Sant Pere & La Casa de la Seda Tour

Step beyond the Gothic Quarter and explore the fascinating Sant Pere neighbourhood, one of Barcelona’s oldest and most authentic districts. Rich in history, craftsmanship and architectural treasures, this walking tour uncovers the city’s medieval heart through hidden streets, noble residences and remarkable monuments that many visitors never discover.

Your journey begins at the elegant Casa de la Seda (Silk House), the beautifully preserved headquarters of the Silk Weavers' Guild. Admire its richly decorated Baroque façade while discovering the importance of silk production and the powerful merchant guilds that shaped Barcelona’s economy for centuries.

Continue to admire the magnificent Palau de la Música Catalana from the outside, one of the world’s greatest masterpieces of Catalan ModernismeGlossaryModernismeCatalonia’s turn-of-the-century art movement (c. 1888–1911), cousin to Art Nouveau but with its own nationalist charge. Gaudí, Domènech i Montaner and Puig i Cadafalch are its three great architects.. Designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner, its spectacular façade is a celebration of sculpture, mosaics, stained glass and music, earning its place as a UNESCO World HeritageGlossaryUNESCO World HeritageBarcelona holds nine UNESCO-inscribed properties: seven works by Gaudí, plus Domènech i Montaner’s Palau de la Música Catalana — which we manage — and Hospital de Sant Pau. Site.

Nearby, discover one of Barcelona’s most contemporary artistic landmarks: Jaume Plensa’s sculpture Carmela. This monumental portrait creates a fascinating dialogue between modern art and the city’s historic surroundings, illustrating how Barcelona continually blends tradition with innovation.

As you wander through the neighbourhood, learn about the medieval guilds (Gremis) that organised Barcelona’s craftsmen and merchants. The names of many streets still reflect the trades that once flourished here, preserving the memory of silversmiths, textile makers and artisans who contributed to the city’s prosperity.

Walk along the charming Carrer de Sant Pere Més Alt, one of the district’s oldest streets, lined with elegant townhouses and historic buildings that evoke the atmosphere of medieval Barcelona. Discover beautiful Gothic palaces, each with its own fascinating story, before entering the picturesque Passatge Sert, a hidden passageway that offers a peaceful glimpse into the city’s lesser-known architectural heritage.

The tour continues to the peaceful Plaça de Sant Pere, home to the ancient Monastery of Sant Pere de les Puel·les, one of the oldest religious foundations in Barcelona. Founded in the 10th century, the monastery played a vital role in the city’s early medieval development and remains a remarkable symbol of its spiritual heritage.

Nearby, visit the historic Chapel of Sant Agustí Vell, a reminder of the former Augustinian convent that once occupied much of the neighbourhood, before concluding at the charming Capella d’en Marcús, one of Barcelona’s oldest surviving Romanesque chapels. Built in the 12th century by the wealthy merchant Bernat Marcús, it served travellers, pilgrims and merchants entering the medieval city.

Perfect for history lovers and travellers seeking authentic experiences, this tour reveals a quieter, more intimate side of Barcelona, where medieval commerce, religious heritage, hidden architecture and local life come together in one unforgettable walk through the city’s historic soul.

• The streets of Sant Pere, Barcelona’s historic textile district
• The ancient monastery of Sant Pere de les Puel·les
• The wave-roofed Mercat de Santa Caterina by Miralles and Tagliabue
• La Casa de la Seda, the 18th-century silk guild house, entry arranged
• A monument managed by Barcelona in Context