MUHBA Sites

Explore MUHBA Sites in Barcelona's Gothic Quarter, Spain, uncovering Roman Barcino's ruins, medieval palaces, and a rich historical tapestry.

Overview

The MUHBA Sites, or Museu d'Història de Barcelona (Barcelona City History Museum), offer an unparalleled journey through Barcelona's rich past, deeply embedded within the historic Gothic Quarter. Far from being a single museum, MUHBA operates as a network of heritage centers spread across the city, with its most significant and popular cluster located right in the heart of the Gothic Quarter. This main site, primarily centered around Plaça del Rei, reveals layers of history from the Roman foundation of Barcino to medieval Barcelona and beyond.

Visiting the MUHBA Sites is an immersive experience, allowing travelers to literally walk through millennia of urban development. It's an exploration of archaeological discoveries, architectural remnants, and cultural narratives that together tell the compelling story of how Barcelona grew from a Roman colony to the vibrant city it is today.

History & Cultural Background

The genesis of MUHBA is intrinsically linked to the archaeological treasures unearthed in Barcelona. The most pivotal discovery occurred in the 1930s during the relocation of Casa Padellàs, a 15th-century Gothic palace, to Plaça del Rei to preserve it from demolition during the opening of Via Laietana. Beneath its new foundations, extensive remains of the ancient Roman city of Barcino were unexpectedly found, prompting archaeological excavations that ultimately led to the establishment of the museum in 1943.

These sites in the Gothic Quarter showcase a continuum of history. They trace Barcelona's evolution from its Roman origins in the 1st century BCE, through the Visigothic period (Barcinona) in the 5th-7th centuries AD, and into the thriving medieval city of the 13th-15th centuries. The underground complex at Plaça del Rei, for instance, preserves segments of Roman streets, houses, and early Christian structures that formed the core of the ancient city.

What Makes It Special

What truly sets the MUHBA Sites in the Gothic Quarter apart is the sheer scale and preservation of its underground archaeological area, particularly beneath Plaça del Rei. Here, visitors can explore over 4,000 square meters of excavated Roman and Visigothic Barcelona.

This subterranean world includes tangible remnants of daily life in Barcino: ancient Roman streets, the ruins of villas, workshops (such as a dye workshop and a fish-sauce factory), laundries, and even an early Christian baptistery. Above ground, the complex seamlessly integrates medieval structures like the Palau Reial Major (Grand Royal Palace), the impressive Saló del Tinell with its grand arches, and the beautiful Chapel of Santa Àgata, offering a comprehensive look at the city's layered past.

Beyond the main site at Plaça del Rei, other significant MUHBA sites in the Gothic Quarter enrich the experience. These include the surviving Roman columns of the Temple of Augustus, the MUHBA El Call which delves into the history of Barcelona's Jewish community, and the MUHBA Via Sepulcral Romana, showcasing a Roman necropolis.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

The relocation of Casa Padellàs, the entryway to the main MUHBA site, is a remarkable story in itself. This 15th-century Gothic palace was painstakingly moved stone-by-stone from its original location to Plaça del Rei in the 1930s. Imagine the meticulous effort involved in dismantling and reconstructing an entire building to save it from urban development.

Another fascinating detail found within the Roman ruins is the evidence of 'Roman recycling.' Archaeologists have discovered instances where old gravestones were repurposed and incorporated into later constructions, such as watchtowers, offering a glimpse into the practicality and resourcefulness of ancient Barcino's inhabitants.

For those visiting the main MUHBA Plaça del Rei site, the lift that descends into the archaeological area is an experience in itself. Its buttons are not marked with floor numbers but with historical dates, allowing visitors to 'travel through time' directly to 12 BC, the era of ancient Barcino's founding by the Romans. There's even a local legend that Christopher Columbus was received by the Catholic Monarchs in the Saló del Tinell, within the Palau Reial Major, upon his return from America.

Visitor Perspective

Walking through the MUHBA Sites in the Gothic Quarter feels less like a traditional museum visit and more like an archaeological expedition. The glass walkways suspended above the Roman streets provide an intimate vantage point, allowing you to peer into ancient homes, workshops, and communal spaces.

The provided audio guides are invaluable, transforming mere remnants into vibrant scenes of past life, explaining the function of each structure and painting a picture of daily routines in Roman Barcino and medieval Barcelona. It's a powerful sensory experience to descend into these preserved layers of history, feeling the coolness of the subterranean air and contemplating the lives that unfolded in these very spots millennia ago. From the industrial activity of a Roman dye workshop to the solemnity of early Christian sites, the MUHBA Sites offer a profound connection to Barcelona's enduring heritage, inviting visitors to breathe in centuries of history within the city's ancient walls.