It's always fascinating to visit the oldest part of a modern city. Seeing the juxtaposition of new and old is striking to say the least, and anybody on a tour of Spain should make a point to visit Barcelona's Gothic Quarter to see a clear example.
History buffs will find that it's hard to beat the Gothic Quarter in terms of the sheer quantity of centuries-old buildings found within. In fact, many of the structures date back to Medieval times, with some stretching as far back as the Roman Empire. There is certainly no lack of landmarks in the area either, with the Barcelona Cathedral ranking among the best-known buildings in the city, if not the entire country.
Barcelona Cathedral is located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter and dates back to 1450, but it's not its age that is most impressive. The immense cathedral is a testament to architectural achievement, and its roof is famous for being peppered with numerous ornate gargoyles.
The awe-inspiring appearance of the Barcelona Cathedral aside, the Gothic Quarter has much more to offer, including a wide array of squares, including the Plaça Reial, which is a popular tourist hotspot at any time of the day.
