Ciutat Vella

Ciutat Vella is a district of Barcelona, comprising of the oldest neighborhoods in the city. The district is distinctive with its boulevards that locals call Les Rambles.

Sights & Activities

Near the harbor is the Museu Maritim or the Naval Museum. It displays items related to the maritime history of the city and of the Catalonian community. It also contains a full-scale model of a galley that visitors of all ages will surely enjoy.
Strolling along the Calle Montcada, visitors are treated to sights of Gothic houses that add to the unique appeal of the district.
Another Gothic structure located nearby is the church Santa Maria del Mar, situated on Placa de Santa Maria. This impressive structure was built in the 14th century and bears beautiful interiors.
The Musee Picasso is also located within this district. This museum is one of the most popular in the city and houses the numerous works of the artist.
At the eastern end of the Carrer de la Princesa is the Parc del Ciutadella. It features a lake, several museums, and a zoo that is popular among children in the area. The Catalan Parliament is located right in the center of this extensive outdoor space that locals and visitors alike can use for outdoor recreations.
Near the park is the Arc de Triomf, situated between the Passeig de Lluis Companys and the Passeig de Sant Joan. It was built for the Universal exhibition in 1888 and is of Moorish style. The arch is topped with the Barcelona coat of arms and the symbols of other Spanish provinces.
The Placa Sant Jaume has long been associated with the political scene of Catalonia. It is where the proclamation of the Catalan State was heard in 1931 and is a popular meeting place in the present times.
Ciutat Vella is also where the Cathedral of Santa Eulalia is located. This Gothic structure was built in the 13th century on the site of a Visigoth church. Among the items of particular interest contained within the cathedral is the cross taken from a ship that took part at the Battle of Lepanto. This relic is placed in its own altar on a side chapel.
The central boulevard that runs through the district is La Rambla, one of the most recognized streets in the city.
Located nearby is the Hospital de la Santa Creu, a Gothic building that has long closed its doors to patients and now houses a national library.
La Rambla terminates to the south with the monument of Christopher Columbus. Beyond the monument is the city’s harbor, which has been instrumental to the city’s economic development.

Eating Out

Because a lot of tourists visit Ciutat Vella in any given time of the year, there are a lot of restaurants established in the district.
Near the cathedral is the Bilbao-Berria Restaurante that offers delicious tapas and desserts. It is located on Placa Nova. Along La Rambla are the Pizza Marzano, the Attic Restaurant, the Choquito, and Egipto. Near the Parc del Ciutadella is Dionisos, which serves delicious Greek meals, while the Gente De Pasta along Passeig Picasso offers Italian dishes.