GOTHIC QUARTER

Description

Essentials about the Gothic Quarter in brief

The Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter) is the oldest quarter of Barcelona and forms the center of the old town. Although the neighborhood has changed over time, most of the monuments still date from the 14th and 15th centuries, Barcelona’s heyday as a maritime power. A walk through the labyrinth of narrow and winding streets, which in some places open up into small and larger squares, is for most people the tourist highlight of a visit to Barcelona. By the way, you can stroll through the Gothic Quarter wonderfully undisturbed by cars, because most of the streets are closed to regular traffic.

Sights in the Gothic Quarter

The Gothic Quarter is bordered by the Rambla to the southwest, Plaça de Catalunya and Carrer de Fontanella to the northwest, Via Laietana to the northeast, and the Mediterranean Sea to the southeast. Many of Barcelona’s most important landmarks are located here.

In the center of the district is the Gothic cathedral La Seu. It is surrounded by many buildings steeped in history, such as the Ajuntament de Barcelona (the Town Hall), the Palau de la Generalitat (the seat of the Catalan government) and the Bridge of Sighs, which connects the Palau with the neighboring Casa dels Canonges building. Plaça del Rei is also impressive, with the massive architecture of the residences of the Counts of Barcelona and the Kings of Aragon. Not far away are the remains of the Roman city walls.

Speaking of the Romans, the area was settled during the reign of the Roman Emperor Augustus. On the site of Plaça de Sant Jaume was once the Roman Forum. At the intersection of today’s streets Carrer del Bisbe and Carrer Llibrete, the city of that time was built with the mighty city wall.

The Jewish Quarter El Call

In the middle of the Gothic Quarter visitors will find the Jewish neighborhood of El Call, which begins at the northwest corner of Plaça Sant Jaume. Here you can visit the Synagogue Major, the oldest synagogue in Spain. Although it bears the name “Major”, it is significantly smaller than the neighboring Christian churches – synagogues were not allowed to be built larger at the time.

Eating, drinking and shopping in the Gothic Quarter

In addition to the many historical sights, the Gothic Quarter is also worth a visit for shopping, eating and drinking. In the alleys of the neighborhood, you will find many boutiques and small stores worth browsing. In the evening, when the many bars and restaurants serve wine, tapas and other Catalan and Spanish dishes, the Gothic Quarter regularly bursts at the seams.