Are There Catacombs in Barcelona? (Get the Facts)

You might wonder if there are any shadowy catacombs in Barcelona, lurking beneath the city’s sunny streets. Well, while you won’t find the maze-like catacombs you might imagine, Barcelona’s got its own kind of underground history teeming with ancient Roman ruins.

I live right here in Spain and have spent loads of time getting to know Barcelona’s nooks and crannies, especially the cool Roman bits that many people walk over every day without realizing.

So, what’s the deal with Barcelona and its underground past? I’ll take you through the city’s best Roman relics and discover how these ancient remains are woven into the fabric of modern Barcelona.

Are there catacombs in Barcelona?

No, there are no catacombs in Barcelona in the sense that you might find in cities like Paris. While Barcelona is rich in ancient Roman history, including gravestones, these aren’t located underground in catacomb-like structures. If you come across a tour for “Barcelona catacombs,” it’s likely a general tour of Roman ruins.

Of course, these do often include visits to sites with Roman gravestones, which are incredibly interesting, but it definitely isn’t a catacomb experience as you might expect from other cities.

Barcelona’s history is deeply intertwined with its Roman past, but it’s expressed differently than the subterranean burial sites found in some other European cities. Instead, Barcelona’s Roman ruins consist of a variety of above-ground historical sites that provide a window into ancient Roman life.

These include the Roman Necropolis in Plaça de la Vila de Madrid and the extensive collections of the Museu d’Història de Barcelona (MUHBA) and the Museu d’Arqueologia de Catalunya (MAC). Here, you’ll find Roman gravestones and ruins that tell the stories of the city’s ancestors in their original, often open-air, contexts.

When exploring Barcelona’s historical offerings, it’s important to set your expectations correctly. The city’s allure in terms of Roman history lies in its rich archaeological sites and museums that showcase a different aspect of ancient life.

Walking through these sites, you’ll get a sense of the daily lives, cultural practices, and architectural prowess of the Romans who once inhabited this vibrant city.

All this means that while Barcelona may not have catacombs as such, it does offer a unique and fascinating glimpse into Roman history through its well-preserved ruins and artifacts. These sites, while not underground, are equally captivating and provide a rich historical experience for any visitor interested in the ancient world.

Where to find Roman gravestones in Barcelona

1. Roman Necropolis in Plaça de la Vila de Madrid

When you visit the Roman Necropolis in Plaça de la Vila de Madrid, you’re stepping into a slice of ancient history right in the middle of modern Barcelona. This site is a remarkable outdoor museum that showcases Roman burial practices and beliefs.

There are more than 70 gravestones here, which are primarily arranged along the sides of what was once a Roman road leading out of Barcino, known to historians as the “Via Sepulcral Romana”. As you walk among them, you’ll see inscriptions that reveal personal details about the individuals buried there – their names, professions, and even family relationships.

The Necropolis provides a unique opportunity to connect with the everyday people of Roman Barcelona. It’s fascinating to see how they honored their dead and to read the messages left for loved ones.

The gravestones here aren’t just historical artifacts – they’re personal stories etched in stone. It’s a poignant reminder of the city’s long and layered history, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in Barcelona’s Roman past.

2. Museu d’Història de Barcelona (MUHBA)

The Museu d’Història de Barcelona (MUHBA) is more than just a museum – it’s a gateway to Barcelona’s ancient Roman heritage. Often known as Barcelona’s Roman ruins museum by visitors, it takes you on a journey through time, with a special focus on the city’s Roman period.

This includes that you’ll find a collection of Roman gravestones, each offering a unique insight into the lives of those who lived in Barcino (the name of Roman Barcelona). These gravestones are beautifully preserved, featuring intricate carvings and detailed inscriptions that tell tales of the city’s ancestors.

The museum – itself a fascinating Barcelona monument, before we even get to what’s inside – does an excellent job of presenting these underground Roman ruins of Barcelona in a way that’s both informative and engaging. It’s a place that ignites curiosity and deepens your understanding of the city’s Roman roots, making it an essential stop for anyone keen on exploring the depths of the history of the area.

And aside from the fascinating Roman gravestones, the MUHBA offers a treasure trove of exhibits that bring the rich tapestry of Barcelona’s history to life. One of the museum’s most captivating features is the underground archaeological site of the ancient Roman city of Barcino.

Here, you can walk through the remnants of Roman houses and streets, getting a real feel for the city’s layout and daily life in ancient times. The museum also features detailed models of medieval Barcelona, providing a vivid contrast between the city’s past and present.

3. Museu d’Arqueologia de Catalunya (MAC)

The Museu d’Arqueologia de Catalunya, or MAC, is a treasure trove for anyone fascinated by the ancient world, particularly Roman history. This museum offers a comprehensive look into the Roman period of Catalonia, with a rich collection of artifacts that include Roman gravestones.

These gravestones are significant as they provide a direct link to the individuals who lived in this region during Roman times. In fact, as you explore the MAC, you’ll discover gravestones with inscriptions that shed light on the social, cultural, and familial aspects of Roman life.

Beyond the Roman gravestones, the Museu d’Arqueologia de Catalunya (MAC) also offers a vast array of other fascinating exhibits that span the breadth of Catalonia’s history. The museum takes you on a journey from prehistoric times through to the Middle Ages.

(Of course, there are plenty of buildings throughout the city from the Middle Ages that you can also see yourself. While you’ve probably heard of plenty of these, even some of the lesser known ones, like Santa Maria del Mar, Barcelona’s Cathedral of the Sea, is worth seeing if you’re interested in this era.)

You’ll find stunning collections of ancient pottery, intricate jewelry, and tools that provide insights into the daily lives of past civilizations. One of the highlights is the Iberian collection, which showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Iberian people who inhabited this region before the Romans.

Additionally, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions that often focus on specific aspects of archaeology or particular periods in history, offering fresh perspectives and new discoveries.

4. Basilica of Saints Justus and Pastor

The Basilica of Saints Justus and Pastor is a hidden gem that many tourists unfortunately overlook. This Basilica is steeped in history, with its foundations tracing back to Roman times.

What makes this place particularly special is the discovery of Roman gravestones from the 1st century beneath the Basilica. The exact identity of those buried there remains a mystery, but the proximity to where Barcelona’s amphitheater once stood has led some to suggest a possible connection to early Christian martyrs.

Visiting the Basilica is like uncovering a secret chapter of Barcelona’s history. It’s a serene and spiritual place that resonates with the echoes of the past.

The mystery surrounding the Roman gravestones adds an element of intrigue, inviting visitors to ponder the stories and beliefs of those early inhabitants.

It’s a shame that this site is often missed because it offers a unique perspective on the city’s Roman and religious history, making it a must-visit for those interested in exploring deeper into Barcelona’s past.

But whichever of these sites you choose to visit, it’s clear that they provide a tangible connection to the lives of those who walked – and lived and ultimately died in – these streets thousands of years ago. While you may not find catacombs in Barcelona in the typical sense of the word, by visiting these sites, you still have the chance to experience ancient history in a very modern city.