Roman Barcino: January 28, 2010

For one of our field trips, we walked what was considered the hub of Roman Barcelona, known then as Barcino. The entrance to Barcino is on the right hand side of the cathedral where a series of artistic sculptures stood. These scultures indicate when you have reached the ancient city. The center of the city was the forum which was a space for commerce and meetings. The forum area was located in Plaza St. Jaume where the council and local government buildings are still positioned today.

Most of the ancient city is now buried deep underneath today's city center. What has been dug up can be viewed in the City History Museum located in Plaza del Rei. A lift goes down into the vaults of the city while a digital year display counts down time in big red flashing numbers. The doors open at 600 A.D. You can see sections of the Roman wall, foundations of buildings, churches, and bathing areas. There was a short film that shows a graphic representation of Barcino, and its geographical location in relation to the rivers and the sea.

I found it interesting to see all of the Roman ruins and how it has transformed Barcelona into the city it is today. Although few of the buildings have been renovated, there are still many that have been there since Roman times. It was a unique experience walking through the dark alleyed streets where so much history exists. Behind the cathedral you could see the Roman walls which were taller than I expected.