City Hall of Barcelona, Municipal government building in Gothic Quarter, Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona's City Hall displays two different architectural faces: a Gothic facade facing Carrer de la Ciutat and a Neoclassical front toward Plaça Sant Jaume. The interior combines medieval rooms like the Saló de Cent with later additions and architectural elements.
Construction began in 1369 with the Saló de Cent, the assembly hall for the Council of One Hundred. Over the centuries, the building was expanded and modified, with sections of Barcelona's ancient Roman wall incorporated into its structure.
The City Hall houses the Saló de Cròniques, a hall decorated with murals depicting key moments from medieval Catalan history. These artworks tell the story of how the city's government and society evolved during that period.
The City Hall typically opens to visitors on Sunday mornings, allowing you to explore the Gothic courtyard and the historic Saló de Cent. Arriving early is helpful since visiting hours are limited and the space can get crowded, especially when weather is pleasant.
The building incorporates sections of Barcelona's medieval Roman wall, preserving ancient defensive elements within its structure. This skillful integration shows how the city repurposed its ancient remains into new architecture.
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