Gothic Quarter in Barcelona (Barri Gòtic)
- Amy
- Jun 13, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: May 13, 2024
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The Barri Gòtic Quarter, also known as the Gothic Quarter, arguably remains the most charming and beloved section of Barcelona. It has always held a special place in my heart and likely always will. Wandering through its medieval alleys adorned with flower stalls and bustling weekend markets is a delightful experience. The streets come alive with the sparkle of shops offering leather goods, jewelry, and books. Situated in the Ciutat Vella district, Barcelona's Gothic Quarter is the heart of the city's historic center and certainly merits exploration.
The area stretches from Las Ramblas to Vía Laietana and from Passeig de Colom to the Plaça de Catalunya. It's buzz is so desirable, thanks to the innumerable number of Catalan restaurants, clubs, pubs, trendy bars and shops in its vicinity.
The Gothic Quarter in Barcelona is comprised of a number of charming squares where one can relax, bask in the sunshine, watch kids chase bubbles or feed hundreds of pigeons in the square.
#1 Pla de la Seu square
The Barcelona cathedral really stands out in this square. It's larger than life presence in this very picturesque neighborhood is very impressive. People are seen sitting here on the stairs of the church, basically chilling in the spring sun. History has it that the Romans had already built a temple on the slightly elevated Pla de la Seu square, where the Cathedral is located today. This church is 93 meters tall and 40 meters wide. During Christmas, this popular square hosts the Fira de Santa Llúcia" Christmas market, I'm sure with much fervor and bling.
#2 Pont del Bisbe‘ or ‘Bishop’s Bridge’
After we simmered awhile in the sun on Pla de la Seu square, we began walking towards Bishop's street or also known as Carrer del Bisbe. You will automatically waiver towards this path as you'll notice the stunning neo-Gothic bridge, blending in seamlessly with its Medieval surroundings. This bridge is known locally as the ‘Pont del Bisbe‘ or ‘Bishop’s Bridge’. Constructed in 1928 by Joan Rubió i Bellver, the bridge connects the two buildings - the ‘Casa dels Canonges‘ (Canon’s House) on one side and on the other side is the ‘Palau de la Generalitat‘.
Everything is so Gothic about the area, that you'll find yourself mesmerized. The bridge is made of marble and highlights carved windows, oil lanterns, and gargoyles that peer over and snoop at passerbys. Don't be surprised if you notice secretly incorporated structures here, for example, a hidden skull with a dagger inside.
#3 Place de Sant Felipa Neri
This charming square Place de Sant Felipa Neri is an admirable square flocks of tourists came by to get their pictures clicked with the small church of Sant Felip Neri. Here people relaxed on terraces, idling around, take a breath or two before making their way ahead. This is when you might notice the irregular marks on the wall, betraying the square’s gruesome history. The square was at the centre of many a conflict during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), including the bombing between opposing sides. The shrapnel destroyed part of the church’s facade off and is seen by tourists and locals alike reminding them of the gruesome war in Spain.
#4 Placa de Sant Jaume
A few minutes walk from the Sant Felip Neri's Square is the Placa de Sant Jaume. It is the largest of a number of squares located in this old part of the city. Some very impressive public buildings are located in this square namely the City Hall or Cash de la Ciutat and the Palau de la Generalitat. These buildings are majestic in size and intricate in its detail and hence make for an impressive sight.
#5 Plaça de Catalunya
The main square of Barcelona and the end point of Gothic Quarter. Plaça de Catalunya is the largest central square in Barcelona and connects the old town to the Eixample district. Truly the place where the kids enjoyed to the brim! The Plaça (square) was swelling with a thousand pigeons when we reached the place around sunset. Vendors nearby sold grains to feed the pigeons, which heightened the excitement of the kids and pigeons alike when they were strewn around to eat. Flying over our heads and perching on our hands, the sight and experience both were exhilarating! Kids and parents laughed and giggled and shrieked in happiness amidst this chaotic beauty. We played there for about half an hour before we made way to our next destination.
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