Barcelona is filled with beauty and interesting things to see at every corner and if you’re starting to put together your itinerary to visit this city, there are a few things you definitely shouldn’t miss out on. In today’s blog, we’ll explore Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, the historic center of the city, together and we’re pretty sure that after reading, you’ll want to go right away!
Let’s discover Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter!
WHAT IS BARCELONA’S GOTHIC QUARTER
Extending from La Rambla to Via Laietana and from the Mediterranean seafront to the Ronda de Sant Pere, Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, commonly just known as the Gothic Quarter, consists of the historic center of the city. Containing some of the remains of the Roman wall, this quarter is located in the Ciutat Vella district and its streets are usually closed to traffic.
The Gothic Quarter is considered to be one of Barcelona’s most interesting neighborhoods and the history that you’ll breathe whilst wandering through it, thanks to the many relics of the city’s origins, will make you feel like you’re going back in time.
WHAT TO SEE IN BARCELONA’S GOTHIC QUARTER
As previously mentioned, the Gothic Quarter is filled with relics, including parts of the Roman wall that was built in Barcelona but it obviously doesn’t end here.
Here’s a list of some of the best things to see in this district:
- THE BARCELONA CATHEDRAL:
What probably stands out most when thinking of things to see in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter is definitely Barcelona’s Cathedral, known as the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia and built between the XIII and XV centuries in honor of the city’s patron.
Even though this Cathedral is considered to be one of the most important medieval relics, its façade was only built in the XIX century but, thanks to its features like the beautiful grimacing gargoyles and the details of the windows, this Church manages to not look modern at all!
- BASILICA OF SANTA MARIA DEL MAR:
Considered to be one of the most majestic Gothic Churches in Barcelona, Santa Maria del Mar Basilica was built in the XIV century and it represents the prosperity that the Catalan Capital had at the time.
- PLACE DEL PI:
This interesting square, located near La Rambla, is pretty much always filled with markets, street artists and buskers that keep it colorful and lively. It’s dominated by Santa Maria del Pi Church, commonly known for its stained-glass rose window on its main façaade.
- PUERTA DEL BISBE
Another gorgeous thing to see in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter is Puerta del Bisbe. This bridge built between Carrer del Bisbe was only built a century ago. It was designed by Joan Rubiò, whose plan was to make the whole city of Barcelona in a more neo-gothic style but he was strongly opposed, leading to Puerta del Bisbe being the only project that was built.
VISIT PICASSO MUSEUM
If you’re a fan of art and especially if you enjoy Picasso’s masterpieces, you definitely can’t miss out on Picasso’s Museum. Located in over five medieval palaces, this museum houses Picasso’s collection, mainly from his youth, although it also contains works of art from his later phases. It was first opened in 1963 and it’s a great way to get to know more about this amazing artist’s life and masterpieces.
CONCLUSIONS
If you’re planning on visiting Barcelona, taking a walk through Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter and exploring its beauty and hidden secrets is definitely a must. If you want to get to know more about the Catalan Capital, make sure to check out our other blogs and book a tour with us for the best experience possible!