About this experience
Charming! This is the definition I give to Barcelona, and I consider the Gothic Quarter the best place to convince you of this. During our friendly walk, I will paint the city's history with vivid strokes, show iconic places, and reveal amazing details of the past in unexpected corners of the Catalan capital.
What to Expect
A Secret Corner in the City Center
Our leisurely stroll will start at a quiet and peaceful place—a sort of oasis of rest, a small square near the Church of St. Anne in Romanesque style. Tourists usually bypass this church—it's not surprising, as it's located in a secluded corner surrounded by modern buildings.
Barcelona's Bohemia
Where did its representatives gather? Where could Pablo Picasso and Antonio Gaudi meet? Of course, at the Four Cats café, where they would often have coffee or even a glass of vermouth! You will definitely visit this establishment, learn more about the place that served as the first exhibition space for the future great artist, and try to feel the art atmosphere of that time.
Symbolic Places of the Gothic Quarter
Leaving the bohemian café, you will travel back to the time of Ancient Rome and see remains of an aqueduct, where we will talk a bit about the city's ancient period. Right there, I will show you a marvelous photo panel—the so-called Wall of the Kiss Freedom, transmitting a simple truth: "The sound of a kiss is not as loud as a cannon, but its echo lasts much longer!" And a bit later, we will visit another symbolic place, where in April 1493 King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella received Christopher Columbus, who returned from his first voyage to America.
The Gem of the Quarter—Barcelona Cathedral
Avoiding the main attraction of the Gothic Quarter is impossible. Near the Cathedral of St. Cross and St. Eulalia, you will hear the story of a young girl who was tortured and martyred for her Christian faith. You will also hear a strange story about the appearance of 13 geese in the church.
The Gothic Quarter in Details and Urban Legends
Moreover, you will learn the symbolism of the tortoise and swallows on the facade of the Archdeacon's House. You will touch the house where four devils turned a loose widow into a donkey. You will see the unusual bronze door of Saint George and find yourself in a place where a ghost appears. And that's not all! Among other landmarks that you will hear colorful stories about are Ramon Berenguer Square, the Royal Palace and King's Square, the Historical Museum, the Crown of Aragon Archive, the Bridge of Kisses, the Jewish Quarter, and much more.
Organizational Details
- Not included in the tour price: transportation expenses; entrance tickets to paid indoor facilities in the city
- The tour can be conducted for a larger number of people: for each additional participant, an extra 20 euros per person is required
