The Roman wall and gateway of Barcino are among the clearest traces of Barcelona’s origins. Built in the 4th century AD over earlier remains, they defined the perimeter of the colony and protected its inhabitants. Today, sections of the wall are still woven into the Gothic Quarter, along with one of the original gates near Plaça Nova. The polygonal towers and ancient stonework speak not only of their defensive role within the Roman Empire, but also of how the city’s earliest layout began to take shape.
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Some of the ashlar blocks in the Roman wall of Barcino still carry the marks of the stonemasons who carved them over 1,600 years ago, an anonymous signature still visible in the stone.
