Beneath the Gothic Quarter’s medieval streets lies one of Europe’s most remarkable archaeological sites. The Museu d’Història de Barcelona — MUHBA — gives visitors access to an extraordinary underground Roman city: streets, workshops, a winery, fish-salting facilities, and water systems from the Roman colony of Barcino, dating from the 1st century BCE to the 7th century CE.
Walking Through Ancient Barcino
The underground circuit runs for over 4,000 square metres beneath the Plaça del Rei. You walk on glass walkways above the Roman remains, peering down into the rooms and streets of a city that was buried and built over across 2,000 years of continuous occupation. The fish-salting workshop, the garum production facility, the dyeing works — these mundane industrial remains bring the Roman city to life in a way that no collection of artifacts ever could.
Above ground, the visit continues through the medieval Palau Reial Major — the royal palace of the Counts of Barcelona and Kings of Aragon — including the stunning 14th-century Saló del Tinell, where Ferdinand and Isabella are said to have received Columbus after his return from the Americas.
The Plaça del Rei
The square itself is one of the most evocative spaces in the city — enclosed, largely traffic-free, and surrounded by medieval buildings. Arrive in the early morning or evening to see it at its quietest and most atmospheric.
How to Visit
MUHBA is at Plaça del Rei in the Gothic Quarter, a short walk from the Jaume I metro station (L4). It’s open Tuesday through Sunday; closed Mondays. The ticket also gives access to several other MUHBA sites around the city. Book online during peak season to avoid queues.