The Gothic Quarter of Barcelona. Gothic Quarter (Barri Gothic) Spain Barcelona Gothic Quarter

The Gothic Quarter in Barcelona began to be called so relatively recently due to the fact that it contains many buildings made in the Gothic style. This quarter is difficult to pass without attention, for many tourists it is of interest. It is located in the center between Layetana Street and Rambla, there are many concentration of the city's attractions and cozy restaurants and cafes.

History of creation

BC on the site of this quarter was one of the Roman cities, which was surrounded by high walls to strengthen the position. Then all the buildings inherent in the Romans were built in it: aqueducts, baths, churches and a forum. When in the fifth century A.D. The land was captured by the Visigons, then they destroyed most of the buildings and in their place created their temples and stately palaces, but they have not survived to this day.

Interesting and unusual buildings on this quarter appeared in the 14th century; during the Renaissance, no construction activities were carried out, which saved the already constructed buildings from destruction and new buildings. Thanks to this, it is now possible to appreciate the stately buildings in the gloomy Gothic style.

Main tourist points

The Gothic Quarter is bounded by Plaza Catalunya, Avenue Columbus and Via Layetana and Ramblas. On the north side of it there is a favorite place of the famous Pablo Picasso cafe "4 cats", it appeared in the quarter in the 19th century, and was built by analogy with the Parisian cabaret "Black Cat".

Plaza Nova

It can be considered that the Gothic quarter begins with it, New Square was created in 1355 on the site of the city gate. Despite its name, this is the oldest square in the city; at one time, slaves were traded on it. Previously, the fortress walls passed next to it, they were destroyed long ago, but their remains in the form of two towers can be seen not far from Placa Nova.

On the square you can see the Bishop's Palace, made in the Baroque style, the facade of which is impressive.

His presence acts as a contrast to the more modern building of the College of Architects. The last building is notable for its large friezes, on the creation of which Picasso himself worked, but the Norwegian architect Karl Nesjar brought them to life. The college was built in 1961.

The square is separated from the Cathedral by the Archdeacon's house, one of its walls contains a fragment of the previously demolished fortress wall. In the 12th century, this building served as the residence of the entire church elite. The building has been reconstructed several times, its renovation work was carried out in the 16th and 19th centuries; during the last alteration, the house was connected to the adjacent building. Because of this, now in one united building you can observe a mixture of styles, there are elements of Art Nouveau, Renaissance and Gothic architecture. The building is now used as a repository for the city archive.

The central street of the Gothic Quarter is Episkopskaya, on it there is a bridge that connects the House of Canons with the Government Palace. It was created by Joan Rubio and is considered to be the highlight of the Gothic area.

The House of Canons is unlike any other building due to its unique and unusual layout. It was erected in the 15th century; recent restoration helped to restore fragments of the interior destroyed from time to time. One side of the structure is directed to Carrer Paradis. On the same side are the ruins of an old Roman temple, which was previously erected in honor of Augustus.

This square has become the hallmark of the Gothic Quarter, it is the most popular, many tourists visit it every day. Many historical events have previously taken place on it, besides, bright representatives of the Gothic style are gathered here. The rulers Fernando and Isabella in 1493 met Columbus, who returned from his maiden voyage.

In the Gothic Quarter, it occupies a special place, so important that the quarter itself is sometimes called "Cathedral" - this is its second, not the main name. The building of the cathedral impresses with its architecture, a huge stone structure is literally squeezed into a narrow space. The initial stage of its construction fell on the 13th century, but then its construction took several centuries. The facade of the cathedral was finally able to be completed only in the 19th century. The cathedral building was erected in honor of Eupalia, who was elevated to the rank of saints in the 4th century, since a young girl of 13 was executed by pagans for her Christian faith. In the chapel at the cathedral, 13 geese of white color live constantly, which symbolize the purity of the martyr and her purity.

The building itself is striking in its power, its towers in the Gothic style go high into the sky, there are numerous arches on the facade, and the walls are decorated with openwork ornaments.

Read more about the Cathedral.

A whole milestone in history is hidden in it, earlier, back in the 13th century, the Jewish community occupying these lands was considered the richest, it lived by its own laws and flourished. But after the expulsion of all the representatives of this people, led by Moses, everything became not so beautiful and fell into decay. But even now, you can feel the spirit of the past, getting lost in the narrow and tangled streets of this quarter and feel the medieval atmosphere, as well as see some remnants of the former dawn of this area.

Now you can meet street virtuosos and musical actors here, as well as visit numerous shops and shops with antiques.

Plaza Sant Jaume

This central location in the Gothic Quarter is located at the intersection of the main streets of Barcino, and was created on the site of a former Roman forum. St. Jacob is decorated with the city hall, as well as the Government House, near which a cozy courtyard with orange trees is laid out.

At this place, an unusual competition for the construction of castels - towers of people is held. On Sundays, everyone here can learn to dance the national dance - sardana.

He occupied the House of Clarian-Padeyas, this mansion was erected in the 15th century. The museum occupies 4 thousand m 2, right under the square, you can get acquainted with the exhibits of the history of the 1st century AD and trace the path of development of Barcelona to the 17th century.

It is located behind thick walls and has many courtyards. Some of them are difficult to find if you do not know exactly where they should be. Behind glass showcases and mills, amazing artifacts are kept in the form of ancient dishes, fragments of historical buildings, their interiors and decorations.

The palace has a Throne Room, which acts as an excellent demonstration material for studying Catalan Gothic from the late 14th century. From it you can climb the observation tower from it will offer an excellent view of the ruins of Roman buildings and the Royal Chapel, built in tribute to St. Agatha.

Mares Museum

It is often called "Sentimental", as most of its exhibits are sculptures from ancient Roman times, dating back to the 20th century.

How to get to the Gothic Quarter?

It is located in the very center of the city, many roads lead to it, there is both overground and underground transport, you can also walk to it if you have a lot of free time. You can get there in the following ways:

• by a tourist bus that runs on the red route, you must get off at the “Barri Gotic” stop;
• you can take a city bus to the same stop by taking route 59, 45, 40, 19, 17 and 14;
• by metro, take the L3 line and get off at the Liceu or Drassanes stations, and if you take the L4 line, do not miss the Jaume I station.

If you want to take a walk in the Gothic Quarter, then plan it in advance, allocating as much time as possible.

Gothic impresses everyone on the one hand with its majesty, and on the other with its massiveness and gloom. But the Gothic quarter is notable for the fact that in it you can see not only this style, but also more modern ones, which allows you to significantly expand your horizons and thoroughly study architecture in one area. It also provides an opportunity to visit cozy cafes with local cuisine, as well as buy souvenirs, please children with interesting and new toys. Look at street animators and listen to their fellow musicians, and if you wish, learn a traditional dance.

The Gothic Quarter (Cat. El Gotic or Barri Gotico, Spanish. Barrio Gotico) is one of my favorite places in Barcelona. Every time I visit the city, I certainly go there. You can walk along it endlessly, getting lost in the labyrinth of narrow streets and squares lost between them. There is a special atmosphere here. The Gothic Quarter is also just a salvation for the hot Barcelona summer. There is nothing more pleasant at this time than walking along its shady alleys, feeling the stone coolness of medieval buildings and drinking 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 storehouse of architectural masterpieces that together form a small medieval town. Here history and modernity are intertwined, the spirit and heart of Barcelona is embodied.

History of the Gothic Quarter

The history of the Gothic Quarter dates back to the time of the Roman Empire. More than two thousand years ago there was a small settlement of 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 that have survived to this day were re-erected on this site. Most of them date back to the XIV-XV centuries (although some ancient Roman buildings have survived as well). 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) of Barcelona. It stretches 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 as many as 4 stations around it:

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

It can also be easily reached by tourist or city bus - the Barri Gotic stop.

What to see

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

First of all, Barri Gotico is famous for a large number of ancient Gothic temples. The most famous of them are: / The names of attractions in such lists are better to be highlighted in bold /

All of them were built in the Middle Ages, but none of the temples have survived in their original form. So, 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-Douste-I-Pastor - partially at the end of the 19th century, and the famous The facade of the Cathedral of St. Eulalia was completed already 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 the lace bridge.

It was built in the 1920s by the architect Joan Rubio and connects the residence of the President of Catalonia with the Government Palace. The place is located on the street Bizbe (Сarrer del Bisbe), next to the Cathedral of La Seu. Previously, the residence building was the home 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 with tourists. The courtyard also appeared only in the 19th century. But on the other hand, both houses are really medieval Gothic buildings. Moreover, they were built on an ancient Roman foundation.

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

But you can see the remains of Barcino and for free. So, 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 the ancient Roman road, framed by stone tombs along the edges.

The main place of Barcino was the forum, in the center of which was the Temple of Augustus (Temple Roma d'August). Today, the main place of the Gothic Quarter is located here - Sant Jaume square(Plaсa de Sant Jaume), and the surviving remains of the Temple of Augustus are exhibited in the courtyard of the Tourist Center of Catalonia.

A large number of traditional festivals 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 much in the Gothic Quarter, they were rebuilt many times later.

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

The highlight of the Royal Square, which cannot be overlooked, are the original lanterns designed by the famous Gaudí.

Plaça Reial is one of the most visited places in the Gothic Quarter. Numerous bars and restaurants 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 of the medieval buildings.

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

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

In addition to the historical heritage, contemporary art is also vividly represented in the Gothic Quarter. The main place to 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 Artistic 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, in my opinion, the main masterpiece of contemporary 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 "The world is born with every kiss." It is a wall tiled with small photographs of happy moments, which together form a picture of a kiss. Photos for work were donated by the townspeople themselves. There is a mosaic in the square opposite the Cathedral.

Things to do in the Gothic Quarter

The Gothic Quarter not only offers spiritual food - 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 is worth paying special attention to - this is a 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, after the image of the famous Parisian cabaret "Black Cat" (Le Chat Noir). Els 4 gats instantly became a bohemian favorite. But the main patron of the establishment was Pablo Picasso, which brought the restaurant popularity. And although in its original form Els 4 gats has not reached us (it was restored in the 70s of the XX century), it still conveys the atmosphere of that time.

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

Check the calendar if you are planning to wander around the Gothic Quarter. 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.

It would seem that Barcelona is the most tourist place in Spain, and it is from here that most travelers begin their acquaintance with this country. But with me, as always, everything is the other way around, and I got to the Catalan capital after having traveled a good half of the Iberian Peninsula.

I arrived on a late flight and left my acquaintance with the city the next morning. And so, having breakfast delicious sandwiches in a small cafe not far from my hotel at the foot of the Montjuïc hill, I headed to the very heart of the old town, where the nearest office of the city anti-tourist service was located on the Plaza Sant Jaume, where the Palace of the Government of Catalonia is located:

Even before the trip, I bought the Barcelona Card (a card for very harsh tourists who approach business thoroughly and thoroughly, without missing a single attraction), and among other goodies, its price included two walking tours - along the Gothic Quarter and along the Modernism Route. I decided to follow the chronological order and signed up for the next tour of the old city. Usually I explore cities myself, but vinegar is sweet for free :) So I looked at the Gothic Quarter in a civilized and orderly manner.

The excursion started from the old Carrer del Bisbe street. I guess it looks clear why the old city is called the Gothic Quarter:

The Gothic gallery above the street, which I later loved very much, despite its old appearance, turned out to be relatively new - if I am not mistaken, it was almost the beginning of the 20th century.

The settlement on the site of the current Barrio Gothic has existed since the time of the Romans, but most of the buildings still belong to the Middle Ages.

However, some of the Romans still survived - in the building of the current excursion bureau, the columns of the Roman temple of the Augustus era have survived:

From the street Carrer del Bisbe you can go to the cloister of the cathedral, where the guard geese are on duty :)

From the cloister through the side door you can enter the cathedral, which began to be built in the 12th century, and finished, according to the Catalan tradition of construction, much later - only in the 19th century.

The excursion continued, and we were again taken along the medieval streets of the quarter.

There are many old mansions in this area with interesting details, such as this wonderful mailbox on the House of the Archdeacon:

Coming out to Seu Square, I was finally able to admire the front facade of the cathedral.

The excursion lasted less than an hour, and soon I was already wandering around the block myself, slowly digesting what I heard. Since on my own I always walk some strange routes, bypassing the cathedral, I ended up on Ramon Berenguer Square, where the side facade of the chapel of St. Agatha. The view, by the way, is interesting.

Turning back into the quarter, I came out to Plaza del Rey, where the Royal Palace, built in the 13th century for the Barcelona counts, is located. The palace is famous for the fact that it was here that Ferdinand and Isabella (aka los Reyes Catolicos) received Columbus, who returned from his famous voyage.

Under the Royal Square ensemble are the ruins of a Roman settlement, where I decided not to go. Well, you will not surprise me with Roman buildings after Rome itself :) There were, of course, exceptions, but they confirm the rule.
Not far from the square there is another side entrance to the cathedral.

Opposite was the entrance to the Frederic Mares Museum. I confess, initially I went there for show, but in the end I was very pleased - the museum turned out to be huge and quite interesting. In addition to works of art, there is a very rich collection of all sorts of things, among which I found even unknown variations of tarot cards:

I left the museum in the evening. Since at sunset I had plans to climb to the roof of the cathedral, and there was still time left, I decided to conquer another peak located nearby - the Columbus monument, which can be reached by elevator. The views from above are impressive:

The Gothic Quarter and the Sagrada Familia in the distance

Ramblas

Embankment
Going down to the beginning of the Rambla, I did not deny myself the pleasure of a little walk.

Time passed, and it was time to return to the cathedral, which became especially good that sunny evening :)

From the roof there was a gorgeous view of Montjuic.

But the close-up view of the cathedral towers impressed me much more:

For those who find themselves in the Gothic Quarter before sunset, I highly recommend it!
Well, a little P.S. I don’t know why I felt extreme after dark, but I decided to return to the hotel on foot through the El Raval quarter, which is notorious for its Arab immigrants. The place turned out to be really dumb, especially in the dark, but I did find the only thing that I wanted to see there - the old church of Sant Pau.

It's been a long day!

The Gothic quarter impressed me from the first step with its atmosphere of mystery and monumentality. It seems as if every house lurking in this place has its own secrets. And whether he will tell them to you depends on many things. I suggest taking a tour of the Gothic Quarter today and seeing the main attractions.

Just imagine the damp dark streets, which are barely penetrated by sunlight. There are no cars here, and people are not often met in the early morning. Unlike the rest of tourist Barcelona, ​​this area is quite quiet and in some places even creepy. Especially if you come here at a time when the shops on the first floors of the buildings are still closed.

In this case, instead of enticing boutique windows, you will find graffiti spying on you. What awaits you around the corner? Whose shadow is this on the building? When you walk in this place alone, you involuntarily ask yourself a lot of questions. Those who love to tickle their nerves go here at night. I have not yet decided on such a bold act. This area has its own magic, it is not for nothing that there are many legends about it.

The Gothic Quarter in Catalan sounds like El Gotic or Barri Gotico, and in Spanish Bario Gotico. Its history begins in the days of the Roman Empire. Over 2000 thousand years ago, a small settlement of Barcino was located in this place, in which retired Roman soldiers lived. Barcelona takes its name from this name. With the collapse of the Roman Empire, the settlement fell into decay. And only in the Middle Ages, when Catalonia became part of the Kingdom of Aragon, new buildings appeared on this site, which have survived to our time. Most of the buildings in the quarter date back to the 14-15th centuries, although some ancient Roman objects have survived. It got its name only at the beginning of the 20th century thanks to the preserved architecture in the Gothic style.

Sights and photos of the Gothic Quarter

Any tourist who goes to the Gothic Quarter is interested in what to see there. By the number of interesting objects, Barri Gotico will give odds to everyone else. There are many churches, squares and museums here. We started our walk through the Gothic Quarter from the side of via Laietana.

Cathedral Square (Pla de la seu)

Most excursions around the quarter start from the very lively Cathedral Square. It is rich not only in tourists, but also in architectural objects. Pay attention to the House of Mercy (Casa de la Almonina), which was created to help the poor. The building currently consists of two buildings. The first was created around 1435 in the Gothic style. It can be recognized by its gable roof, doors with a semicircular arch and sculptures of Eulalia. The second part of the object, with galleries and columns at the top, was erected in 1546 in the spirit of renaissance.

Since 1982, the Episcopal Museum (Museu Diosea) has been located in this building. Passers-by are immediately attracted by the unusual massive door of the museum. Its author is the Catalan sculptor Joseph Plandiura. The main exposition of the museum is an extensive collection of religious orientation. The top floor houses an exhibition dedicated to Antoni Gaudi. Various thematic exhibitions can be held in museums throughout the year.

Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia (La Catedral de la Santa Cruz y Santa Eulalia)

But the main attraction of the Cathedral Square, and, perhaps, of the entire Gothic Quarter, is the Cathedral of Barcelona. Its second name is the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia. Its dimensions are striking: height is about 70 meters, length is 93 meters, width is 40. In my opinion, this is one of the largest and most memorable objects in Barcelona. By the way, unlike the advertised Sagrada Familia, the residence of the archbishop is located in this cathedral. Its construction dates back to the 13th century, later the Cathedral was reconstructed and refined more than once. It was erected in honor of the great martyr Eulampia, who died at the hands of the pagans. In memory of the thirteen-year-old girl, 13 geese live in the courtyard of the building.

The cathedral attracts tourists with its scale. So I could not resist and took a picture next to him.

Opposite the cathedral in the square is a large-scale photo mosaic by the Catalan photographer Joan Fontcuberta. It is called El mundo nace en cada beso (cat. El mon neix en cada besada), which means "The world is born with every kiss." The photo mosaic consists of small photographs with happy moments, donated by the townspeople. Together they form a kissing pattern.

New Square (Plaça Nova)

Cathedral Square is closely adjacent to the New Square (Placa Nova). Despite its name, it is one of the oldest squares in the city. This place was once the site of the Episcopal Gate, which in the 3rd century served as the main entrance to the city. Until now, two cylindrical towers have survived, flanking them. A piece of the Roman wall adjoins them. Due to the fact that it was not well preserved, the Catalans completed it to its original height.

In ancient times, the new square was used to supply water to the inhabitants of the city. For this purpose, an aqueduct was erected on it, the remains of which can still be seen. Directly opposite it is the work of the artist Joan Bross - Barcino. This is, indeed, a unique place in which elements of ancient Roman civilization coexist with modern art.

The barcino lettering I photographed from the back

House of the Archdeacon (Casa del Ardiaca)

One of the famous buildings on Nova Square is the House of the Archdeacon. Its back is the remnant of an ancient Roman wall, and it was built on an ancient Roman foundation.

The building was rebuilt more than once, and today you can find traces of the Gothic style and the Renaissance in its image. The latest reconstruction turned out to be so large-scale that it connected the object with the neighboring Episcopal Palace into a single ensemble. You can recognize the Archdeacon's house among other objects by the pink tiles and cypress trees near the facade. If you wish, you can look into the patio, decorated with tiles and a fountain. Once this building was occupied by an archdeacon, and now it is completely occupied by the city archive of Barcelona.

A medieval-style mailbox can be seen on the wall of the Archdeacon's house. It was installed in 1895, and a few years later it was decorated with a bas-relief by the architect Domenic y Montaner. It depicts three swallows, a symbol of freedom and justice, and a turtle, a symbol of bureaucracy.

Episcopal Palace (Palau Episcopal de Barcelona)

The architecture of the palace is a real mixture of styles from Gothic to Renaissance. The baroque façade, beautiful vaults, a courtyard with a terrace, a small fountain and palace windows truly amaze visitors. In it, each element stands in its place and is of interest to tourists. For example, according to the stories of local residents, gargoyles on the roof of the palace emit ominous hissing sounds during the rain. Now the building houses a museum, the entrance to which is free.

Church of Saint Philip Neri (Església de Sant Felip Neri)

Not far from the Episcopal Palace is the Church of St. Philip Neri. It was built in the Baroque style in the middle of the 18th century. On its façade, there are traces of bullets and shrapnel left here since the Civil War of the 1930s.

Jewish Quarter (Carrer del Call)

Carrer del Call leads you to the Jewish quarter of El Call, where until the 15th century there were exclusively Jews. Constant pogroms by the rulers of Catalonia forced them to leave the territory. In some houses, there are still hidden hidden doors and underground passages through which Jews hid during the raids. Currently, there are many antique and second-hand bookshops in the area. You can find out more about the history of the quarter at the Call Information Center (Center d`Interpretacio del Call).

They will tell about the history of the Jewish people living in Barcelona and in the building of the Synagogue, which is now used mainly as a museum. The Torah scroll is of particular value in it. Unfortunately, little has remained of the old building; it was completed and rebuilt over the course of several centuries.

House of Canonists (Casa Del Canonjes)

If you move along the Carrer del Bisbe street, then on the right you can find the Canon building (Casa Del Canonjes). It is a large-scale building in the Gothic style with an irregular layout. Initially, it was planned for an almshouse, a dining place for urban beggars, but in 1450 the object was transferred to the canon (clergyman) of the city cathedral. The building now serves as the residence of the President of Catalonia. If you approach the building, you will see the raised flag of Catalonia, which means the president is at home.

Bridge of Sighs (Pont del Bisbe)

A covered bridge thrown across the street from the House of the Canon to the Government Palace connects the two buildings. Sometimes this Gothic gallery is called the Barcelona Bridge of Sighs or the Lace Bridge. It was installed in the 1920s by the architects Joan Rubio and Bellver.

If you go a little forward to the small square Placa de Garriga i Bachs, then at the side wall of the Church of St. Severius you can see the monument to the heroes of 1809 (El Monument als Herois del 1809). The people also call it a monument to the martyrs of independence. It was built in 1941 by the sculptors José Limón (who worked on the bronze sculpture) and Visante Navarra (alabaster relief), as well as by the architect Pedro Benavent.

Saint Jacob's Square (Plaсa de Sant Jaume)

Since ancient times, the political activity of Barcelona has been concentrated in the Plaza Sant Jume. It once housed the Roman Forum. Also on it was the Temple of Augustus (Temple Roma d'August), built in honor of the Roman emperor Octavian Augustus in the 1st century AD. Take a closer look at the building of the Catalan Excursion Center (Center Excursionista de Catalunya), which hides in its vaults four columns that have survived from the Temple of Augustus. It is rather difficult to see them, as they literally have grown into the walls.

At present, there are several administrative buildings on St. Jacob's Square: the City Hall (City Hall) and the Palace of the Government of Catalonia. Both buildings were built in the Middle Ages in the Gothic style. Traditional festivals and events are held in Plaza Sant Jume.

City Hall (city house) of Barcelona (Casa de la Ciutat de Barсelona)

In the building of the city hall, sometimes called the town hall, the local authorities of the city have firmly settled since 1372. True, at that time, they were called the "Council of a hundred". The most authoritative residents of the city were included in it. The building was originally erected in the Gothic style under the direction of the architect Pere Lobet. But subsequent reconstructions significantly affected its appearance. Only windows and portals remained from the Gothic in this building. The main entrance to the City Hall is marked by a relief arch decorated with the image of the Archangel Raphael and the coats of arms of Catalonia and Barcelona. On the facade of the building, in niches, there are two monuments: to King Jaume I, who formed a new governing body of Barcelona in the 13th century - the city council, and Fevelier, who convinced the Spanish court aristocracy in the 16th century to pay taxes. On the first floor of the City Hall there is one of the tourist offices, where you can take a map of the city for free and get an answer to your question.

Palace of the Government of Catalonia (Palau de la Generalitat)

Next to the city hall is the Palace of the Government of Catalonia. For centuries, the building has served as a meeting place for the Parliament of Catalonia. The oldest part of the facility was built in 1403. In subsequent years, the building was completed several times. In 1416, the building's service façade was completed in the Gothic style by the architect Mark Safont. At the end of the 16th century, the main facade of the building was decorated in the Renaissance style, designed by the architect Pere Blai. Above the main entrance there is a sculpture of the patron saint of Catalonia - Saint George, who conquers dragons. The interior decoration of the palace is gilded stucco molding, sculptural compositions and paintings depicting Catalan kings. The orange-tree courtyard is well worth a look.

To the right of the palace, at Plaça Sant Jaume, 5, there is a funny house (this is the Foto-Cine photo store). It is interesting in that the higher the floor, the more narrow its windows.

Grand Royal Palace (Palau Reial major)

The Grand Royal Palace of Barcelona served as the seat of the first counts of Barcelona and then the kings of Aragon. It was built in the Gothic style. The palace complex includes three main buildings:

1. Tinnel Hall (Saló del Tinell)
2. Chapel of Saint Agatha (Capella palatina de Santa Àgata)
3. Governor's palace (Palau del Lloctinent)

The Tinnel Hall was built in 1362 by order of King Peter IV. It is believed that it was in this Hall in 1493 that Isabella and Ferdinand solemnly greeted Columbus upon his return from travel. Later, the hall was used for the court during the Inquisition. The convicts were executed right in front of the building on the square.

The Chapel of St. Agatha was built in 1302 under King James II. It is famous for the Altar of the Portuguese Constable (15th century) and for its stained-glass windows. It contains the painting "Adoration of the Magi" by one of the most talented Catalan artists, Jaume Jugeta.

The viceroy's palace was erected in 1549 by order of King Charles V. One of its architectural elements is the square tower of King Martin ( Mirador del Rei Martí), which offers a magnificent view of the square. The archive of the Aragonese royal dynasty is now kept here.

Royal Square (Plaсa Reial)

Unlike the medieval St. Jacob's Square, the Royal Square appeared in the city in the 19th century on the site of a burned down monastery. This is one of the few objects not related to the Gothic style. The buildings on the square are built in the spirit of neoclassicism with arches. In the center of the square there is a graceful fountain called "The Three Graces".

The square is decorated with original lanterns designed by Gaudí. Royal Square looks luxurious and aristocratic. Influential people have always lived in this place. Now, of course, the audience here gathers more democratic, but the atmosphere of sophistication has not left it until now. It is always very lively here. Bars and restaurants do not close until late at night. There is a market on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

King's Square (Placa del Rei)

Another square with a royal name is the King's Square (Placa del Rei). Do not confuse it with Plaça Reial. Plaza del Rey is a magnificent ensemble of medieval palaces. This is a rather secluded place with few people. If you want peace and quiet, you can go here. Sit in the nearest cafe or just on the steps of medieval buildings. The last king of the Catalan dynasty wanted the noise from the nearby markets not to disturb his peace, so the order to erect a closed square in front of the palace, serving as a place for knightly tournaments.

The square gained its fame due to the fact that King Ferdinand received Columbus, who returned from his first voyage to America. All buildings in the square are built in the Gothic style. One of the monumental objects on the square is the Royal Palace, which served as the residence of the counts of Catalonia in the 13-15th centuries. Another object of interest is the King Martin Tower, a former sentinel structure with five tiers of semicircular arches.

Ramon Berenguer the Great Square (Plaça De Ramon Berenguer El Gran)

Next to the King's Square and the Great Royal Palace, there is another square with a majestic name - Ramon Berenguer the Great Square. It is named after the Count of Barcelona. Equestrian sculpture by Josep Llimona is also dedicated to him. Behind the monument there is a view of the Roman wall of the 4th century AD and the Gothic church of St. Agatha. It turns out that Roman and Medieval Barcelona meet in this place.

Basilica of La Merce (Basilica de la Mare de Deu de la Merce)

The Basilica of La Merce is also called the Church of Our Lady of Mercy. The history of this shrine is interesting. It is believed that in 1637 she averted the plague from the city. The basilica was built on the site of the destroyed Church of St. Michael. The architect of the project was Josep Mas. The main relic of the object is the image of Our Lady of Mercy in the form of a wooden sculpture. Every September, Barcelona hosts a celebration in her honor.

Church of Santa Maria del Pi (Basilica Santa Maria del Pi)

The Gothic Church of Santa Maria del Pi is located on Placa del Pi, Pine Square. Turning from the narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter to this square, you find yourself in a charming place with its own atmosphere. Pi is the warped pine. For centuries, this tree has been a symbol and decoration of Placa del Pi. The church was erected in the 14th century. During its existence, it has experienced several earthquakes and reconstructions and is now in good condition. You can recognize it by a huge Gothic rose above the entrance and two octagonal towers. Together with the neighboring buildings, this temple forms a single ensemble of Placa del Pi.

Next to the Pine Square is another cozy medieval square of Sant Josep Oriol (plaça de Sant Josep Oriol). It is nice to sit in a cafe here and take a break from walking around the city.

Basilica of Saints Justus and Pastor (Iglesia des Santos Just y Pastor)

The Church of Sant Just and Pastor was built in the 9th century by the order of King Louis the Pious. Major changes to the building took place from 1342 to 1574, during which new facades and a bell tower in the Gothic style were installed. Since the 13th century, the church received the exclusive right to indulgence, which is valid today. Until the 15th century, the Basilica of Saints Justus and Pastor was the parish church of the royal family. The church was consecrated in honor of the two holy martyrs, Justus and the Pastor. In the early 14th century, they were tortured for professing the Christian faith and then beheaded.

On the main facade of the building, it is decorated with a sculpture of Our Lady of Montserrat or the black Madonna. On either side of it are the monuments of Saints Eustos and the Pastor. Under the sculptures on the tympanum, you can read the Latin inscription: Una es cum pueris Justo et Pastore beatis / Virgo Nigra et Pulchra, Nostra Patrona Pia("Together with the blessed youths Justus and Pastr / Black and beautiful Virgin, you are our holy patroness")

Inside the church there are chapels with relief images, and the castle stones are painted with paintings from the life of the Virgin. In the chapel of Saint Felix, the altar of the Passion is preserved, which contains the image of the saint depicted by the Portuguese painter of the 16th century Pedro Nunez. Thanks to the huge stained glass windows, the interior of the church is painted in different colors.

If you walk a little forward, then on the street Baixada del Caçador you can see a beautiful view of an interesting house in a Moorish stele with blue and white tiles and a tiled roof. The tiles bear the inscriptions of the famous Latin sayings: Sol lucet omnibus("The sun shines for everyone"), Labor omnia vincit("Labor conquers everything"), Nihil prius fide(Loyalty is above all "), Ars longa, vita brevis("Art is eternal, life is short"), etc.

Church of St. Anne in Barcelona (Parròquia de Santa Ana)

Away from the main attractions of the Gothic Quarter, there is a small Romano-Gothic Church of St. Anne. It is one of the oldest churches in Barcelona and a national architectural monument. Trees add to the beauty of the object.

Church of St. James

Initially, this church was built in the Gothic style on the Plaza Sant Jume. But later the building itself was demolished, and the church was moved to the premises of the Church of the Holy Trinity. Most of the altars and icons disappeared during the Civil War. Almost nothing remains of the original 14th century church.

Museum of the History of Barcelona (Museu d'Història de Barcelona, ​​MUHBA)

The Barcelona History Museum is housed in a medieval building built into the Roman walls. During the reign of the Aragonese dynasty, the building served as a royal residence. The exposition of the museum presents objects of labor and everyday life found on the territory of the old city. They show how the city has developed since ancient times. But the most curious thing is in the basement of the museum. There you can see the ruins of the ancient Roman buildings of Barcino and the Visigoth temple that stood here. The museum was opened in 1943.

Frederic Mares Museum

Another popular museum in the Gothic Quarter is the Frederic Mares Museum. It is also called the "sentimental museum". It is dedicated to the life and work of the famous sculptor and traveler, after whom the museum is named. He collected various artifacts from all over the world. For example, in the museum you can see ritual figurines used during sacrifices, various types of keys, walking sticks and sewing machines. The exhibits of the museum are quite diverse. People interested in art will love the museum.

Gallery Villa de Arte

In the heart of Barri Gotic, you can not only travel back in time to the historical past, but also enjoy contemporary art. In the gallery Villa de Arte, and sometimes on the street nearby, unusual sculptures and paintings by contemporary authors are exhibited.

Motorcycle Museum

Barcelona has one of the leading positions in Europe in terms of the number of motorcycles per capita, so it is not surprising that a museum dedicated to this type of transport is opened in this city. In this museum, you can trace the history of the development of motorcycles in Catalonia. The permanent exhibition presents models of various brands, from vintage models to modern exhibits. Also, the museum periodically hosts temporary exhibitions.
Royal Artistic Circle of Barcelona (Reial Cercle Artistic de Barcelona)

In the building of the Royal Artistic Circle of Barcelona (Reial Cercle Artistic de Barcelona) you can see a small but interesting exhibition of little-known sculptures and sketches of the brilliant Salvador Dali.

Museum of old shoes

In this museum, you can trace the history of shoemaking. Among the interesting exhibits are shoes of famous Spaniards and boots made for Columbus. In addition to contemplating shoes, you can learn about the technology of their manufacture.

Vintage boutique L'arcadel'avia

Many tourists visit this boutique as a free textile fashion museum. It was in this place that clothes for the films "Titanic", "Vika. Kristina. Barcelona ”,“ Perfume ”.

Confectionery Caelum

If you have a sweet tooth, check out the Caelum pastry shop. It is located in a medieval building that served as ritual baths for the residents of the Jewish quarter. Nowadays they sell pastries and sweets prepared by the servants of the monastery.

Restaurant 4 cats (Els 4 gats)

Although there are many cafés and restaurants in the Gothic Quarter, take a look at the Four Cats restaurant. It is known not so much for its cuisine as for its historical roots. It was opened in 1897 by the modernist artist Pere Romeo. The prototype was the popular French cabaret Black Cat. After opening, the restaurant quickly gained fame. Its regulars were Pablo Picasso, Antonio Gaudi and Sadvador Dali. In its original form, the restaurant has not survived to our time, but still it conveys the atmosphere of that time.

After sightseeing, go shopping. The main avenue of the Avenida del Portal del Angel is home to many well-known chain stores. And if you turn a little deeper, you can find small creative boutiques of local designers.

And finally, a few more photos that were not included in the main collection. I remember the Gothic Quarter for its graffiti. I think you have already noticed them in some of the photos.

On the way, we met cyclists. If you're short on time, I think this is a great way to familiarize yourself with Barri gotic.

I could not resist and looked into one of the open doors. What are the narrow stairs here.

The Gothic Quarter is primarily about architecture and medieval houses.

Hotels in the Gothic Quarter

You can not only walk around the Gothic Quarter, but also stay in it to live during your trip to Barcelona. Living in ancient buildings, you can better experience the flavor of the medieval times. The advantage of this area is its location. From it on foot you can get to the main attractions of the city. Here you can find hotels of different stars and different price segments - from expensive five-star to cheap hostels. You can choose a hotel according to your taste using the hotel map below. Just change the price range in the bottom corner and only the matching options will remain. The map is clickable, from it you can go to the hotel booking site and see the description.

Useful information

Visit time

You can visit the Gothic Quarter at any time around the clock. There are no obstacles or fences here. Some houses are still inhabited by people, some are hotels.

Price

No financial means are required to walk around Barri Gotico. Admiring medieval architecture is completely free.

Address

The Gothic Quarter is located in the center of the old town from Plaza Catalunya to the waterfront. On the left it is framed by La Rambla, and on the right - Via Laietana.

Address: Barri Gotic, Barcelona.

How to get there

You can get to it in several ways:

1) by subway. There are no metro stations in the quarter itself, but there are within walking distance from it. Closest located

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

2) You can also take the city or tourist bus and get off at the Barri Gotic stop.
3) On foot if you are near the area.

Gothic quarter on Barcelona map

I mapped all the sights of the Gothic Quarter. Using it, you can plot your route through the Gothic Quarter. And then you will definitely not miss anything.

conclusions

I enjoyed the walk through the Gothic Quarter. Lost in the maze of narrow streets, it is easy to get lost in it. The houses in it are so close to each other that the rays of the sun hardly penetrate here. In the heat, Barri Gotic is a real salvation. How nice it is to hide in the shadows of medieval houses and feel the coolness emanating from them. And after the walk, you can refresh yourself in one of the cafes and remember the route that passed during the day. In the Gothic Quarter, the chaotic layout of the territory, typical of the Middle Ages, has been preserved, so in this place you involuntarily move back many centuries. It seems as if time has stopped in it. It is in this place that you can feel the spirit of the real Barcelona!

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Discussion: 2 comments

Picturesque quarter. You will definitely need to go there.

To answer

1. yes, especially if you like old areas

   To answer