Gothic Quarter & La Rambla

Barri Gòtic / La Rambla

The medieval old town inside the Roman walls, with its cathedral, royal square and maze of alleys, next to the 1.2-kilometre pedestrian boulevard of La Rambla.

The Gothic Quarter marks the start of Barcelona’s two-thousand-year history. Remnants of the walls of Barcino, the Roman colony, are still embedded in its alleys. Key highlights include the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, a 14th-century Gothic church whose cloister is home to 13 white geese, one for each year of the martyred saint’s life. Entry to the church is free during certain hours, and otherwise costs about €9. You can also climb to the roof. The Plaça del Rei (King’s Square), where Columbus is said to have met the Catholic Monarchs. Opposite each other on Plaça de Sant Jaume are the Catalan Government building and the City Hall. The small Plaça de Sant Felip Neri, a favourite of a young Picasso, has bomb marks from the Spanish Civil War on the church walls. The neo-Gothic Bridge of Sighs stands on Carrer del Bisbe. On the eastern side of the old town, El Born has the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar and the Picasso Museum. La Rambla runs about 1.2 kilometres from Plaça de Catalunya down to the Columbus Monument by the sea. A central pedestrian promenade is flanked by the Boqueria Market, the Liceu Opera House, Joan Miró’s mosaics set into the pavement, and Plaça Reial, with street lamps designed by Gaudí. The boulevard is crowded, street performers and restaurant overcharging are common, so treat it as a place to walk through and head into the side streets to eat. The whole area is best explored on foot. Take metro line L3 to Liceu or line L4 to Jaume I. Pickpockets are very active, so keep a close eye on your phone and bag, especially in crowds and at night. The coordinates above refer to the area near the cathedral.

Gothic Quarter & La Rambla

Opening hours

Nearby sights

Places to eat nearby