The gothic quarter is one of the main tourist attractions of Barcelona. Problem is it’s barely gothic.
The very name of Gothic quarter was invented in the 20th century to attract tourists. Until that moment it was called the Cathedral neighborhood. But not only did the name change, but many works were made to make the buildings look supposedly more medieval.
The main example is the cathedral itself. The first paleocristiana building is from the 5th century, then had a Romanesque style and finally was built in Gothic style in the 14th century. This was the aspect it had until the end of the 19th century.
At that time it was decided to add a new facade, always thinking of making it more spectacular so that more tourists came to the city.
We do not mean that it is not pretty, but in any case it is not properly Gothic.
The rear part is original and it is a very nice place with a little less people. Search Carrer de la Pietat. Really beautiful at night.
There are many other examples. The famous Pont del Bisbe (on the Carrer del Bisbe) was built in the 20th century.
Or the Plaça del Rei (literally the king’s square), which was greatly modified during the 20th century. The royal palace had been modified over the centuries, and in the 20th it was given a more medieval look again, although no one knows what it was like originally. This square is especially beautiful at night, when there are fewer people.
If you need to sit down for a bit, you can try the bar in the garden of the Museu Frederic Marés (Plaça de Sant Iu 5). Very relaxing.
There are many other examples in the neighborhood of building modifications to give them a more medieval look (Plaça Sant Felip Neri or all the palaces of the Museu Picasso). It is not bad, but it is curious to know how the city was modified so that more visitors would come. Visitors who come to observe something that has been created especially for them, as if it were a theme park. But again, a very beautiful one 😉