Placa Sant Just lies deep in the heart of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter. Rumors have it that it was once the burial place of the first local Christian martyrs. Back in the Middle Ages it was the only place of Barcelona where Jews and Christians were allowed to trade legally together. A testament to that period is the 14th century fountain - equivalent of today's water cooler - where all sorts of commercial dealings and information exchange took place.
The Church of the Martyred Saints Just & Pastor is said to contain remains of the two martyrs. Looking from the outside it is hard to imagine that this plain stone edifice, originally built by the Visigoths, was ever used for anything as grand as a cathedral. Yet it served this purpose while the present cathedral was still under construction and if you go inside you'll understand why. Looking up from the wooden benches, the magnificent stained glass windows come into sight. Walk forward and you'll find yourself in a chapel adorned with statues and chandeliers. If hungry and wish to soak up the atmosphere of the square, have a dinner outside at the Café de l'Academia.

The Saint James’s square, locally known as the Placa Sant Jaume is the heart of Barcelona in terms of administration. Placa de Sant Jaume is where some of the major roads cross, which include the former Cardo road, Decumanus road and Barcino road. The Square hence, has plenty of history to boast, including the fact that this was the site where the Temple of Augustus and the Forum were constructed. Four columns of the temple have been preserved and can still be seen today atop the Mont Taber.
The presence of the Church of Saint James at this site since the medieval era is how the square acquired its name. The meeting of the city council was held at the porch in front of the temple each day. Since then, the square underwent various demolitions and modifications. It must be noted that initially the square was confined to a rather small area; it expanded to its current form following demolitions of structures around it.
According to historical evidence, this place was also known as the Constitution Square, and the same name is present written across a plaque which call be seen on the City Hall. Today, the Town House, the Palace of Palau de la Generalitat de Catalunya, as well as the City Council Headquarters can be seen at this square.

Declared as a cultural asset of national interest, the temple of Augustus situated in Barcelona was built during the Imperial Period as a temple for the Emperor Augustus. During that time, this Roman temple was the city’s central structure located on Taber Hill, in the Gothic district of Barcelona. The original temple was destroyed at some point in history and archeologists failed to recover the remains till the 19th century. It was then that initially 3 columns of the temple, followed by the fourth one were found and are visible today near the Place del Rei and the Centre Excursionista de Catalunya. According to some historical references, the Temple d’August is believed to have been constructed under Tiberius.
According to studies, the temple originally had 11 columns on every wing, one on each corner, 6 at the front and 6 on the posterior side. The temple of Augustus is a cultural asset and centre of Barcelona and the fact that it has been preserved so well attracts a great number of tourists to come see it every year.
The Roman temple is located in the Gothic quarter of Barcelona and hence is surrounded by some of the most magnificent structures depicting and reflecting Gothic art and history.

Barcelona is known for being home to countless magnificent historical buildings and places of worship depicting various forms of Roman art. The Gothic Quarter of Barcelona consists of some of the greatest examples of Roman art and architecture. But by far the most picturesque and also the oldest of all the structures present in the Gothic Quarter of the city is the Placa del Rei.
According to historical records it was at this place that Ferdinand and Isabella received Christopher Columbus after he returned from his successful journey to the New World along with the rest of the members of his crew. The history connected to this particular building is truly spell-binding as one can actually picture the scene as it happened at this very spot years and years ago.
The main room of the plaza called the Salo del Tinell was constructed in 1362 and is a splendid banquet hall. The lieutenant’s Palace or the Palau del Lloctinent is another building in the same vicinity. Adding an impressive view to the location is King Martin’s Watchtower which was built in the 15th century. On the right side is the admirable Capilla Reial De Santa Agueda, or St. Agatha’s Royal Chapel. There are a many more interesting structures in the surrounding area as well which make the Placa del Rei a must visit for everyone.

The Placa de Ramon Berenguer el Gran is truly a treat for all art and history lovers in Barcelona. This is because this particular site possesses the most mystifying blend of the Roman and the medieval histories of Barcelona, both of which are different in every aspect, but have been brought together as one. Here, one can appreciate the difference between medieval, Gothic and Roman styles of art.
Barcelona is known for its magnificent historical structures and buildings, and hence the city is rich in all three forms of art. Placa de Ramon Bereguer has been named after the Count of Barcelona from 1096 to 1131, and also includes a sculpture of the Catalan count. The most interesting aspect of the square however, is the presence of the historical Roman Wall, which dates back to 4th century AD.
On closer inspection and observation, one can find that the wall was created using materials taken from different structures and buildings. Visitors will also appreciate the fact that the very first wall was constructed somewhere in the 1st Century BC. The second wall, which can be seen today, replaced the original one three centuries later. It is for this reason that this particular place is truly mesmerizing.

The Museu Frederic Marès in Barcelona, as the name suggests, is dedicated to showcasing the collections of its founder, Frederic Mares. He was born in 1893 and died in 1991. It was Frederic Marès who helped establish this impressive museum in the Catalan capital with his donations; the project reached its completion in 1946. Many modifications have taken place at the museum since its establishment but the original courtyard garden has been preserved in its original form. Marès gave a whole new meaning and form to the conventional concept of sculpture. As a collector, he gathered a priceless variety of Hispanic sculptures throughout his life. Pieces from the ancient world to those dated the 19th century can be seen in this collection, along with the religious polychrome carvings widely present on many of the pieces displayed in the museum. Here, visitors can see the Collector’s cabinet where one can feast eyes upon the countless magnificent pieces of art and artefacts that depict the lifestyles of the 19th century. Among these objects, one can find interesting items such as old photographs and documents, jewellery, clocks, reliquaries, pipes, keys etc. The museum offers an unforgettable experience and an amazing atmosphere to all its visitors.

The Casa de l’Ardica in Barcelona has been home to hierarchy since the 12th century. The place underwent numerous modifications and expansion projects throughout the years which resulted in the connection of the structure with the residence of the Dean, as seen today. The building was created under the famous Gothic style of architecture in Barcelona; however, its courtyard reflected more of a Renaissance style with the way it was adorned. One is reminded of Romeo and Juliet while gazing upon the magnificent staircase leading to the terrace above. Behind the building, is the historical wall of Barcelona, giving the area more richness in cultural history and art.
The Casa de l’Ardiaca, commonly known as the Archdeacon’s house is also home to various archaeological relics that have been unearthed around the area. With the gothic style building, the renaissance style courtyard and the historical artefacts, this place is truly an amalgamation of numerous styles, eras and rich history and culture.
The Casa de l’Ardiaca and all of the surprises that it has to offer, is open to visitors from Monday to Friday from 9 am to 8.45 pm. It is open from the 1st of September till the 1st of July. From the 2nd of July till the 31st of August however, the timings are from 9am-7.30 pm Mondays to Fridays.

At Plaça Nova in Barcelona, visitors and art lovers can feast their eyes upon the countless pieces that are part of the collection here. The entire place reflects the rich history of Barcelona including the historical passageway in the wall of the city. Among the numerous impressive objects and artifacts that one can find here, there are also famous frescos by Pablo Picasso. The exact year of the origin of Plaça Nova and when it was built is not known, but historians have marked 1358 as the year from which its record can be traced. This was one of the four main entrances into the Roman City of Barcelona. One can observe Gothic art and architecture in the surroundings.
Situated on the opposite side of the Plaça Nova is the famous Architects’ Association building, locally known as the Col.legi d’Arquitectes de Barcelona. By far the most impressive and magnificent sight to behold in the area are the sand cast friezes surrounding the structure. Pablo Picasso was the mastermind behind the designing of these artistic friezes.
Visitors can reach this destination via metro L4, from the stop Jaumel. They can also take Bus no.17, 19, 40 and 45, all of which will stop at the Plaça Nova.

The Plaça de Sant Felip Neri is located in the Barri Gòtic, a romantic, quaint square which is one of the hidden secrets of Barcelona. The famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, was run over on his way here by a tram, in 1928.

The Plaça de Sant Felip Neri is located on top of a medieval cemetery. In 1752, a baroque church was built her. During the Spanish Civil War, 20 children sought refuge within this church and were hit by a bomb. There were no survivors and even today this church is a reminder of the tragic history of this incident. The remnants of the damage the church suffered due to the explosion are still visible on the church’s façade.

Many tourists visit the peaceful square of the Plaça de Sant Felip Neri today to witness first-hand left over evidence of the Spanish Civil War, and to remember those people who lost their lives here. The square has a peaceful setting and it is difficult to imagine that summary executions also took place here in the past during the fall of Barcelona. A shoe museum is also located here which has Christopher Columbus’s shoes as one of its main exhibits.