The original centre of the city, which was surrounded by walls during Roman times, makes up what today is the Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter). Narrow streets, with quiet squares and attractive nooks, are home to an extensive collection of civil and religious Gothic buildings.

Barcelona's impressive Cathedralwas originally a basilica with a nave and two side aisles that was destroyed byAl-Mansur in 925. A new church was begun in 1046, but only its Romanesque parts still remain. The current cathedral was begun in 1298 and finished six centuries later. Its oldest part is the gate of Sant Iu and its main facade was completed in 1890. Highlights include its main altar and bell tower (15th century), the cloister (15th century), the choir stalls, the pulpit, the crypt of Santa Eulalia – who is one of Barcelona’s two patron saints – and the gate of Pietat which gives access to the cloister. Around it are a number of medieval palaces, such as Casa dels Canonges, La Pia Almoina and Casa d´Ardiaca.

The Plaza del Rei features another marvellous collection of buildings, such as the Palau Reial Mayor, the Chapel of Santa Ágata and the Museo de Historia de la Ciudad (City History Museum). Plaza Sant Jaume is home to the Palau de la Generalitat (headquarters of the Catalan government) and the City Hall. Nor should visitors miss the church of La Mercè, the other patron saint of Barcelona.