Plaça del Rei

Plaça del Rei, a medieval jewel of Barcelona

The Barcelona audio-guided tour has you discover Plaça del Rei, a small hidden medieval jewel that propels you back to the time of the counts of Barcelona. Facing the royal palace, this square once served as the castle's courtyard and hosted markets and tournaments.

The square of counts and kings

It was even on this square that the very first bullfight of Barcelona took place, in 1387. The palace, built in the twelfth century on Visigothic and Roman ruins, served as the residence of the counts of Barcelona then of the kings of Aragon until the early fifteenth century. It includes an immense reception hall, the Saló del Tinell, where, according to tradition, Christopher Columbus was received on his return from the Americas by the Catholic Monarchs Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon.

What there is to see

Enclosed and harmonious, the square is framed by the royal palace, the chapel of Saint Agatha and the watchtower of King Martin, which rises over several levels. The whole forms a medieval setting of rare coherence. The history museum of Barcelona, accessible from the square, allows you to descend and explore the remains of the Roman city, beneath the ground of the Gothic quarter.

Practical information

Plaça del Rei hides in the heart of the Gothic quarter of Barcelona. The square is freely accessible at all hours and on the level; the visit of the royal palace and the history museum follows its own schedule, with a charge, whose opening times may vary with the season.

Who is said to have been received on Plaça del Rei?

According to tradition, Christopher Columbus was received there on his return from the Americas by the Catholic Monarchs Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon.

What can you visit around the square?

The royal palace and its great hall, the chapel of Saint Agatha, the tower of King Martin and the history museum of Barcelona with its Roman remains.