The Oldest part in Barcelona: Ciutat Vella
Ciutat Vella includes Barri Gotic, Raval, El Born and La Ribera and the old fishing district Barceloneta. Each area within the district has its own character. The Barrio Gotic is the area tourists become most familiar with as it contains many of the great sights of Barcelona – the Barcelona Cathedral, Plaza Reial. Almost every visitor to Barcelona walks down La Rambla, the most famous street in the city. When it was laid out in 1766 the locals were delighted as it was a change from the small narrow streets of the Old Town. Today it is famous for its flower stalls and street performers.
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From a leisurely pace of life to a daily cosmopolitan experience, life in Ciutat Vella cannot be summed up in just one way. Whether you are a local or a visitor, you should learn a little more about one of the best known and most touristic areas of the city of Barcelona and the parts that make it up:
The Gothic Quarter
Moreover, the best way to discover the Barri Gotic is on foot; walking down the narrow streets that open onto large squares where you can stop for a coffee in any number of small cafes. Most of the streets in the old Gothic Quarter are pedestrians; subsequently it gives visitors more opportunities to discover what the area has to offer. There are remains of the Roman temple of Augustus on near Carrer del Bisbe; the seat of Catalan Parliament and the Barcelona City Council in Plaza Sant Jaume; the gothic cathedrals of Santa Maria del Mar and Barcelona Cathedral. There is also the old Jewish settlement of Call Jueu with some remain of the ancient synagogue.
El Raval
El Raval was an area occupied mostly by fields until the nineteenth century when a number of textile factories; and in the other hand the workers houses got establish. Subsequently, and also according to its close proximity to the port, the Raval gain a strong immigrant population. Since 1990s the Barcelona City Council carried out a number of redevelopment projects including building the Rambla del Raval and locating important institution there for example MACBA and CCCB. The bohemian and artist atmosphere in the area has led to many trendy cafes and bars opening in the area. This is also where you need to head if you are looking for great vintage clothes.
El Born / La Ribera
Past Via Laetiana you find El Born and La Ribera. This area was established in the thirteenth century; when the wealthier members of society moved outside the city walls as Barcelona was becoming increasingly crowded. They settled here in La Ribera. The names of the streets further remind us of the large artisan population that lived here; such as Argenters (silversmiths), Mirallers (mirror makers) and Sombrerers (hat makers). The southern section of La Ribera is El Born is now a great place to socialise; and certainly a must spot to stop by as there are many trendy tapas and cocktail bars.
La Barceloneta
The southern area of Ciutat Vella bordering the sea is Barceloneta. This residentail area was established to rehouse the people who were displaced; when King Philip V ordered much of La Ribera to be razed to the ground to allow the construction of a large fortress where Parc de la Ciutadella is now. This occurred in the wake of the fall of Barcelona in 1714 to Philip’s forces in the War of Spanish Succession. More recently, the 1992 Olympics altered the face of Barceloneta; subsequently removing the old beach-front restaurants and public baths. The area was renovated to include the sea and beach in the city’s life much more.
Where to stay in Ciutat Vella
Ciutat Vella is an area full of history, charm, art and culture, diversity and cosmopolitanism. However, it is the most touristic area of Barcelona, which causes a series of factors that make it less and less attractive for lifelong Barcelona residents. If you want to find a central accommodation in this incredible area of Barcelona, here we further bring you some of our best options:
Moreover this modern new-style apartment with plenty of charm and personality. Here you will find an incredibly lovely; and futher a fully renovated space with the simple yet charming interior decoration. The heart of this property is the living room which integrates the kitchen and dining room, with elegant and modern design.
From 850 € / Montly| 48m2 | Reference : BH-1817
This beautiful apartment in center of Barcelona comes in addition with a unique emplacement; since it is just 2-minute walk away from Plaza Catalunya and Las Ramblas. It is situated on the second floor of a typical building of the Barrio Gotico area; from which you can further reach all major attractions in this area like famous Mercat de la Boqueria within minutes.
From 900 € / Montly| 45m2 | Reference : BHM2-550
Certainly, this gorgeous apartment has everything you would want in the heart of Barcelona. The property is bright, furnished with style. The living room is a fabulous haven of comfort and leisure, and a dining table for two; in the same vein its perfect for a candle lit dinner and a bottle of wine.
From 1200 € / Montly| 50m2 | Reference : BHB2-3425