Casa Padellàs (Barcelona History Museum MUHBA)

Casa Padellàs, home of the Barcelona History Museum (MUHBA), is one of the most atmospheric and genuinely fascinating history experiences in the city. Located on Plaça del Rei — arguably Barcelona's most beautiful medieval square — the museum takes visitors on a journey through the city's complete history from its Roman foundations to the modern era.

The undisputed highlight for families is the underground Roman ruins preserved beneath the medieval building: an extraordinary network of ancient streets, workshops, fish-salting factories, and laundry rooms from the 1st to 7th centuries AD. Walking through these subterranean spaces, children stand on the same ground as Roman inhabitants nearly 2,000 years ago — a genuinely powerful and memorable experience that makes ancient history feel real rather than abstract.

Above ground, the museum's medieval architecture and courtyard on Plaça del Rei are equally impressive. Entry is free on the first Sunday of each month, and children under 16 are typically free or heavily discounted on other days. A MUHBA ticket also provides access to other Barcelona history sites around the city, offering excellent value for history-minded families.