Barri Gòtic, Palau Reial,

Museu d'Historia de la Ciutat
Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter) is in the very center and point of origination of the old city of Barcelona, dating as far back to the Roman settlement. The street plan of Barri Gòtic is like a labyrinth with many small streets opening out into squares. As one of the most well-preserved medieval quarters in Europe, it holds the Palau Reial - the royal palace where Columbus was received by Fernando and Isabel on his return from the new world. This gothic palace was the residence of the 500-year dynasty of the count-kings. Standing on the square of Plaça del Rei within the Gothic Quarter is the Museu d'Historia de la Ciutat. The vibrant square in front of the museum is always full of music and people, so most are unaware that they are standing on an archeological site. When entering the museum, visitors go underground to Barcelona's subsoil where they can find entire streets and squares of the old subterranean Roman village Colonia Iulia Augusta Faventia Paterna Barcino, founded by Emperor Augustus. There are also Visigothic and other medieval remains.

Fun Facts

• The oldest part of the city was found under the Roman reign of Augustus in 27 BC. It has been the spot of Barri Gòtic's administrative buildings ever since.


• The Palau Reial is now home to the Museu de les Arts Decoratives, which is devoted to the decorative arts, and the Museu de la Ceràmica, which showcases ceramics ranging from Arabic glazed wares to pieces by Picasso and Miró.


• Pablo Picasso lived and worked in Barri Gòtic from 1895 to 1904 and Joan Miró was born and lived there during his youth.

Link

Museu d'Historia de la Ciutat