Carrer Montcada, Barcelona

This street runs down towards the sea, and is full of palaces that were built from the Middle Ages until the 18th Century. The architecture is mainly Gothic, and the palaces tend to have attractive central courtyards surrounded by a main stairwell. The street dates back to 1148 when Guillem de Montcada ceded the land to the city, and this area soon became the center of commercial life in the Ribera quarter. The first palace you come across when heading towards the port is Palau Berenguer d'Aguilar, which now houses the Picasso Museum and dates from the 13th Century. The next two, Palau Castellet and Palau Meca, are also part of Museu Picasso. Just opposite is Palau dels Marquesos de Llió, now housing the Textile Museum. Beside it lies Palau Dalmasses, rebuilt in the 17th Century. Finally, at number 25, is Palau Cervelló-Giudice. Along with the historical buildings and museums, the street also has many bars, cafes and souvenir shops.