Barcelona's Barri Gotic
Exploring Barcelona's Barri Gotic, or Gothic Quarter is one of the most interesting ways to spend a day. This part of the city contains very different architecture from the rest. Much of the construction of this area was begun in the Roman times, and has developed through centuries of architectural and cultural mixing right up to the modern day. Most of the buildings here date back to the 14th and 15th centuries, when Barcelona was at the height of its commercial affluence.

When a campaign was waged by the Barri Gotic neighborhood for Catalan independence in 1714, Felipe V built high walls around the entire area, turning it into a ghetto. It wasn't until a cholera epidemic struck the city in the 1850's that the wall was torn down by the Spanish government.

The best way to see these streets and get a taste for their historical relevance is to take a guided walking tour. These depart many times daily from various areas in Barcelona, and are worth the small price. If you prefer to see the neighborhood at your own pace, it is a good idea to buy a guidebook so that you are aware of the many historical landmarks around you.

This 'Old Town' part of Barcelona is a maze of narrow stone streets jam-packed with cafes, shops, bars, restaurants and extremely reasonable accommodation. La Catedral de la Santa Creu is located in this area, and is one of Barcelona's most favored monuments. Construction began on this gorgeous building in 1928, the third church to be on this site. Be sure to visit the Catedral Museum housed within this structure, it is full of treasures. If you happen to be here on Sunday, stop by the Catedral after mass to see a performance of the Sardana, a traditional Catalan dance.

The Adjuntament, or City Hall is also worth checking out, as is the Palau de la Generalitat, the headquarters of Catalonia's government. The Temple of Augustus is inside the Centre Excursionista Catalunya. These four columns were built over 2000 years ago on the summit of Mont Taber and are now at eye-level, but have not moved from their original position. For many more examples of Roman works, visit Barri Gotic's Museu D'historia de la Ciutat.