Palau de la Generalitat, Barcelona

This beautiful historic building nestled away in the Gothic Quarter is worth a brief visit. Home to the offices of Catalonia's Generalitat, the autonomous regional government, it is – just like Casa de la Ciutat opposite – of Gothic origin, though following a major redesign, the current grand façade on the Plaça de Sant Jaume was done in Renaissance style. The first of its kind in Catalonia, this ornate façade certainly demands attention, especially when it is guarded by armed police during official, top-level events, audiences and receptions.

If you visit the Sant Jaume square, ask the guards at the entrance when the building will be open for a special visit (usually on key public holidays). Pati dels Tarongers (a 16th-century courtyard full of orange trees) is perhaps the Palau's most famous part and the scene of many official photographs, but once inside you will get to admire other key spots such as the Gothic courtyard (lined with pillars and gargoyles), the President's Office, the Gothic ornamental Chapel of Sant Jordi, the frescoed Torres Garcia Room, the Gilded Room with a beautiful coffered ceiling, and more.