Discovering The Barri Gtic

When visiting Barcelona the Gothic Quarter should be high on your list of interesting places to visit. Like stepping back in medieval times the Barri Gtic is very different from other areas of the city, such as the Eixample with its broad avenues, as it's steeped in history from the cobbled streets of the Born area, Gothic architecture dating back to the 12th - 16th centuries, Roman era remains and the narrow streets of the medieval Jewish quarter. As well as various churches, including the Cathedral of Barcelona, and impressive palaces scattered around the district.

The best thing about exploring these quarters is the difference between the modern day scenes combined with the past, ancient buildings located next to those constructed in the 90s makes for an authentic mix and it's this that attracts so many tourists every year. Once named as the city of Barcino, Emperor Augustus reigned here in 27 BC and you can still see some of the hidden relics, such as the arches of a Roman aqueduct, or ancient Jewish baths tucked away in the back of a local store.

Much of this district is pedestrianised so it's perfect for a leisurely walk around the narrow streets and squares, the best way to experience its beauty and charm. If you're looking for a peaceful place to sit and rest then the Gothic quarter has plenty of 'Plaa's' where you can take pleasure in the surroundings of mediaeval architecture, interesting boutiques and stylish tapas bars. When visiting any city you should always try and book yourself into a centrally located apartment as it's convenient and practical for getting around all the main places of interest.

Check out the Placa del Rei where sometimes you can catch musicians playing and make a point to visit the four magnificent Corinthian columns from the Temple of Augustus. Tucked away in a building on Carrer Parads they are over 2000 years old and guaranteed to impress standing at 9 metres tall, a magnificent relic of one of the temples from Barcelona's Forum built in the 1st century BC specifically for worshipping Emperor Augustus.

The main appeal however has to be the imposing Cathedral of Barcelona dating from the 14th century, a walk around the outside walls will give you the full flavour of the ancient atmosphere. Look up towards the sky where the gargoyles feature on the towertops and you'll see an attention-grabbing range of domestic and mythical animals portrayed here. The burial site of Santa Eulalia, it is the ancient site of a Roman basilica built in 343 A.D and worth a special visit is the charming 14th century cloister thick with luxuriant flowers and orange and palm trees. The Well of the Geese is home to 13 resident geese representing the young age of Santa Eullia when she died, burned and crucified in the square by the Roman Emperor Diocleciano for not renouncing her Christian faith, and now buried in the crypt beneath the high altar.

Picasso lived and worked in Barri Gotic from 1895 to 1904 and the museum dedicated to his work includes paintings, graphic works, engravings and ceramic pieces. The most significant element of the museum is the collection of an impressive 3,000 pieces of Picasso's early drawings and paintings completed at the impressionable age of 16.

This area of the city has plenty of quality accommodation to choose from, walk back to your rental apartments through the cobbled, ancient city streets appreciative of the magnificent buildings and soaking up the street scenes. Barcelona is a destination for everyone and you'll return home knowing you just have to come back very soon.