Barcelona’s Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter) is a place that history lovers must see while in the Spanish city. One of the oldest settlements in Europe, this part of the city has layers and layers of history!
History
The Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter) of Barcelona is where the city was founded, first as a Roman outpost called Barcino and then as a port city that served as the capital of Catalonia. The Romans came to Barcelona in about 15 BC, building temples, churches, and more. By the 4th century, a cathedral was established as the Visigoths overtook the Romans. The area that was first inhabited is now the Gothic Quarter which contains some of the oldest buildings in Barcelona. It’s the historical heart of the city.
Visit
The Gothic Quarter is the most atmospheric part of Barcelona. It’s a lovely place to walk and see the historical sites which are so important to Western civilization.
To plan your time in the Gothic Quarter, check out Rick Steves’ walking tour (with map). He makes sure you hit the historic highlights!
Historical Sites
This museum is amazing! It is chock full of items found in archaeological digs all around Barcelona and even has an underground labyrinth of Roman ruins to explore! Buy your ticket and take the elevator down to the basement to stroll the former streets of Roman Barcino.
You can wander through the remains of a church including a baptism pool!
Don’t miss the exhibits upstairs, especially the former Royal Palace. You can see the chapel where kings and queens worshipped.
It was here, in this very room, where Christopher Columbus was welcomed back from his voyage to the Americas by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. Amazing!
Near the history museum is one of the best preserved and awe-inspiring Roman ruins. The Roman Temple of Augustus can be a bit hard to find (it’s down an alley – follow the small signs), but it’s worth a visit. This is the highest spot in the Gothic Quarter, which is why this is where the Romans built their temple. It’s also where they founded Barcino around 12 BC. The huge columns were just a small part of the large temple to Augustus.
The Barcelona Cathedral was built in the 14th century but this location has been the site of a religious gathering for over 2,000 years. It was here that the Romans built their Temple of Jupiter, and in the 4th century, it was replaced by a Christian church. The church is beautiful (but underwhelming in a city with the Sagrada Famiíia!) and is a nice respite from the hot Spanish sun.
Right outside the cathedral, there is often a marketplace filled with historical items. My son loved looking through the old cameras and records. The square also hosts the famous sardana dances and castell (tower of people) on the weekends.
There are Roman ruins around every corner so walk just to the right of the cathedral to see the vestiges of a Roman wall (most of it is reconstructed but the base is original).
Monument to the Martyrs of Independence
Don’t miss this statue of five citizens of Barcelona calmly receiving their last rites before being killed as a punishment for their resistance to Napoleon’s occupation of Spain in 1809. It accompanies the famous Third of May painting in Madrid’s Prado museum.
Just behind the martyrs monument is the Placa Sant Felip Neri which is important in Spanish Civil War history.You can still see the pockmarks from bombs in the church’s facade as nearby Catalan government buildings were targeted by Franco’s forces in a 1938 aerial bombardment. There is a plaque at the church entrance that honors the 42 people (mostly children) killed during the bombing. This square also serves as the entrance to Barcelona’s Jewish quarter.
Walk up Avinguda del Portal de L’Angel to the most historic restaurant in town. It’s where Picasso hung out and was featured in one of my favorite books, The Shadow of the Wind. Even if you don’t eat here, you’ll want to see it! It reminds me of a bohemian restaurant in Paris’ Montmartre!
Finish walking up the street, which has great shopping, to the El Cortes Ingles which is a must-see for tourists. If you want to see more historic sites, continue walking down Las Ramblas.
Walk through the Citadines Hotel passageway to stumble onto a real Roman necropolis! It’s amazing to think that this was once the main road into town that was lined with tombs.
This 17th century church is dedicated to Bethlehem and was bombed extensively during the Spanish Civil War.
To learn even more about Barri Gòtic during the Spanish Civil War, check out this three-hour guided tour. I couldn’t talk my family into doing it but hope to on my next trip!
The Barri Gòtic area of Barcelona is full of history and culture. It is a must-see destination for any history buff!
Helpful hints:
- Cost: Most sites are free except the history museum (€7) and the cathedral (€9)
- Recommended: all ages
- Tour time: You can see all of the sites in a half day (3-4 hours)
- Gift shops are located at the museum and cathedral. The Avinguda del Portal de L’Angel is a great street for souvenir shopping.
- Transportation: Easily accessible by walking or Metro (Jaumel or Catalunya stops)
- Dining options: You’ll pass many restaurants in Barri Gòtic. The most historic restaurant in the city is Els Quatre Gats. The ninth-floor cafeteria at El Cortes Ingles is a great option as well as the atmospheric La Boqueria Market.
- Nearby hotels: The Kimpton Vividora looks like a great option.
- Nearby attractions include: Casa de l’Ardiaca, Picasso Museum, Frederic Marès Museum, Palace of Catalan Music, Santa Caterina Market, and Church of Santa Maria del Mar
Books to Read:
All links below are Amazon affiliate links. Check out my Spain book list on Bookshop.org to support independent bookstores and creators.
Adults/Young Adults
- Rick Steves Spain
- Spain: The Trials and Triumphs of a Modern European Country
- Homage to Catalonia
- Homage to Barcelona
- Barcelona
- Iberia
- Roman Iberia: Economy, Society and Culture
- Hispania: The Romans in Spain and Portugal
- The Battle for Spain: The Spanish Civil War 1936-1939
- Hotel Florida: Truth, Love, and Death in the Spanish Civil War
- The Shadow of the Wind (The Cemetery of Forgotten Book 1)
- Our Last Days in Barcelona
- The Queen’s Vow: A Novel of Isabella of Castile
Middle Grade
Picture Books
