City visit of the Barrio Gotico district in Barcelona

Construction began in 1298. The cathedral faces onto the Plaça de la Seu in the center of the Barri Gòtic area of the old city and is surrounded by other remnants of Barcelona's past - notably some Roman remains and various medieval structures.

The main facade is dominated by the massive main door and the central spire. Oddly sited, the spire is placed to the front of the building instead of the more usual position over the crossing of nave and transepts. To either side of the building are two simple towers which are only visible from the sides and rear of the cathedral. Access to the roof can be from the northern transept via a small lift. There are excellent views over the city as well as a close-up view of the central tower. The interior of the cathedral is suitably impressive with a fine nave and soothing cloister.

Back in the Roman period this square was (and still is) where important government buildings were found. On one side there is the Palace of the Generalitat (the government of the Autonomous Community of Catalunya) and on the other stands the City Hall. This square has been witness to some of the most important events in recent Catalan history, such as the proclamation of the Catalan State in 1931 or the return of Josep Tarradelles from exile in 1977. On Sunday mornings, people come to dance the Sardana, the national dance of Catalonia -- it's a very Catalan moment and worth checking out.

Vestiges of the ancient city of Barcelona. Here are the remains of the ancient fortified walls and palaces built by the Romans on the "Mons Taber" such as, the temple devoted to Augustus.

The most important visit is to its underground exposition where reminds of the old " Augusta Barcino" are exposed. You will see here mosaics, wall paintings, graves and a pool, excavated remains of ancient structures, documents, engravings, etc.

This is the most handsome section of ancient Barcelona. It is a square outlined by gothic buildings toped by the facade of the former main Royal Palace and its watchtower- a true skyscraper for the 16th Century. The Plaça del Rei ( the King Square) is the most noble urban space of old Barcelona. On this majestic square stand some of the important medieval buildings of the city: the Palau Reial Mayor which contains the exquisite Saló Tinell banqueting hall, the Chapel of Santa Agatha and the Palau de Lloctinent

Frederic Marès, the founder of this museum was a sculptor, historian, and a teacher. Its heterogeneous collection includes the most important gathering of Hispanic sculpture from the twelfth to the nineteenth centuries in Spain. We appreciate this museum because of its inside courtyard, fresh and perfect for having a break while visiting the Gothic area of Barcelona!

Plaça Nova is the place where the old city was born : Barcino. These letters are sculptured in the square. Two Romanesque towers flank the door Del Bisbal. This square becomes a market with antique dealers every Thursday from 9h to 20h. Festivals and Sardanas are held here also.

One of the best loved areas for artists and bohemians is the confluence of the Plaça del Pi, located just off the Ramblas.

The area is dominated by the church of Santa María del Pi (XIV-XV c.) with its huge multicolored rose window. Frequent arts and crafts fairs, as well as sales of natural foods such as honey and "mató" (a mild cheese) are held in this square. We can also find here the house of the Gremio de los Revendedores, which dates from 1685.