Gothic Quarter, Barcelona
Thanks to its central location, Plaça de Catalunya is a popular meeting place for Barcelona residents and visitors alike.
It was inaugurated in 1927 by King Alfonso XII and covers an area of 48,500 square metres. Since then, it has witnessed countless events, meetings and moments that have become part of the collective memory.
The square is surrounded by six majestic sculptures representing the four Catalan capitals, work and wisdom.
At one end of the square stands the emblematic monument to President Francesc Macià, a work by Subirachs that not only pays homage to the iconic Catalan leader, but also reflects the art and design that characterise Barcelona.
The square occupies the site of a Capuchin convent that was destroyed in 1835. Before it became a square, it was the site of a lively theatre. However, with the construction of the Gran Teatre del Liceu in 1847, it was decided to build a majestic square, the work of the architect Francesc Daniel Molina i Casamajó, designed for the bourgeois and wealthy families of the area.
In the centre of Plaça Reial stands the famous fountain of the Three Graces, designed by Antoni Rovira i Trias, and two majestic six-armed lamp-posts designed by Antoni Gaudí. The royal palm trees add an exotic touch to the surroundings.
This is the only arcaded square in the city, making it one of the most prestigious in Barcelona.
Plaça Reial is now a fashionable bohemian meeting place and, since its renovation in 1982, has become the epicentre of Barcelona’s nightlife. The area is home to a variety of bars and restaurants, as well as some of the city’s most popular nightspots.
In 1823, this square, formerly known as Plaça de la Constitució, was redesigned. Today, Plaça Sant Jaume is home to two of Barcelona’s most important buildings, the Palau de la Generalitat and Barcelona City Hall.
The square occupies the site of the city’s ancient Roman forum, where Carrer Cardo (now Llibreteria and del Call) and Carrer Decumanus (now del Bisbe, Ciutat and Regomir) crossed. If you’re coming from the Cathedral, you can get to the square from calle del Bisbe, which is flanked by two Roman towers.
One of the architectural jewels to be seen is the false Gothic bridge that stands in the middle of the street. Built in 1928 by the architect Joan Rubió i Bellver, it connects the Palau de la Generalitat with the Casa dels Canonges.
Plaça Universitat is an essential meeting point for locals and tourists alike. Surrounded by some of the city’s main thoroughfares, such as Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes and Ronda Universitat, Tallers, Ronda St Antoni and Pelai, this square is the nexus of the Catalan capital’s rich history and contemporary life.
The square takes its name from the location of one of Barcelona’s most representative landmarks: the Central University of Barcelona. Designed by the renowned architect Elies Rogent, this architectural marvel is a clear reflection of Catalan Romanesque, a style that has left an indelible mark on the region’s history.
Designed by the famous architect Puig i Cadafalch for the 1929 World Fair, it was built in a classical style with Baroque influences in an effort to attract visitors. The square became the gateway to the city’s Fira de Barcelona.
In the centre of this majestic space stands the Font de los Tres Seas (Fountain of the Three Seas), designed by the architect Jujol, symbolising the three seas that surround the Iberian Peninsula. The Venetian towers, a copy of those in St. Mark’s Square in Venice, lead to Avenida de María Cristina. At the end of the avenue is the National Art Museum of Catalonia.
For shopping, dining and entertainment, the former Plaza de Toros las Arenas bullring has been transformed into a modern shopping centre. From its vantage point, the city of Barcelona unfolds at your feet. Not far away, the Fira de Mostres is the venue for some of the city’s most important trade fairs.
While Barcelona is full of iconic attractions, few are as exciting and steeped in history as Plaça Sant Felip Neri. Located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, this square takes you back in time.
Famous for its Baroque church designed by Pere Bertran, it is an example of the Counter-Reformation of the time. But it is not only its architectural beauty that attracts visitors. During the Civil War, the square was the scene of tragic events that left their scars on the church. Its history and the reconstruction carried out by Adolf Florensa i Ferrer make it a living testimony to Barcelona’s past.
Curiously, the square has been the setting for productions such as ‘Perfume’ and the video clip for the song ‘My Immortal’ by Evanescence. As well as history buffs, it also attracts film and music fans.
The octagonal fountain, the work of Joaquim de Ros i de Ramis, has seen two statues of Saint Philip Neri mysteriously disappear since it was inaugurated in 1963.
This is the former cemetery of the church of Santa Maria del Mar, a silent tribute to those who died during the War of Succession in 1714. This place is full of history and symbolism and takes on a special meaning during the celebration of the Diada, Catalonia’s national holiday.
In 1989, the architect Carme Fiol was responsible for transforming the space to give it its current appearance. Later, in 2001, a cauldron designed by Alfons Viaplana was erected as a permanent tribute to those who died and were buried here during the war. It is always lit.
At the back of the square, in the shade of the mulberry trees, there is a plaque commemorating an episode from the siege.
As you enter Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, the Plaça del Pi emerges as a magical enclave that somehow captures the spirit of the city. The square is famous for the pine tree in the middle of the square and the Catalan Gothic church of Pi. Its 54-metre-high bell tower offers a 360-degree view of Barcelona, an incomparable panorama that Gothic architecture lovers say is a must-see. The rose window on the façade, reconstructed by Josep Maria Jujol, is the largest in Catalonia.
If you’re a fan of unique, traditional elements, the food artisans’ collective organises a gastronomic fair every two weeks, where you can sample typical Catalan products, from cheeses to exquisite wines. And in the surrounding area, you’re bound to come across bohemian artists, especially painters, who exhibit their work in the Plaça de Sant Josep Oriol, next to the Plaça del Pi.
Located in the heart of the vibrant Ciutat Vella district, Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter is a living testimony to the incredible history that has shaped the city. This area is the oldest nucleus of the city and its historic centre largely corresponds to the ancient Roman city of Barcino.
As you stroll through its narrow cobbled streets, don’t miss the opportunity to admire the majesty of Barcelona Cathedral or visit the Basilica dels Sants Màrtirs Just i Pastor, one of the city’s oldest jewels. And if art and culture are your thing, the Museu de la Història de Barcelona, located in the Casa Padellàs, offers a unique insight into the evolution of the city from Barcino to modern times.
Via Laietana divides the Gothic Quarter and El Born, another historic area that deserves attention. From here you can easily reach the Concepció market or enjoy an afternoon of music at the Conservatory of Barcelona.
The Great Synagogue, one of the most emblematic local monuments, stands in the heart of El Call as a witness to Barcelona’s medieval history. Considered the oldest synagogue in Europe, its architecture and history take visitors back to the heyday of the city’s Jewish community. Not far away, the MUHBA El Call, part of Barcelona’s prestigious Historical Museum, chronicles the life and legacy of iconic figures such as Shlomo Ben Adret.
As you stroll through El Call, pay attention to the details. In calle de Marlet, where you’ll find a Jewish tombstone from the 9th century, and in streets like calle Arc de Sant Ramon del Call, you can still see the holes where the mezuzahs were placed, evidence of the deep connection between the Torah and the community’s daily life.
This was once the municipality of Gràcia, made up of a few farmhouses, three convents and a series of towers that served as second homes for the bourgeoisie who came to Barcelona in 1897.
Places such as Plaça del Diamant and Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia, with its clock tower and the old Town Hall, tell of times gone by, while the Catalan rumba echoes through the streets, revealing the city’s cultural diversity.
Every square in the Gràcia neighbourhood is a hub of social life and entertainment, from the young people who gather in the Plaça del Sol to the hustle and bustle of the famous Gràcia neighbourhood festivals in August, it’s an experience like no other!
The origins of Sarrià date back to the year 986, when it was known as ‘Sirriano’. Over the centuries, the neighbourhood has been a witness to the wealth and architectural heritage of the Catalan bourgeoisie. Walking through its streets is like stepping back in time, and buildings such as Casa Orlandai and the Sarrià market highlight its modernist essence. Don’t forget to visit the Teresian College, a masterpiece by Gaudí.
It’s easy to explore the city from the busy Plaça de Francesc Macià, which acts as a nexus between the different neighbourhoods. History meets modernity here, and the gardens of Turó Park offer a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The elegant and historic district of Les Corts is one of the most visited, as it is home to FC Barcelona’s football stadium, the Spotify Camp Nou, which is currently being restored.
The oldest part of the district, known as the old quarter, contains the most representative buildings, such as the Town Hall, the church of Sta Maria del Remei, the Can Rosés library and the Can Déu civic centre.
Among these historic buildings, the Bonaplata factory stands out as a symbol of Barcelona’s industrial history. Walking around, it is easy to feel transported back to a time when monasteries dominated the landscape, and when the neighbourhood’s unique atmosphere earned it the nickname of Chinatown.
For those interested in modern culture, El Raval will not disappoint. It is home to two jewels: the CCCB and the MACBA, museums that reflect current trends in art and culture. Not far away, the Gran Teatre del Liceu is a testament to the city’s musical tradition.
Gourmets and nightlife lovers will find venues that evoke the vibrant past of El Raval. And if you venture further afield, the Rambla del Raval offers a cosmopolitan atmosphere ideal for a relaxing evening.
After exploring the Raval, don’t forget to visit the Biblioteca de Catalunya (Library of Catalonia), one of the area’s true heritage sites, which will immerse you even more in Barcelona’s history and culture.
The Barrio de Sants, in the heart of Barcelona, is a jewel of history and vitality. Originally known as Santa Maria de Sants, this neighbourhood flourished as an industrial epicentre and played a central role in the development of Barcelona in the 19th century.
Did you know that this neighbourhood was one of the main driving forces behind Cerdà’s Eixample project? Its streets, such as the famous Avinguda Paral-lel, tell the story of a constantly changing industrial Barcelona. Of particular note is the Vapor Vell textile factory, which was converted into a library and school in 2001.
A visit to the Sants district is not complete without a stop at Barcelona-Sants station, Catalonia’s main link to destinations such as Madrid, thanks to the AVE high speed train and the Euromed. If you’re planning a short break, you can reach charming seaside towns such as Sitges and Castelldefels, or venture to the Costa Brava and visit places such as Figueres, home to the Dalí Theatre-Museum.
From a commercial point of view, the Creu Coberta-Carretera de Sants axis is the beating heart of commercial activity. Don’t miss the Hostafrancs market, one of the city’s oldest, located on one of the district’s main thoroughfares.
For those looking for peace and quiet, the Parc de l’Espanya Industrial is a testament to how Barcelona has transformed its industrial areas into green spaces. Here you can see the imposing ‘lighthouse towers’ and even a metal dragon designed by sculptor Andrés Nagel. If you’re an art lover, don’t miss the sculptures of ‘Neptu’ and ‘Venus’, legacies of the 1929 International Exhibition.
In the heart of Barcelona, between Montjuïc and El Raval, lies Poble-Sec. A working-class district in the Middle Ages, this former working-class area has been transformed into a cultural and leisure centre.
In the past, Poble-Sec was mainly agricultural, with manufacturing activities in Les Hortes de Sant Bertran. Over the years, however, it has become associated with the vibrant life of Avinguda Paral-lel, with emblematic theatres such as El Molino, Apolo, Condal and Victòria, venues that give it a Montmartre or Broadway feel.
Today, if you stroll down calle de Blai, you’ll find a small boulevard lined with shops and bars renowned for their culinary offerings. Walk a little further and you’ll come to Plaça del Sortidor, where the young Joan Manuel Serrat used to entertain passers-by with his music.
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