How about a visit to a real corner of the Middle Ages, which seemed frozen in time? Today we invite all comers to visit the so-called Gothic Quarter in Barcelona. This place is a vivid example of the greatness of the rulers of the state of Aragon that dominated here in those times immemorial. When you look at local buildings, you get respect for the architect, because some buildings are already more than eight centuries old, and they are all also strong.
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General information
If you look at the map of the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona , you can see that it occupies an impressive square in the heart of the historic part of the city. Its outskirts border on Plaça Catalunya and stretch to Via Letane. It is believed that the first settlers appeared here at the dawn of our era, during this period the land belonged to the Roman Empire. The Gothic Quarter in Barcelona owes its name to the sights that have been preserved here. In the castle, what is here, lived the monarchs, and now all this magnificence, after many centuries, serves as a bait for the guests of the city.
Arriving in Barcelona for an inspection of the Gothic Quarter, you will not have problems with accommodation in the hotel, because in its vicinity there are a lot of them. And from the huge number of restaurants, nightclubs and cafes in these parts, without exaggeration, eyes run up. Even at night, life in the Gothic Quarter does not freeze, but only moves to numerous entertainment establishments. The desire to drink properly and to dance from the heart is welcome.
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sights
Now let's find out what attractions attract Spanish guests in the Gothic Quarter. Perhaps, one of the most famous places in the Gothic quarter of Barcelona is the Cathedral of Saint Eulalia. As you can understand, the cathedral is dedicated to St. Eulalia, who took martyrdom, defending her faith. It was erected in about 120 years, the first stones were laid back in 1298. In the style of architecture, which is chosen for this decoration of the majestic edifice, the elements of Gothic and neo-Gothic are seen. For guests of the cathedral a courtyard is open, from where you can get to the legendary chapel, where 13 snow-white geese live. Their color and quantity symbolize the age of the young martyr and the purity of her thoughts.
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The next attraction is the church of La Merced. It was built on the remains of a ruined Gothic church dedicated to St. Michael. The temple of mercy was completed in 1775. Its name is due to the appearance of the Virgin Mary to one of the priests. She told him to establish a new temple and order, which was supposed to free believing Christians from the slavery of the Gentiles. In the basement of the temple is one of the oldest relics of the Christian world - a statue dedicated to Our Lady of Mercy.
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Considerable interest among visitors to the quarter is caused by the majestic palace that was built on the ruins of the ancient Roman wall by the ruling monarch Pedro Pompous in the 11th century. The palace complex includes a watch tower, which was built in the XV century, as well as an ancient chapel, built in the XIV century. In one of the halls of this palace, he reported to the monarchs about his discovery of Columbus, and here also the sessions of the Holy Tribunal were held. Very interesting will be a tour of the castle, if you hire a Russian-speaking guide who could enliven with his story the events that occurred in these majestic walls.
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You can get to the Gothic Quarter either by bus or by metro. You need to exit at Jaume I or Liceu station. And immediately after arrival, be prepared for the fact that you will be overcome by mixed feelings and surprise at how the architecture of the 21st century fits into the ancient buildings of the 11th-15th centuries.