History and profile of Barrio Gotico

Gothic Period is also called Barcelona's Golden Age (13th and 15th centuries). The city of Barcelona expanded in the medieval age, so much so that it could no longer be contained within the Roman walls. The remaining 13th-15th century buildings (or remains of.. Cathedral, churches, government buildings) make up the biggest and most complete Gothic Quarter in Europe. In medieval times the neighborhood was made up of guilds (gremis), which were a precursor to trade unions. Many of their shields can be seen on buildings dotted around the the Barri Gótic, which would have denoted the headquarters of each particular trade. (Frommer’s, 2005).

There were also many small workshops in the area. Many street names are based on the activities that took place there, for example, Escudellers (shield makers), Brocaters (brocade makers), etc. Safety in the Gothic Quarter – while certain areas were considered shady in the past there has been vast improvements in the last decade and in no way could the neighborhood be considered unsafe! There are the usual concerns for any large city centre – petty theft and a few funny characters, but no serious or violent crime. 
   
     
Barri Gótic - Main tourist attractions and sights    

La Seu Cathedral of Barcelona Begun in 1292 on foundations of Roman temple and Moorish Mosque, Façade & spiral are 19th century additions to original.

City Hall & Catalonia's seat of government (Palau de la Generalitat)  Plaza St. Jaume was the old Roman Forum

• Plaza del Rei & Royal Palace - where Columbus was received after returning from the New World

• Scattered remains of the original Roman city wall and ruins from the ancient city.

• Las Ramblas – “Most famous street in Barcelona.” Lined with news stands, domestic animals, flower stalls, street performers and artists. More importantly, you can find the largest open air fresh food market in the city- La Boqueria, Barcelona’s Opera House- El Liceu, and the liveliest square with neo-classic lampposts designed by Gaudí- Plaza Real.

• Situated in front of Barcelona’s Marina – Port Vell

   
     
Barri Gótic - Personal opinions from people who live there
  
  • Positive: Barcelona’s best nightlife • walk out your door and into the narrow streets and plazas for drinks, café con leche or sangria while you marvel at the mishmash of people passing by • fantastic culture and history • you feel like you are stepping from past to present all the time • great public transportation with many metro stations • walking distance to the beach & Plaza Catalunya • limitless possibilities for cool shopping and trendy restaurants • many pedestrian streets where there is no traffic noise • many street corners have live street music ( this can be a pos. or neg. aspect depending on your state of mind) • great mixture of local and foreign neighbours.

• Negative: Many tourists, city noise all day & night (varies by street) few large grocery stores and those that are in the barri do not exactly have bargain prices
  
     
  Barri Gótic - Real estate perspective of buying flats here   
  • The Barri Gotic is the heartbeat of Barcelona both for visitors and locals and . Prices are high, but this area will always be a great long term investment based on location and popularity

• Ideal for “buy-to-let” investments for clients looking to rent their property when they are not using it – lower square meter price than Born and Barceloneta. The location is perfect for short term and long term rentals. The Barri Gotic borders Las Ramblas and is close to Port Vell where cruise ships & tour boats drop off passengers. There will always be visitors/ students/backpackers who want to be in the centre of everything

• Clients looking for old buildings (sturdy construction with character) will not have any difficulty finding property in this area

• Many buildings do not have a lift – clients must be flexible about this when looking here

• Many possibilities to find old buildings that can be renovated and refurbished

• Narrow streets means less natural light and few big balconies and terraces except roof terraces, but that is the trade off of living in a medieval building

• For clients buying a second home they need not worry as much about break-ins with people on the streets and police patrol 24hrs/day