Every tourist arriving in Barcelona will certainly go for a walk along the narrow streets and, lost in their labyrinth, the squares of the Gothic quarter of the amazing capital of Catalonia. The Gothic quarter of Barcelona, or as it is called Barri Gotico in Catalan, got its name thanks to the well-preserved cult and secular buildings that were erected in the Middle Ages. In our article, we will get acquainted with these magnificent architectural monuments, but for a start we will plunge into history and find out how the unique attraction of Barcelona appeared.
Gothic Quarter History
The history of this place began in those ancient times of greatness and power of the Roman Empire, when in the territory of the modern capital of Catalonia there was a small settlement Barsino. It was here, on the outskirts of the empire, that veterans of Roman legions were sent for permanent residence.
As we all know from history, the Roman state fell into decay in the middle of the 1st millennium, and fell under the onslaught of barbarians. Life in Barsino fell silent for some time, and the real construction boom began here from the moment Catalonia entered the powerful state of the Middle Ages - the Kingdom of Aragon. Most of the buildings were erected in the XIV-XV centuries, although among them preserved buildings of the Roman period.
Architectural Attractions
And now we will directly get acquainted with the architectural monuments, which the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona is famous for, attracting the attention of tourists, historians and architects around the world. To easily find places of interest on the map, we’ll give Spanish names for the sights of the unique quarter.
Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia / La Catedral de la Santa Cruz y Santa Eulalia
The first stone of the cathedral was laid in 1298, and the building was solemnly consecrated after the construction was completed in 1420. Over time, neo-Gothic elements were introduced into the Gothic style as a result of reconstructions.
It is he who is the residence of the Barcelona Archbishop, and not in the Sagrada Familia, as many mistakenly believe. By tradition, 13 white geese live in the courtyard of the magnificent cathedral. Their white color symbolizes the purity of St. Eulalia, and the number - the age when the girl suffered a martyrdom at the hands of the Gentiles.
The church is Catholic, but in 2006 an Orthodox service was held here before the relics of the Holy revered in the Orthodox world.
Royal Palace / Palau Reial Major
This is a whole complex of architectural buildings, which for a long time was the seat of the Barcelona counts, and then the residence of the kings of Aragon.
The chapel in honor of St. Agatha was erected in 1302. It was the first construction of the palace, but the main palace was built in the second half of the XIV century by King Peter IV. The third Palau de Lloctinent was built in 1549, at the direction of King Charles V.
In the photo: Palau de Lloctinent
All three buildings are masterpieces of Catalan Gothic architecture. The chapel houses a unique painted altar, and the buildings themselves can be visited as part of the historical museum of Barcelona.
Basilica of Le Merce / Basilica de la Mare de Deu de la Merce
This beautiful church was erected in 1765-1775, and the author of the unique project was the famous Spanish architect Josep Mas. They consecrated the medieval basilica in honor of the patroness of Barcelona, Our Lady of Mercy.
The Barcelona Temple has witnessed many historical events that took place in the city, and the church itself contains a unique Catholic relic - a wooden statue of Our Lady of Mercy.
Within the walls of the church every year on September 23 there is a big celebration in honor of the patroness of the city. Not far from Le Merce, grateful Spaniards erected a monument to Christopher Columbus, this is one of the highest monuments in the world, because its height is 87 m.
Santa Maria del Pi
Another Gothic temple was built in Barcelona in the 30s of the XIV century on the site of a pre-existing Christian wooden church. The temple is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and the name literally translates as the Church of Our Lady of the Pine.
Initially, the one-nave Gothic temple had almost no decorations, but over time, architectural elements of the Baroque style were added to its interior. The temple was partially destroyed several times as a result of natural disasters and wars, but was always restored in its magnificent form.
The main entrance is magnificent, above which stands a sculpture of the Virgin Mary, as well as a unique rosette window with a diameter of 10 m.
Church of Santos Just i Pastor / Iglesia de Sants Just i Pastor
The oldest church in Barcelona, mentioned in historical documents dating back to the 9th century. It was erected at a time when King Louis the Pious began a large-scale reconstruction of the city's quarters.
Naturally, little has been preserved from the appearance of that period, and in the Middle Ages the church was rebuilt in the Gothic style. Inside the walls there are magnificent relief chapels, and gray stones are painted with scenes from the life of the Virgin.
No less majestic is the external appearance of the architectural monument. In addition, back in the 13th century, Iglesia des Santos Just y Pastor received a unique right to issue indulgences, which is valid today.
Roman buildings
In addition to medieval buildings, architectural monuments erected at a time when this part of Europe was a Roman province were preserved in the quarter.
On the modern square of São Jaume during the reign of Rome there was a forum. From those times remained the columns of the temple of Octavian Augustus, exhibited for inspection in the courtyard of the tourist center. But on the New Square of the Gothic Quarter, the ruins of the city gate and aqueduct remained. A part of the ancient road has been preserved here.
Under the King’s Square, the ruins of Barsino have been preserved, which have been explored and are now accessible for tourists to see, where you can fully feel the breath of the Roman period of history. The entrance to the ruins is in the Museum of the History of Barcelona, and everyone can get acquainted with them independently or as part of an excursion.
Bridge of Sighs / Pont dels Sospirs
The Bridge of Sighs, also called the Lace Bridge, is snugly set among the streets and beautiful buildings of the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona. It was built in 1926, and today it is the most popular place for photographing in the Catalan capital.
It connects a small but magnificent bridge to St. Jacob's Square and Barcelona's Main Cathedral. The architect of the project was the architect Joan Rubio, and in his brainchild he splendidly combined elements of neo-Gothic and Catalan modernism.
The architectural elements of the bridge are striking in their sophistication, and in a harmonious combination with the general style of the Gothic quarter.
Streets and squares
It's time to stroll through the maze of multiple streets and enjoy the splendor of the squares. In addition to architectural monuments and administrative buildings, there are cozy hotels, as well as cafes and shops.
Royal Square / Plaza Real
The magnificent square was formed at the end of the 19th century, and the author of the architectural project was Francesco Daniel Molina and Kasamaho. The buildings of the square have solid buildings in the neoclassical style of the XVIII century.
Initially, they wanted to call it “The Square of the Heroes of Spain”, but politics intervened in the matter, and it was decided to give it its current name. This is one of the favorite vacation spots of citizens and guests of Barcelona, where holidays and festivals are held annually.
The author of the magnificent lanterns that illuminate the square was the famous Catalan architect Antonio Gaudi, who built many beautiful buildings in Barcelona. Most-beauty.ru has already prepared interesting material about this and other great architects of the world.
St. James Square / Plaza de San Jaime
The main square of the Catalan city, on which architectural monuments and administrative buildings coexist comfortably. In the first century BC, two Roman roads crossed here, and eventually a forum arose.
It received its name from the Church of St. James, and in some periods of history was called the area of the Constitution. It is on this square that a popular festival in Catalonia takes place, during which there are competitions on the construction of towers from people - castels.
Today, the government building and the city hall are located on the magnificent square.
New Square / Plaça Nova
You may not be deceived by the name, but this square is the oldest in Barcelona, and began to be built up in the middle of the XIV century. It was at that time that the first buildings began to appear on it, where the ruins of the towers of the Roman gate still remained.
Today, New Square has an unusual triangular shape, and around it there are 5 buildings, among which only one was built in our time, and the rest are architectural monuments of the Middle Ages.
The square is also famous for the fact that every Thursday there is an antique market where you can buy rare items whose age is much greater than the age of the square itself.
Ramble street
The main pedestrian street of a unique Gothic city in the city, which is literally buried in the sun and magnificent colors. It stretches from Plaza Catalunya and, after 1.2 km, abuts Portal de la Pau.
A beautiful street is divided into several parts, boulevards, each of which has its own thematic focus - Rambla of flowers, Rambla of the Capuchins, Rambla of St. Monica.
Walking through it you can fully experience the rhythm and spirit of Catalonia and its main city of Barcelona.
Museums and beautiful places
You can not ignore the wonderful museums, in the expositions of which unique and rare artifacts are collected, as well as the full history of Catalonia and Barcelona is presented.
Museum of the History of Barcelona / MUHBA
In the very heart of the city, on the Royal Square, the Museum of History has placed its halls, which opened its doors to visitors in 1943.
The idea of creating a museum appeared at the end of the 19th century, but political instability and civil war pushed its opening for many years. Today it is a whole complex of historical buildings of different eras, and unique exhibits of history and life are stored in its expositions and storerooms.
The museum complex also includes an entertainment park Guell. The total area of the museum is about 4000 m², which makes it one of the largest in the world.
Frederic Mares Museum
Locals also call it the "Sentimental Museum" due to the fact that household items of the Catalan people of various historical eras are exhibited on two floors of the building.
In the museum itself, amazing sculptures are exhibited, starting from ancient Roman time and ending with the twentieth century, and you can trace the entire history of the development of European sculpture.
The museum’s library contains unique manuscripts, including the work of Mares, who nobly donated them to the townspeople.
Villa de arte
In the Gothic Quarter, contemporary art is also widely represented.
A large collection of contemporary painters and sculptors is presented in an art gallery, and nearby on the street you can see unusual sculptures on display.
Reial Cercle Artístic de Barcelona
The beautiful building of the Royal Artistic Circle of Barcelona displays rare works by contemporary artists. But the highlight of the circle, of course, are the little-known works of Salvador Dali.
In this exhibition, not only the finished works of the famous master, but also rare, unfinished sketches of paintings and sculptures.
Not far from the Dali exhibition is a real masterpiece of modern art - El mundo nace en cada beso, which translates as "The world is born with every kiss." This magnificent photomosaic was performed by the talented Catalan photo artist Juan Fontcubert.
Interesting Facts
In conclusion, we present some interesting facts related to the history of the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona:
#1
The first buildings appeared on the site of the most beautiful sights of Barcelona at the junction of two millennia, around 27 BC - 14 A.D.
#2
A forum was located in the center, and to this day, the remains of Roman aqueducts, as well as some buildings of Roman time, have been preserved.
#3
Aragonese kings often chose Barcelona as the place to build their residences.
#4
The chaotic development of the Gothic quarter was a direct continuation of the tradition of Roman urban development.
#5
In all guides, the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona is in first place, so any tourist will decide how to get to this amazing part of the city.
#6
Despite its historical value, festivals and national holidays are often held in beautiful squares, where you can see the fiery flamenco show.
#7
On the streets and squares of the quarter, scenes from the cult feature film "Perfumer" were shot.
#8
The bohemian cafe “Four Cats”, opened in 1897, was visited by Pablo Picasso and Antonio Gaudi.
So our walking route along the Gothic quarter came to an end, but the photo and description will not convey all the beauty and grandeur of this place. It is better to find the time and the opportunity to go to Barcelona to experience the spirit of antiquity and the beauty of the Gothic architecture of the Catalan city. Guides will surely dedicate you to the secrets of the Gothic quarter that keep these historic streets and majestic medieval temples.
Article author: Valery Skiba