10 Top Attractions & Things to Do in the Gothic Quarter, Barcelona
Brimming with old-world charm, the Barri Gòtic of Barcelona captures the ambience of centuries ago. This medieval quarter is a quaint, traffic-free world where almost every architectural detail seems frozen in the Middle Ages. Imposing Gothic buildings with magnificent facades have stood the test of time, and amazingly narrow pedestrian streets show the wear on their smoothed-down cobblestones.
Anywhere one wanders, hidden surprises abound, from tiny arcaded alleyways to inviting patios with peaceful fountains. Street musicians find quiet courtyards where the acoustics are perfect for playing melodies of classical Spanish guitar. Many of the Gothic Quarter's little squares have pleasant outdoor cafés, and children often use the uncrowded plazas for impromptu football games.
As if the atmosphere itself is not enough of a draw, the Gothic Quarter is packed with cultural attractions and fun things to do. Begin with the cathedral, and then continue on a leisurely tour of the churches and museums, soaking up the history along the way.
Learn about the best places to visit in this enchanting area with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Barcelona's Gothic Quarter.
Catedral de Barcelona
This splendid Gothic cathedral stands on the highest point in the Gothic Quarter, surrounded by a delightful maze of narrow medieval lanes. The cathedral was constructed during the Romanesque period (13th century), but it was finished in the medieval era, and the exterior was renovated in the late 19th to early 20th centuries.
Admire the grandiose facade, adorned with an arched doorway and an abundance of spires and vertical buttresses. Step inside to be inspired by the bright and spacious sanctuary. The layout of the interior is unusual for a Gothic cathedral because it was built on the site of a Paleo-Christian basilica.
Be sure to see the crypt with its ancient tombs and the Museum of the Cathedral (beneath the gallery of the cloister), which displays paintings by Spanish masters from the 15th and 16th centuries. Other highlights include the cloister's entrance door and the Chapel of Santa Lucía.
Mass is celebrated at the cathedral several times daily. Tourists may visit the cathedral Monday through Saturday from 10am until 5:30pm; entrance requires an admission ticket (available for purchase online).
Address: Plaza de la Seu, Barcelona
Official site: https://catedralbcn.org/index.php?lang=en
Plaça del Rei
The Plaça del Rei is one of the most beautiful squares in Barcelona's old town. It is surrounded by impressive medieval buildings and opens up to the quarter's narrow streets on its southern side.
On the Plaça del Rei stands the Palau Reial Major (Royal Palace), a typical medieval urban palace that exemplifies the medieval architecture of the Gothic Quarter. Important remains of the old Roman town were discovered when excavating for the foundations for rebuilding the palace.
In another corner of the square is the Casa Clariana Padellás, a 16th-century palace that houses the Museu d'Història de la Ciutat (Urban History Museum) open Tuesday through Sunday. The basement of the museum reveals the archaeological site. Visitors will see fascinating Roman ruins, including parts of a heating system, mosaic floors, remnants of surrounding walls, and the water and drainage systems.
Cappella di Santa Agata
Built in the 14th century on the site of the old Roman town wall, this Gothic chapel was once the chapel of the Royal Palace. The chapel is renowned for the Altare del Connestabile (altarpiece) by Jaume Huguet, which is considered among the finest works of Catalan painting.
Stained-glass windows in the choir and gallery feature the various coats-of-arms of the counts of Barcelona. The sacristy contains an interesting iron mechanical clock dating from 1576.
A small room in the chapel leads up to the 17th-century tower of Martín el Humano (Martin the Humanist).
The chapel is no longer used for religious services, but the monument may be visited. Admission is included with an entry ticket to the Museu d'Història de la Ciutat on the Plaça del Rei.
Address: Plaça del Rei, Barcelona
Museu Picasso
On one of the Gothic Quarter's most atmospheric streets, the Picasso Museum occupies several medieval palaces built in the Catalan Gothic style between the 13th and 15th centuries.
The museum boasts an extensive collection of paintings and drawings, as well as prints (lithographs and etchings) from all of Picasso's artistic periods. Exhibits are arranged in chronological order, showing the different phases of Pablo Picasso's artistic development.
The museum is considered to possess the world's most important collection of Picasso's early works. Noteworthy paintings, created by Picasso during his youth, include the Hombre con Boina (Man in a Beret), Paisaje Montañoso (Mountain Landscape), and the Retrato de la Madre del Artista (Portrait of the Artist's Mother).
Highlights of the museum's collection include the Cubist paintings, the enormous painting of Ciéncia y Caridad (Science and Charity); Los Pichones (The Doves); El Passeig de Colom (depicting the balcony of a street in Barcelona); and Las Meninas (Infanta Margarita María), an interesting portrait of the five-year-old heir to the Spanish throne.
Address: 15 - 23 Carrer Montcada, Barcelona
Official site: http://www.museupicasso.bcn.cat/en
Iglesia de Santa Maria del Mar
Near the Picasso Museum, the 14th-century Iglesia de Santa Maria del Mar is a stunning Catalan Gothic church that served as a place of worship for medieval merchant and shipbuilders. After the cathedral, this church is considered the most important religious building in the city.
The richly decorated facade features an ornate rose window and an elaborate main doorway. However, it is the grandiose sanctuary that truly impresses visitors. With its soaring columns, the high-vaulted nave gives the impression of spaciousness and serenity.
The interior is illuminated by an abundance of stained-glass windows, which are placed above the rows of vaulted arches.
A precious icon of a Black Madonna is found in the chapel near the left side door.
The Church of Santa Maria del Mar is open to the public for visits every day.
Address: Plaza de Santa María, Barcelona
Basílica de Santa Maria del Pí
The striking Gothic Basilica of Santa Maria del Pí (Blessed Lady of the Pine Tree) features an austere fortress-like facade. The only adornment on the exterior is the pointed-arch doorway featuring a statue of the Madonna and a large rose window.
The simple single-aisled interior is flanked by chapels and illuminated by 15th- to 18th-century stained-glass windows. Near the door to the sacristy is the 14th-century tomb of Arnau Ferre, who died at the Siege of Catania in Sicily.
The treasury contains a noteworthy museum of sacred art, as well as goldsmith and silversmith work.
The Basilica of Santa Maria del Pí holds Mass daily. On Fridays and Saturdays, the basilica is open to the public for independent visits and guided tours. Entrance (requires an admission fee) allows access to a garden; the museum; and the bell tower, which affords breathtaking panoramic views of the Barcelona cityscape.
Address: Plaza del Pí, Barcelona
Museu Frederic Marès
Tucked away in a quiet square of the Gothic Quarter, this museum is a hidden treasure. The museum occupies a beautiful space in the marvelous Salò del Tinell reception hall that was part of the 12th-century Palau Reial Major (Royal Palace).
On display is the private collection donated by sculptor Frederic Marès Deulovol to the city. The collection includes ancient Roman sculptures as well as Romanesque and Gothic religious art and Baroque decorative objects.
To arrive at the museum, walk from Plaça de Sant Iu (next to the cathedral) through the archway on the Carrer dels Comtes de Barcelona, which leads into a picturesque inner courtyard garden. During summertime, this idyllic patio area serves as outdoor seating space for the Cafè d'Estiu.
Address: 5 Plaça de Sant Iu, Barcelona
Official site: http://w110.bcn.cat/museufredericmares/eng
Museu de la Xocolata
The Barcelona Confectioners' Guild created the Museum of Chocolate in the year 2000. This delightful museum is housed in the former Convent of Sant Agustí, an exquisite historic building with a lovely Gothic cloister.
The museum discusses the history and art of chocolate. Visitors learn about the discovery of the cocoa bean by New World explorers, the commerce of chocolate, and chocolate as an art form. There's even a room that displays architectural models of Barcelona's most emblematic buildings made from chocolate.
A highlight of the museum is its café. The chocolate-focused selection of refreshments and treats is arranged in cafeteria style, so that visitors may browse the delicious samplings. The enticing offerings include hot chocolate, cold chocolate beverages, and fresh-baked pastries made with chocolate.
The Museum of Chocolate is open for visits every day.
Address: 36 Carrer del Comerç, Barcelona
Palau Episcopal
Adjoining the cathedral on the west side, the Episcopal Palace was founded in the 10th century. The present building dates from the 12th and 13th centuries but incorporates architectural elements from Roman times: the two round towers on the Portal del Bisbe.
In the 15th century, the building was enhanced, and in the 19th century, it was renovated. The inner courtyard features a Romanesque arcaded gallery and contains a modern statue of Our Lady of Montserrat.
Address: 5 Calle del Bisbe, Barcelona
Palau de la Generalitat
On the northwestern side of the Plaça de Sant Jaume, the Palau de la Generalitat is a relatively modern building for the Gothic Quarter. Built between the 15th and 17th century, this medieval palace was once the seat of the provincial representatives. Today, the building houses the Generalitat de Catalunya, the regional government of Catalonia.
Address: 4 Plaza de Sant Jaume, Barcelona
Map of Attractions & Things to Do in the Gothic Quarter, Barcelona
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