Barcelona Guide
Barri Gòtic
Barcelona's Barri Gòtic, or Gothic Quarter, forms the very heart of the old town, spreading out from the east side of the Ramblas. Within lies a remarkable concentration of beautiful medieval buildings dating principally from the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, when the city reached the height of its commercial prosperity before being absorbed into the burgeoning kingdom of Castile.
It will take the best part of a day to see everything here, with the cathedral – La Seu – a particular highlight, and you certainly won't want to miss the archeological remains at the Museu d'Història de la Ciutat or the unclassifiable collections of the Museu Frederic Marès. There are also plenty of other quirks and diversions, from exploring the old Jewish quarter to touring the grand salons of City Hall. That said, sauntering through the medieval alleys, shopping for antiques or gifts, following the remains of the Roman walls, or simply sitting at a café table in one of the lovely squares is just as much an attraction.
The picture-postcard images of the Barri Gòtic are largely based on the streets north of c/de Ferran and c/de Jaume I, where tourists throng the boutiques, bars, restaurants, museums and galleries. South of here – from Plaça Reial and c/d'Avinyo to the harbour – the Barri Gòtic is rather less gentrified (or sometimes just plain run-down). There are no specific sights or museums in this section, though there are plenty of great shops, cafés, tapas bars and restaurants – just take care at night in the poorly lit streets.