Gothic quarter in barcelona history. gothic quarter of barcelona

Historic city center attracts with the uniqueness of the buildings of the era when Barcelona was part of the Roman Empire. Until now, in the most secluded corners of the Gothic quarter, you can find columns and the remains of the city walls. In addition, many of the more modern buildings are built on Roman foundations.

This urban area got its name due to the dominant architectural style.

To this day, a medieval atmosphere reigns in this part of the city. Often, antique markets are held on the streets, and street musicians add color.

Secrets and ancient legends

Many mysteries and legends are connected with the old city of Barcelona. One of them concerns its Jewish part, where the Jews hid from the unfair extortions of the government of Catalonia. In case of danger, almost every house had its own secret passage leading outside the city wall. Now a tourist can visit them. Museums have been set up in some houses.

Another legend is connected with Saint Eulalia, after whom the main Cathedral cities. On a false accusation, she was tortured for 13 days; every night angels came down to her and healed her wounds. The government decided to execute the girl. After her death, a strong cold descended on the earth. The Roman soldiers guarding the place of execution fled, and the girl's parents were able to bury her. Subsequently, her remains were transferred to the Cathedral.

13 geese now live in the backyard of the cathedral, signifying the age at which Eulalia was executed. Residents of Barcelona consider them a symbol of the purity of the patroness of their city.

Unusual places in the Gothic Quarter

It is better to plan a walk through the streets of the old city of Barcelona in advance. Without prior preparation, you will pass by everyone significant places. It is much more interesting to know myths, legends and Interesting Facts each structure here to feel the uniqueness of this place.

There are guided tours of the old town every day. If possible, we recommend joining one of the group tour or order your own.

New Square (Placa Nova)

It is best to start the inspection of this part with New Square, which is contrary to the name is the oldest in the city. Here you can see the preserved remains of the Roman wall and two four-story towers from the same era. Every Thursday there is an antique market.

To the right of the towers is the Bishop's Palace, built in 1961 on Roman foundations. The famous artist Pablo Picasso contributed to the creation of the building. The museum dedicated to his work is an 8-minute walk away.

But the most interesting place on the square is still the most ancient building city ​​- Cathedral.

Barcelona Cathedral

The main symbol of the old city is the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, which was built for over a century: from 1298 to 1420 according to the project of F. Jabre. Particularly striking is the scale of this building, squeezed into narrow streets.

Inside is the main value of the temple - a sculpture of Christ, taken from the flagship of the ship.

In the backyard live 13 geese representing the age of Saint Eulalia, after whom the cathedral was named when she was murdered. The dome offers a great view of the entire city.

Entrance to the cathedral is paid - 3 euros.

Inside the cathedral there is a unique atmosphere. If you like such buildings, it is worth spending 15-20 minutes to inspect. No - admire the exterior decoration and move on.

Royal Square (Placa Real)

Another famous square is Royal. The lanterns here were designed by the famous Barcelona architect Antonio Gaudí.

Almost every day there are music and dance festivals. The area itself is strikingly different in architectural solutions.

The answer lies on the surface. It was built only in the 19th century in the classicist style and therefore has nothing to do with the Gothic.

King's Square

The previous attraction is often confused with King's Square - an older place built in the 13th century.

It houses the residence of the counts of Barcelona. This is a real medieval fortress with a throne room inside. According to legend, it was in this palace that the Spanish king met Christopher Columbus after his discovery of the New World.

St. James Square

Bizbe Street and the legendary bridge of sighs

St. James's Square keeps traces of ancient rome. Previously, it was the intersection of two roads, where the forum and the temple of Augustus were located.

Only the last building remained. Now various administrative structures work in ancient buildings. Here are the government of Catalonia and the city hall of Barcelona, ​​connected by a bridge of sighs.

The Bridge of Breaths was built much later, and this can be seen from the color of the stone in the photo.

Basilica of Saint Merce

The Basilica of La Merce was built in the 17th century. From the outside, the building is not particularly remarkable and not every tourist comes here.

But inside the temple there is an ancient image of Our Lady of Mercy.

Art cabaret "4 cats"

"Four Cats" is the famous art cabaret, made in the image of a similar institution in Paris - "The Black Cat".

Initially, a hotel and a cabaret worked in the building, where the entire creative elite of those times gathered: Julio Gonzalez, Antonio Gaudi, Pablo Picasso, Ramon Casas and others.

In the middle of the 20th century, the cabaret was demolished. But already in the 70s, the city authorities restored it, as they considered it one of the most interesting and atmospheric places in Barcelona.

In the evenings, the atmosphere of the institution is supported by a lonely pianist playing.

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Pi

Santa Maria del Pi is a 14th century Gothic cathedral listed as a National Treasure of Catalonia. The original task was damaged in 1936, but was later restored.

Sant Jaume Square

Then you can go to San Jaume Square - the official center of the city. This square has long been the center of political life in Barcelona. Now it houses the main administrative buildings of Catalonia and its capital - the Municipality and the government building of the Autonomous Community (Palau de la Generalitat).

It is on this square during the celebration of La Merce that the famous towers of people - castels - gather. Don't miss the opportunity to see this unique show that can only be seen in Catalonia.

Church of Sant Just and Pastor

Sant Just y Pastor is a church famous for the fact that the first mention of it dates back to the 9th century. In the 15th century, the building was restored, and no more changes were made to its appearance.

Also, don't forget:

• sit by the fountain in one of the squares
• visit souvenir shops and a flea market
• listen to street musicians
• watch the artists at work...

Getting into Gothic Quarter, you can safely turn the map - just go, look, admire and enjoy.

Restaurants

One of the most prestigious establishments where the royal couple would not be ashamed to dine is the restaurant Ca L'Isidre. The prices here are appropriate: a dinner for two will cost about 150 euros.

Another no less prestigious restaurant - 4 Gats, where such people dined over a century ago famous people like Pablo Picasso and Antonio Gaudí. The average check is 110 euros.

Anyone who wants to drink a cup of hot cocoa or taste a chocolate dessert should go to the confectionery La Pallaresa; the average check is about 5 euros.

Without a doubt, worthy of a visit to a cabaret " four cats»; in the same area is one of the bars Hard Rock Cafe.

How to get there by public transport

• Metro:
  • L4 (station - Jaume I)
  • L3(Drassanes or Liceu stations)
• Buses:
  • #14, 17, 19, 40, 45 and 59
• Tourist bus
  • Red route -stop Barri Gotic

The Gothic Quarter is one of the districts of Barcelona, ​​famous for its magnificent medieval buildings, several large architectural monuments are located here.This is a great place for self walk or with our audio guide.

The history of the Gothic Quarter has its roots in ancient times, during the time of Roman rule over Spain. After the collapse of the Roman Empire, the city, and with it the quarter, fell into decay, only to flourish in the most glorious days of Catalonia, when it was part of the Kingdom of Aragon. Most of the buildings date from the 14th and 15th centuries. The turbulent events in the history of Spain and Catalonia in the following centuries could more than once affect the safety of local attractions, but, fortunately for tourists, the quarter stood firmly on its foundations.

Sights of the Gothic Quarter

In the quarter you can find a huge number of interesting medieval buildings, and some buildings are real sights, magnets for tourists.

The first of these titans is the Temple of the Roman emperor Augustus, cruelly battered by time, but still keeping a shadow of its former size and beauty. For better preservation, the surviving fragments of the temple (and these are only 4 columns) were hidden from the weather by placing them in a pavilion.

The Royal Palace is a well-preserved, carefully restored complex that allows you to get acquainted with the amazing medieval Catalan architecture. The palace, like many other buildings in Spain, is the result of the union of Moorish and European architecture, it is distinguished by courtyards, facades of intertwining arches, as well as many windows of various shapes and sizes.

The Gothic Quarter is famous big amount ancient temples, the most famous of them are the Cathedral of Saint Eulalili, the Church of Le Merce and Santa Maria del Pi. Each monument has its own unique architectural appearance and rich history.

St. James Square is the old, main square of Barcelona and all of Catalonia. Administrative buildings are located around it, various meetings, processions and holidays are held on the site itself. Sundays at good weather, there is music playing and dancing.

Royal Square small and square, decorated with greenery and palm trees. It is a popular meeting and entertainment place, especially in the evening. Around the square settled many restaurants and shops, as well as popular nightclubs.

"Four Cats" is a famous art cafe, opened in 1897 in the heart of the Gothic Quarter. Once there was going to the creative elite of the city, including Antoni Gaudi and Pablo Picasso. The dictator Franco destroyed this institution, but after his departure, it was carefully restored and is again waiting for visitors.

If you like a more personal solution, you can rent an apartment. Including in a real medieval house!

Enjoy your walks in the Gothic Quarter!

Barcelona's Gothic Quarter (Barrio Gotico in Spanish), or its medieval "heart", is one of the top attractions not to be missed in the Catalan capital. Yes, you probably won't miss it. The information in the article has been verified and continues to be relevant for 2019.

Usually the first sightseeing route in Barcelona it is customary to start from the very center - from Plaza Catalunya, and the bulk of tourists vacationing on the coast come here by Renfe train, bus or car.

The Gothic Quarter adjoins Plaza Catalunya, and you can delve into it from different directions: from the famous Rambla, from Via Laietana or from the waterfront (from Passeig de Colom).

Gothic quarter on the map of Barcelona. As you can see from the map, getting lost in its many intertwined streets is as easy as shelling pears.

The main part of the buildings, cathedrals and streets of the Gothic Quarter, as the name implies, belongs to the Middle Ages (XIV-XV centuries and earlier), but much earlier evidence of its history has been preserved on the site of the Old Town of Barcelona - for example, artifacts from the time of Roman rule. The period BC, about which not much is known for certain, includes references about the city of Barcino. In the Old Town there is a sculptural composition reminiscent of where the name Barcelona came from.

In Roman times, Barcino was not as powerful (albeit a strategically important city with a good harbor) as Tarraco (modern) located a hundred kilometers from here, but over the centuries its importance has grown. By the 5th century - the time of the conquest of Barcino by the Visigoths - it had already become a large and rich city on the Iberian Peninsula.

So, going for a walk around the Gothic Quarter in search of its sights, you not only plunge into the atmosphere of the Middle Ages with its Gothic buildings, but also constantly stumble upon interspersed monuments of other, earlier and later eras. You just need to know exactly where they are, because you won’t be able to find them all “with a swoop”, you will need a map. In the Gothic Quarter, the ability to remember the passed streets, if you have it, practically does not work due to the chaotic medieval buildings.

If you want to walk around Barcelona in the company of Russian speaking guide and hear an interesting historical story, order an individual excursion for every taste

For the first time, walking down the Barrio Gotico feels like a claustrophobic wandering: "Rousseau?" - “Russo, Russo!; "Mikhail Svetlov?" - "Damn it!" You fall out of it confused on the Rambla, or to the sea, or in some other place where your feet have taken out ... The second time you already slightly distinguish one street of the Gothic Quarter from another, on the third - you already quite confidently keep the direction there. But, I am sure - the Gothic Quarter, no matter how many times you are there, can still present some kind of surprise. He beckons. I advise you to go there early in the morning when there are few people. For late in the evening, only desperate daredevils can afford to delve into its labyrinths... And it's not just about the ancient eerie energy of the quarter - like in the ocean, you don't know who will suddenly emerge to meet you from its depths.

Read more about the problem of crime and security in Barcelona in the article .

The Gothic quarter is gloomy and, as I said, incredibly energy place: sometimes it seems that some of its narrow streets-wells do not lead to others, but lead straight to the "fourth dimension". The color enhances the feeling that you are not only in medieval Europe, but also in Africa or Asia, when you find yourself among their natives, inhabiting houses in the Gothic Quarter.

Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, or simply the Cathedral- the main cathedral of Barcelona. It is truly majestic - both inside and out. In its place, more than one and a half thousand years ago, a Christian basilica already existed. In fact, in the form in which we can see it today, the cathedral was built in the period from the end of the XIII (1298) to the XV century (1420). However, over time, different parts of the cathedral were modified, in particular, the magnificent neo-Gothic facade was completed only in 1870. If you go around the cathedral from different sides and carefully examine it, you will see this stylistic difference between the facade, which appeared later, and the straight lines of the Catalan Gothic of the Middle Ages. Saint Eulalia, a martyr who suffered a terrible death at the hands of the pagans, whose name actually bears the Cathedral of Barcelona, ​​is also dedicated to the cloister (a gallery framing the courtyard of a monastery or a large church). In the cloister with graceful columns live 13 white geese (the white goose symbolizes the purity of the Christian martyr, and their number is the age of Eulalia when she died).

The employees of the cathedral make sure that women enter it in proper clothes and with their shoulders and legs covered, it is also customary to leave donations in the cathedral.

New Square (Placa Nova) located next to the Cathedral. Here you can see the remains of ancient Roman walls among the Gothic buildings.

Bizbe Street (Сarrer Bisbe) known for its graceful bridge between the buildings, which looks Gothic, but in fact it is a skillful stylization - it was created in the 1920s by one of the Barcelona architects. This bridge is incredibly popular with tourists in a hurry to capture themselves against its background.

On St. James Square, or Sant Jaume (Placa de Sant Jaume) in the Gothic quarter are administrative buildings - the palace of the Catalan government and the town hall. This square was important even in the time of the Roman Barcino, when the city Forum and the Temple of Augustus were located here, from which several columns have been preserved (now located in another place in Barcelona).

In general, there are several interesting squares in the Gothic Quarter, to which a map will lead you or you yourself will accidentally wander here during a walk.

The most beautiful, in my opinion - Royal Square (Placa Reial). This rather large square with sprawling palm trees growing on it was created in the 19th century on the site of a Capuchin monastery destroyed by fire. Pay attention to the lanterns designed by Antonio Gaudi. It is very pleasant to sit here and have a cup of coffee in one of the many cafes.

In addition to the Royal Square, in the Gothic Quarter there is also King's Square (Placa del Rei). This square is not a remake, it really immerses you in the Middle Ages.

Sant Felip Neri Square- a quiet little square in the bowels of the Gothic Quarter, where street musicians often perform.

Pi Square (Placa del Pi), also compact in a medieval way, attracts with the 14th-century Gothic church of Santa Maria del Pi located on it.

More photos of the Gothic Quarter

Carrer del Bisbe Bridge

How the quarter 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, an important part of which was the Principality of Catalonia. 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. Old houses burned, came under fire, they were destroyed by earthquakes. As a result, by the 20th century, most of the repeatedly rebuilt buildings required a global reconstruction. Modern architectural monuments are a fusion of Gothic, Neoclassicism and Neo-Gothic, complemented by the skillful work of restorers.

Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia

Gothic buildings and squares

Barcelona's Gothic Quarter has largely retained its medieval layout, although many of the squares have been enlarged by the demolition of old buildings. Among the most popular sites among tourists is the Cathedral of St. Eulalia, the New Square, the Church of Santa Maria del Pi.

Church of Santa Maria del Pi

Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia

In the majestic, richly decorated cathedral, the residence of the Bishop of Barcelona, ​​in the center of the quarter, the relics of a 14-year-old Christian girl who suffered at the hands of pagans in the 4th century are kept. The carved spiers of the temple inspired Antoni Gaudí to design the Sagrada Familia. The interior of the cathedral is no less luxurious than the facade, in the courtyard with a fountain and a miniature garden, accessible to the views of 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 simplicity of form. The stone facade is decorated only with a giant 10-meter rosette, restored to its original form 80 years ago, and lancet arch above the entrance. Guests and believers are expected 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 the Catalan capital. Once it was the outskirts of a Roman settlement, from where aqueducts originated, the ruins of which can still be seen. Next to the ancient ruins is the medieval House of the Archdeacon with modernized gloomy fortification towers. The College of Architecture on the other side of New Square is adorned with modern "rock paintings" - cheerful stylized images of people.

Sights of later eras

On the ruins that could not be restored, the masters of past centuries erected new buildings. Among such works of architecture is the Basilica of Saints Justus and Pastor, located 100 meters 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 façade sculptures. Near Columbus Avenue stands the Church of La Merce, built in the 18th century on the ruins of a Gothic temple. It is known among pilgrims thanks to the wooden figure of Our Lady of Mercy kept inside. This is one of the most revered Catholic sites in the city, having received the privileged status of a small basilica along with the church of Santa Maria del Pi and the Cathedral of Saint Eulalia. On September 23, a cult procession is organized annually in honor of the sculpture. A secular attraction, the 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 rest of the indigenous people of Barcelona.

Royal Square of Barcelona Museum entrance wax figures

Museums of the Gothic Quarter

Erotic Museum in Barcelona

Thematic variety of museums historical center Barcelona satisfies the tastes of the most demanding guests of the city. Exhibition Center Gaudí with the Diocesan Museum of Barcelona along with art museum and the Museum of Frederic Mares, the famous Catalan sculptor, is open a few dozen 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 way 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 Spanish guitar masters. On Sundays, in St. James Square, everyone participates in round dances-sardans to the sounds of orchestras of folk instruments. During the days of festivals, competitions for the construction of castell pyramids are also held here. The participants of the competition themselves become the building material 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.

Giants' Ball in St. James's Square

Information for tourists

On the borders of the Gothic quarter, there are metro stations 3 lines "Liseu" and 4 lines "Jaume I". From here it is convenient to start exploring Barcelona: the main attractions of the city are located within a radius of 2 km. Restaurants and cafes are open literally at every step: a wide range of national cuisine establishments, thematic projects, such as rock cafes, jazz clubs and the 4 Cats art cabaret are presented. Once upon a time, young Picasso exhibited here, played by Albeniz. Today, the owners of the cabaret are trying to recreate the bohemian atmosphere of the early 20th century: live piano music sounds until one in the morning, and artists perform. The number of boutiques representing world brands is not inferior to the number of restaurants. There are many small but rather expensive hotels on the territory of the quarter.

Why is Barcelona's Gothic Quarter famous? Where is it located, what to see, what shops to look into. Hotels in the Gothic Quarter.

If at the words “Damn it!” from the movie "The Diamond Arm" you see a narrow, crooked, dark street of a Mediterranean city, where you have dreamed of being since childhood, then you are here - in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona (or Barrio Gotico in Spanish transcription). The area is part of the Old City and extends from before Via Laietana.

Once the Romans founded the settlement of Barcino here with a fortress wall, defensive towers, temples and aqueducts - those buildings that were supposed to be in a Roman settlement. From the last, our century got only fragments scattered throughout the Gothic Quarter, licked and cleaned. However, they did not lose their impressiveness from this.

But if there were no Roman ruins in the quarter, it would still be worth a visit - the architecture of the Gothic Quarter is strikingly different from the rest of Barcelona, ​​with its wide avenues and geometrically regular rows of houses.

The Gothic quarter of Barcelona is a "city within a city" that lives its own "medieval" life!

Interesting places and sights

It makes no sense to make a route for a walk in the Gothic Quarter - it is small and can be completed in a day. Walk street by street, checking the map so you don't miss the locals.

You don’t even have to strain your imagination to feel like you are in another era. You will find yourself in it as soon as you feel the damp coolness blowing from the stone of the houses closing over your heads, make out the intricate, ivy-covered, balcony railings and forged lanterns. You will hear the lively clatter of heels on the pavement, and the rustle of skirts, and guttural, impatient shouts from the windows.

The impression can only be destroyed by the ubiquitous Barcelona motorcycles, crashing through the streets where there is no access to cars.

#1. Barcelona Cathedral

When exploring the Gothic Quarter, one cannot pass by the cathedral on Pla de la Seu. The original name of the temple, built between the 13th and 15th centuries, is the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and St. Eulalia. To get inside, you have to cover your shoulders and knees. This must be done at least in order to climb observation deck from where you get a great view of Barcelona.

Near the cathedral there is a monastery, which has a remarkable courtyard - with orange trees, magnolias, palm trees and a fountain. A real oasis in the stone jungle of Barrio Gotico!

Cathedral in Barrio Gotico, Barcelona

#2. Historical Museum of Barcelona

In this place you can hang out for the whole day, studying historical heritage Barcelona - from the Roman period to our time. The museum has seven locations that can be accessed with a single ticket. On plaza del rey be sure to go down to the underground excavation area and stroll through the streets of Roman Barcelona. Visit Royal Palace, the Santa Agata Chapel and the Salo del Tinel Palace.

#3. Plaza del Pi

Art lovers should visit Petritxol street where they are located art galleries and small shops. The street ends in Plaza del Pi, which is crowned by the Gothic church of Santa Maria del Pi. On weekends, local painters sell their work to the left of the temple, and on the first and third Fridays and Saturdays of each month, a farmers' fair opens in the square.

#4. Rue Portal de l'Angel

Gothic Quarter - favorite place shopaholics. On the wide Portal de l'Angel, you can find shops of famous brands. There is a street between Plaza de Catalunya and the Cathedral. For more exclusive items and obscure Spanish brands, head to Avigno street. You will find original clothes, jewelry and home accessories.

#5. Sant Felip Neri Square

Sant Felip Neri - interesting place With tragic history. In 1938, the square was bombed and most of the children playing on it died. Today, only the walls of the temple and buildings, which also suffered from a raid by fascist aircraft, are reminiscent of the event. In addition to the church, the square has a fountain, a school and a small shoe museum.

#6. Royal Square

This square is located next to La Rambla, making it easy to find. The place is surrounded by bars and palm trees, and a lush fountain flaunts in the center. Royal Square became famous for its restaurants and clubs.

#7. Els Quatre Gats

One of the most famous cafes in the Gothic Quarter - Els Quatre Gats - is designed in the image and likeness of the French Le Chat Noir. Pablo Picasso, Antonio Gaudi and other artists, architects and musicians preferred to dine and drink in this place. In 1900, the first Picasso exhibitions were held in the cafe.

#8. Palau de la Generalitat

We got to the most important attraction of the Gothic Quarter - Palau de la Generalitat. It is considered the political center of the city, because here are City Hall of the Casa de la Ciudad and the palace of the government of Catalonia. On Sundays, the city hall doors are traditionally open to visitors - everyone can appreciate the interiors of the majestic building.

What else to see in the Gothic Quarter?

Even if you are not a connoisseur of architecture, Barrio Gotico will surprise you! But do not count on modern designs - pay attention to:

The famous bridge on the street del Bisbe of the Gothic Quarter

• building of the College of Architects on Piazza Nova, to the outer facade of which Picasso had a hand;
• carved bridge on del Bisbe street, made in the Gothic style in 1926. Business card of the Gothic Quarter;
• House of Canons next to the specified bridge, built in the XIV century. The building has been recently restored;
• Church of San Felip Neri built in the 18th century. It is located on one of the squares of the Barrio Gotico - Sant Felip Neri.

Such iconic places there are so many more in the most beautiful area of ​​Barcelona!

Hotels in Gothic Quarter

Should I book a hotel in Barrio Gotico? If you like to live in the center (and who doesn't?) - of course, yes. The Gothic Quarter has everything: shops, cafes, restaurants, promenade, beach. Near the Rambla and Plaza Catalunya with a metro station. Although in this place public transport can be forgotten.

Rumor has it that the Gothic Quarter is dark and damp. There are cockroaches, rats and, for some reason, gypsies. Everything can be, so if you book an apartment, pay attention to the reviews. It is much easier with hotels - what kind of mice and especially gypsies can there be in the most expensive area of ​​​​Barcelona?

#1. Catalonia Catedral

Luxury 4 stars within the Gothic Quarter. Incredible design, spacious rooms and a rooftop pool! From 9 800 rub.

#2. Hotel Condal

Budget hotel 2 stars with great reviews, great location and quality service. Center of Barcelona + adequate price, from 4,600 rubles. per room per day.

#3. NH Barcelona Centro

NH Barcelona Centro (Gothic Quarter)

A modern 3-star chain hotel in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, 100 meters from the Rambla. Comfortable rooms, delicious breakfasts. Price from 8,000 rubles.

Cafes, restaurants, souvenirs and shopping

The streets of the Gothic Quarter end unexpectedly, and now modern city, screaming in every way with human conversations and the noise of passing cars, deafens you, and you turn back, hurrying to plunge into the peace of the Middle Ages. A walk around the block can be diluted with pleasant trifles. For example, have breakfast in one of the cute cinnamon-smelling cafeterias with an outstanding assortment of sweets, cakes and cakes (the average check, if you are not very hungry, is 5 euros), and have lunch in a restaurant (8-10 euros).

You can load up with gifts for aunts, employees and neighbors in the country in numerous souvenir shops. Here souvenir shopping will cost you less than in the tents on La Rambla. A smiling Hindu salesman will run up and point to a Gaudi-style lizard with a scrawled price of 10 euros, in broken English trying to explain that "only today and only for you" the price of the lizard will be only 4 euros.

You can even update your wardrobe without leaving the Gothic Quarter in such tired and almost Russian stores as Mango, Zara, Benetton, at much more attractive prices than at home. We also recommend not to pass by the markets where the Spaniards sell handicrafts. You are unlikely to bring pottery, but you can grab a bottle of aromatic oil.

Excursions in Barcelona and surroundings

The best excursions in Barcelona are routes from local residents. They are created by creative people, familiar with both the medieval corners of the city and with modern architecture. In total, there are about 100 (!) walks in Russian on Tripster.

Gothic Quarter - how to get there

The Gothic Quarter is located on the right side of La Rambla- the main boulevard of Barcelona. The one where dozens of mimes are frozen and souvenirs with “Made in China” stickers are sold in abundance. Cross the roadway anywhere and dive into the semi-darkness of the crooked lanes.

Even aimlessly wandering around the Gothic Quarter will bring pleasure, but then you run the risk of going out the same alley to the same square five times. Never once visited other places that deserve attention. Therefore, we advise you to arm yourself with a map, which can be purchased right there - in a tent on the Rambla.

There are maps in Russian, the cost is about 4-6 euros.