Barcelona is a city that invites you to stroll. The climate, the Mediterranean light, the streets filled with life and the atmosphere invite you to experience the city in an intense way. Discover the city’s history as you stroll through the Gothic Quarter, one of the best-preserved medieval districts in the world. Or you can discover the Bohemian atmosphere of the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century following the footsteps of Picasso. Admire the master works of the architects of Modernism in Eixample, or enjoy the flavors and history of the excellent gastronomy in the old city. Choose whichever you like the best and have a great time in Barcelona
Ciutat Vella- The heart of the city
The Ciutat Vella or the Old City of Barcelona is mainly composed of the Gothic Quarter, La Ribera, La Rambla and El Raval, and is famous for its historic monuments, narrow streets and vaguely bohemian atmosphere. Nowadays, antique dealers, bookshops, restaurants and the most original shops add to the interest of this historic quarter.
Gothic quarter (Barrio Gótico)
The Gothic Quarter is the core of the Medieval city, which was bounded by walls until the middle of the XIX century. Through the maze of old streets we come to the Cathedral, the origins of which date back to the XIII century. Nearby, the plaça del Rei is the historic center of the district, with Gothic buildings that were an integral part of the Palau Major, the palace that was the residence of the Catalan Kings: the Saló del Tinell, the Chapel of Santa Agata and the Palau del Lloctinent. The district is the historical and political center of Barcelona. In the plaça Sant Jaume you can find the City Hall and the Palau de la Generalitat.
La Ribera
A criss-cross of Medieval streets, such as the famous carrer Montcada, whose noble places reveal the commercial prosperity of Barcelona (XIII to XV century). Three of these palaces currently house the Picasso Museum. At the end of carrer Montcada is Santa Maria del Mar, the most beautiful Gothic church in Barcelona. Another outstanding building is the Palau de la Música Catalana, a spectacular Modernist building built by Domènech i Montaner. Here you will also find the Parc de la Ciutadella, a former citadel and site of the 1888 Universal Exposition. Some of the buildings from this exhibition are still standing today: the Umbracle (Plant House), the Hivernacle (Glass House), and the exhibition restaurant, which is now the home of the Museu de Zoologia. Today it is a public park, which houses a series of interesting museums as well as the Zoological Gardens.
La Rambla y El Raval
La Rambla is one long, lively spectacle, which enjoys well-deserved fame throughout the world. Starting from the plaça Catalunya head down towards the Columbus Monument in the port, and make your way past the old shops, cafés, the Palau de la Virreina, the Boquería- the best market in the city-, the plaça Reial and the Centre d’Art Santa Mónica. On the right of the Rambla is the Raval district where you will find the Romanesque church of Sant Pau del Camp, the Palau Güell, designed by Gaudí, and the Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona.
Find out more about Catalonia’s capital. Check out the following information about Barcelona!
