Unique buildings
Antònia, the biggest of the six bells that crown the octagonal belfry of the church of Santa Maria del Pi can be heard ringing out all around Barcelona"s Gothic Quarter. We can now take a closer look at the church of Santa Maria, which nestles between the picturesque squares, the Plaça del Pi and Plaça Sant Josep Oriol.
Barcelona"s Gothic Quarter you"ll come across one of the city"s best-kept secrets in a building on Carrer Paradís. Inside a small medieval courtyard, the four columns from the Temple of Augustus have survived despite the passing of the centuries. They are more than 2,000 years old, like Barcelona itself.
The Roman wall which adjoins Barcelona"s Plaça Nova has a secret in store. On the other side, stands the entrance to the Casa de l"Ardiaca, or Archdeacon"s House, which contains interesting archaeological remains. As you enter the Casa de l"Ardiaca"s courtyard, you"ll find a building which is a fusion of all eras and styles.
The basilica of Santa Maria del Mar in Barcelona, also known as the "cathedral of La Ribera", is one of the most perfect examples of Gothic style architecture due to its harmonious proportions and the serenity of the ensemble.
The Catalan Parliament, which is located in Barcelona, is housed in a building with imposing architecture with a turbulent history dating back to the 18th century, when it was built as a military arsenal for the repressive citadel. It has been the seat of parliament since the reinstatement of democracy and civil liberties.
