The Gothic Quarter ( or ; ) is the historic centre of the old city of Barcelona. It stretches from La Rambla to Via Laietana, and from the Mediterranean seafront to the Ronda de Sant Pere. It is a part of Ciutat Vella district.

The quarter encompasses the oldest parts of the city of Barcelona, and includes the remains of the city's Roman wall and several notable medieval landmarks. Much of the present-day fabric of the quarter, however, dates to the 19th and early 20th centuries. El Call, the medieval Jewish quarter, is located within this area, along with the former Sinagoga Major.

The Barri Gòtic retains a labyrinthine street plan, with many small streets opening out into squares. Most of the quarter is closed to regular traffic although open to service vehicles and taxis.

Authenticity

thumb|right|Barcelona Cathedral in the 1880s, before neo-Gothic additions to its façade

Despite its name, a number of landmark Gothic buildings in the neighborhood do not date to the Middle Ages. Rather, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the quarter was completely transformed from a sombre neighborhood to a tourist attraction through a massive restoration project, timed to be completed for the 1929 International Exhibition. This allowed the city and the surrounding region of Catalonia to portray itself in a positive light to the world's media. Further restoration of existing buildings and the creation of brand new neo-Gothic structures continued as late as the 1960s.

File:Temple of Augustus, built during the Imperial period in the colony of Barcino (modern day Barcelona) as a place of worship for Emperor Augustus, Barcelona (21200840180).jpg|Remains of the Roman Temple

File:Barcelona Cathedral Saint Eulalia.jpg|Cathedral of Santa Eulàlia

File:050529 Barcelona 099.jpg|Church of Santa Maria del Pi

File:Spain.Barcelona.Pessebre.2006.00.jpeg|Plaça Sant Jaume and the Palau de la Generalitat de Catalunya

File:Plaça del Rei Barcelona2.JPG|Plaça del Rei

File:Salo Tinell 20120309 14.JPG|Palau Reial Major

File:Plaza de San Felipe Neri. Barcelona.jpg|Plaça de Sant Felip Neri

File:Portal de l'Àngel - Barcelona (Catalunya).jpg|Portal de l'Àngel

File:Basílica de la Mercè - Barcelona (Catalonia).jpg|Basilica of La Mercè

File:Barcelona-placa-reial.JPG|Plaça Reial

File:Barcelona (Plaça de Sant Jaume) City Hall. Neoclassical facade. 1831-1847. Josep Mas, architect (27664512650) edited.jpg|Casa de la Ciutat, City Hall

File:15-10-27-Els Quatre Gats-RalfR-WMA 2719-2724.jpg|Els Quatre Gats

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Barcelona Metro

  • L4 station Jaume I
  • L3 stations Liceu and Drassanes

See also

  • Urban planning of Barcelona

References

  • El Gòtic on the City's website
  • Barri Gòtic at Tmb.cat