Visit Ciutat Vella and the Gothic in a car with driver

The heart of two thousand years of history, with narrow streets and hidden corners, this becomes an interesting visit to understand the past and present of Barcelona.

A good place to begin is the Cathedral. Commenced in the XIII century, its construction continued intermittently during the following six hundred years. It is advisable to visit this temple and its multiple chapels together with the cloister, one of the most beautiful places in Barcelona.

Near the Cathedral, we find several Gothic buildings worth a visit, such as Degà and L´Ardiaca Houses which has a beautiful patio and an added mailbox designed by Doménech i Montaner, one of the most remarkable architects of Modernism art, contemporary of Gaudí.

The Plaça del Rei is one of the noblest areas of the old Barcelona, in which the Museum of History is located, with Roman ruins in the underground belonging to Emperor Augustus’s time. Also we recommend a visit to the Saló del Tinell, the Capella of Santa Águeda, the Palau Lloctinent and the Mirador del Rei Martí which offers an excellent panoramic view of the Gothic quarter.

In Sant Jaume Square we find the Ajuntament (City council) and the Palau de la Generalitat. The narrow streets around this square, with small and hidden shops invite one to walk.

Not far, near Vía Laietana street, the neighbourhood of la Ribera is situated, with the interesting Montcada street and especially the Picasso Museum.

From the XIII to the XVIII centuries, this was a residential area for the prosperous families of merchants and ship constructors.

At the end of Montcada Street, we find the beautiful temple of Santa María del Mar, an example of pure Gothic architecture.

Situated in the higher part of Vía Laietana is the Palau de la Musica Catalana (Concert Hall), a masterpiece of Doménech i Montaner and symbol of Catalan Modernism, is a perfect combination of brickwork, multicoloured glass, ceramic, detailed figures and beautiful ornamentation.