Placa del Rei (King's Square), Barcelona

Placa del Rei (King's Square), Barcelona

Barcelona is renowned for its wealth of historical attractions, and when it comes to Roman-era sites, the Gothic Quarter stands out. Within this captivating neighborhood, one of the most picturesque and ancient places to explore is the harmonious enclosed square known as Plaça del Rei, or King's Square. This square serves as the heart of the old royal city, and its main royal edifices can be accessed through the impressive Barcelona History Museum (MUHBA).

Ascending the stairs from the square leads to the palace's central hall, the 14th-century Tinell Hall ("Saló del Tinell"). According to some historians, it was on these very steps, spreading out from the corner of the square, that in 1493 King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella welcomed Christopher Columbus and his crew upon their return from the first successful voyage to the New World. Once used as a meeting place for the Spanish Inquisition, the hall capitalized on the popular belief that its walls would reveal any lies spoken within. Nowadays, it hosts temporary exhibitions, and occasional concerts take place within the hall or outside in the square.

The palace complex also encompasses the exquisite 14th-century Royal Chapel of Santa Agata and the romantic Renaissance Tower of King Martí. While public access to the tower is restricted, visitors can usually admire the interiors of the hall and chapel during a visit to the adjacent Barcelona History Museum (MUHBA).

Tip:
For history enthusiasts, the MUHBA (Tue-Sat: 10am–7pm; Sun: 10am–8pm) is a must-visit destination. Not only does it provide insights into the history of Roman and early Christian times, but it also allows visitors to explore underground Roman ruins dating back to the earliest settlements. The tour begins in the subterranean depths of the 2nd-century level and gradually ascends, concluding with an exit right on this captivating square – a very relaxing spot for a drink (if nothing else, enjoy a cervesa, tapa, or a mojito here!).

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Barcelona. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Placa del Rei (King's Square) on Map

Sight Name: Placa del Rei (King's Square)
Sight Location: Barcelona, Spain (See walking tours in Barcelona)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Barcelona, Spain

Create Your Own Walk in Barcelona

Create Your Own Walk in Barcelona

Creating your own self-guided walk in Barcelona is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Gothic Quarter Walking Tour

Gothic Quarter Walking Tour

A walk around the Gothic Quarter is a journey through time to Barcelona’s oldest history, going back to times of Roman rule; in fact, the typically Roman grid plan is still visible today in the quarter's layout. Only a few roads are open for car traffic, so there will be little in the way of enjoying the many narrow, atmospheric streets filled with superb food, high-quality architecture,...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Barcelona Shopping Walk

Barcelona Shopping Walk

A long-time prime cultural destination, Barcelona is also en route to becoming one of Europe's top shopping spots. Each new day, fashionable designer stores, from well-known international brands to local start-ups, are filling the city streets. If you're a fan of shopping, you're in for a treat when visiting this beautiful city. Here are some of the most popular shopping locations...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Antoni Gaudí's Masterpieces Walking Tour

Antoni Gaudí's Masterpieces Walking Tour

Gaudi is admired around the world as one of the most distinctive architects of the 20th century. The unique technique and use of natural forms make his creations stand out from the pack. La Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, Casa Batllo and other masterpieces will certainly take your breath away with their beauty, forms, colors, and overall design. Just make sure to book tickets in advance, since...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
Montjuic Walking Tour

Montjuic Walking Tour

Montjuic is a hill in Barcelona which offers a variety of great attractions of historic, cultural, and architectural value. Here, you can watch a spectacular water show at the Magic Fountain of Montjuic, visit the place where matadors faced the bulls in the past, and explore the ancient Montjuic Castle with its breathtaking views.

A convenient start point, Placa d'Espanya is the second...  view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.0 Km or 3.1 Miles
La Ribera Walking Tour

La Ribera Walking Tour

La Ribera is a culturally rich, historic area of Barcelona’s Old Town; somewhat less touristy than the Gothic Quarter (which one should really visit as well) and quite unspoiled, authentic and pretty. Centuries ago, it was a very well-to-do neighborhood inhabited by aristocrats, merchants, wealthy sailors, and Jewish money-lenders. Today, it is regarded as the Soho of Barcelona – a popular...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Barcelona Food Tasting Walking Tour

Barcelona Food Tasting Walking Tour

No one should visit Barcelona without making an attempt to get acquainted with some of Spain’s best food – Catalan food. An abundance of fresh fish and superb meat, a plethora of great vegetables, plus local inventiveness, have produced a very diverse, distinctive and delicious cuisine, including the famous (and trendy) tapas dishes.

Follow this self-guided walk to treat your taste buds in...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles

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