Most visitors to Barcelona visit the Gothic Quarter. But few learn the secrets held in the medieval streets. Fewer still capture themselves experiencing it.
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That’s where Trip4Real comes in. Tours are created and led by locals, and in this case, our tour guide was Joan, a professional photographer who not only shares the secrets of the Gothic Quarter but snaps pictures of you while doing it.
Exploring The Gothic Quarter
Our tour started in Placa de Sant Just. Here you’ll find Barcelona’s first fountain that dates back to the 14th century. What’s easy to miss is the sculpture on the side of the building of a hawk hunting a partridge.
Next up is Plaça del Rei, otherwise known as King’s Square. It’s not exactly a secret in itself since it’s where the who’s who of Spanish society is received, including Christopher Columbus when he returned. What you may not know though is that King Martin’s Watchtower was believed to be the tallest building in the world at the time. It may not seem all that impressive by today’s skyscraper standards but in the 15th century, it was shockingly tall.
Related Reading: Gaudi’s Barcelona: Architectural Marvels You Must See For Yourself.
The Magic of Carrer de la Pietat
Now make your way to Carrer de la Pietat. Here you’ll want to look up. On the right side of the street, you’ll see a variety of strange-looking figures guarding the Cathedral. The left side is adorned with wizards and witches petrified forever for their bad behavior. You’ve been warned!
Related Reading: Self-Guided Coastal Hiking Tour from Catalonia, Spain to France.
Museu d’Història
Next, make your way to the Museu d’Història. Hidden away are the remains of a Roman temple that dates back to the first century. According to our local guide Joan from Trip4Real, the Roman ruins are something a lot of locals don’t even know about. Except for the ones whose apartment looks out onto the ruins.
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The Wishing Bridge
Take a look at the photo of the bridge below. How old do you think it is? It might look old, but here’s a secret, it only dates back to 1928. Here’s another secret: it’s not Gothic, but actually Flamboyant-style. And one more secret, perhaps the most important one: you have to walk backwards underneath the bridge and make a wish. Do so and your wish will come true. I did it and I’ll keep you posted as to how well it works. Three days later and no luck so far, but alas these things can take time.
Related Reading: Self-Guided Coastal Hiking from Costa Brava, Spain to France.
Sant Felip Neri Square is also not a secret in itself, but many visitors snap a quick shot without understanding the tragic history that occurred there. Look at the lower part of the church, see all the indentations? A reminder that in this square on January 30th, 1938 a bomb fell that caused the collapse of the underground part of the church of Sant Felip Neri. 42 civilians were killed, including 20 children, all who were taking refuge here. Gives the square a different, more somber meaning, doesn’t it?
Art-Noveau Mailbox
Next up is Casa de l’Ardiaca, the Archdeacon’s house. It dates back to the 12th century, but what I found most impressive and would have walked right by was the mailbox. Yep, the mailbox. At one point in the building’s long history, it held the city’s justice office. To honor that history an Art-Noveau Mailbox was designed to represent justice.
The sword on the top left corner represents justice.
The swallows on the top right corner represent how justice should be – free of bias.
While the ivy on the lower-left corner represents the obstacles with justice and within the justice system.
Finally, the turtle on the lower right corner represents how justice actually is – slow.
The Barcelona Cathedral
Barcelona Cathedral is no doubt a highlight of the Gothic Quarter. Built over six centuries, it’s not only the scale of the building that impresses me so much, but it’s also the little details. Like the 250 purposely ugly gargoyles that surround the cathedral to protect it. On the left side of the Cathedral (if you are facing it) the representation of good vs evil represented by a Griffin (eagle head with lion feet) versus man. It’s easy to miss the little things when you’re looking at something as huge as the cathedral, but it’s these little things that bring the cathedral to life.
This particular Trip4Real tour I did was led by Joan Figueras, a photographer who takes pictures of you at these iconic locations while revealing the secrets of the Gothic Quarter. The tour I did cost €35/person, lasts 90 minutes. It’s a fantastic way to not only learn the secrets of the Gothic Quarter but to capture yourself doing it. Finally, I have a few photos of me – taken by a professional photographer. You can book it here.
Accommodation in the Gothic Quarter Barcelona:
5-Star
Grand Hotel Central is a design hotel with spectacular views of the Gothic Quarter. There is a rooftop infinity pool with views of the Barcelona Cathedral. The hotel is housed in a 20th Century building with a modern flair. Car and bicycle hire is available from the hotel.
Hotel DO Plaça Reial G.L. offers a great spa with a sauna as well as a rooftop pool and bar. The rooms are spacious and stylishly modern. The hotel has 2 restaurants, one of which is located in the cellar with a great atmosphere suite to the Gothic Quarter.
4-Star
Catalonia Catedral is housed in a traditional modernist building that offers free use of Smartphones and high-speed wifi. You can enjoy a dip in the seasonal rooftop pool or enjoy a drink on the Japanese style terrace and garden. All the rooms come equipped with a Nespresso machine for you to enjoy.
Colón Hotel Barcelona is located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter. Some of the rooms have great views of the Barcelona Cathedral and the hotel has beautiful neo-classical decor. The hotel boasts a terrace cafe on the square which is perfect to relax and take in the atmosphere. The hotel also has a rooftop pool and offers a spa.
3-Star
Hotel Denit Barcelona offers sleek and modern decor. Enjoy a drink or coffee in the stylish lobby which is open 24-hours daily. The rooms are soundproofed for your convenience. You can enjoy a delicious breakfast daily.
Regencia Colón has traditional decor with spacious rooms that offer all your basic necessities. The hotel is located near the Cathedral in the center of the Gothic Quarter and is perfect for exploring.
The Gothic Quarter is full of secrets that are hidden in the details. There is nothing ordinary about it which makes a tour through the quarter so much better.
Thank you to the Catalunya Tourism Board for making my visit possible. As always all opinions expressed are my own. P.S. You shouldn’t tell me secrets about Barcelona that you don’t want revealed on my blog.
