The Gothic Quarter, also known as Barri Gòtic, is the historic, religious, and civic heart of Barcelona, Spain. It is a labyrinth of narrow streets and squares that form a vibrant part of the city. The area underwent urban planning interventions in the centuries following the year one thousand, resulting in a concentration of Gothic architecture and painting from the 1300s and 1400s. Delimited by the Rambla and Via Laietana, the quarter extends from Carrer de la Portaferrissa to the sea. It is the core of the Ciutat Vella (Old City) municipal district. Most of the roads in the Gothic Quarter are closed to traffic, making it a pleasant area to explore on foot. Plaça de Sant Jaume, located at the center of the Gothic Quarter, is where the ancient Roman Forum once stood.
