Description of the attraction
The Gothic Quarter in Barcelona is the oldest part of the city: the Roman settlement of Barcino was here. The main attraction of the Gothic Quarter is the Cathedral.
In the 15th century, the buildings of the city hall and government of Catalonia were built here. The city hall was later rebuilt, but part of the Gothic decor with the coat of arms of Barcelona remained on the side of the building. At the entrance to the mayor's office, there are two monuments - Jaume I, who established the city council in Barcelona in the 13th century, and J. Fivelier, who forced the court nobility to pay taxes in the 16th century. Opposite the City Hall is the Palace of the Government of Catalonia. The facade of the building was rebuilt in the Renaissance style. Above the main entrance is a statue of the patron saint of Catalonia - St. George defeating the dragon. Noteworthy are the Gothic chapel of Sant Jordi, the marvelous Orange Courtyard and the 16th century bell tower. The President of Catalonia works here.
The Royal Palace was built in the 13th century as the residence of the Counts of Barcelona. In the magnificent Tinel Hall, a 14th century Gothic specimen, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella received Columbus, who had returned from a voyage. Later, the Most Holy Tribunal sat here.
The Canon's House is the only 11th century Gothic building built on Roman foundations. The building was built for an almshouse, where dinners were arranged for the city beggars, in 1450 the house was handed over to the canon (one of the priests) of the city cathedral. Now it houses the residence of the President of Catalonia.
The archdeacon's house was built on the foundations of a 12th century building; later a gallery and a small courtyard with a fountain were added. The archive is now located here. At the gate, there is a funny mailbox decorated with carvings of a swallow, symbolizing hope for a quick response, and a turtle, symbolizing the pace of mail delivery.
Also noteworthy are two museums of the Gothic Quarter: the Museum of the History of the City and the Museum of the sculptor Frederic Mares.
