Soak up the magic and mystery of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter with Navibration
In the company of the champion of the later Modernist architecture, Antoní Gaudí, our new Barcelona — the Gothic Quarter experience will transport you back to a time before Parc Guëll, the Sagrada Familia or more modern additions to Barcelona such as the Olympic Stadium or the “Rambla del Mar”. When Gothic architecture first made its appearance in the 12th century, Planet Earth changed forever and Barcelona was soon to produce the gems of Catalan Gothic that you can visit today. Our patented navigation by vibration technology means you will be able to really absorb the beauty around you, without having to keep looking down at your mobile phone, maps or guidebooks. Here are four locations in Barcelona where we feel Gothic (and not Modernist architecture) is the star attraction.
1 Pla de la Seu
The square in front of Barcelona Cathedral, also popularly known as La Seu, is a hive of activity and one of the nerve centres of the city. In front of you is the Neo-Gothic facade of the Cathedral and all around you people are going about their business. On Sundays, groups of local people participate in sardanas, public dances which are performed in a circle and which people of all ages and capabilities can join. The dancers or sardanistas are often accompanied by an eleven-member orchestra known as a cobla. Join the sardana to get to really know Barcelona and its people. In December, this square is home to the highly anticipated Christmas market known as the Fira de Santa Llucía.
2 Barcelona Cathedral
Undoubtedly, one of the jewels in the crown of this Gothic Quarter experience is Barcelona Cathedral, more formally known as the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia. It was built between the 13th and 15th centuries on the site of what had previously been a Romanesque cathedral, which in its day had replaced a Paleochristian temple. Of the many marvels you´ll see while visiting the cathedral is the choir, which is said to be one of the most beautiful in Europe. If you are lucky enough to visit on the feast of Corpus Christi (40 days after the feast of Easter Sunday), you´ll get to see the popular “l’ou com balla’ — which is a dancing egg placed over the water that flows out of the fountain in the cloister. The tradition dates back to the 17th century and is well worth seeing
3 Basilica de Santa Maria del Pi
Built between 1306 and 1391, this Basilica is known both for its exuberance and for being the final resting place of one of Barcelona’s most beloved saints, San Josep Oriol (who was a priest here). It has an impressive rectangular façade with a rose window connected to an enormous bell tower, all of which are in stark contrast to the simple square you’ll find yourself in as you are navibrating towards this Gothic masterpiece. One inside the Basilica, look out for the Chapel of Sant Miquel where you will be able to see the Gothic altarpiece Els Tenders Revendors. The Basilica has amazingly good acoustics and a correspondingly amazing calendar of choral events, so check it out. You may be in luck and be able to catch some heavenly music to accompany the sights!
4 Plaça del Rei
If we had to recommend just one stop in our Gothic Quarter Experience as the most authentically medieval, undoubtedly, it would be this square — Plaça del Rei. At this unique location, you’ll find three Gothic and Renaissance buildings which were home to the Counts of Barcelona and later the seat of the Kingdom of Aragon. Here you will find the Grand Royal Palace (Palau Reial Major), the Viceroy´s Palace (Palau del Virrei) and the five-storey King Martin’s watchtower. Close your eyes and picture the scene of a local villager making an attempt on the life of King Ferdinand the Catholic at this very spot in 1492. The King lived to tell the tale, which unfortunately cannot be said of the hapless assassin.
And there is so much more to see, hear, touch and smell.
We’ve done our best to give you the most comprehensive experience of Barcelona’s Quarter. Now it’s up to you.
Are you ready to feel your way?
