Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter | 10-STOP WALKING TOUR

Notable moments

1. 01:33 Exploring Roman Barcino in Plaça Nova

   James Blick walks through Plaça Nova at the edge of Barcelona's Gothic Quarter, pointing out bronze letter sculptures spelling out 'BARCINO'. He explains that the city was founded 2,000 years ago by Romans as a retirement settlement for military veterans, and points out the preserved section of the original Roman wall.

   Plaça Nova, Barcelona, Spain
2. 03:21 Visiting the Temple of Augustus

   The host enters a hidden courtyard located on Carrer del Paradís to view four remarkably preserved Corinthian columns from a 1st-century Roman temple. He explains that these ancient pillars originally stood at the highest point of the Roman settlement and are now enclosed within a medieval residential building.

   Temple of Augustus, Barcelona, Spain
3. 03:58 Gargoyles of Barcelona Cathedral

   James looks up at the ornate stone exterior of the Cathedral of Barcelona to highlight several unconventional medieval gargoyles. Instead of traditional mythical beasts, these carvings include unusual sculpted animals such as a unicorn and an elephant perched high on the stone walls.

   Cathedral of Barcelona, Spain
4. 04:26 Relief Carving of Wilfred the Hairy

   Outside the cathedral on Carrer dels Comtes, the video shows a stone wall relief depicting 9th-century ruler Wilfred the Hairy battling a winged creature. James explains that Wilfred is historically recognized as the founding father who first united Catalonia.

   Carrer dels Comtes, Barcelona, Spain
5. 05:24 Plaça del Rei Historic Square

   Standing in Plaça del Rei, James describes the history of the Grand Royal Palace where Count-Kings once resided. He highlights the monumental stone staircase where Christopher Columbus was allegedly welcomed back by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella after his 1493 transatlantic voyage.

   Plaça del Rei, Barcelona, Spain
6. 07:07 Pont del Bisbe and Its Skull Legend

   James walks beneath the iconic neo-Gothic bridge spanning narrow Carrer del Bisbe, revealing that it was actually constructed in 1928 rather than during medieval times. He points his camera upward to showcase a hidden carved skull pierced by a dagger, sharing local urban legends about curses and wish-making.

   Pont del Bisbe, Barcelona, Spain
7. 08:59 Sampling Vermouth at Bar del Pi

   James stops for a refreshing glass of Catalan vermouth at Bar del Pi, a historic tavern in Plaça del Pi open since the 1920s. He highlights the tavern's vintage interior, live piano music, and bohemian legacy during the pre-Spanish Civil War era.

   Bar del Pi, Barcelona, Spain
8. 10:15 Walking Through El Call Jewish Quarter

   The tour moves into the narrow cobblestone alleyways of El Call, Barcelona's medieval Jewish quarter along Carrer de Marlet. James points out historic signage indicating the location of the ancient Major Synagogue and discusses the community's history up until their expulsion in 1492.

   El Call, Barcelona, Spain
9. 11:02 Plaça de Sant Felip Neri War Damage

   In the quiet courtyard of Plaça de Sant Felip Neri, James examines the heavy pockmarks and shrapnel scars along the church facade. He tells the story of the 1938 bombing during the Spanish Civil War that killed 42 people, including schoolchildren playing in the square.

   Plaça de Sant Felip Neri, Barcelona, Spain
10. 12:17 Political Flags at Plaça Sant Jaume

    James stands in Plaça Sant Jaume between Catalonia's Government Palace and Barcelona's City Hall to explain local political symbols. He decodes the meanings behind the official Senyera flag, the Estelada independence flag, and the yellow ribbons displayed across balconies.

    Plaça de Sant Jaume, Barcelona, Spain
11. 15:29 MUHBA Porta de Mar Roman Ruins

    James visits the MUHBA Porta de Mar museum site to see the remains of the original Roman Sea Gate and dockside thermal baths. He explains how Roman Barcino ended at this gateway where the Mediterranean coastline originally reached.

    MUHBA Porta de Mar, Barcelona, Spain