Casa Padellàs, the Plaça del Rei site of the Barcelona History Museum (MUHBA), traces the city’s past from Roman Barcino through later periods. The main draw is below ground: a walkway leads through archaeological remains of streets, houses, baths, laundries, wine-making areas and sections of the Roman walls. Upstairs, maps, objects and illustrated displays explain how Barcelona changed over time. The museum is in the Gothic Quarter, at Plaça del Rei. Check ahead if you are coming specifically for the underground ruins, as some areas can be closed.
Roman Barcino beneath Plaça del Rei
The underground archaeological area is the central reason to visit this MUHBA site. A walkway passes over remains of the Roman city, including streets, houses, baths, laundries, wine-making and fish-processing areas, and parts of the old walls. The excavations also revealed alleys, wine cellars and other traces of urban life.
The displays help place the remains in context, with explanations and images that show how the city and its buildings once looked. Allow time to move through the archaeological area at your own pace. Access to particular sections can change, so check ahead if seeing the ruins is the main purpose of your visit.
Barcelona’s history in the upper galleries
The museum’s exhibits trace Barcelona from its Roman origins through later historical periods. Maps, artefacts and illustrated panels give context to the city’s development and daily life. The collection includes material from Roman, medieval and more recent Barcelona, with the site’s central focus on the ancient and medieval past.
The route passes through different levels, and the layout can be confusing. Follow the signs between the galleries and archaeological area, and leave enough time to read the explanations rather than treating the visit as a quick walk-through.
Casa Padellàs at Plaça del Rei
The museum occupies Casa Padellàs, a historic building that was moved stone by stone from Carrer de Mercaders to Plaça del Rei in 1931 to prevent its destruction during construction work. Its location places the museum among the historic buildings of the Gothic Quarter.
MUHBA is spread across several sites around Barcelona, but Plaça del Rei is the place to prioritize if you have limited time and want to see the underground remains of Barcino. The city’s Roman heritage is also represented at other MUHBA locations, including the Temple of Augustus.
Planning your visit
The museum is at Plaça del Rei in the Gothic Quarter. It is closed on Mondays, and advance tickets are recommended. The site has a wheelchair-accessible entrance, elevator and restroom.
Some parts of the museum may be closed, including areas of the archaeological route. Check access before setting out if you have a specific section in mind. The underground remains and the galleries together can take several hours to explore.
Perguntas frequentes
How long should I spend at MUHBA Plaça del Rei?
Allow around 2 to 3 hours to explore the galleries and underground archaeological remains.
What can you see underground at MUHBA?
The walkway passes over remains of Roman Barcino, including streets, houses, baths, laundries, production areas and parts of the city walls.
Is the underground archaeological area always open?
Some areas may be closed. Check ahead if visiting the Roman remains is your main reason for going.
Is MUHBA Plaça del Rei wheelchair accessible?
The site has a wheelchair-accessible entrance, elevator and restroom.
