Top 10 Facts about Gothic Quarter

Gothic Quarter by Richard Mortel – Wikimedia Commons

Top 10 Facts about Gothic Quarter

The Gothic Quarter is situated in the heart of Barcelona. It is in the Gothic Quarter where  Barcelona came to life. The Gothic Quarter dates back over 2,000 years, which makes it the most talked about neighborhood in Barcelona. Its history ranges from both Roman and the medieval times, where what was started can be seen today.

A great wall surrounded the Gothic Quarter, and within its boundaries, buildings were constructed. There are multiple things to see and activities to engage in the Gothic Quarter. The main attractions are the Gothic Cathedral, the Roman temple, Placa Reial, and hidden gems like the ancient synagogue of Barcelona. This article will discover ten fascinating facts about the Gothic Quarter. 

1.The Splendid Cathedral de Barcelona Stands On The Highest Point of the Gothic Quarter

Gothic Quarter by Richard Mortel – Wikimedia Commons

The outstanding monument in the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona is the 13th to 15th century Gothic Cathedral. The Cathedral took almost two centuries to build. It is free to visit the Cathedral from 8 a.m to 12:455 p.m and in the evening from 5:45 p.m to 7:30 p.m. If you visit as per not the schedule, you will have to donate to access the Cathedral.

2.In the Gothic Quarter, You Learn About Barcelona’s Jewish Past

Barcelona’s old Jewish Quarter known as the El Call, one of the Gothic Quarter’s most beautiful places to visit. In the narrowest street, Gothic Quarter is where you will find the dark history of Barcelona’s Jews that dates back to the medieval times. One street at the center of it all is the Sant Domenec del Call. On this street, you will encounter excellent restaurants, cafes and bars, the old synagogue, and a little square for relaxing.

3.Antonio Gaudi’s Very First Project is in the Famous Gothic Quarters

Antonio Gaudi by Pau Audouard Deglaire – Wikimedia Commons

The famous Catalan architect Antonio Gaudi used to live in the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona. It is here that his first project was implemented after graduating. The project was Placa Reial, a street lamp in one of Barcelona’s grandest squares. The lamps might be pretty small if you compare them with the plethora of restaurants, bars, and clubs and the towering palm trees in the area. However, if you are a history and architecture fan, you will know it is the work of the outstanding Antonio Gaudi.

4.You Get to Party Like a Local In the Gothic Quarter

The Gothic Quarter in Barcelona is one of the rowdy streets at night. If you are a party holic, the Gothic Quarter is the place to visit and party. The great places to enjoy a Spanish night out and find the highest concentration is in the lower half that borders the port. Here, you get to move from bars, to dance clubs, and a ton of cocktail lounges. The party keeps going until the early morning hours. You are guaranteed ultimate fun.

5.Experience La Boqueria on the Border of the Gothic Quarter

La Boqueria by Didier Descouens – Wikimedia Commons

La Boqueria is found on the border of the Gothic Quarter. It is one of the oldest markets in Europe. Boqueria is a colorful emporium comprising a variety of sensory overload and products. To experience the hustle of this famous historic market, you must walk around and stop by El Quim de la Boqueria for a tapa. When visiting the Gothic Quarter, it is worth fixing La Boqueria to your schedule.

6.The Outstanding Barcelona Roman Temple is Situated in the Gothic Quarter

The availability of a Roman temple in the Gothic Quarter still puzzles locals and tourists because they don’t even know if it exists. The Roman temple is situated in the Gothic Quarter, invisible from the street view. However, the Temple d’August is visible on a narrow street behind the Cathedral. The temple is primarily open most days until 8 p.m. It is in the temple where you learn more about the founding of Barcelona as a Roman colony and the origin of its name.

7.The Gothic Quarter in Barcelona is Home to Multiple Shops

Gothic Quarter by Richard Mortel – Wikimedia Commons

In Barcelona, the Gothic Quarter has the busiest pedestrian streets. This is because multiple shops are situated to serve every tourist’s needs. The busiest and most comprehensive street of all is the Portal d’Angel, which is lined up with well-known brands and small shops with simple independent names. You can shop for products or souvenirs to bring back to your home country.

8.Experience Human Towers in the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona

The most fascinating thing to watch in the Gothic Quarter is the human towers. Watching bodies scramble from the top of a pyramid with arms and legs is a wonder worth watching. This Catalan tradition of building human towers is traced back to the 18th century.

When the building of human towers was invested in, the community grew fond of it, and it became a competition through groups of people. Traditionally, the Castellar performed this art of building a human tower during festivals. A monument was built in Barcelona to honor these traditions, which reached the record of the highest point in the city.

9.Tour Walks Is One of the Best Ways to Explore the Gothic Quarter

As a tourist or a local, engaging in tour walks is a great way to learn and discover the legends and stories behind Barcelona’s oldest district, Gothic Square. Along the way, you also get to make new friends and engage in multiple activities such as trying the typical Catalan cuisine, and drinking quality coffee. In the Gothic Quarter, the tour walks give the best experiences since you get to walk through the narrow streets and then move to August’s temple, the famous Cathedral Cloister, and the Palatine chapel of Santa Agata. 

10.Placa del Rei, Also Known as the ‘King’s Square,’ is Found in Gothic Quarters

Placa del Rei is a walled plaza filled with Roman ruins and monuments. The King’s Square comprises grand Renaissance-style palaces, including the Royal Palace, the Lieutenant’s Palace, the Chapel of Santa Agata, the Gothic country yard house, Aragon and 14th century archives. The main Royal palace was initially built for King Alphonso XIII in 1919.