Plaça del Rei
Attraction
4.6 (3719 reviews)
Medieval building housing the city's history museum & archaeological finds including Roman streets.
Pl. del Rei, s/n, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
Did You Know?
Heart of the Royal Palace
Plaça del Rei (King's Square) was the central courtyard of the Palau Reial Major (Grand Royal Palace) of the Counts of Barcelona and Kings of Aragon.
Columbus's Grand Reception
It is widely believed that Christopher Columbus was received by the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, in the Saló del Tinell (a grand hall overlooking the square) after his first voyage to the Americas in 1493.
A Masterpiece of Gothic Architecture
The square is a pristine example of Gothic architecture, surrounded by significant medieval buildings such as the Palau Reial Major, the Capella de Santa Àgata (Saint Agatha's Chapel), and the Casa Padellàs (now part of the City History Museum).
Underground Roman City
Beneath Plaça del Rei lies an extensive archaeological site, accessible through the Barcelona City History Museum (MUHBA), which reveals the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Barcino, including streets, workshops, and early Christian remains.