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After spending some time walking around Barcelona one afternoon, I stumbled upon the Barcelona City History Museum. It was getting a little windy and cold outside and it was time to move indoors. Discovering that admission was free on Sundays after 3:00 p.m., I glanced at my watch and found that it was perfect timing!
The Barcelona City History Museum (MUHBA) is dedicated to conservation, research, communication and exhibits pertaining to the historical heritage of the city from its origins in Roman times until the present day. Funded by the Barcelona municipality, it is located in the Gothic Quarter and the place to go if you are interested in Barcelona’s past, present and future.
In 1931, the late gothic palace, Casa Padellàs, was moved stone by stone to Plaça del Rei for its preservation and to avoid its demolition. While it was being reconstructed, remains of the ancient city of Barcino were discovered. When a whole quarter of the Roman city was uncovered, it was decided that this would be the location of the historical museum that would later also evolve into an archaeological museum.
On the entry level, in the rebuilt Casa Padellàs, there are many statues and pieces discovered during the archaeological excavations as well as a film that describes the evolution of the city. The exhibited objects display the history of Barcelona from late medieval to modern times, highlighting the government and its regulations, the guilds, civic celebrations, wars and conflicts, crafts and trade, the International Expositions held in the city and its transformations.
The best part, however, is the subterranean level with walkways that wind its way around the archaeological ruins of Barcino. On display here are beautiful mosaic pieces, carved texts, buried wine vats, columns, the Baptistery and main doorway of the Episcopal hall, a Roman house and the Episcopal Palace.
YMy favorite part of the complex, however, was the Palace Chapel. The chapel of the Mayor Royal Palace, dedicated to Saint Agatha, was built at the beginning of the 14th century by King James II. The beautiful vaulted ceiling, stained glass and gothic altarpiece by Jaume Huguet capture your interest amid the otherwise plain interior.
Located a short walk from the Cathedral of Barcelona, incorporate it into your day while in the Gothic quarter to educate yourself on this city’s unique beginnings.
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Barcelona History Museum
- http://ajuntament.barcelona.cat/museuhistoria/en/
- Address: Plaça del Rei, s/n, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
- Hours: 1000-1900, Tuesday thru Saturday, 1000-2000, Sunday, Closed Monday.
- Admission: € 7.00. Free admission, Sunday after 1500.