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Offered languages
- English
The Soul of Barcelona, Not Just the Stones
Most tours just give you dates and kings; I give you the legends that shaped the Catalan spirit. We won’t just walk past the Cathedral; we will weave through the "backstage" of the Gothic Quarter—those silent, winding alleys where the city’s 2,000-year history still feels alive. I focus on the "invisible" Barcelona: the hidden Roman ruins tucked inside modern buildings and the stories of the people who lived in the shadows of the Inquisition. It’s not a lecture; it’s a conversation with the past.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
The guide will be waiting for the tourists directly at the meeting point holding a red folder (or umbrella). We will also send a message via the Viator app or whatsapp 15 minutes before we start to confirm the guide's exact position.
Itinerary
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1
We begin at the remains of the Roman walls and aqueduct, where Barcelona’s story first began. These stones mark the city’s foundation as Barcino, a Roman settlement that grew into the vibrant metropolis we know today.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Casa de l'Ardiaca
This Gothic-Renaissance gem, once the home of an archdeacon, now houses the city’s archives. Don’t miss its famous modernist mailbox, designed by Domènech i Montaner, with symbolic motifs of swallows and turtles.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
Barcelona Cathedral (Pass by)
The majestic Gothic Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia. We will admire the majestic facades of the Cathedral. We’ll discuss its history, architectural details, and the legends hidden within its gargoyles. Please note: This is an outdoor visit only. The tour does not include entry or access to the interior of the Cathedral.
Admission ticket free -
Museu Frederic Mares (Pass by)
A unique museum created by the sculptor and collector Frederic Marès. Beyond sculptures, it houses an extraordinary collection of everyday objects that tell the stories of centuries past.
Admission ticket free -
3
Discover the legacy of one of Europe’s greatest medieval powers. The archive preserves centuries of documents, while the Gate of Sant Jordi, with its striking Gothic style, celebrates the patron saint of Catalonia.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4Placa del Rei
This atmospheric square transports you back to medieval times. Surrounded by the Royal Palace and Gothic buildings, it was here that Columbus was received after his voyage to the New World.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Stroll down this historic street, once bustling with booksellers. Today it retains its old-world charm with some of the oldest shops in the city.
Admission ticket free -
Plaça de l'Àngel (Pass by)
A lively square that blends history with modern Barcelona. It was once the site of medieval trade, now a busy meeting point full of energy.
Admission ticket free -
5MUHBA Temple d'August
Hidden in a courtyard, you’ll find four towering Roman columns — the remains of a temple dedicated to Emperor Augustus. A true hidden treasure of ancient Barcelona.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6Placa de Sant Jaume
The political heart of Barcelona since Roman times. On one side stands the City Hall, on the other the Palau de la Generalitat, seat of the Catalan government.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7Castellers de Barcelona
Celebrate Catalonia’s most emblematic tradition: castells, or human towers. This monument captures the strength, balance, courage, and teamwork behind this UNESCO-recognized heritage.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
Placa George Orwell (Pass by)
Named after the author of Homage to Catalonia, this square has a modern, alternative atmosphere and is known for its striking street art.
Admission ticket free -
8Placa Reial
One of the most famous squares in Barcelona, lined with palm trees and arcades filled with cafés and nightlife. Look out for the distinctive lampposts designed by a young Antoni Gaudí.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
A vibrant street connecting the Gothic Quarter with La Rambla. Once part of the medieval city, today it’s alive with shops and restaurants.
Admission ticket free -
9MUHBA - El Call
Step into one of the oldest parts of the city. Narrow streets whisper the stories of Barcelona’s Jewish community, which flourished here in medieval times.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
10Placa Sant Felip Neri
A hauntingly beautiful square marked by the scars of the Spanish Civil War. The baroque church of Sant Felip Neri stands as a symbol of resilience and memory.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
11Pont del Bisbe
Pause by the Bishop’s bridge, an iconic photo spot in the Gothic Quarter. Its Gothic arches frame one of the most picturesque corners of Barcelona.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
12
A modern mosaic made of thousands of tiny photographs, forming an image of a kiss. A celebration of love, diversity, and the small moments that create a bigger picture.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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