Gothic Quarter (Barry Gothic). Gothic Quarter in Barcelona. What's worth seeing? Old quarter in Barcelona

What is the Gothic Quarter famous for in Barcelona? Where is it located, what to see, what stores to look into. Hotels in the Gothic Quarter.

If at the words “Damn it!” from the film “The Diamond Arm” you imagine a narrow, crooked, dark street of a Mediterranean city where you have dreamed of being since childhood, then here you are - in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona (or Barrio Gotico in Spanish transcription). The area is part of the Old Town and extends from before Via Laietana.

Once upon a time, the Romans founded the settlement of Barsino here with a fortress wall, defensive towers, temples and aqueducts - those buildings that were supposed to be in a Roman settlement. From the latter, our century received only fragments scattered throughout the Gothic Quarter, licked and cleaned. However, they have not lost their impressiveness because of this.

But if there were no Roman ruins in the quarter, it would still be worthy of a visit - the architecture of the Gothic Quarter is strikingly different from the rest of Barcelona, ​​with its wide avenues and geometrically regular rows of houses.

The Gothic Quarter of Barcelona is a “city within a city” that lives its own “medieval” life!

Interesting places and attractions

There is no point in creating a route for a walk through the Gothic Quarter - it is small and can be covered in a day. Walk around, going street by street, checking the map so you don't miss the locals.

You don’t even have to strain your imagination to feel like you’re in a different era. You will find yourself in it as soon as you feel the damp coolness wafting from the stone of the houses closing overhead, and see the intricate ivy-covered balcony grilles and forged lanterns. You will hear the lively click of heels on the pavement, and the rustling of skirts, and guttural, impatient shouts from the windows.

The impression can only be ruined by the ubiquitous Barcelona motorcycles, roaring through the streets where cars have no access.

#1. Barcelona Cathedral

While exploring the Gothic Quarter, you can't miss the cathedral at Pla de la Seu. The original name of the temple, built between the 13th and 15th centuries, is the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and St. Eulalia. To get inside, you will have to cover your shoulders and knees. This must be done at least in order to go up to the observation deck, from where a magnificent view of Barcelona will open.

Next to the cathedral there is a monastery, which has a remarkable courtyard - with orange trees, magnolias, palm trees and a fountain. A real oasis in the concrete jungle of Barrio Gotico!

Cathedral in Barrio Gotico, Barcelona

#2. Barcelona Historical Museum

In this place you can hang out for the whole day, exploring the historical heritage of Barcelona - from the Roman period to the present day. The museum has seven locations, which can be accessed with a single ticket. On Plaza del Rey Be sure to go down to the underground excavation area and stroll through the streets of Roman Barcelona. Visit the Royal Palace, the Chapel of Santa Agata and the Salo del Tinel Palace.

#3. Plaza del Pi

Art lovers should visit Petritxol street, where art galleries and small shops are located. The street ends at Plaza del Pi, which is crowned by the Gothic church of Santa Maria del Pi. On weekends, to the left of the temple, local painters sell their work, and on the first, third Friday and Saturday of each month, a farmers' fair opens in the square.

#4. Rue Portal de l'Angel

The Gothic Quarter is a favorite place for shopaholics. On the wide Portal de l'Angel you can find shops of famous brands. The street is located between area of ​​Catalonia and the Cathedral. For more exclusive items and lesser-known Spanish brands, head to Avinho street. You will find original clothing, jewelry and home accessories.

#5. Square Sant Felip Neri

Sant Felip Neri is an interesting place with a tragic history. In 1938, the square was bombed and most of the children playing on it died. Today, the only reminders of the event are the walls of the temple and buildings, which also suffered from a fascist air raid. In addition to the church, the square has a fountain, a school and a small shoe museum.

#6. Royal Square

This square is located next to La Rambla, making it easy to find. The place is surrounded by bars and palm trees, and in the center there is a lush fountain. Royal Square became famous for its restaurants and clubs.

#7. Els Quatre Gats

One of the most famous cafes of the Gothic Quarter - Els Quatre Gats - was designed in the image and likeness of the French Le Chat Noir. Pablo Picasso, Antonio Gaudi and other artists, architects and musicians preferred to dine and drink in this place. In 1900, the cafe hosted the first Picasso exhibitions.

#8. Palau de la Generalitat

We reached the most important landmark of the Gothic Quarter - Palau de la Generalitat. It is considered the political center of the city because it is located City Hall of Casa de la Ciudad and the Palace of the Government of Catalonia. On Sundays, the doors of the City Hall are traditionally open to visitors - everyone can appreciate the interiors of the majestic building.

What else to see in the Gothic Quarter?

Even if you are not an architecture connoisseur, Barrio Gotico will surprise you! But don't count on modern designs - pay attention to:

The famous bridge on the street del Bisbe of the Gothic Quarter

• building of the College of Architects on Piazza Nova, on the outer façade of which Picasso had a hand;
• carved bridge on the street del Bisbe, made in Gothic style in 1926. The hallmark of the Gothic Quarter;
• House of Canons next to the indicated bridge, built in the 14th century. The building has recently been restored;
• Church of San Felip Neri, built in the 18th century. It is located on one of the squares of Barrio Gotico - Sant Felip Neri.

There are still many such iconic places in the most beautiful area of ​​​​Barcelona!

Hotels in the Gothic Quarter

Should you book a hotel in Barrio Gotico? If you like to live in the center (and who doesn’t?) - of course, yes. The Gothic Quarter has everything: shops, cafes, restaurants, promenade, beach. Near the Rambla and Plaza Catalunya with a metro station. Although in this place you can forget about public transport.

Rumor has it that the Gothic Quarter is dark and damp. There are cockroaches, rats and, for some reason, gypsies. Anything can happen, so if you book an apartment, pay attention to the reviews. With hotels it’s much easier - what kind of mice and especially gypsies can there be in the most expensive area of ​​​​Barcelona?

#1. Catalonia Catedral

Luxurious 4 stars within the Gothic Quarter. Incredible design, spacious rooms and rooftop pool! From 9,800 rub.

#2. Hotel Condal

Budget 2 star hotel with excellent reviews, great location and quality service. Barcelona center + reasonable price, from 4,600 rubles. per room per day.

#3. NH Barcelona Center

NH Barcelona Centro (Gothic Quarter)

Modern 3 star chain hotel in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, 100 meters from Rambla. Comfortable rooms in all respects, delicious breakfasts. Price from 8,000 rub.

Cafes, restaurants, souvenirs and shopping

The streets of the Gothic Quarter end unexpectedly, and now the modern city, loud in every way with human conversations and the noise of passing cars, deafens you, and you turn back, hastening to immerse yourself in the peace of the Middle Ages. A walk around the block can be enriched with pleasant little things. For example, have breakfast in one of the cute, cinnamon-smelling cafeterias with an outstanding assortment of sweets, pastries and cakes (the average bill, if you are not very hungry, is 5 euros), and have lunch in a restaurant (8-10 euros).

You can load up on gifts for aunts, employees and neighbors in the country in numerous souvenir shops. Souvenir shopping here will cost you less than in the stalls on La Rambla. A smiling Indian salesman will run up and point to a Gaudi-style lizard with a scrawled price of 10 euros, trying to explain in broken English that “only today and only for you” the price of the lizard will be only 4 euros.

You can even update your wardrobe without leaving the Gothic Quarter in such tired and almost Russian stores as Mango, Zara, Benetton, at much more attractive prices than in your homeland. We also recommend not to pass by the markets where the Spaniards sell handicrafts. You are unlikely to bring pottery, but you might as well take a bottle of aromatic oil.

Excursions in Barcelona and surrounding areas

The best excursions in Barcelona are routes from local residents. They are created by creative people who are familiar with both the medieval corners of the city and modern architecture. In total, Tripster has about 100 (!) walks in Russian.

Gothic Quarter - how to get there

The Gothic Quarter is located on the right side of La Rambla- the main boulevard of Barcelona. The one where dozens of mimes stand frozen and souvenirs with “Made in China” stickers are sold in abundance. Cross the roadway anywhere and dive into the twilight of crooked alleys.

Even wandering aimlessly through the Gothic Quarter will bring pleasure, but then you risk going out along the same alley to the same square five times. Without ever visiting other places worthy of attention. Therefore, we advise you to arm yourself with a map, which you can purchase right there - in a tent on the Rambla.

There are maps in Russian, the cost is about 4-6 euros.

Historical city center attracts with the uniqueness of the buildings from the era when Barcelona was part of the Roman Empire. To this day, columns and remains of city walls can be found in the most secluded corners of the Gothic quarter. In addition, many more modern buildings are built on Roman foundations.

This urban area received its name due to the dominant architectural style.

To this day, a medieval atmosphere reigns in this part of the city. Antique markets are often held on the streets, and street musicians add color.

Secrets and ancient legends

There are many different secrets and legends associated with the old town of Barcelona. One of them concerns its Jewish part, where the Jews were hiding from the unfair exactions of the Catalan government. In case of danger, almost every house had its own secret passage leading outside the city wall. Now tourists can visit them. Museums were set up in some houses.

Another legend is associated with Saint Eulalia, after whom the main Cathedral of the city is named. She was tortured for 13 days on false charges; Every night angels came down to her and healed her wounds. The government decided to execute the girl. After her death, a strong cold fell on the earth. The Roman soldiers guarding the execution site escaped, and the girl's parents were able to bury her. Subsequently, her remains were transferred to the Cathedral.

There are now 13 geese living in the backyard of the cathedral, representing the age at which Eulalia was executed. Residents of Barcelona consider them a symbol of the purity of the patroness of their city.

Unusual places in the Gothic Quarter

It is better to plan a walk through the streets of the old city of Barcelona in advance. Without any prior preparation, you will pass by all significant places. It is much more interesting to know the myths, legends and interesting facts of each building here in order to experience the uniqueness of this place.

Every day there are excursions around the old town. If possible, we recommend joining one of the group excursions or booking your own.

New Square (Placa Nova)

It is best to start exploring this part from New Square, which, contrary to its name, is the oldest in the city. Here you can see the surviving remains of a Roman wall and two four-story towers from the same era. Every Thursday there is an antique market.

To the right of the towers is the Bishop's Palace, built in 1961 on Roman foundations. The famous artist Pablo Picasso made his contribution to the creation of the building. A museum dedicated to his work is an 8-minute walk away.

But the most interesting place on the square is still the oldest building in the city - the Cathedral.

Barcelona Cathedral

The main symbol of the old city is the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, which was built for more than a century: from 1298 to 1420 according to the design of F. Jabre. The scale of this building, squeezed into narrow streets, is especially striking.

Inside is the main treasure of the temple - a sculpture of Christ taken from the flagship of the ship.

The backyard is home to 13 geese, representing the age of St. Eulalia, for whom the cathedral was named when she was killed. The dome offers an excellent view of the entire city.

Entrance to the cathedral is paid - 3 euros.

There is a unique atmosphere inside the cathedral. If you like such buildings, it’s worth spending 15-20 minutes exploring. No - admire the exterior decoration and move on.

Royal Square (Placa Real)

Another famous square is Royal. The lanterns here were designed by the famous Barcelona architect Antonio Gaudi.

Music and dance festivals take place here almost every day. The square itself is strikingly different in architectural design.

The solution lies on the surface. It was built only in the 19th century in the classicist style and therefore has nothing in common with Gothic.

King's Square

The previous attraction is often confused with King's Square, an older place built in the 13th century.

It is the residence of the Counts of Barcelona. This is a real medieval fortress with a throne room inside. According to legends, it was in this palace that the Spanish king met Christopher Columbus after his discovery of the New World.

Saint James Square

Bizbe Street and the legendary Bridge of Sighs

St. James Square contains traces of Ancient Rome. Previously, this was the intersection of two roads, where the forum and the temple of Augustus were located.

Only . Nowadays, various administrative structures operate in ancient buildings. Here are the Government of Catalonia and the City Hall of Barcelona, ​​connected by the Bridge of Sighs.

The Bridge of Inhalations was built much later, and this is noticeable by the color of the stone in the photograph.

Basilica of Saint Merce

The Basilica of La Merce was built in the 17th century. From the outside, the building is not particularly remarkable and not every tourist comes here.

But inside the temple there is an ancient image of Our Lady of Mercy.

Art cabaret "4 cats"

“Four Cats” is a famous art cabaret, modeled after a similar establishment in Paris – “The Black Cat”.

Initially, the building operated as a hotel and cabaret, where the entire creative elite of those times gathered: Julio Gonzalez, Antonio Gaudi, Pablo Picasso, Ramon Casas and others.

In the mid-20th century, the cabaret was demolished. But already in the 70s, the city authorities restored it, as they considered it one of the most interesting and atmospheric places in Barcelona.

In the evenings, the atmosphere of the establishment is maintained by a lonely pianist playing.

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Pi

Santa Maria del Pi is a 14th-century Gothic cathedral listed as a national treasure of Catalonia. The original assignment was damaged in 1936, but was later restored.

Sant Jaume Square

Then you can go to San Jaume Square - the official center of the city. This square has long been the center of political life in Barcelona. Now it houses the main administrative buildings of Catalonia and its capital - the Municipality and the building of the government of the Autonomous Community (Palau de la Generalitat).

It is on this square that during the celebration of La Merce the famous towers of people - castells - gather. Don't miss the opportunity to see this unique show that can only be seen in Catalonia.

Church of Sant Just and Pastor

Sant Just i Pastor is a church famous for its first mention dating back to the 9th century. In the 15th century, the building was restored, and no further changes were made to its appearance.

And you also need to remember:

• sit by the fountain on one of the squares
• look into souvenir shops and flea markets
• listen to street musicians
• watch artists work...

When you get to the Gothic Quarter, you can safely close the map - just go, look, admire and enjoy.

Restaurants

One of the most prestigious establishments where the royal couple would not be ashamed to dine is the restaurant Ca L'Isidre. The prices here are appropriate: lunch for two will cost about 150 euros.

Another equally prestigious restaurant − 4 Gats, where famous people such as Pablo Picasso and Antoni Gaudi dined more than a century ago. The average bill is 110 euros.

Anyone wishing to drink a cup of hot cocoa or taste a chocolate dessert should stop by the confectionery La Pallaresa; The average bill is about 5 euros.

Without a doubt, worthy of a visit to the cabaret " Four cats"; one of the bars is located in the same area Hard Rock Cafe.

How to get there by public transport

• Metro:
  • L4 (station – Jaume I)
  • L3(Drassanes or Liceu stations)
• Buses:
  • No. 14, 17, 19, 40, 45 and 59
• Tourist bus
  • Red route -Barri Gotic stop

The Gothic Quarter is the oldest part of Barcelona, ​​the old city. Once upon a time there was a Roman settlement called Barsino, and Barcelona originated from here. Now the Gothic Quarter is the most popular area of ​​the city among tourists

It is impossible to get to know Barcelona without visiting the Gothic Quarter. This almost untouched old town center, with its ensemble and labyrinth of winding streets, would do credit to any European city. The pearl of the quarter is the Barcelona Cathedral (la Catedral) with a luxurious Gothic façade. Inside the Cathedral there is a courtyard open to visitors. Here, in one of the chapels, white geese live. According to the Catalans, the whiteness of these birds symbolizes the purity of Saint Eulalia, the patroness of Barcelona. Eulalia was only 13 years old when she died at the hands of the pagans, which is why there are exactly 13 geese here.

In the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona coexist the remains of a Romanesque city and a complex of medieval buildings - witnesses of a brilliant past, which were the seat of the Catalan monarchy for five hundred years. The historic center of the Gothic Quarter, Place de la Rey, is a Gothic marvel and the scene of countless events in Barcelona's everyday history. For example, they claim, although there is no documentary evidence, that it was in this square on April 3, 1493 that the Catholic kings Fernando and Isabella received Christopher Columbus, who returned from his first voyage to America

In the 15th century, the buildings of the city hall and the government of Catalonia were built in the Gothic quarter. The City Hall building was later rebuilt, but part of the Gothic decoration depicting the coat of arms of Barcelona remains on the side of the building. At the entrance to the city hall there are two monuments - to Jaume I, who founded the city council in Barcelona in the 13th century, and to J. Fivelier, who forced the court nobility to pay taxes in the 16th century. Opposite City Hall is the Palace of the Catalan Government. The facade of the building was rebuilt in the Renaissance style. Above the main entrance there is a statue of the patron saint of Catalonia - St. George, defeating the dragon. The Gothic Chapel of Sant Jordi, the wonderful Orange Courtyard and the 16th-century bell tower are noteworthy. The President of Catalonia works here

The Royal Palace was built in the 13th century as the residence of the Counts of Barcelona. In the magnificent Tinel Hall, an example of 14th-century Gothic architecture, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella received Columbus on his return from his voyage. Later the Holy Tribunal sat here

The canon's house is the only Gothic building of the 11th century. on a Roman foundation that survived numerous reconstructions. The building was built for an almshouse, where dinners were held for the city's beggars; in 1450 the house was transferred to the canon (one of the clergy) of the city cathedral. Now the residence of the President of Catalonia is located here, closed to the public.

The archdeacon's house was built on the foundations of a 12th-century building; later a gallery and a small courtyard with a fountain were added. Now there is an archive here. At the gate there is a funny mailbox, decorated with carvings of a swallow, representing the hope of a quick response, and a turtle, symbolizing the pace of delivery of letters. Two museums of the Gothic Quarter are also worthy of attention: the Museum of the History of the City and the Museum of the Sculptor Frederic Mares

Gothic Quarter Barcelona, ​​with the most outstanding city monuments, is also called “Cathedral”; it also has a more amusing name “egg”. It began to be called Gothic at the beginning of the 20th century, although there are Gothic buildings in all parts of the city. However, it was here that the architectural ensemble of buildings appeared in perfect harmony and deserved the greatest attention, and therefore a number of serious restoration works were carried out in this quarter.
The quarter begins with Plaza Nova, the oldest square in Barcelona, ​​from which you could once enter the territory of the Roman settlement of Barcino and on which in the 13th century. there was the most prosperous market in the city, where slaves were also sold. Two Roman towers still remain here, part of the ancient city wall, which was the only defense of the city until the 13th century. The Bishop's Palace, which is located to the right of the Roman towers, dates back to this period, thereby creating a striking contrast with the modern building of the College of Architects, the frieze of the external facade of which was made by Pablo Picasso

One of the three facades of the palace faces the famous Episcopal Street, which is the heart of Barri Gothic, which runs along the side façade of the Cathedral and reaches the Plaza de Sant Jaume. Approximately in the center over this beautiful street there is an elegant bridge, which is not only a decoration and landmark of the street, but also serves a functional purpose, connecting the Government Palace with the service facade of the House of Canons. The bridge, a masterpiece of Gothic art in miniature, was created in 1926 by Joan Rubio. The House of Canons is a vast building of irregular layout, built in the 14th century. and recently renovated; one of its facades faces Carrer Paradis. There are several medieval buildings open to the public here, which, in addition to the Catalan Excursion Center, contain the remains of a 2nd century Roman temple dedicated to Augustus: these are four powerful Corinthian columns mounted on a podium with flutes and an architrave. The temple rose on the highest point of the Roman colony of Barsino, namely on the top of Mount Taber. On the right side of Carrer del Bizbe Irurita, in the direction from Plaza Nova to the Gothic bridge, there is a narrow alley that opens onto a small, cozy and hidden square. This is the Plaza de Sant Felip Neri, a real quiet corner, with a modest fountain in the center and the simple and austere building of the Church of Sant Felip Neri, built in the 18th century, dominating the square. The building that houses the Museum of the History of Shoes also overlooks the square.

Such a cluster of Gothic buildings located in one block is not found in any other city in Europe. Below is a map of the Gothic Quarter, showing the location of all the buildings. Everything is quite clear, click it opens in higher resolution

The Gothic Quarter (cat. El Gotic or Barri Gotico, Spanish: Barrio Gotico) is one of my favorite places in Barcelona. Every time I'm in the city, I definitely go there. You can walk along it endlessly, getting lost in the maze of narrow streets and squares lost between them. There is a special atmosphere here. The Gothic Quarter is also a real salvation in the hot Barcelona summer. There is nothing more pleasant at this time than to walk along its shady alleys, feel the stone coolness of medieval buildings and drink something cooling in one of the many cafes.

In my opinion, Barri Gotico is a must-see place. This is not just a separate tourist attraction, but a whole treasure trove of architectural masterpieces that together form a small medieval city. Here history and modernity intertwine, embodying the spirit and heart of Barcelona.

History of the Gothic Quarter

The history of the Gothic Quarter dates back to the times of the Roman Empire. More than two thousand years ago there was a small settlement called Barcino, where retired Roman soldiers lived. After the collapse of the Empire it fell into decay. And only in the Middle Ages, when Catalonia became part of the Kingdom of Aragon (one of the most powerful Mediterranean powers of that time), numerous buildings were re-erected on this site, which have survived to this day. Most of them date from the 14th–15th centuries (although some ancient Roman structures also survive). It is thanks to this medieval architecture in the Gothic style that the quarter got its name.

How to get there

The Gothic Quarter is located in the Old Town (Cuitat Vella) district of Barcelona. It extends from Placa de Catalunya to Port Vell, and from La Rambla to Via Laietana.

There is no metro directly in the Gothic Quarter, but there are 4 stations around it:

• Jaume I (L4);
• Drassanes (L3);
• Liceu (L3);
• Catalunya (L1,L3);

You can also easily get there by tourist or city bus - stop Barri Gotic.

What to see

The Gothic Quarter is rich in all kinds of attractions and interesting places. It is impossible to get around them all in a couple of hours of walking, or even in a whole day. It's difficult to recommend anything specific, as it depends on your preferences. But I’m sure everyone here will find something to see!

First of all, Barri Gotico is famous for its large number of ancient Gothic churches. The most famous of them: /The names of attractions in such lists are best highlighted in bold/

All of them were built in the Middle Ages, but not one of the temples has reached us in its original form. Thus, the Basilica of Le Merce was erected in the 18th century on the remains of a Gothic church, the Basilica of Santa Maria del Pi was completely restored at the beginning of the 20th century after a fire, the Church of Santos Doust I Pastor was partially restored at the end of the 19th century, and the famous The facade of the Cathedral of St. Eulalia was completed in the 19th century according to medieval sketches.

The same pseudo-Gothic is one of the most photographed places in the Gothic Quarter - Bridge of Sighs(Pont dels Sospirs). It is also called a lace bridge.

It was built in the 20s of the 20th century by the architect Joan Rubio and connects the residence of the President of Catalonia with the Government Palace. The place is located on Carrer del Bisbe street, next to the La Seu Cathedral. Previously, the residence building was the house of his canon (Casa de la Canonya). Nearby is the house of the archdeacon of the cathedral (Casa de l'Ardiaca), which is famous for its beautiful courtyard, popular among tourists. The courtyard also appeared only in the 19th century. But both houses are indeed medieval Gothic buildings. Moreover, they were erected on an ancient Roman foundation.

In addition, several buildings from the times of the Roman Empire have been preserved in the Gothic Quarter - the ruins of the settlement of Barsino. The largest surviving fragment is located under the King's Square (Placa del Rei). You can go down to the ruins through the entrance to the City History Museum, located on the corner of the square. The visit is paid (7 EUR).

But you can see the remains of Barsino for free. Thus, on the New Square (Placa nova) there are fragments of the towers of the city gates of the ancient city and the remains of an aqueduct. Also, next to another square (Villa de Madrid), below street level, you can find a section of an ancient Roman road, edged with stone tombs.

The main place of Barsino was the forum, in the center of which was the Temple of Augustus (Temple Roma d’August). Today, the main site of the Gothic Quarter is located here - Plaza Sant Jaume(Plaсa de Sant Jaume), and the remains of the Temple of Augustus that have survived to this day are exhibited in the courtyard of the Tourist Center of Catalonia.

A large number of traditional celebrations and events are held in Plaza Sant Jaume. There are also two main buildings of the city: the City Hall (city house) of Barcelona (Casa de la Ciutat de Barcelona) and the Palace of the Government of Catalonia (Palau de la Generalitat). Each of them is a masterpiece of architecture and has its own rich history. Both were built in the Middle Ages, but, like many things in the Gothic Quarter, they were rebuilt many times.

Another famous Barri Gotic square is Royal Square(Plaсa Real). True, it does not belong to Gothic at all. The buildings located along the perimeter are built in a classical style, with arches. In the center of the square there is an elegant fountain surrounded by palm trees. All this gives Plaza Real a luxurious and somewhat aristocratic look. However, this is how it was intended when it was designed and built in the 19th century. Influential people of that time lived here. And although now the public here is much more democratic, the square has retained its atmosphere of sophistication to this day. And the restaurants here are not the cheapest.

The highlight of the Royal Square, which cannot be ignored, are the original lanterns, created according to the design of the famous Gaudi.

Plaza Reial is one of the most visited places in the Gothic Quarter. Numerous bars and restaurants here are open until late at night.

If you want peace and solitude, then go to the square with a similar name - King's Square(Placa del Rei). There are usually few people here, you can sit in a cafe or just on the steps and enjoy the cool shade from the medieval buildings.

There is also the main museum of the Gothic Quarter - Barcelona History Museum(MUHBA), which features unique exhibits showing how the city developed from ancient times to the present day.

Another popular Barri Gotic museum is Frederic Mares Museum. It is also known as the "Sentimental Museum". This is a museum of sculptures from the ancient Roman period to the 20th century.

In addition to the historical heritage, contemporary art is also vibrantly represented in the Gothic Quarter. The main place where you can enjoy it is Gallery Villa de Arte. It (and nearby on the street) exhibits unusual and spectacular sculptures, as well as paintings by the best contemporary artists. The gallery is located in the heart of Barri Gotic - behind the Cathedral.

Here, next to the cathedral, in the building of the Royal Art Circle of Barcelona (Reial Cercle Artistic de Barcelona), there is a small but very interesting exhibition of little-known sculptures and sketches of the brilliant Salvador Dali.

But the main, in my opinion, masterpiece of modern art in the Gothic Quarter is a huge photo mosaic by the Catalan photographer Joan Fontcuberta - El mundo nace en cada beso(cat. El mon neix en cada besada), which means “Peace is born with every kiss.” It consists of a wall tiled with small photographs of happy moments, which together form a picture of a kiss. The photographs for the work were donated by the townspeople themselves. The mosaic is located in the park opposite the Cathedral.

Things to do in the Gothic Quarter

The Gothic Quarter has more than just spiritual food to offer - it's also a great place to grab a bite to eat. There is a huge number of all kinds of bars, restaurants and cafes for every taste and budget. But one place worth paying special attention to is the restaurant Els 4 gats("Four Cats") It is famous not so much for its cuisine as for its rich history. The restaurant was opened in the 19th century by the then famous modernist artist Pere Romeo, modeled after the famous Parisian cabaret “The Black Cat” (Le Chat Noir). Els 4 gats instantly became a favorite place of local bohemia. But the main regular of the establishment was Pablo Picasso, which brought popularity to the restaurant. And although Els 4 gats has not reached us in its original form (it was restored in the 70s of the 20th century), it still conveys the atmosphere of that time.

Also the Gothic Quarter is a great place for shopping! It is here, and not in shopping centers, that you should go shopping. On the quarter's main avenue, Avenida del Portal del Angel, you will find many well-known chain stores. And if you go deeper, there are small creative boutiques of Spanish designers and local shops.

When planning a walk through the Gothic Quarter, check the calendar. Many spectacular and interesting events take place here. The most famous are the festival in August and (literally "human towers", the centerpiece of Barcelona's main festival, La Merce), in September.

Gothic Quarter (Spanish)Barrio Gotico) – the central and oldest part of the Old Town Barcelona , her womb, this is where this amazing city was born. The quarter starts from Plaza Catalunya and extends from La Rambla to Via Laetana.

It all began more than 2000 years ago with the modest Roman settlement of Barsino, surrounded on all sides by an impregnable wall 2 meters wide. The streets of today's Gothic Quarter at that time formed an oval along which the defensive position ran. Little remains today of the walls behind which retired Roman soldiers once lived. The oldest house in the Gothic Quarter, which witnessed many historical events and survived an earthquake in the 14th century, dates back to the 12th century.

The Gothic quarter began to be called at the beginning of the 20th century - the largest architectural ensemble of buildings in Europe from the 14th–15th centuries appears here in perfect harmony and deserves great attention. The area is an example of the layout of medieval cities and consists of many winding streets flowing into each other and forming a combination of architecture from the Roman Empire, the Middle Ages and 20th century Art Nouveau, captivating visitors with its grandeur and beauty.

Sights of the Gothic Quarter

The second name of the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona is “Cathedral”, here is the Cathedral (Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, Spanish: La Catedral de la Santa Cruz y Santa Eulalia), the main masterpiece of the city’s medieval architecture, with a luxurious Gothic facade. It is very difficult to examine the architecture of the cathedral from the outside; the stone giant is literally squeezed into the narrow streets of the Old Town. Construction of the cathedral began in the 13th century and continued for several centuries. The main facade was completed relatively recently, towards the end of the 19th century. The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Eulalia, a young girl who was tortured and martyred at the hands of pagans for the Christian faith in the 4th century. Eulalia was 13 years old, and in memory of this, exactly 13 white geese live in one of the chapels inside the Cathedral, symbolizing the purity and innocence of the patroness of Barcelona.

The Gothic Quarter begins with Plaza Nova, or New Square, which, despite its name, was founded in 1355. At that time there was a city gate here. To this day, the square has preserved the remains of ancient Roman walls and two large four-story Roman towers that protected the northeastern gate of the city wall until the 18th century. On the same square is the Baroque Bishop's Palace with a magnificent façade. The majestic building is built on Roman-era foundations and contrasts with the more modern house of the College of Architects, a white structure with huge friezes designed by Picasso. The building was built in 1961. “Children's Frieze”, “Frieze of Giants” and “Frieze of the Flag” were designed by Picasso and designed by the Norwegian Karl Nesjar.

Another value of Plaza Nova is the Archdeacon's House (Casa del Ardiaca), which separates Novaya Square from the Cathedral Square and contains fragments of the fortress wall. The building has been the seat of the church diocese since the end of the 12th century. The house went through two reconstructions in the 16th and 19th centuries; the last alteration turned out to be so large-scale that it connected the building with the neighboring structure, making one out of two buildings. Now in one architectural object we can see a mixture of styles: Gothic, Renaissance and even modern. One of the “newest” features is the postbox from 1895, decorated in a modernist style by Lewis Domènech i Montaner in 1902 at the request of the Bar Association. The three swallows on it symbolize the independence of justice, the turtle - bureaucracy. At the moment, Casa del Ardiaca is the repository of the city archive.

One of the main streets of Barcelona - Carrer del Bisbe - connects Plaza Nova with Plaza de Sant Jaume - the historical center of political life, which was a forum in Roman times. The Plaza de Sant Jaume houses the City Hall and other administrative buildings, including the House of Canons and the Government Palace, connected by a 1926 neo-Gothic bridge by Joan Rubio. The appearance of the city hall building reflects different centuries and architectural styles. The facade, facing the square and considered the main one, was built in the neoclassical style in the mid-19th century. A little Gothic has been preserved in the side facade - “Gothic”. But much more of the medieval spirit remains inside the building rather than outside. In addition to the famous “Hall of Hundred,” there is a Gothic gallery, a “staircase of honor,” a courtyard and several other halls created in the Middle Ages. You can visit the city hall any Sunday from 10:00 to 13:30. Plaza de Sant Jaume was reconstructed in 1823. Nearby are the ruins of the Temple of Augustus (1st century).

The Royal Square, or Plaza del Rei (cat. Plaç a del Rei) is the most famous and popular square among tourists in the Gothic Quarter, a miracle of Gothic architecture and the scene of countless historical events in Barcelona. It is known that it was in this square on April 3, 1493 that the Catholic rulers Fernando and Isabella received Christopher Columbus, who returned from his first voyage to America. All buildings on this square are made in the Gothic style. Here is the Royal Palace, which served as the residence of the Counts of Catalonia from the 13th to the 15th centuries. The Visigoths built the first ruler's palace in this square. During the period when the lands were under their rule, the Visigoths made Toledo their capital, and they sent a governor to Barcelona to rule the city. The first palace was built here for the governor, on the site of which there were previously Roman buildings. On the ruins of Roman buildings, the Visigoths built their palaces and temples, which later suffered the same fate - they were destroyed in the Middle Ages to make way for Gothic buildings.

Another place on Plaza del Rey that deserves the attention of visitors to the city is the capital of Catalonia, located in a 15th-century mansion, Casa Clariana-Padellàs. The most interesting thing in the museum is the archaeological excavation site. On an area of ​​4,000 square meters directly below the square, you can take a tour of the history of the city - from the first century BC. e. until the seventeenth century. Ruins of buildings from different centuries and cultures, fragments of houses and workshops, temples and streets, parts of the fortress wall and towers, a swimming pool that remains from an ancient bathhouse, a city crossroads, the remains of shops and a patrician’s villa. In addition to the archaeological excavations, it is necessary to visit the palace, which includes the Throne Room (Salo del Tinell), a magnificent example of Catalan Gothic from 1370, in the same room where the Holy Tribunal held its meetings. You can climb the tower for excellent views and visit the Royal Chapel of St. Agatha, built in the 14th century on the ruins of Roman walls. St Agatha's Chapel is famous for its Gothic image of the Constable. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday; it is closed on Monday.

Secrets of the medieval city

The Gothic city is fraught with many secrets, sometimes hidden from the eyes of tourists deep underground, as, for example, in the medieval Jewish quarter of El Call. Until the 15th century, only Jews lived here, but constant extortions and pogroms by the rulers of Catalonia led to the exodus of the Jewish population from El Call. In those days, in every house where Jewish families lived, there was a door leading to an underground passage. In case of danger, the Jews used an underground passage to hide outside the fortress wall and wait out the danger. Such doors exist to this day in many of the old houses in the quarter, and some houses even offer tours. Now in the vicinity of Carrer del Call there are numerous antique, second-hand book and souvenir shops. You can get acquainted with the history of the quarter and see household items of the Jews at the Call Information Center (Centre d`Interpretacio del Call).

In the Gothic quarter of Barcelona there is the famous art cabaret “Four Cats” (Els Quatre Gats), which was inspired by its Parisian cousin “The Black Cat” cabaret and which used to be very popular among the creative elite of Barcelona. Famous artists, sculptors and musicians of the late 19th and early 20th centuries loved to visit the art cafe. Among the famous visitors to the establishment were such personalities as Julio Gonzalez, Pablo Picasso, Ramon Casas, Santiago Rusiñol.

The Gothic Quarter in Barcelona is a must-see part of the city, whether you like gothic art or not. This is a unique opportunity to visit the past, feel the atmosphere of the Middle Ages, and get acquainted with the culture

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