Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic)

Where it is & how to get there

• Metro: Jaume I (L4) or Liceu (L3).
• On foot: Starts beside La Rambla; best explored without a fixed plan.
• Cathedral: A visitor fee applies at certain hours, including the rooftop.

The story of the Gothic Quarter

The Gothic Quarter stands on the site of Roman Barcino, founded over 2,000 years ago; sections of the Roman walls and temple columns still survive. Most of its buildings date from the Middle Ages, when Barcelona was a powerful Mediterranean trading city.

At its heart, Barcelona Cathedral took from the 13th to the 15th centuries to build, with a façade completed in the 19th century. Lanes open onto squares such as Plaça Sant Felip Neri and the arcaded Plaça Reial.

Best time to visit

Tips before you go

• Get lost on purpose, then continue into El Born for cafés and the Picasso Museum.
• Find the Pont del Bisbe, the carved bridge over Carrer del Bisbe.
• Go up to the cathedral roof for views of the old town.

What's around the Gothic Quarter

• Barcelona CathedralGothic cathedral with a cloister of geese.
• Plaça ReialArcaded square with palm trees.
• MUHBA Plaça del ReiRoman ruins underground.
• El BornNeighbouring quarter with the Picasso Museum.

Questions travellers ask