BARCELONA ROMAN RUINS TOUR

The subburbs of Barcino

The Romans placed their cemeteries along the roads in the outskirts of their towns. Very close to La Rambla was discovered a portion of a burial area with an interesting collection of tombs that can be seen from a balcony. The Museum of History of the City has opened an Interpretation Center next to it, where you can learn more about how Romans approached death.

Embedded in the walls

The Barcelona Roman wall was used in the Middle Ages as foundations for other buildings, what has helped preserving a large portion of them. The line of the walls can be traced following the streets of the Gothic Quarter on a map, and a bit part of the wall can be still seen, either from the street or inside some buildings.

Entering Barcino

The reconstruction of the last arch of one of the two Aqueducts of Barcino can be seen where it used to stand, right next to the main Entrance Gate into the city. There the local poet and artist Brossa created a metal sculpture with the Latin name of the city. The base of the two round towers that protected the city entrance are now part of two medieval buildings. And just a couple of blocks away, a piece of the aqueduct can be seen embedded on a wall.

At the Forum

The layout of the Roman city, with its particular grid of Cardus and Decumanus crossing in the Forum can still be identified as you walk around the Gothic Quarter. And in the highest point of the city, hidden inside the patio of a medieval building, your guide will show you the 4 columns that are left out of the Roman Temple. The story of how they were discovered will fascinate you.

By the Gates

The Southern Gate of the city faced the port, and strangers were requested to bathe before entering the city. Also, in order to spare themselves the entrance tolls, often businessmen would rather close their deals in the Bathhouse that was conveniently located near the city’s Southern access. A gate and a pool can still be seen inside a building owned now by the city council.

After visiting it, you’ll follow the outside line of the Roman walls back north, towards your last – and most important – stop of this tour.

On Sundays we’ll visit a Roman Domus instead (mornings only – in the afternoon both sites are closed).

2000 years back in time

The Museu d’Historia de Barcelona – MUHBA hides some wonderful Barcelona underground Roman ruins. The Placa del Rei has been excavated to unearth a large portion of the Roman and Visigoth (early Christian) Barcelona. Just a few feet below the street level you can walk on top of the narrow alleys of Barcino, see what’s left of a laundry business, a fish paste processing facility and a winery, get familiar with the objects they used in their daily lives and visit the Baptistery where many of them became Christian, leaving behind their old Roman beliefs.

When the tour is over, your tour guide can suggest some place for lunch or dinner, put you on a taxi or give you directions to take the subway or walk back to your hotel.