The Gothic Quarter of Barcelona (Barri Gotic in Catalan) is the heart of the city of Barcelona. It is roughly bounded by Via Laietana to La Rambla, and by Ronda de Sant Pere and the Mediterranean. Despite frequent attempts at change, mainly during the nineteenth and 20 centuries, most of the Gothic Quarter dates back to the Middle Ages, and a few areas date all the way back to the Roman era. The medieval Jewish quarter, known as El Call, is also located within this neighborhood.
Due to its age, most of the streets are designated as Pedestrian Paradises, with no auto traffic allowed except emergency vehicles and taxis. The streets are so narrow and serpentine that cars couldn’t get through most of them anyway. The best of Barcelona’s architecture is to be found in this district, with twisting streets that open onto squares with churches, shops, and cafes. The Gothic Quarter is easily accessible via public transportation.
