The illustrious Barri Gòtic
Barri Gòtic (Catalan for Gothic Quarter) is a history book of stone. Every corner, brick and alley tells a story about another passage of the city’s centuries-long history. Its roots date back to the third century AC, when the Romans built the settlement
CATHEDRAL DE LA SANTA CREU I SANTA EULÀLIA
...or in short: Cathedral of Barcelona. This Gothic masterpiece is the main church of the city and is easily recognisable by its stunning 70-metre-tall tower. Although the first church built in this spot dates back to the third century, the current cathedral dates back to 1298. By 1448, the lion’s share of the temple had been completed, yet it was only in 1889 that the current façade was built. For the construction of the last three towers on the church’s west side, Barcelona had to wait until 1913. In addition to its lush decorations both on the façades and in the interior, the cathedral also has a few interesting surprises in store. You can, for example, take the elevator up to enjoy the panorama from the towers. At the back, you can visit the tiny monastery garden, in which you can always find 13 geese, one for each year of Santa Eulàlia’s short life. At its fountain, you will find an egg balancing on top of the spouting water. This tradition of the so-called ‘dancing egg’ is typical in Catalonia during the feast of Corpus Christi, a festival in the middle of June.
Placita de la Seu. €7 (plus an additional €3 to visit the choir or roof). Open from 12.30pm to 7.45pm on weekdays, from 12.30pm to 5pm on Saturdays, and from 2pm to 5.30pm on Sundays.
THE CITY’S POLITICAL HEART
Plaça de Sant Jaume is the administrative heart of both the city of Barcelona and Catalonia as a whole. Facing each other at opposite ends of the square, you’ll find the city hall of Barcelona and the government building of the region (Palau de la Generalitat). Ever since medieval times, the two institutions have been facing each other in the heart of the city. Through Carrer del Bisbe, Carrer de Ferran and Carrer de Sant Jaume, the square is directly linked with the cathedral, La Rambla and Via Laietana.
BEHIND THE CATHEDRAL
Although the streets behind the cathedral are some of the nicest in Barri Gòtic, they are significantly quieter than the rest of the city. This provides the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in their medieval atmosphere. To travel even further back in time, make a stop at the Roman Temple of Augustus, one of the last remains of the city of Barcino. Three humongous columns are all that has survived the last 17 centuries, but they are worth a quick visit (especially as you can enter for free). If you continue strolling through the streets, chances are that you will finally end up at the tourist-packed Carrer del Bisbe with its elegant bridge, el Pont del Bisbe. This selfie-worthy bridge connects the government building of Catalonia with the residence of its president. At the bottom of the bridge, you’ll find an engravement of a skull with a dagger. The legend states that once this dagger is removed, the city of Barcelona will be destroyed.
Just circle the cathedral and try to always opt for the calmest-looking streets. Temple of Augustus, Carrer Paradís 10. Open daily from 10am to 7pm (to 2pm on Mondays and 8pm on Sundays).