Casa de l'Ardiaca (Archdeacon's House), Barcelona

The 15th-century edifice known as Casa de l'Ardiaca, which currently houses the Municipal Archives on its upper floor, offers magnificent vistas of the remnants of Roman watchtowers and walls from the 4th century. A closer inspection of the Montjuïc sandstone reveals a fascinating sight: intricately carved and beveled blocks from other structures, a testament to the Romans' hurried fortification of the site as the Visigoths approached from the north during the collapse of the Pax Romana.

Despite its location in one of the busiest tourist squares in Barcelona, entry into the building is free, and the inner courtyard exudes a surprising tranquility, making it one of the most evocative spaces in the city. The courtyard showcases exquisite tile work, and at its center, a tall and graceful palm tree towers above a flower-adorned fountain. This fountain holds a curious tradition: on Corpus Christi Day in June, it supports an impressive spectacle known as "l'ou com balla" or "the dancing egg," where eggs are made to bob atop jets of water in various locations across the city.

Adjacent to the building stands the atmospheric Romanesque chapel of Santa Eulàlia, constructed in 1269 and one of the oldest sections of the adjoining cathedral.

Tip:
At the front entrance of the Casa, look out for what may well be the most attractive letter box you've ever seen! Crafted from marble and created in 1895 by Lluís Domènech i Montaner for the Lawyer's Professional Association, it holds a symbolic meaning. Doves represent the lofty flight towards justice, while turtles symbolize the slow pace of administrative procedures.