Gothic Quarter, Barcelona

About the Gothic Quarter

The Gothic Quarter, the Barri Gòtic in Catalan, is Barcelona's historic core. The city grew from the Roman town of Barcino on a low hill, and ancient stones and towers still show in the walls of houses here. In the Middle Ages palaces, churches and workshops grew up around the cathedral, and the streets stayed just as narrow and crooked.

Some of the 'Gothic' is fairly young: in the early 20th century houses and façades were restored and dressed up in medieval style to make the quarter even more picturesque. That's when the lacy bridge over Carrer del Bisbe went up, in 1928. Today it's the most photographed corner of the old town.

The main streets and squares

Start at Barcelona Cathedral and the square in front, then turn into Carrer del Bisbe, with its bridge between two palaces. Close by is the quiet Plaça de Sant Felip Neri, with a fountain and a church, where children from the local school often play.

Next comes Plaça del Rei, ringed by the medieval palaces of the Counts of Barcelona, and Plaça Reial, with palms, arcades and lamp posts designed by the young Gaudí. In the evening the arcades fill with cafés and bars, and on Sunday mornings there's a stamp and coin market.

What to see in the Gothic Quarter

• The cathedral — Gothic nave, geese cloister and rooftop.
• Carrer del Bisbe — the lacy bridge between palaces.
• Temple of Augustus — Roman columns in a courtyard.
• Plaça del Rei — the medieval palaces of the counts.
• Plaça Reial — palms and Gaudí's lamp posts.
• The Roman walls — towers by the cathedral and on Plaça Ramon Berenguer.

Roman Barcelona

In a courtyard on Carrer del Paradís, at the top of the old hill, stand four columns of the Temple of Augustus, all that remains of the main Roman temple. Entry to the courtyard is free but easy to miss, so look for a modest doorway with a sign.

Beneath Plaça del Rei is the Barcelona History Museum, with excavated streets of Barcino: laundries, a winery, dye workshops and mosaics. It's a real underground town that you cross on glass walkways. The Roman walls with their round towers are easy to see by the cathedral and along Via Laietana.

Tips for your walk

The best way to explore is without a map: the lanes are short, and almost any turn brings you to a square or a church. If you get lost, head for the cathedral or out to La Rambla. Wear comfortable shoes, as the paving is uneven and some streets climb.

You can eat in small tapas bars in the lanes around Plaça Reial and Plaça de Sant Jaume, though prices are higher on the most touristy streets. In the evening many people move on to the neighbouring El Born district and the basilica of Santa Maria del Mar, which is full of bars too. On weekend mornings there are often fairs and buskers by the cathedral.

Places in Barcelona: compare and choose

Places in Barcelona rated by YesGo. Click a column header to sort.

Nearby and on the way

53

Barcelona Cathedral

Barcelona, Spain

50 min · Paid by day · 3 min walk

Yes — add to my route: Barcelona Cathedral

51

La Rambla

Barcelona, Spain

1 h · Free · 6 min walk

Yes — add to my route: La Rambla

36

Picasso Museum

Barcelona, Spain

1 h 45 min · Paid · 7 min walk

Yes — add to my route: Picasso Museum

39

Santa Maria del Mar

Barcelona, Spain

40 min · Free in the morning · 7 min walk

Yes — add to my route: Santa Maria del Mar

How to do it right

• Walk early or in the evening.
• Watch your bags in crowds.
• Look for the Temple of Augustus.
• Comfortable shoes for uneven paving.

Questions