful places, combining examples of architecture of the Gothic and Romanesque eras with later buildings.

Plaza Nova

Plaza Nova or New Square opens the entrance to the Gothic Quarter. This is oldest square city ​​that has existed since the 14th century. Until that time, it was outside the city limits, it was a thriving market, where they traded not only food, hay, utensils, but also slaves.

Since ancient times, two Romanesque towers have been preserved on it, which were part of the fortress wall - the only protective structure inhabitants of the city from the barbarian tribes. To the right of the towers is the 13th-century Archbishop's Palace with a baroque façade. On the left is the Archdeacon's Palace, which now houses the City Historical Archive. You can also see the ruins of an old aqueduct that supplied the city with water. Nearby is the Romanesque Chapel of Santa Lucia, dating from 1275.

The modern building of the College of Architects, which stands out from the general ancient ensemble, attracts attention. On the facade - a decorative composition depicting scenes from the folklore of Catalonia, the work of P. Picasso.

Plaza de San Jaume

The name of the square was given by the medieval church of St. James (San Jaume), which stood here until the 19th century. This is the central square of the city, where the buildings of political power are located: the City Hall (Town Hall) and the Government Palace, political, social events and city celebrations are held.

In ancient times it was the crossroads of the main streets of Barcino, there was a forum. The authorities have been located in this place since the XIV century. The square acquired its modern look at the beginning of the 19th century. Before that, there was a cluster of small shops located between the cemetery and the church. The area was cleared, the benches were removed, the church was moved to the next street, it became spacious and bright.

Cathedral

Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia ancient building city ​​- is the main cathedral. Its construction took 122 years: from 1298 to 1420. The cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Dimensions of the building: 93*40 m. The facade is decorated with sculptures of saints; towers, spiers with coats of arms of knights go up to 80 m. Some of the chapels, located three on each side of the square courtyard, still retain forged lattices of the XIV century. Colored bright stained-glass windows and carved seats were made with great skill.

The center of gravity of the interior is the wooden figure of Christ, which was brought here from the bow of the ship that participated in the battle of Lepanto. It is deformed, has the shape of the letter S, because it took on the impact of the enemy core and saved the ship. Next to the main altar are the tombs of the Catalan rulers, founders, patrons of the temple. From the impressive organ hangs the head of a Turk, reminiscent of the victory over the Muslims.

In the center of the courtyard is a rotunda with a fountain. Snow-white geese floating in the pond symbolize the immaculate purity of Saint Eulalia, the patroness of Barcelona. The poor 13-year-old girl lived by breeding geese. Having the gift of persuasion, she ardently called on the inhabitants of the city to renounce paganism, was persecuted and died as a martyr in the 4th century for the faith of Christ. Geese are always 13 - according to the number of years of a young maiden. In the cathedral since 1339 there is a white marble sarcophagus with the relics of the saint - a real work of art.

Grand Royal Palace

The Grand Royal Palace consists of several buildings, these are: the palace itself, the watchtower of King Martin, the chapel of St. Agatha. The building of the palace was erected in the XII century; it served as the residence of the counts and Aragonese kings. Later, a magnificent throne room was added to it, where in 1493 the monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella received Admiral Columbus, who came from his first trip to the shores of America.

Chapel of St. Agatha with a court chapel is an example of elegant 14th-century Gothic, decorated with a majestic bell tower, stained glass windows and wooden carvings. Inside there is a masterpiece of the Gothic art of Catalonia - the picturesque composition "Retablo del Connetable", consisting of episodes of Holy Scripture. Dominant palace ensemble is a high watchtower of King Martin of the 16th century built with several tiers of galleries, giving a unique character to the square.

City Hall and Government Palace

The building of the City Hall (Town Hall) is located on the Plaza de Sant Jaume, it combines three buildings different eras and styles. It looks big and majestic. Its neoclassical façade, dating from 1832-36, conceals an ancient 14th-century building, adorned with a Gothic portico with columns and sculptures of great politicians, topped with the coat of arms of Barcelona.

Opposite the City Hall is the Palace of the Government (Generalitat) - the seat of the current government of Catalonia. The building has several unusual façades: on the one hand, a Renaissance façade, designed by Pere Blai in 1596, on the other, a Gothic façade dating back to 1416, owned by the architect Mark Safont. It depicts a sculpture of St. George - the patron saint of Catalonia, defeating the dragon. Inside the palace is the chapel of St. George, dating from 1425.

King's Square

King's Square is a small space, almost completely enclosed by medieval buildings. This place is always not crowded, cool, which makes you relax and have a good time in a cozy cafe on fresh air. It got its name because here is the Grand Royal Palace, located in the depths of the square. On the left is the Governor's Palace (Palau del Llotinent). This is a four-story building with an Italian courtyard, where the king's vicegerents lived, who ruled Barcelona on his behalf. The palace was built in the middle of the 16th century in the Renaissance style.

Now here is the Aragonese Royal Archive, which contains valuable historical documents belonging to the royal dynasty. Opposite is the Palace of Clariana Padellas built in the 15th century. It has been rebuilt several times and modern look acquired at the beginning of the 20th century. It currently houses the Historical Museum of Barcelona. In its basement halls exhibits of the pre-Christian era are exhibited: fragments of ancient Roman buildings, the temple of Augustus. Next to the Clariana Padellas Palace is the building of the Chapel of Saint Agatha, dating back to 1302. It was erected by order of King Jaime II and his wife Blanca de Anjou.

Frederic Mares Museum

The museum is located in the building of the Royal Palace. It began its existence in 1946, when the famous Catalan sculptor and traveler F. Mares donated his collection to the city. It included unique exhibits from the Roman period to the 19th century.

Currently, the museum consists of three expositions. Sculptures, crucifixes, crosses are exhibited on the ground floor, from pre-Christian times to the 15th century. On the second - exhibits of the XV-XIX centuries. On the third - a unique exposition, called the "sentimental" museum. It consists of utensils and household trifles (dishes, tools, postcards, jewelry, smoking accessories, etc.), which were used in the 15th - 20th centuries.

Roman columns

Roman columns are the remains of the majestic temple of Augustus, which measured 37 * 17 m. It was erected in Barcino on Taber Hill at the end of the 1st century. BC. and glorified Emperor Augustus Caesar. Now there is a tablet on the hill where the temple used to be, and what is left of it is in the heart of the Gothic quarter.

These are four powerful Corinthian columns 9 meters high, which are installed next to the Catalan excursion center and, as it were, squeezed between the walls. They are well preserved: flutes (vertical grooves running along the column) and architrave (base) are visible. In addition to the columns, small fragments of the lower podium part of the building have been preserved.

Jewish houses

The houses of the Jews are located in the Jewish quarter (El Call), consisting of several narrow streets, where the gloomy atmosphere of the Middle Ages is especially felt. Jews were outcasts among Christians, their dwelling place was enclosed by a wall. Christians were allowed to enter the Jewish quarter only during trading days. Now here you can see low houses with small windows, more like prison cells. Some have preserved underground labyrinths and secret doors. They were made to make it easier to leave in the event of a pogrom.

During one of them in 1391, the synagogue was badly damaged, it was restored only in the 20th century. Now it is active and available for visiting. You can learn about the history of the life of Jews in Barcelona by visiting the Museum of the History of the Jewish Quarter. Household items of the 13th-16th centuries, manuscripts, books, tombstones have been preserved there.

The historical core of Barcelona is today called the Gothic Quarter. The layout of El Gotic, with its narrow and dark intricate streets, looks chaotic at first glance. However, there are many cozy corners and genuine masterpieces of architecture.

Gothic Quarter or Barry Gothic (photo: jinxsi1960)

Previously, this part of the city bore the name of the Cathedral Quarter - after all, it is located here. The people have a colloquial name - El Gotik. The territory of the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) today is enclosed between Plaza Catalunya, Laetana Street, Columbus Avenue and the wide La Rambla Boulevard. The core of Barry Gothic is market Square Plaza Nova.

This is, without exaggeration, an ancient quarter - it was inhabited under Octavian Augustus. In its center, fragments of the Roman aqueduct, the forum, remain to this day. The architectural appearance of this part of Barcelona was mainly formed in the Middle Ages: a significant part of the buildings were created in the XIV-XV centuries. The name "Gothic" appeared in the twenties of the last century.

Attractions map

New Square

Temple of Augustus

House of Canons

Church of Saint Philip

Gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Pi

Basilica of Saints Justus and Pastor

Monastery of Santa Anna in Barcelona

Reyal Square

Chapel of Saint Agatha

Grand Royal Palace

Viceroy's Palace

Square of the Angels

Ramon Berenguer the Great Square

Basilica of Our Lady of Mercy

ancient sights

The ancient sights of the quarter include the northern gate of the city of Barcino, from which two round towers on Plaça Nova have been preserved. Near one of the towers, the remains of the restored aqueduct are visible; there is also a composition of seven three-dimensional letters: "Barcino" - the work of Juan Brossa.

Antique columns, MUHBA Temple d'August (photo: Francisco Aragão)

At the Cathedral, you can see a part of the surviving Roman wall, which used to be the border of the quarter. On Paradis Street, four antique columns rise: they are left over from a temple built during the reign of Augustus. Now these stone masses have literally “grown together” with the Gothic building of the Catalan excursion center.

Barcelona Cathedral

Barcelona Cathedral (Catedral de la Santa Cruz y Santa Eulalia) is named after the city's patron saint, Saint Eulalia. It is the official residence of the Bishop of Barcelona. The Gothic temple was founded in the XIII century, at the behest of Jaime II. Its construction ended in the 20th century, when a 70-meter tower was erected. The majestic cathedral recalls the best examples of Spanish and French Gothic. White geese live in the cloister of the temple - this is a dedication to the immaculate Eulalia, who died a maiden 13 years old. From the courtyard you can go to the Romanesque chapel of St. Lucia (Criptes de Saynt Eulàlia).

House of the Archdeacon

Opposite the chapel stands the House of the Archdeacon (today the Historical Archives of Barcelona, ​​Arxiu Històric de la Ciutat de Barcelona). It is connected to one of the Roman fortress towers. The building has been standing here since the 12th century, but its architectural appearance dates back to the 15th century (then the last reconstruction took place).

House of Canons

From the Archive you can walk forward along Carer del Bizbe street. On two sides of this street there are houses, between which there is a bridge-gallery, stylized as Gothic, but created in 1920. One of the neighboring houses is the House of Canons (Cases dels Canonges, XIII-XV centuries). Now it houses the residence of the President of Catalonia.

Saint Jaume Square and King's Square

The second building (neighboring houses) - (Palacio de la Generalidad de Cataluña) - Generalitat. It was built in 1359, in exemplary Catalan Gothic style. Its Renaissance façade, facing Saint Jaume Square, was completed only in the 17th century.

St. Jaume Square (Plaça Sant Jaume) in ancient Roman times was the crossroads of the main roads of Barcino. Today it remains the center of Barcelona life.

In addition to the government building, there is a facade here. The municipality sits in the medieval palace Casa de la Ciutat de Barcelona, ​​founded in the 13th century. Different parts of this building were built at different times, and now its appearance combines all the ancient stylistic solutions. The facade from St. Jaume Square was completed only in the 19th century.

A hundred meters from this square is another - (Plaça del Rei). It is literally "ringed" with the walls of Gothic buildings: the Governor's Palace (Palacio del Lloctinent), the Grand Royal Palace (Palacio Real Mayor), the Chapel of St. Agatha (Capilla de Santa Ágata). The high belfry of the chapel rises above the ensemble of the square, and the tower of King Martin (XVI century) rises above the two neighboring palaces.

Here, in Piazza Rei, in the house of Casa Clarian Padellas, is the famous or MHCB (Museu d'Història de Barcelona), with a huge underground archaeological exposition. This building used to stand on Mercaders Street, and in the last century it was completely, in fragments, transferred to Plaza del Rey.

From Plaza del Rey, you can walk along Veguer Street to Ramon Berenguer the Great Square and further to Angels Square (Plaça de l'Àngel), instead of which the eastern gate of Barcino once stood.

Religious sites

On St. Philip Neri Square, there is a baroque temple, unique for this area, and for the whole of Catalonia - the Iglesia of St. Philip Neri (Església de Sant Felip Neri, XVIII century). The beautiful facade of the church is riddled with traces of bullets or shrapnel - marks civil war thirties.

Nearby is an example of Catalan religious Gothic - the temple of Santa Maria del Pi (Santa Maria del Pi), with a magnificent portal, a huge Gothic rose above the entrance and two octagonal towers. Together with several Renaissance buildings, decorated with luxurious sgraffito paintings, this temple forms an ensemble of the small square Placa del Pi.

Another great example of the flamboyant Gothic style of Catalonia is the Basilica of St. Justus and the Pastor (Església dels Sants Just i Pastor). The single-nave church was built in the 14th-16th centuries. on the site of a Romanesque chapel from the 9th century. In a stone building, very ascetic from the outside, a unique altar painting of the Passion of Christ has been preserved.

In a secluded corner of the Gothic Quarter, next to modern houses, the small Romanesque-Gothic Monastery of St. Anna (Santa Anna de Barcelona), which has existed since the middle of the 12th century, lurks.

Other attractions

The Plaza Reial ensemble was created much later than the Gothic period, although it belongs to this historic quarter. Gaudi's lanterns and the original Three Graces fountain are installed here, and a palm alley was planted in the 20th century. Plaza Reyal is a favorite place for tourists and Barcelona residents to relax.

How to get to the Gothic Quarter?

Take the L4 metro to Jaume I station or L3 to Liceu station.

Book your tours in Barcelona:

How do I save on hotels?

Everything is very simple - look not only on booking.com. I prefer the RoomGuru search engine. He searches for discounts simultaneously on Booking and 70 other booking sites.

The Gothic Quarter is one of the districts of Barcelona, ​​famous for its magnificent medieval buildings, several large architectural monuments are located here.This is perfect place for a walk on your own or with our audio guide.

The history of the Gothic Quarter has its roots in ancient times, during the Roman rule over Spain. After the collapse of the Roman Empire, the city, and with it the quarter, fell into decay, but only in order to flourish in the most glorious days Catalonia when it was part of the Kingdom of Aragon. Most of the buildings date from the 14th and 15th centuries. The turbulent events in the history of Spain and Catalonia in the following centuries could more than once affect the safety of local attractions, but, fortunately for tourists, the quarter stood firmly on its foundations.

Sights of the Gothic Quarter

In the quarter you can find a huge number of interesting medieval buildings, and some buildings are real attractions, magnets for tourists.

The first of these titans is the Temple of the Roman Emperor Augustus, cruelly battered by time, but still keeping a shadow of its former size and beauty. For better preservation, the surviving fragments of the temple (and these are only 4 columns) were hidden from the weather by placing them in a pavilion.

The Royal Palace is a well-preserved, carefully restored complex that allows you to get acquainted with the amazing medieval Catalan architecture. The palace, like many other buildings in Spain, is the result of a union of Moorish and European architecture, it is distinguished by courtyards, facades of intertwining arches, as well as many windows of various shapes and sizes.

The Gothic Quarter is known for a large number of ancient temples, the most famous of which are the Cathedral of Saint Eulalili, the Church of Le Merce and Santa Maria del Pi. Each monument has its own unique architectural appearance and rich history.

St. James Square - old, main square Barcelona and all of Catalonia. Around her are administrative buildings, various meetings, processions and holidays are held on the site itself. On Sundays, in good weather, there is music and dancing.

The Royal Square is small and square, adorned with green spaces and palm trees. This is popular place meetings and entertainment, especially in the evening. Around the square settled many restaurants and shops, as well as popular nightclubs.

"Four Cats" is a famous art cafe, opened in 1897 in the heart of the Gothic Quarter. Once there was going to the creative elite of the city, including Antoni Gaudi and Pablo Picasso. The dictator Franco destroyed this institution, but after his departure, it was carefully restored and is again waiting for visitors.

If you like a more personal solution, you can rent an apartment. Including in a real medieval house!

Enjoy your walks in the Gothic Quarter!

If you want to feel the true spirit of Barcelona, ​​to see its very heart, then you should visit - a real gallery of monuments of architectural art.

The entrance to the quarter is located on the square Catalonia, the block passes through La Rambla and reaches Via Laetan.

The development of the Gothic Quarter, as in most medieval cities, was carried out chaotically, which made it possible to make cities impregnable for the enemy, but one could get lost on the crooked winding streets.

Now, this does not threaten visitors: the entry of vehicles into the quarter is strictly limited or completely prohibited, and signs, and even just passers-by, locals will always point you in the right direction.

Most of the buildings on the streets of the Gothic Quarter date back to the fourteenth or fifteenth centuries, although there are both early ones from the Roman period and later ones dating back to times close to modern.

heart Barry Gothic, as the quarter is otherwise called, is undoubtedly Barcelona Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulapia.

History tells us about the patroness of Barcelona - Saint Eulapia who was only thirteen years old when she died at the hands of the Gentiles. In one of the chapels of this cathedral with an impressive Gothic facade, thirteen white geese live - according to the number of years lived by the great martyr.

Each building in the Gothic Quarter has its own ancient, unique history.

It will take a long time to get to know them all, but even with a cursory inspection, the quarter leaves unforgettable impression. This is an untouched piece of history, miraculously preserved in the center of a modern city.

In Barcelona there are many buildings dating back to the Gothic period, but in the quarter they all stand in amazing harmony and create a wonderful composition, the likes of which cannot be seen in any other European city.

In the Gothic Quarter, you should definitely visit the Royal Palace, the House of Canons, the House of the Archdeacon, the Basilica of La Merce, walk along the Royal Square and St. James Square, and go to the Church of Santa Maria del Pi.

Many talented and famous people had a hand in the creation of the Gothic Quarter, as it is now before us. Among them are Pablo Picasso, Frederic Mares, Luis Homs, Antonio Gaudi, Josep Puig i Cadafalch.

Royal Palace Palau Real Major built in Romanesque and Gothic styles in the 11th century by King Pedro the Pompous. And from the 13th to the 15th century, the residence of the counts of Barcelona, ​​and later the kings of Aragon, was located here.

In the throne room, stunning in its size, King Ferdinand of Aragon and Queen Isabella received Christopher Columbus, who returned from a voyage "to India". The meetings of the Tribunals of the Holy Inquisition were also held here.

To architectural complex Placa del Rei, which includes the Royal Palace, also includes a watchtower built by King Marty in 1555. and the 14th-century chapel of St. Agatha, standing on the remains of an ancient Roman wall, is famous for another of the masterpieces of medieval Gothic art - the Constable altarpiece.

The most beautiful medieval building of the 11th century, the House of the Canon stands on the only ancient Roman foundation that has survived after multiple reconstructions.

It was built for an almshouse with free meals for the poor, but in 1450. handed over to the clergyman of the city cathedral.

One of the facades of the building overlooks the street Carrer Paradis, at the end of which, inside a small medieval courtyard, rise four columns of the Corinthian order, which once belonged to the temple of Augustus, built around the 1st century BC.

One more famous building Plaza Nova - Casa de l'Ardiaca home of Archdeacon Louis Desplat. The ancient Roman wall became its rear façade, and one of the Roman towers is included in the Casa del Ardiaca.

The construction of the building dates from the beginning of the second millennium, has been rebuilt many times in various styles and now includes both Gothic and Renaissance elements.

Especially a lot of Renaissance in the inner patio with a fountain and upper terrace built in the 14th century. And in 1895. at the request of the then-located Casa de l'Ardiaca, the Bar Association, a modernist letterbox was added to the main façade. It depicts three swallows as symbols of the independence of justice and a symbol of bureaucracy and delays - a turtle. Now in this building is the city archive.

Ensemble central square Gothic Quarter Plaza de San Jaime considered to be the best-preserved medieval part.

Sant Jaume Square is located at the place where the two main roads of the Roman settlement of Barcino used to intersect.

The Plaza de San Jaime houses the building of the government of Catalonia. Opposite it is the Town Hall with a neoclassical façade, where the city hall of Barcelona operates.

Here on the ground floor in the tourist information office you can get a free map of the city or get information on a topic of interest.

You can visit the Generalitat Palace, admire its interiors in the morning on the second and fourth entrance days of each month and on September 11 or 24, as well as April 23.

Pay attention to the medieval chapel of Sant Jordi, the bell tower built in the 16th century and the pretty Orange Courtyard.

Working hours

• You can visit the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and St. Eulapia on weekdays from 8.00 to 12.45, and in the evening from 17.15 to 19.30 local time. On weekends, the Cathedral is open from 8.00 to 13.45 and from 17.15 to 20.00.
• Outside, the Cathedral can be viewed for free at any time of the day.
• The opening hours of the Royal Palace are from Monday to Saturday from 10.00 to 14.00, and in the evening from 16.00 to 20.00. On Sunday the Palace is open from 10.00 to 15.00.
• You can get inside the Barcelona city hall on any Sunday from 10.00 to 13.00

You can get to the Cathedral by metro (4th line).

The Gothic Quarter in Barcelona is the central part of the old city and a popular attraction. What is hidden in the narrow streets of Barri Gotic?

Gallery connecting houses.
Photo: flickr.com/jcorrius

In the heart of Barcelona

The Gothic Quarter is located between the Rambla and via Laietana. A tourist route it usually starts from Plaza Catalunya and goes to the port. During the centuries-old history of the city, the quarter has always been at the epicenter of events and has changed its appearance more than once. This area received its name at the beginning of the 20th century. for the largest complex of architecture of the XIII-XVI centuries in Europe. in gothic style. Most of the buildings were built during the reign and the heyday of the dynasty of the Crown of Aragon.

Gothic quarter - sample medieval city with a labyrinth of narrow streets. It's easy to get lost here.

Walking through the labyrinths of the streets of the Gothic Quarter is gloomy, but fascinating.
Photo: liveinternet.ru

“The Gothic Quarter is a very specific place. Damp, dirty streets where the sun's rays do not fall. There are many Chinese and Arabs who settled in the local houses. All this against the backdrop of the history of Barcelona. The most interesting place is the Cathedral. When there is no service, you can get here for free. And there are many atmospheric establishments where it is curious to look.

• by metro: to Liceu or Jaume I stations;
• by tourist bus: to the Barri Gotic stop;
• on foot you can get from, crossing the road to Rock Café, and further to the end of Rivadeneyra street.

How do you get to the Gothic Quarter?
Photo: flickr.com/marimbajlamesa

Every lane is a story

Take a map with you for a walk along Barri Gotic - check the route.

For a walk - only with a map.
Photo: quetiempo.es

New Square

Placa Nova is the first tourist attraction on the way. Here, a part of the Roman defensive walls with columns has been preserved, behind which until the 13th century. was the Roman settlement of Barcino. Pay attention to the Baroque Bishop's Palace and the House of the Archdeacon. The house with the remains of the fortress wall combines several architectural styles. A whimsical mailbox from 1895 hangs on the house. Now the city archive works in the building.

New Square is a popular meeting place.
Photo: panoramio.com

Cathedral

Neighbors with New Cathedral Square(Pla de la Seu). Cathedral of St. Cross and St. Eulampia (XIII-XIX centuries) with a Gothic facade is the main value of the quarter. The cathedral is dedicated to the great martyr, patroness of Barcelona Evlampia, who died at the hands of the pagans. In memory of the 13-year-old Eulampia, symbolizing her innocence, 13 geese live in the courtyard of the cathedral.

Geese in the courtyard of the Cathedral of St. Eulampia.
Photo: travelphotogallery.net

City Hall and Parliament

Next, follow to Sant Jaume Square (Placa Sant Jaume), where the city hall and the Parliament of Catalonia, built in the 15th century, will appear. The facade of the parliament is decorated with a statue of St. George the Victorious. Orange trees grow and bear fruit in the Gothic inner courtyard, surrounded by stone buildings.

City Hall and Parliament of Catalonia.
Photo: okoguide.com

King's Square

By Carrer del Veguer we get to the King's Square (Placa del Rei) from royal palace 12th century Here King Ferdinand received Columbus, who returned from his first voyage. And here is historical Museum. The most valuable "exhibit" is an archaeological site with preserved elements of streets, houses, shops, temples from different eras.

King's Square during the rain.
Photo: flickr.com/montse-poch

Frederic Mares Museum

The sculptor Mares had a passion for collecting and collected literally everything. His unusual collection is a gift to the city.

Frederic Mares Museum.
Photo: totenart.com

Roman columns

Moving along Carrer del Paradis, you will reach the remains of a temple from the 2nd century. Four gigantic Roman columns hid behind the doors of the excursion center. Wedged between the walls of the house, they simply surprise with their presence.

Roman columns are so tall.
Photo: flickr.com/jrthibault

Jewish houses

Street Carrer del Call will lead to the Jewish quarter, where until the XV century. Jews lived and were cruelly oppressed. Some houses still have secret doors. During the raids, people left underground passages outside the city wall.

The Jewish Quarter has narrow streets.
Photo: www.ojodigital.com

Atmosphere is key

In addition to the ancient architecture, the atmosphere of the Gothic Quarter is interesting. People come here to experience the spirit of Barcelona.

Artists and musicians, bakers, grocers, book dealers and antique dealers have long settled in the local houses. Today they play, dance flamenco, read poetry, draw cartoons in the streets. Neighboring in the quarter the best restaurants and tiny cafes, trendy shops and souvenir shops. Seething does not stop until late at night, when bars and popular discos open. Many tourists choose the evening hours for a tour of the Gothic Quarter. Night walks are a special entertainment for those who want to tickle their nerves.

The Gothic Quarter is crowded at night.
Photo: devourbarcelonafoodtours.com

“We lived in the center of the Gothic Quarter, so we often walked here even at night. Narrow streets, shutters, graffiti, gloomy buildings. It seems that a gargoyle is waiting for you around every corner. In general, this is an attraction for adrenaline lovers. They say it's not safe here at night. As, however, during the day, in the crowd, one should be wary of pickpockets, beggars and thieves.

The Gothic Quarter is shrouded in hundreds of urban legends. Despite the fact that this area of ​​the city is included in the standard sightseeing tours in Barcelona, ​​we advise you to walk around the quarter with a personal guide. On the Internet you can find non-standard walking tours, including evening parties, with visits to legendary shops, shops, cafes, incredible stories about what once happened on the streets of the Gothic Quarter.

Gargoyles look intimidating.
Photo: barcelona-home.com

"They took private tour. The family received 100 euros. For two hours we walked around the Gothic Quarter, turning into its darkest corners. We liked it very much, especially the teenage son was impressed. Walking on your own would not have been so informative. In addition, there are no information boards or stands for tourists in the quarter.”

Checkpoints

In addition to architectural attractions, the Gothic Quarter has several interesting places which is definitely worth a look.

Art Cafe Quatro Gats

At the beginning of the last century, the entire creative elite gathered in the legendary cafe. The cafe held its first exhibition of Pablo Picasso. He designed the menu, which remains unchanged to this day. Here you can drink one of the best coffee in town and admire the interior. But the kitchen is not very praised.

The famous "Tandem" in the art cafe "4 cats".
Photo: datuopinion.com

Museum of antique shoes

Here are shoes and different technologies for their manufacture throughout the long history of shoemaking. Among the curious exhibits are the shoes of famous Spaniards and boots made for the statue of Columbus. Ticket price - 2.5 euros.

I wonder who would fit this size?
Photo: panoramio.com

Harlem Jazz Club

Music bar in the heart of the Gothic Quarter. Every evening, except Sunday and Monday, there are concerts where music is played different directions. The bar plays rock, blues, swing, flamenco. Listen and dance music lovers come from all over Barcelona. Entrance - 6-10 euros depending on the program.

In concert at Harlem
Photo: catalunyaguide.com

Confectionery Caelum

Check out the baked goods turrons, sweets and other delicacies prepared by the servants of the monastery.

And how to keep track of the figure?
Photo: therestauralist.blogspot.ru

Vintage boutique L'arcadel'avia

Grandma's Chest is a family-owned clothing store and atelier, like a free textile fashion museum. Here they sewed outfits for the films "Titanic", "Vicki. Christina. Barcelona", "Perfumer".

So many beautiful and unusual things here!
Photo: trendslabbcn.blogspot.ru

By the way, one of the scenes of "Perfumer" was filmed nearby - on San Felip Neri Square.

Not far from here is where you can walk through the tunnel with a shark and see a rich undersea world mediterranean sea. Then go to the nearest one - swim in warm waters and sunbathe, lying on the golden fine sand.

Where to stay?

The Gothic Quarter is a great place to stay in Barcelona. From here you can walk to. The historic district of the city is the choice for those who are interested in walking, and. It is in the Gothic Quarter that you have the chance to live in an old mansion. There are hotels of different stars, as well as a large selection of apartments. The features of the hotels in this area are a rooftop terrace, small rooms, lack of parking, noise on the streets during the day and evening hours.

Relaxing on the rooftop terrace of the hotel is wonderful.
Photo: pinterest.com/wegnerinc

Here are some hotels good reviews tourists located in the Barri Gotic area:

Aparthotel Arai 4* S Monument

From 240 euros*.

The hotel is housed in an 18th century building. The atmosphere is supported by exposed stone walls in cozy rooms. The hotel has a swimming pool, sauna, roof terrace. The building houses the classic Palosanto tavern.

We propose to make virtual tour along the apart-hotel Arai 4 * and the streets adjacent to it.

Regencia Colón 3*

From 120 euros.

The hotel is in the very center of the quarter, behind Cathedral. Spacious, country-style rooms with a balcony. In the hall there is a fireplace.

Photo: booking.com

Condal 2*

From 110 euros.

The hotel has been operating since 1850. Located in a quiet side street next to the Rambla. Modest, cozy rooms with all amenities in a simple, classic style.

Take a virtual tour of the Condal 2* hotel.

*High season prices are for a double or twin room.

Going on a trip, everyone would like to save on housing. Based on the reviews of tourists, we have prepared an overview of five in the central part of Barcelona, ​​located nearby.

***

The heart of Barcelona, ​​Barri Gotic, surprises tourists with its treasures: this and architectural structures of different millennia, coexisting on the same street, and atmospheric establishments: cafes, shops, bars - and rich street life. Turn off la Rambla down the block to find something of interest to you.