Gothic Quarter in Barcelona: attractions, facts, history. Gothic Quarter in Barcelona. What's worth seeing? Cinemas in Barcelona's Gothic Quarter

Gothic Quarter in Barcelona - the central part of the old city and a popular attraction. What do the narrow streets of Barri Gotic hide?

A gallery connecting the houses.
Photo: flickr.com/jcorrius

In the heart of Barcelona

The Gothic Quarter is located between the Rambla and via Laietana. A tourist route it usually starts from Plaza Catalunya and goes to the port. Behind centuries-old history The city quarter has always been at the epicenter of events and has changed its appearance more than once. This area received its name at the beginning of the 20th century. for the largest architectural complex of the 13th-16th centuries in Europe. in Gothic style. Most of the buildings were built during the reign and peak of the dynasty of the Crown of Aragon.

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

Walking through the labyrinthine streets of the Gothic Quarter is dark but exciting.
Photo: liveinternet.ru

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

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

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

Every lane has a story

When walking through Barri Gotic, take a map with you to check the route.

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

New Square

Placa Nova is the first attraction on the tourist route. Part of the Roman protective walls with columns has been preserved here, behind which until the 13th century. the Roman settlement of Barsino was located. Note the Baroque Bishop's Palace and the Archdeacon's House. The house with the remains of the fortress wall combines several architectural styles. A quaint 1895 mailbox hangs on the house. The building now houses the city archive.

New Square - popular place for meetings.
Photo: panoramio.com

Cathedral

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

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

City Hall and Parliament

Next, follow to Placa Sant Jaume, where you will see the city hall and the Catalan Parliament, built in the 15th century. The facade of parliament is decorated with a statue of St. St. George the Victorious. In the Gothic courtyard, surrounded by stone buildings, orange trees grow and bear fruit.

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

King's Square

Along Carrer del Veguer we get to the King's Square (Placa del Rei) with Royal Palace XII century Here King Ferdinand received Columbus, who returned from his first voyage. And here it is historical Museum. The most valuable “exhibit” is an archaeological excavation site with preserved elements of streets, houses, shops, temples from different eras.

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

Frederic Mares Museum

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

Frederic Mares Museum.
Photo: totenart.com

Roman columns

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

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

Houses of the Jews

Carrer del Call street will lead to the Jewish Quarter, where until the 15th century. Jews lived and were cruelly oppressed. Some houses still have secret doors. During the raids, people left underground passages outside the city wall.

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

The atmosphere is the main thing

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

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

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

“We lived in the center of the Gothic Quarter, so we often walked here even at night. Narrow streets, shutters, graffiti, gloomy buildings. It seems like there's a gargoyle waiting for you around every corner. In general, this is an attraction for adrenaline lovers. They say that it is unsafe here at night. Just like during the day, in a crowd, you should be wary of pickpockets, beggars and thieves.”

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

Gargoyles look scary.
Photo: barcelona-home.com

"They took individual tour. The cost per family was 100 euros. We walked around the Gothic Quarter for two hours, turning into its darkest corners. We really liked it, our teenage son was especially impressed. A walk on your own wouldn't be as informative. In addition, there are no information boards or stands for tourists in the quarter.”

Check points

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

Art cafe Quatro Gats

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

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

Museum of Antique Shoes

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

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

Jazz Club Harlem

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

At a concert in Harlem
Photo: catalunyaguide.com

Confectionery Caelum

Stop by for some baked goods turrones, sweets and other delicacies prepared by the monastery servants.

And how can you keep track of your figure?
Photo: therestauralist.blogspot.ru

Vintage boutique L'arcadel'avia

"Granny's Chest" is a family store and tailoring studio, like free museum textile fashion. Outfits for the films “Titanic” and “Vicky” were sewn here. Christina. Barcelona", "Perfume".

There are so many beautiful and unusual things here!
Photo: trendslabbcn.blogspot.ru

By the way, one of the scenes of “Perfume” was filmed nearby - on San Felip Neri Square.

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

Where to stay?

Gothic Quarter - perfect place for accommodation in Barcelona. From here you can walk to. Historic District cities - a choice for those interested hiking, And . It is in the Gothic Quarter that you have the chance to live in an old mansion. There are hotels of different star ratings here, as well as a large selection of apartments. Features of hotels in this area are a roof terrace, small rooms, lack of parking, noise on the streets during the day and evening hours.

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

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

Aparthotel Arai 4* S Monument

From 240 euros*.

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

We suggest you make virtual tour along the Arai 4* apart-hotel and the adjacent streets.

Regencia Colon 3*

From 120 euros.

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

Photo: booking.com

Condal 2*

From 110 euros.

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

Take a virtual tour of the Condal 2* hotel.

*Prices shown are in high season behind Double Room with 1 or 2 beds.

When going on a trip, everyone would like to save on accommodation. Based on reviews from tourists, we have prepared a review of five in the central part of Barcelona, located nearby.

***

The heart of Barcelona, Barri Gotic, surprises tourists with its treasures: this and architectural structures of different millennia, coexisting on the same street, and atmospheric establishments: cafes, shops, bars - and rich street life. Turn off la Rambla deeper into the neighborhood to find something interesting for yourself.

The Gothic Quarter is the heart of old Barcelona. It is formed by cramped medieval streets, mansions of the Catalan nobility, churches and merchant houses. Emerging from the ruins of Roman buildings, Barri Gotic is a true pearl of the Mediterranean metropolis.

Let's take a closer look at the sights of the Gothic Quarter. And we’ll create a walking route with the following checkpoints:

Cathedral
Plaza Sant Jaume
King's Square
Frederic Mares Museum
Pine Square

Cathedral

Otherwise - Cathedral of St. Cross and St. Eulalia or Catedral. The best place to begin your walk through the Gothic Quarter.

The beginning of construction dates back to 1298, and the last stone in the luxurious decoration of the facade was carefully laid in the 19th century. But the resulting gothic masterpiece is worth the time and money spent.

Every viewer who understands architecture will notice the dissonance between the luxury of the remodeled façade and the asceticism of the ancient octagonal towers.

Among the design features, it is worth highlighting the nave and Gothic choir with ornate spiers. They are decorated with coats of arms and insignia of famous European royal families.

Gothic Quarter - Cathedral - photo 1

The cathedral is worth visiting if only to look at the tomb of St. Eulalia, which can be reached down the stairs behind the altar. This martyr is one of the patrons of Barcelona, and it is in her honor that the Festa Mayor festival is held. Other tombs presented in the cathedral belong to Count Ramon Berenguer I and Countess Almodis - it was they who once founded the first temple on this site.

Go to the cathedral cloister (Claustre) and count the geese. There should be 13 of them - by number full years Eulalia at the time of her martyrdom.

From the cloister you can go to the chapel of St. Lucia (Capella de Santa Llucia). Among the interesting things here are medieval tombstones and a stone crusader.

Plaza Sant Jaume

The next object to explore is Placa Sant Jaume. There are two buildings on it that form a very harmonious, aesthetically balanced pair. These are the Barcelona City Hall (Casa de la Ciutat) and the Catalan Parliament (Palau de la Generalitat).

Gothic Quarter - Barcelona City Hall - photo 2

Barcelona City Hall settled in this building in 1372. In those distant times, the “Council of One Hundred,” which included the most authoritative citizens, met in a spacious Gothic hall and solved pressing problems.

But visually more interesting Palace Generalitat, in which the eternal antagonists of the municipality sit - the Catalan deputies.

Gothic Quarter - Parliament of Catalonia - photo 3

Palau de la Generalitat was built in 1359. Its distinctive feature is the luxurious facade of the chapel of St. George. Its pride is its courtyard in the style of classical Catalan Gothic.

King's Square

From Carrer del Veguer you can reach Museum of the History of Barcelona(MHCB), located on the King's Square (Placa del Rei). The uniqueness of this building lies in the fact that it was moved here in parts and then reassembled.

The place was not chosen by chance. In the basements of the museum are exhibited the remains of Roman buildings, antique objects of labor and everyday life. And the main find is an ancient church, which was located where the bishop’s mansion (Palau Episcopal) is now located.

The dominant feature of the area is king's palace(Palau Real Major). In fact, it consists of three buildings: a throne room, a chapel and a tower.

Gothic Quarter - King's Palace - photo 4

The throne room was built in 1359 by order of Per III. The building became famous throughout the world in 1493, because it was here that the Catholic kings Ferdinand and Isabella honored Columbus, who returned from his first triumphal voyage. Subsequently, the hall was used as a premises for the Inquisition court. The convicts were executed in the square right in front of the building.

Chapel of St. Agata is interesting because it contains the painting “Adoration of the Magi” by one of the most talented Catalan artists, Jaume Huguet.

Gothic Quarter - King's Palace - photo 5

The tower is called "Rey Marti" in honor of Count Martin the Humanist and is an example of the Renaissance in this realm of Gothic architecture.

Frederic Mares Museum

If you want a little break from historical dates and cumbersome architecture, stop by Frederic Mares Museum(Museu Frederic Mares) – sculptor and collector.

Mares donated his unusual collection to the city, which is exhibited in the museum. These are ancient figurines used in sacrifice rituals; and Portuguese harness; and cast iron keys; and enamels; and canes; and sewing machines. The most valuable exhibit is Mares’s suitcase, in which he brought his finds.

Roman columns and the Jewish Quarter

Go to Carrer del Paradis and find 4 columns from the Roman period. They were once supports for the Temple of Augustus, but now you have to try hard to see them literally imprinted into the walls.

Gothic Quarter - Roman columns - photo 6

Hint: the columns are located behind the doors of the excursion desk (Centre Excursionista de Catalunya).

Next your path lies in Jewish Quarter, on Carrer del Call. Until the 15th century, only Jews lived here, but extortions and pogroms by the rulers of Catalonia led to the expulsion of the people of Moses. 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 in Information Center Call (Centre d`Interpretacio del Call).

Pine Square

There is a secluded place in the Gothic Quarter that is rarely visited by tourists. These are three squares, one leading into the other: Placa Sant Josep Oriol, Placa del Pi and Placeta del Pi.

Pi is a mangled version of "pine". For many centuries, this tree has been considered the symbol and decoration of Placa del Pi. It is clear that the plant is replanted periodically.

The dominant area is Church of Santa Maria del Pi- a wonderful example of Catalan Gothic. It can be recognized from a distance by its octagonal bell tower and huge rose window.

Gothic Quarter - Church of Santa Maria del Pi - photo 7

And the rest of the buildings deserve attention. They are generously decorated with sgrafitto and, together with the church, form a corner of authentic Barcelona, where it is so pleasant to take a walk, sit in a cafe, and enjoy performances by street performers.

Gothic Quarter - video

How to find the Gothic Quarter

Address: Barri Gotic, Barcelona.

You can get to the Gothic Quarter by metro; desired station - Liceu or Jaume I. You can also use by tourist bus; the desired stop is called - Barry Gotic.

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 Laietana Street and Rambla, there is a multiple concentration of the city's attractions and cozy restaurants and cafes.

History of creation

Before our era, on the site of this quarter there was one of the Roman cities, which was surrounded by high walls to strengthen its positions. Then all the buildings typical of the Romans were built in it: aqueducts, baths, churches and a forum. When in the fifth century A.D. The lands were captured by the Visigones, they destroyed most of the buildings and in their place they created their own temples and majestic palaces, but they have not survived to this day.

Interesting and unusual buildings appeared on this block in the 14th century; during the Renaissance, no construction activities were carried out, which saved the already constructed buildings from destruction and new developments. Thanks to this, you can now appreciate the majestic buildings in the gloomy Gothic style.

Main tourist points

The Gothic Quarter is bounded by Plaza Catalunya, Avenida Colomba and Via Laietana and Rambla. On its northern side is the favorite place of the famous Pablo Picasso, the “4 Cats” cafe; it appeared in the quarter in the 19th century, and was built by analogy with the Parisian cabaret “Black Cat”.

Plaza Nova

We can consider that the Gothic Quarter begins with it. The New Square was created in 1355 on the site of the city gate. Despite its name, this is the oldest square in the city; slaves were traded there at one time. Previously, there were fortress walls 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 look at the Bishop's Palace, made in the Baroque style, the facade of which is impressive.

Its presence seems to act as a contrast to the more modern building of the College of Architects. The last building is notable for its large friezes, which were created by Picasso himself, but were brought to life by the Norwegian architect Karl Nesjar. 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 a previously demolished fortress wall. In the 12th century, this building served as the residence of the entire church elite. The building was repeatedly reconstructed; its renovation work was carried out in the 16th and 19th centuries; during the last alteration, the house was connected to the building adjacent to it. Because of this, a mixture of styles can now be observed in one united building; there are elements of Art Nouveau, Renaissance and Gothic architecture. The building is now used as a storage facility for the city archives.

The central street of the Gothic quarter is Episcopal Street, which has a bridge that connects the House of Canons with the Government Palace. It was created by Joan Rubio and is generally 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 restore fragments of the interior destroyed over time. One side of the structure is directed towards Carrer Paradis. On this 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 and is visited by many tourists every day. Many historical events previously took place there, and bright representatives of the Gothic style are gathered here. In 1493, the rulers Fernando and Isabella met Columbus, who returned from his first voyage.

It occupies a special place in the Gothic quarter, so important that the quarter itself is sometimes called “Cathedral” - this is its second, not the main name. The cathedral building is impressive in its architecture; a huge stone structure is literally squeezed into a narrow space. The initial stage of its construction occurred in the 13th century, but then its construction lasted for several centuries. The façade of the cathedral was finally completed only in the 19th century. The cathedral building was erected in honor of Eupalia, who was elevated to the rank of saint in the 4th century, since a young girl of 13 years old was executed by pagans for her Christian faith. In the chapel at the cathedral, 13 white geese constantly live, which symbolize the martyr’s purity and purity.

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

Plaza Sant Jaume

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

At this place, unusual competitions are held for the construction of castells - towers made of people. On Sundays, everyone here can learn to dance the national dance - sardana.

He occupied the House of Clariana-Padeyas, this mansion was erected in the 15th century. The museum occupies 4 thousand m2, right under the square you can get acquainted with exhibits of the history of the 1st century AD and trace the development of Barcelona until the 17th century.

It is located behind thick walls and has many courtyards. Some of them are difficult to detect if you don’t know exactly where they should be. Behind the glass display cases and cabinets are stored amazing artifacts in the form of ancient dishes, fragments of historical buildings, their interiors and decorations.

The palace has a Throne Room and serves as an excellent showcase for the study of late 14th century Catalan Gothic. From it you can climb observation tower it will offer excellent views 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 the ancient Roman era, 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, and you can also walk to it if you have a lot of free time. You can get there in the following ways:

by tourist bus, which runs on the red route, you need to get off at the “Barri Gotic” stop;
You can get to the same stop by city bus by taking routes No. 59, 45, 40, 19, 17 and 14;
By metro, you need to take line L3 and get off at Liceu or Drassanes stations, and if you take line L4, you must not miss the Jaume I station.

If you want to take a stroll through the Gothic Quarter, then plan ahead and allow as much time as possible.

Gothic impresses everyone with its majesty on the one hand, and its massiveness and darkness on the other. 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. There is also an opportunity to visit cozy cafes with local cuisine, as well as buy souvenirs and please children with interesting and new toys. Watch street animators and listen to their fellow musicians, and if you wish, learn a traditional dance.

The first inhabitants appeared in this territory before our era. It is impossible to name the exact date today, but historians suggest that it happened between 43 and 2 BC, when Octavian Augustus ruled here. It was this Roman district of Barcino, according to experts, that became the progenitor of the entire future. Of course, most of the buildings that today belong to the Gothic Quarter did not yet exist at that time. But today there are traces and descriptions of the Roman forum, which was located on the site of St. James Square and the fortress wall.

In the 13th and 14th centuries, the Cathedral of St. Eulalia was built, which became the logical center of these territories. Active construction of the remaining structures began in the 14th century and continued throughout the next 15th century. It was during this period that most of the main buildings that can still be seen were built. At times, the development was carried out chaotically, which also affected the street system - in the Gothic Quarter, as in the old parts of many other European cities, the streets are rather narrow and winding passages between buildings. Most of them are open to pedestrians only.

This part of the city received the name “Gothic Quarter”, known today, in the 20th century. It was then that residents drew attention to the surviving medieval buildings, which now stood out against the background modern city. In the 1920s, restoration was carried out here. From that moment on, the area was included in the list of main attractions of Barcelona and the whole of Barcelona.

Today it is a tourist center where, in addition to historical buildings There is a large number of hotels, cafes, shops and bars. Exploring the Gothic Quarter is one of the main excursions for city guests.

How to get to the Gothic Quarter

This site is located between La Rambla and Laientana streets. At the top it is framed by Plaza Catalunya, and the lower border abuts Columbus Avenue and the seashore. It occupies an impressive area, so you can get to it in different ways. Often the inspection starts from Plaza Catalunya.

The exact address: Barri Gotic, Barcelona, Spain.

Option 1

Bus: Not far from Plaza Catalunya there are stops Pl Catalunya, which is served by buses 59 and V13, and Portal de l’Àngel, where buses 41, 55, H16, N4, N8, N28 and V15 stop.

If you start your acquaintance from the shore, then the N9, N12 and N15, which reach Cap, are suitable. General or bus V17, running past the Via Laietana stop.

Option 2

Metro: you can navigate to several stations at once - Drassanes, Liceu, Urquinaona and Jaume I.

Gothic Quarter on the map

What to see

One of the main objects has been for many decades Cathedral Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia. It was built from 1298 to 1420 and was consecrated in the name of the patroness of these places. Today it is the residence of the archbishop. The height of the temple reaches 70 meters, which makes it easy to find it from almost anywhere.

In this same part you can also look into the Basilica of Santa Maria del Pi. It was built in the 14th century, destroyed by the civil war, but later restored.

Closer to Columbus Avenue you can find a basilica called La Merce. It appeared in the 18th century on the remains of an even older church of St. Michael. Today the basilica is consecrated in honor of Our Lady of Mercy.

The church of Sant Just i Pastor is considered one of the most ancient. The first records about it date back to the 9th century.

In addition to religious buildings, you can find many other interesting objects here. Almost in the center is St. James Square. Before our era, there was a Roman forum in its place and the main roads of this settlement of the ancient Romans intersected. At the current stage, the square continues to play an important state role: the government palace and the city hall building were built here.

The King's Square is no less significant. It was designed much later - in the 19th century, and therefore was no longer made in the canons of Gothic, but in the canons of classicism. The buildings framing it are decorated with light arches, and the square itself is decorated with fountains and palm trees.

Nearby is also famous bridge sighs. It can be considered quite young - the bridge was erected between the buildings of the Government House and the presidential residence only in 1926. The idea, which was aimed simply at facilitating access from one government office to another, was implemented in the neo-Gothic style. The townspeople really liked the bridge, and couples quickly fell in love with it, which is why it got its name.

Of historical value are the remains of the Roman wall, which in the era Ancient Rome defended the local settlement. They are scattered along different streets and, while walking, you can constantly discover more and more new fragments of this structure.

Also interesting is the special Jewish quarter, once, back in the 12th-13th centuries, inhabited only by people of this nationality. These streets flourished with trade and crafts until persecution began against the Jews and they were forced to leave Barcelona.

Here you can also visit one of the main museums of the city - the Museum of the History of Barcelona. The exhibition tells the story of these lands from the times of Ancient Rome to the present day. The museum's opening hours are from Tuesday to Sunday, so any traveler has many chances to get into it. The entrance fee is about 8-10 euros ( ~330 rub. ) per person.

You can also plunge into the past by visiting the Frederic Mares Museum. Here everyone can get acquainted with a large collection of sculptural sculptures created both in antiquity and over the past century.

This series of museums continues with a gallery in which the Middle Ages, felt in all other buildings, recedes. Villa de Arte contains works of contemporary artists who worked and are working in the past and present centuries and are continuers of the traditions of Dali, Picasso and Gaudi.

Sights of the Gothic Quarter on the map

Approximate route through the Gothic Quarter

There are a great many options for plans and routes by which you can explore this territory. Each guidebook offers travelers its own variations of an already known route, but, more often than not, the cathedral becomes the central point of all walks.

Often the start walking route choose Plaza Catalunya;
At the very border of the quarter, you can visit the parish of St. Anne, after which, moving further south, deviate slightly from the route to look into the Four Cats cafe;
From here it is worth continuing the path to the center, where the cathedral is located;
A couple of minutes from it you can find the Bridge of Sighs, and then turn a little west to reach Santa Maria del Pi;
From this temple, along the narrow streets, you can return to the center and exit to St. James Square, or you can walk a little south and end up at King’s Square;
In any case, the further path should be kept, oriented to the south. In this case, you will be able to easily cover all the significant sights, take memorable photos and end your short trip on the shore;

Working hours

This area is accessible at any time of the day. You can stroll along its streets both during the day and at night. However, most of the historical buildings that are of interest to visit are closed in the evening. But at the same time, here you can find many different nightlife establishments where both travelers and local young people relax.

Where to eat

One of the most atmospheric places in this part of the city, where you can also grab a bite to eat, is the Four Cats cafe. It dates back to the 19th century. Then, on these streets, it was founded by Pere Romeo, an artist who sought to create a cafe similar to the Parisian cabaret “Black Cat”. It became famous due to the fact that Pablo Picasso himself was a frequent visitor here. Today you can find this cafe at Carrer de Montsió, 3.

In addition, you can find more modern places for lunch here. For example, not far from Plaza Catalunya there is a cafe worldwide famous network Hard Rock Café, there is a McDonald's within walking distance from the Liceu metro station.

For those who prefer more refined dining options, there are numerous restaurants scattered along the narrow streets, some of which will even pleasantly surprise you with their prices. Here you can find both examples of national Spanish cuisine and separate restaurants seafood cuisine or vegetarian dishes. In addition, on almost any street you can find tea shops, pastry shops and various bars.

Safety

According to reviews and statistics, Barcelona is classified as a city with a medium level of danger. You can walk through the streets of the Old Town calmly, especially if you remember some precautions. Since the Gothic Quarter is a popular and crowded place, it may well become a platform for petty thefts. Therefore, travelers should pay special attention to personal belongings, keep their wallet in a safe place and not be distracted by groups of suspicious passers-by who are trying to grab attention, for example, by asking for directions.
It is better to avoid large jewelry made of precious metals. It can be dangerous for girls to walk in them at night, especially if we're talking about about the narrow streets of the old center.
If there is a need to contact law enforcement officers, then it is better to look for them at the police department, which will be nearby. There are often cases when police officers working on the streets turned out to be not representatives of the law at all.

Residential buildings in the Jewish Quarter have interesting feature. The persecution that began forced residents to look for ways to protect themselves, so a secret door appeared in almost every house. Usually it led to underground passages, which made it possible to get beyond the boundaries of the fortress wall. In many ancient buildings, these doors have been preserved to this day, and some of them can even be seen during a special tour that tells you what secrets they hide.
Every year, on the territory of the Gothic quarter, namely on St. James Square, a festival is held to build castels - high pyramids of people standing on top of each other.
The popularity of this place was added more than a decade ago by the acclaimed film “Perfume. The story of a murderer." After all, it was here that many episodes were filmed. Travelers still come here to this day in search of that same perfumer’s house.

Virtual tour of the Gothic Quarter

This complex of unique buildings contains the true heart of these lands. Here lives its past and its present, which, cleverly intertwined, create a special atmosphere inherent only in an ancient European town.

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Barri Gotic, Barcelona, Spain

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Carrer del Bisbe Bridge

How the block was built

Not all objects of the Gothic quarter appeared here in the Middle Ages, during the heyday of the union of the state of the Aragonese Crown, of which the Principality of Catalonia was an important part. The first surviving stone objects were built in antiquity - these are the ruins of the city wall, the palace of Octavian Augustus and the aqueduct in the vicinity of Tapineria Street and New Square. The territory of the future Gothic Quarter of Barcelona was most actively developed in the 13th-14th centuries, but since then Barcelona has gone through a series of historical and natural disasters. Ancient houses burned, came under fire, and were destroyed by earthquakes. As a result, by the twentieth century, most of the buildings that had been rebuilt several times required global reconstruction. Modern architectural monuments are a fusion of Gothic, neoclassical and neo-Gothic, complemented by the skillful work of restorers.

Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia

Gothic buildings and squares

The Gothic Quarter of Barcelona has generally retained its medieval layout, although many areas have been expanded by demolishing old buildings. The most popular tourist sites include the Cathedral of St. Eulalia, New Square, and the Church of Santa Maria del Pi.

Church of Santa Maria del Pi

Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia

The majestic, richly decorated cathedral, seat of the Bishop of Barcelona, in the center of the quarter houses the relics of a 14-year-old Christian girl who suffered at the hands of pagans in the 4th century. The temple's carved spiers inspired Antoni Gaudi's Sagrada Familia project. The interior of the cathedral is no less luxurious than the facade; in the courtyard with a fountain and a miniature garden, visible to visitors, they contain white geese, symbolizing the purity and innocence of Saint Eulalia. The cathedral is open to tourists from 8:00 to 19:30.

Church of Santa Maria del Pi

Located near the Liceu metro station, the 14th-century building is distinguished by its simple form. The stone facade is decorated only with a giant 10-meter rosette, restored to its original form 80 years ago, and a pointed arch above the entrance. Guests and believers are welcome in the temple from 9:30 to 20:30. The historic interior of the church was seriously damaged during fires and civil war in Spain, only the seats in the 18th century in the Rococo style have survived, the altar is modern neo-Gothic.

The name should not confuse tourists: in fact, this is the oldest square in Barcelona, completely built up in the 14th century. This is one of the most eclectic architectural ensembles Catalan capital. This was once the outskirts of a Roman settlement, where aqueducts began, the ruins of which can still be seen today. Near ancient ruins the medieval Archdeacon's House with modernized gloomy fortification towers is located. The College of Architecture, on the other side of New Square, is decorated with modern “rock paintings” - cheerful, stylized images of people.

Sights of later eras

Craftsmen of past centuries erected new buildings on ruins that could not be restored. Among such works of architecture is the Basilica of Saints Justus and Pastor, located 100 m south of the Jaume I metro station: the facades were rebuilt in the neo-Gothic style, the interior became neoclassical. The 17th-century Church of San Felipe Neri is famous for its Baroque reliefs and sculptures on its façade. Near Columbus Avenue stands the La Merce Church, built in the 18th century on the ruins of a Gothic temple. It is famous among pilgrims for the wooden figure of Our Lady of Mercy kept inside. This is one of the most revered Catholic sites in the city, receiving the privileged status of a minor basilica along with the Church of Santa Maria del Pi and the Cathedral of Saint Eulalia. On September 23, a religious procession in honor of the sculpture is organized annually. secular landmark, Royal Square with a fountain, lanterns designed by Antoni Gaudi, and powerful palm trees appeared only in the 19th century, but this does not prevent it from being favorite place holiday for native Barcelona residents.

Royal Square of Barcelona

Entrance to the museum wax figures

Museums of the Gothic Quarter

Museum of Erotica in Barcelona

Thematic variety of museums historical center Barcelona satisfies the tastes of the most discerning guests of the city. Exhibition Center Gaudi with the Diocesan Museum of Barcelona together with the Art Museum and the Museum of Frederic Mares, the famous Catalan sculptor, is open a few tens of meters from the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. The Erotic Museum operates near St. Joseph Boulevard, famous for its flower shops. The wax museum awaits visitors on the approach to Columbus Avenue.

Events in the Gothic Quarter

The small hall of the thousand-year-old Church of St. Anne is used for concerts by masters of the Spanish guitar. On Sundays, on St. James Square, everyone takes part in round dances-sardanas to the sounds of orchestras of folk instruments. On festival days, competitions in the construction of pyramid-castels are also held here. Construction material the participants of the competition themselves become for them: 8-10 strong men are placed at the base, representatives of the next level climb onto their backs, and so on up to 10 floors.

Giant's Ball in St. James's Square

Tourist Information

On the borders of the Gothic Quarter there are metro stations line 3 Liceu and line 4 Jaume I. This is a convenient place to start exploring Barcelona: the city's main attractions are located within a 2 km radius. Restaurants and cafes are open literally at every step: a wide range of establishments are presented national cuisine, thematic projects, such as rock cafes, jazz clubs and the art cabaret “4 Cats”. Once upon a time, young Picasso exhibited here and Albeniz played. Today, the owners of the cabaret are trying to recreate the bohemian atmosphere of the early 20th century: live piano music plays until one in the morning, and performances by artists take place. The number of boutiques representing world brands is not inferior to the number of restaurants. There are many small but quite expensive hotels in the area.