In English it is called the Gothic Quarter and is a sizable area in central Barcelona known for its labyrinth of narrow, mostly pedestrian only, streets that radiate from small, but significant squares that are usually located in front of churches.
The quarter draws you in from the edges – almost beckons you to head this way – as you walk by the alleyways that open up to the rest of the city.
Most of the Gothic Quarter dates to the 1800s although some parts go back to the Medieval ages. Barcelona was founded around 15BC. The jewel in the Gothic Quarter is the Cathedral of Barcelona, also known as the Gothic Cathedral.
The outside, while beautiful, doesn’t give you any hint to the beauty that lies within. It is every bit as impressive as Notre Dame in Paris or Westminster Abbey in London.
The interior arches are reminiscent of the Hagia Sofia in Istanbul.
And the size of the interior space is quite impressive.
There was a service underway as we walk through so the incantantions of the priest echoed throughout the cathedral as we we took in the beauty of this place.
Back outside you are in the maze of streets in the Gothic Quarter.
It’s incredibly easy to get lost in the Gothic Quarter.
But so what? Around every corner is a surprise.
