Underground Barcelona
Culture 28/01/2026
Barcelona is a city that surprises at every turn… even when you look down. Beneath its streets, squares, and buildings lies a veritable underground city, full of history, shelters, tunnels, and archaeological remains that explain how Barcelona has evolved over the centuries.
Exploring underground Barcelona is a different way to get to know the city, ideal for both curious visitors and those who already live here and want to discover its lesser-known side.
The Roman Barcelona that still beats beneath the Gothic Quarter
Long before becoming the Barcelona we know today, the city was the Roman colony of Barcino. Part of that past remains perfectly preserved beneath the current Gothic Quarter.
In the underground spaces of the MUHBA (Museum of the History of Barcelona), you can walk among the remains of ancient Roman houses, streets, workshops, and cellars, gaining insight into daily life more than 2,000 years ago. This experience connects directly with the city's origins and demonstrates that Barcelona is living history, even underground.
Very close by, the Roman Sepulchral Way of Plaça de la Vila de Madrid is also preserved, an ancient access road to Barcino flanked by tombs, which allows us to understand how the Romans organized their funerary spaces on the outskirts of the city.
Air raid shelters: memory beneath the city
During the Spanish Civil War, Barcelona was one of the most heavily bombed cities, leading to the construction of an extensive network of air-raid shelters. Many of these still exist today beneath the city's neighborhoods.
The most well-known is Shelter 307 in Poble-sec, which allows visitors to explore galleries dug by the residents themselves to protect themselves from attacks. Inside, you can still see spaces designated for medical care, areas for children, and ventilation systems, reflecting how the civilian population organized themselves to survive during one of the most difficult periods in Barcelona's recent history.
Visiting these shelters is a powerful and necessary experience, helping to understand the real impact of war on the daily life of the city.
The Barcelona metro: underground history in motion
Beyond being a means of transport, the Barcelona metro is also part of its underground history. Some lines and stations were built over archaeological remains, while others conceal architectural curiosities or projects that were never completed.
Barcelona even has so-called "ghost stations," old stops that were never opened or fell into disuse and now lie hidden beneath the current network. Although they are not open to the public on a regular basis, they form part of the collective imagination of underground Barcelona and pique the curiosity of those who see the metro as more than just a simple journey.
Each underground journey is, in reality, a journey through different layers of the city's urban history.
The invisible city: infrastructure beneath Barcelona
Beneath Barcelona lies not only history, but also a complex network of infrastructure that makes modern life possible. The sewer system, technical tunnels, and pipelines form a veritable invisible city that has evolved alongside urban growth.
Hidden beneath the surface are unique spaces such as ancient cisterns, water reservoirs, and historic cellars of emblematic buildings. Even the crypt of Santa Eulalia, one of the city's oldest and most symbolic spaces, lies beneath Barcelona Cathedral.
Although it is not always open to the public, knowing about the existence of this underground network helps to understand how Barcelona has been able to adapt and reinvent itself over time.
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Guided tours to discover underground Barcelona
Underground Barcelona is also shrouded in mystery. Over the years, stories have emerged about secret passageways connecting churches, convents, and official buildings, especially in the old town.
Some of these connections are documented, while others are part of urban legend, but all contribute to the fascination with a city that holds secrets beneath its streets. A perfect topic for those who enjoy exploring Barcelona's most enigmatic side.
Today, many of these spaces can be explored through guided tours and cultural routes that delve into Barcelona's underground world. From archaeological tours to visits to air-raid shelters, there are options for all tastes.
Many of these experiences are offered in several languages and are an excellent alternative for hot days, rainy days, or simply to discover a different side of the city.
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Tips for exploring underground Barcelona
Before you set out to discover the underground of Barcelona, it's worth taking into account some practical tips:
- Book in advance, as many tours have limited capacity.
- Wear comfortable shoes, especially in historical spaces.
- Check accessibility, as some routes include stairs or narrow galleries.
- Ideal to combine with other cultural plans around the city.
Discover the hidden Barcelona from Sensation Apartments
Staying at Sensation Apartments allows you to easily access many of the main points of underground Barcelona, from the Gothic Quarter to areas such as Poble-sec or Eixample.
Experience a different and authentic way of getting to know the city, discovering not only what is seen on the surface, but also everything that Barcelona hides beneath your feet.
Exploring underground Barcelona is a different way to get to know the city, ideal for both curious visitors and those who already live here and want to discover its lesser-known side.
The Roman Barcelona that still beats beneath the Gothic Quarter
Long before becoming the Barcelona we know today, the city was the Roman colony of Barcino. Part of that past remains perfectly preserved beneath the current Gothic Quarter.
In the underground spaces of the MUHBA (Museum of the History of Barcelona), you can walk among the remains of ancient Roman houses, streets, workshops, and cellars, gaining insight into daily life more than 2,000 years ago. This experience connects directly with the city's origins and demonstrates that Barcelona is living history, even underground.
Very close by, the Roman Sepulchral Way of Plaça de la Vila de Madrid is also preserved, an ancient access road to Barcino flanked by tombs, which allows us to understand how the Romans organized their funerary spaces on the outskirts of the city.
Air raid shelters: memory beneath the city
During the Spanish Civil War, Barcelona was one of the most heavily bombed cities, leading to the construction of an extensive network of air-raid shelters. Many of these still exist today beneath the city's neighborhoods.
The most well-known is Shelter 307 in Poble-sec, which allows visitors to explore galleries dug by the residents themselves to protect themselves from attacks. Inside, you can still see spaces designated for medical care, areas for children, and ventilation systems, reflecting how the civilian population organized themselves to survive during one of the most difficult periods in Barcelona's recent history.
Visiting these shelters is a powerful and necessary experience, helping to understand the real impact of war on the daily life of the city.
The Barcelona metro: underground history in motion
Beyond being a means of transport, the Barcelona metro is also part of its underground history. Some lines and stations were built over archaeological remains, while others conceal architectural curiosities or projects that were never completed.
Barcelona even has so-called "ghost stations," old stops that were never opened or fell into disuse and now lie hidden beneath the current network. Although they are not open to the public on a regular basis, they form part of the collective imagination of underground Barcelona and pique the curiosity of those who see the metro as more than just a simple journey.
Each underground journey is, in reality, a journey through different layers of the city's urban history.
The invisible city: infrastructure beneath Barcelona
Beneath Barcelona lies not only history, but also a complex network of infrastructure that makes modern life possible. The sewer system, technical tunnels, and pipelines form a veritable invisible city that has evolved alongside urban growth.
Hidden beneath the surface are unique spaces such as ancient cisterns, water reservoirs, and historic cellars of emblematic buildings. Even the crypt of Santa Eulalia, one of the city's oldest and most symbolic spaces, lies beneath Barcelona Cathedral.
Although it is not always open to the public, knowing about the existence of this underground network helps to understand how Barcelona has been able to adapt and reinvent itself over time.
Guided tours to discover underground Barcelona
Underground Barcelona is also shrouded in mystery. Over the years, stories have emerged about secret passageways connecting churches, convents, and official buildings, especially in the old town.
Some of these connections are documented, while others are part of urban legend, but all contribute to the fascination with a city that holds secrets beneath its streets. A perfect topic for those who enjoy exploring Barcelona's most enigmatic side.
Today, many of these spaces can be explored through guided tours and cultural routes that delve into Barcelona's underground world. From archaeological tours to visits to air-raid shelters, there are options for all tastes.
Many of these experiences are offered in several languages and are an excellent alternative for hot days, rainy days, or simply to discover a different side of the city.
Tips for exploring underground Barcelona
Before you set out to discover the underground of Barcelona, it's worth taking into account some practical tips:
- Book in advance, as many tours have limited capacity.
- Wear comfortable shoes, especially in historical spaces.
- Check accessibility, as some routes include stairs or narrow galleries.
- Ideal to combine with other cultural plans around the city.
Discover the hidden Barcelona from Sensation Apartments
Staying at Sensation Apartments allows you to easily access many of the main points of underground Barcelona, from the Gothic Quarter to areas such as Poble-sec or Eixample.
Experience a different and authentic way of getting to know the city, discovering not only what is seen on the surface, but also everything that Barcelona hides beneath your feet.
