Casa Padellàs (Barcelona History Museum MUHBA)
About This Museum
Tucked away in the labyrinthine streets of the Gothic Quarter, Casa Padellàs is a portal that plunges you directly into Barcelona's ancient heart. You don't just look at artifacts behind glass here; you descend beneath the grand Plaça del Rei to walk actual Roman roads, your footsteps echoing where carts once rolled. The air is cool and thick with history, surrounding you with the crumbling walls of laundries and factories that bottled fish sauce over two thousand years ago. It’s a remarkably intimate and tangible connection to the city's foundational layers.
Collection Highlights
The undeniable stars are the sprawling subterranean ruins of Barcino, the Roman city, complete with streets, villas, and workshops. Look for the intricate mosaics and the preserved remnants of a 4th-century episcopal complex, which hint at the early importance of this site.
Visitor Information
It's located right on Plaça del Rei, and while it's in one of Barcelona's busiest areas, stepping inside feels like entering a secret. Check the MUHBA website for opening times as they can vary by season.
Architecture & Building
The museum is centered around a magnificent Gothic palace, Casa Padellàs, which was actually moved stone-by-stone to this location in the early 20th century. Its cavernous halls and courtyards provide a perfectly atmospheric medieval shell for the even older Roman treasures buried beneath.
Contact & Location
Address: Plaça del Rei, el Gòtic, Ciutat Vella, Barcelona, Barcelonès, Barcelona, Catalunya, 08002, España
Phone: +34 932 56 21 22
Website: Visit Website
