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Discover 15 things to see and do in the Gothic Quarter

There are undoubtedly many activities you can do in the Gothic Quarter. Its history and atmosphere make it one of the most important sights in Barcelona. That’s why we want to share with you a list of the best sights in the Gothic Quarter and an itinerary full of activities.

Route of the Gothic Quarter

1. Church of Santa Ana

Address

C/ de Santa Anna, 29, Ciutat Vella, 08002

Price

Free

Declared a Site of Cultural Interest, this Romanesque church is one of those hidden gems in Barcelona that goes unnoticed both by tourists and locals. The monastery was founded in 1141 by the order of canons of the Holy Sepulchre. It still has the original Romanesque temple structure and also has a Gothic style facade that was built in 1300. This is the ideal place to start your tour of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, as it gives a little insight into the architecture of this part of the city.

2. Casa Martí

Address

Carrer de Montsió, 3, Ciutat Vella, 08002

Price

Free

This building has a modernist facade in neo-Gothic style and also houses one of the best restaurants in the Gothic Quarter, Els Quatre Cats. Although a bit pricey, it’s worth eating there to enjoy the architectural design of the building.

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3. Barcelona Athenaeum

Address

Carrer de la Canuda, 6, Ciutat Vella, 08002

Price

Free

The Athenaeum of Barcelona is the next stop on our walking tour of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter. This association was founded at the end of the 19th century and is housed in the Savassona Palace, also known as the Casa Parellada. Located a few steps from Barcelona’s famous Ramblas, it has a neoclassical style, which is reflected in every room of the building. In addition to being an Asset of Cultural Interest and a historical monument, it’s also a place where various cultural activities take place. So now you know: if you’re looking for things to do in the Gothic Quarter, you can’t miss the Athenaeum of Barcelona program.

4. Plaza de la Villa de Madrid

Address

Pl. de la Vila de Madrid, s/n, Ciutat Vella, 08002

Price

Free

In the same square, where the Athenaeum is located, lies one of the most visible Roman remains in the entire city. A small Roman necropolis from the 1st and 3rd centuries is visible from the streets of the square itself. During the Roman Empire, this was a secondary cemetery, because it was located outside the city walls. These remains are one of the great historical wonders you will encounter as you walk through the Gothic Quarter.

5. Palau Moja

Address

C/ de la Portaferrissa, 1, Ciutat Vella, 08002

Price

Free

The next stop on our route through Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter is at Carrer Portaferrissa number 1. The former palace of the Marquis of Comillas now houses the city’s tourist office and museum: the Casa del Patrimoni Català. A visit is like a journey through the 19th century and a must for all art lovers, as the walls and ceilings are decorated with paintings from that era.

6. Muralla Romana

Address

Carrer de la Palla, 16, Ciutat Vella, 08002

Price

Free

We are getting closer to the Gothic Quarter. Before you reach the spiers of the cathedral, see the remains of Barcelona’s ancient Roman walls at Portal del Bisbe. They were built under the rule of the Roman Empire between the 1st and 4th centuries, and their function was logically to defend the city against attacks by the Franks and Germans. Other parts of the walls are also visible from other points, because if you go to Calle Tapinería, Plaza de Ramón Berenguer el Grande and Plaza Nueva you can also see some remains, such as the aqueduct. If you like history, this is one of the things you must visit in the Gothic Quarter.

7. Cathedral of Santa Cruz and Santa Eulalia

Address

Pla de la Seu, s/n, Ciutat Vella, 08002

Price

14-28€

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One of the best places on this route through the Gothic Quarter and undoubtedly one of the best things to see in Barcelona. The Cathedral of Santa Cruz and Santa Eulalia has made a name for itself as the most important monument to see in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, thanks to its extraordinary architecture and great history. To start with the architecture, this cathedral was built in the 13th century in the Gothic style and has a neo-Gothic facade added in the 19th century. The cloister inside houses 13 white geese in tribute to each year the saint was tortured.

We recommend climbing to the rooftops to enjoy the view of the city. Moreover, if you visit the cathedral in December, you can enjoy one of the best activities in the Gothic Quarter, the Christmas market.

8. La Casa del Arcediano

Address

Carrer de Santa Llúcia, 1, Ciutat Vella, 08002

Price

Free

The archdeacon was a figure in the church hierarchy responsible for charitable work, among other functions delegated to him by the bishop. A few steps from the cathedral, you can see the luxurious home he lived in the 12th century, with a beautiful courtyard with columns and a staircase. One of the strangest things to see in the Gothic Quarter is the facade of this building, where a late 19th century Art Nouveau mailbox with sculpted animals can be seen from the street. There is no entrance fee, so if you’re looking for free activities in the Gothic Quarter, you’ve found it.

9. Mural del Beso

Address

Plaça d'Isidre Nonell, 1, Ciutat Vella, 08002

Price

Free

The Kiss Mural is a photo mosaic created by photographer Joan Fontcuberta and ceramicist Antoni Cumella in 2014. It’s located on a wall in Plaça Isidre Nonell and consists of 4,000 ceramic tesserae with photographs submitted by readers of El Periódico de Catalunya with the theme “Free living”. It’s a small stop on our route through the Gothic Quarter and is a must-see photo for any couple visiting Barcelona.

10. Palacio Episcopal de Barcelona

Address

C. del Bisbe, 5, Ciutat Vella, 08002

Price

Free

This 13th century cultural heritage of local importance is one of the oldest buildings in Barcelona. It has been renovated several times and has a Romanesque architectural style. The interior hides several religious paintings of the period and other well-preserved decorative elements. Today it’s still the official residence of the Archbishop of Barcelona.

11. Puente del Bisbe

Address

C. del Bisbe, Ciutat Vella, 08002

Price

Free

Although this bridge is relatively “modern”, it perfectly preserves the architectural style that is so characteristic of the Gothic Quarter. As you walk through the Gothic Quarter, you will come across a bridge that connects the Generalitat with the Casa del Canonges. This small bridge has one of the most mysterious decorative elements in the city, because if you look closely you will see a skull pierced by a dagger, the meaning of which is unknown. The bridge is perfectly visible from the street, so if you’re looking for something to see in the Gothic Quarter, and it’s completely free, this is a great option.

12. Plaça de Sant Felip Neri

Address

C. del Bisbe, 5, Ciutat Vella, 08002

Price

Free

Hidden behind a narrow passageway lies one of the Gothic Quarter’s most remarkable and picturesque squares. It’s built on the site of an old medieval cemetery, right on the facade of the baroque church of Sant Felip Neri, where you can see the shrapnel holes left by the bombs during the civil war. One of the must do things in the Gothic Quarter for war history lovers is to visit this square and see all the remains of the historic war.

13. La Colmena Bakery

Address

Plaça de l'Àngel, 12, Ciutat Vella, 08002

Price

1-10€

Website

After seeing so much in the Gothic Quarter, you’re probably a little hungry, so the next stop is the historic La Colmena pastry shop. On the Plaça de l’Àngel itself you will find this bakery that is more than 150 years old. Here you will find sweets and other typical Catalan sweets that are made entirely by hand. Hands down one of the best things to do in the Gothic Quarter for traditional pastry lovers.

14. La plaza del Rey

Address

Pl. del Rei, s/n, Ciutat Vella, 08002

Price

Free

The former Royal Palace of Barcelona consisted of Gothic and Renaissance buildings. It was home to the Counts of Barcelona and was also the residence of the Kings of Aragon during their visits to the city. However, the Plaça del Rei was accessible to the entire city, as various markets and popular festivals were held here.

15. Plaza Real de Barcelona

Address

C. del Bisbe, 5, Ciutat Vella, 08002

Price

Free

Our itinerary of sights in the Gothic Quarter ends at Barcelona’s Plaza Real. In this square you can enjoy some of the best bars in Ciutat Vella while taking in its spectacular design. It’s one of the main entertainment venues in the Gothic Quarter, making it an ideal place to stay after your visit to the district.

Isn’t it impressive, all that history hidden in the Gothic Quarter? If you also want to enjoy every bit of this neighborhood of Barcelona, don’t miss our selection of apartments for rent in the Gothic Quarter and properties for rent in Ciutat Vella!

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