The Gothic Quarter (Barrio Gòtic) is the heart of Barcelona’s old town and the oldest part of the city, the medieval core known as Ciutat Vella. When it was founded, this area represented the whole Roman city back in the 1st Century B.C. For this reason, in this gothic district you will find Roman remains such as the City Wall watchtowers and the columns of the Temple of Augustus.
El Call, a medieval Jewish quarter, is also situated in this neighbourhood, together with the former Sinagoga Major.
In this part of Barcelona you will also observe the remains of the ancient medieval city, built literally on top of the Roman one several centuries later.
The structure of this area remained mostly intact until the XIX Century, when the old medieval walls were demolished, and the parish cemeteries and spaces of convents and churches became public Squares and Markets, as the famous Market La Boquería.
Suggested itinerary to explore the Gothic Quarter
There are several possible routes through the Gothic Quarter to get to know this area better. We have drawn an easy itinerary for you that will allow you to explore Barcelona’s gothic district on foot without missing the highlights and the beautiful buildings of the Barrio Gòtic.
Catalonia Square and Ramblas
Start your walking tour at the most famous Avenue in Barcelona: Las Ramblas, starting from Plaça de Catalunya.
The street of Las Ramblas is really worth a visit. It is a long avenue, with a total length of 1.5 km that you can enjoy for a walk, a nice tapas tour or some shopping.
This famous street was an ancient channel that carried water to the sea. Its name comes from the Arabic word Ram-la, which means water torrent.
The Rambla was once also the limit of the old medieval city, with its City Wall standing since the XIII Century. A century later, the town expanded, building a new City Wall beyond the Ramblas extension.
At the time it was still an area of popular markets and fairs. Its development as the elegant Avenue and the street we can see today came with the final demolition of the medieval walls, in the middle of the XIX Century.
Portaferrissa: Gateway to Gothic Quarter
Descending from Plaza Catalunya, and following Las Ramblas, take Portaferrissa street on the left hand side. There, you will see a Ceramic pannel showing the XIII Century medieval City Wall of Barcelona, standing once in Las Ramblas. You will also find a beautiful fountain, a remaining of the original wheel located in this former Gateway of the City Wall.
The Street will take you straight ahead to the Cathedral of Santa Eulalia, the main Church of Barcelona also known as Barcelona Cathedral.
Plaça Reial
Plaça Reial is one of the most beautiful squares of the city; it’s no wonder it was called “Royal”. The elegant atmosphere of Plaça Reial is accentuated by fountains, street lamps and palm trees, and it is one of Barcelona’s busiest, most vibrant spots, particularly at night.
Plaça Nova: Cathedral’s Square
The Barcelona Cathedral is an amazing gothic cathedral from XIV Century dedicated to the sainte patroness of Barcelona, Santa Eulalia and located in Plaça Nova (Cathedral’s Square). You will also find the remains of the Roman Barcelona, founded as a Roman Colony in the I Century B.C. under the Augustus Emperor Era. After visiting the cathedral, turn to your left and take Bisbe Street.
Here you will see the bronze letters forming the name of the Roman City: Barcino, some archs reproducing the former Acqueduct of Barcelona and 2 Watchtowers with remains of both Roman and Medieval City Walls. Walk across between the old towers to continue your tour.
Plaça de Sant Felip Neri
Before going there, continue in Bisbe Street and turn 1st Street on Montjuïc del Bisbe street. At the end of this street you will see a beautiful small Square with a little fountain and the Christian Catholic Church of Sant Felip Neri, built in the XVIII Century. Observe the traces of the Spanish Civil War, that caused forty-two victims, including many children. There is a terrace bar located in the plaza, where you can take a break and relax for a while.
Next to the church you will find the former Shoemaker’s Trade House. The house was built in the XV Century and is now the Museu del Calçat (Shoemaker’s Museum), a building moved stone by stone in 1946 from its original location, near the Cathedral, in order to preserve the house from demolition.
Beside this house, you will see the Boilermaker’s Trade House, built in the XVI Century.
Plaça del Pi
The confluence of the Plaça del Pi, situated close to the Ramblas, is one of the best known places in Barcelona for artists and bohemians.
The area is dominated by the Santa María del Pi Church with its large colored rose window. The square frequently hosts arts and craft fairs, as well as sales of natural food such as honey and “mató” (a mild cheese).
Plaça de Sant Jaume
From the Square, take Sant Sever Street. Walk El Bisbe street back all the way up and arrive at the political center of the city, Plaza de Sant Jaume.
Discover the Palace of the Autonomous Government of Catalonia and Barcelona’s City Hall. This square was formerly a Forum, the political, religious and administrative centre of the Colony during the Roman period, and is still the political centre of the city today.
Temple d’August
From St Jaume Square take the narrow Paradis street and discover a real paradise: inside a private Apartment Building there is an internal underground level courtyard, get in and enjoy the view (doors are opened to visitors till 6pm). Discover the amazingly well preserved Roman columns remaining from the Temple dedicated to Emperor Augustus, built in the 1st Century B.C.
Plaça del Rei
Following down the same Street, continue through the back part of The Cathedral, from there you will see the bell tower of the Church. Turn to your right you will find the beautiful Plaça del Rei, the King Square.
In this striking square there are many very important and well preserved Gothic buildings. The main one is a palace known as the Royal Palace, residence of the lords and kings of the Kingdom of Aragon during the Middle Ages.
Observe also the Royal Chapel, built in the XIV Century and only used by kings and the Royal family.
Another impressive building in this square is the Viceroy’s Palace, built two centuries later as the residence of the Castilian King’s representative, in the XVI Century.
Plaça Ramón Berenguer III
Discover an impressive statue, representing one of the most important lords of Barcelona: Ramón Berenguer III standing in his horse, that gave its name to this Square. You are now in Via Laietana Street. If you continue turning around the Square you will arrive back into Cathedral’s Square.
Santa Catalina’s Market
We imagine that after all this walking and sightseeing you might be hungry. Finish your tour at the Santa Caterina Market, a former convent dedicated to Santa Catalina, now transformed into a lively public market since the late XIX Century.
Observe also the Medieval Remains of the former Church forming part of the original Convent construction. On the roof there are some beautiful, colourful ceramic decorations, made by Enric Miralles and Benedetta Tagliabue when the market was restructured some years ago. The decorations emulate the ceramic decorations used by Gaudí in Park Güell.
Taste some tapas made with the best fresh market produce and a cup of Spanish wine to conclude your tour of the Barrio Gòtic. You can also try one of our food tours to discover the best tapas in the city with a local!
Book a personalized tour through the beautiful Gothic quarter of Barcelona.
Gothic Quarter FAQ
Where is the old town (downtown) of Barcelona? Barcelona’s old town, or downtown, is the district known as Ciutat Vella. It sits between Plaça de Catalunya and the seafront, bordered by Las Ramblas on one side and Via Laietana on the other. The Gothic Quarter (Barrio Gòtic) is its historic core, surrounded by the neighbourhoods of El Raval, El Born and La Barceloneta.
Is the Gothic Quarter worth visiting? Absolutely. The gothic district is one of the best-preserved medieval old towns in Europe, packed with Roman ruins, the Barcelona Cathedral, hidden squares and atmospheric alleys. It is the single most rewarding area for a first-time visitor who wants to feel the history of the city on foot.
Is the Gothic Quarter safe at night? The Gothic Quarter is generally safe and lively well into the evening, with busy squares like Plaça Reial full of restaurants and bars. As in any popular tourist area, the main risk is pickpocketing rather than violent crime, so keep your belongings close in crowds and on Las Ramblas, and stick to well-lit main streets late at night.
How long do you need for the Gothic Quarter? Allow at least half a day, around three to four hours, to walk the itinerary above and see the highlights. If you want to go inside the Barcelona Cathedral, the Museu d’Història de la Ciutat and stop for tapas, set aside a full day to enjoy the old town without rushing.
Hotels in the Gothic Quarter
The Barrio Gòtic is the historical heart of Barcelona and the perfect place to visit many attractions within walking distance. In our where to stay section you will find several hotels for each district, but these two are our favourites in the area:
- The Wittmore Barcelona - a luxurious adults only hotel for an unforgettable stay
- Catalonia Magdalenes Hotel - great location and amazing swimming pool
Museum with Gothic art in Barcelona
Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya
Palau Nacional Parc de Montjuïc s/n 08038 Barcelona
Museu de la Catedral
c/Pla de la Seu s/n 08002 Barcelona
Museu Diocesà de Barcelona
Edificio de la Pia Almoina Avda de la Catedral, 4 08002 Barcelona
Museu d’Història de la ciutat
Plaça del Rei, s/n 08002 Barcelona
Museu Frederic Marès
Plaça de Sant Iu, 5 08002 Barcelona
Fundació Francesc Godia
c/Diputació, 250 08007 Barcelona