Where is the Cemetery of Forgotten Books located?

The fictional library is located on Carrer de l'Arc del Teatre. While the library itself doesn't exist, the street is real and sits just off the lower end of La Rambla.

Is the Shadow of the Wind walk suitable for children?

Yes, it is an easy, flat walk. While children may not know the literary references, the historic buildings and narrow 'secret' alleys are often engaging for younger explorers.

What is the best time to do this literary walking route?

Late afternoon is ideal. As the sun sets, the long shadows in the Gothic Quarter create the mysterious atmosphere described in Zafón's novels.

Can I see the Sempere and Sons bookstore?

The bookstore is fictional, but its spirit is captured by the shops on Baixada de la Llibreteria. Many fans also visit the real-life 'Libreria Calders' or shops on Carrer de Santa Anna for a similar vibe.

Is this walking tour Barcelona route accessible for wheelchairs?

The route is mostly flat, but the Gothic Quarter has many narrow streets with old, uneven paving stones and high curbs that can be difficult for wheelchairs.

Do I need to buy tickets for any stops?

No tickets are needed for the walking route itself. Entry to Santa Maria del Mar is usually free for prayer but may require a small fee for tourist visits during specific hours.

Is the Gothic Quarter safe for solo travelers?

Yes, it is very popular and well-trafficked. However, like any major tourist area, solo travelers should stay aware of their surroundings and keep an eye on belongings to avoid pickpockets.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

1 hr 45 min

Duration

6

Stops

Easy

Difficulty

About This Tour

Barcelona is a city of layers, where the sun-drenched Mediterranean lifestyle meets a dark, gothic undercurrent that has inspired writers for centuries. Perhaps no book captures this duality better than Carlos Ruiz Zafón’s "The Shadow of the Wind." This self-guided walk invites you to step inside the pages of the novel, exploring the labyrinthine streets of the Gothic Quarter and El Born where characters like Daniel Sempere and Fermín Romero de Torres navigated a world of secrets and forgotten books. This walking tour Barcelona experience is designed for those who want to see the city through a literary lens, moving beyond the usual tourist traps. The journey begins at Els 4 Gats, the legendary modernist café where the city’s intellectual elite once gathered and where Zafón’s characters often crossed paths. From here, the walking route winds through narrow alleys that feel untouched by time. You will discover the haunting beauty of Plaça de Sant Felip Neri, a square that carries the physical scars of the Spanish Civil War and serves as a poignant backdrop to the novel’s more somber moments. This neighborhood stroll isn't just for book lovers; it's an exploration of Barcelona’s soul, moving from the medieval grandeur of the Ribera district to the shadowy corners of the Raval. As you explore independently, you’ll encounter the Baixada de la Llibreteria, a street that evokes the atmosphere of the Sempere family bookstore. The route culminates near the Carrer de l'Arc del Teatre, the purported location of the "Cemetery of Forgotten Books." While the fictional library may remain hidden, the atmosphere of this historic neighborhood is very real. This audio walk allows you to experience the mystery of the city at your own pace, connecting the dots between fiction and reality. Whether you are a fan of the "Cemetery of Forgotten Books" series or simply a traveler looking to see a more atmospheric side of the city, this self-guided walk offers a unique perspective on Barcelona’s history. Prepare to lose yourself in the mist and shadows of the Barri Gòtic on this literary adventure.

Highlights

The modernist charm of Els 4 Gats café
The haunting scars of Plaça de Sant Felip Neri
Atmospheric alleys of the Baixada de la Llibreteria
The 'Cathedral of the Sea' — Santa Maria del Mar
Gaudí's early lamp designs in Plaça Reial
The legendary site of the Cemetery of Forgotten Books

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour

Tour Stops (6)

1

Els 4 Gats

Welcome to the starting point of your literary journey. Opened in 1897 in the Casa Martí, Els 4 Gats was modeled after Le Chat Noir in Paris. It quickly became the epicenter of Catalan Modernism, serving as a meeting place for artists and intellectuals. A young Pablo Picasso held his first solo exhibition here, and he even designed the menu cover. In 'The Shadow of the Wind,' this is where Daniel’s father meets with other book dealers and where the mystery often deepens. Take a moment to admire the neo-Gothic facade before stepping into the world of 20th-century Barcelona Bohemia.

2

Plaça de Sant Felip Neri

This is one of the most evocative and tragic corners of Barcelona. Tucked away in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, the square is dominated by its baroque church. If you look closely at the walls, you will see deep pockmarks; these are not from age, but from a 1938 aerial bombing during the Spanish Civil War that claimed many lives, including children. In Zafón’s novels, this square represents the heavy silence and the lingering ghosts of the past. It is a place of memory and solitude, mirroring the melancholy that Daniel feels as he unravels the city's secrets.

3

Baixada de la Llibreteria

Walking down this narrow, sloping street feels like stepping back centuries. The Baixada de la Llibreteria has been a hub for booksellers and parchment makers since the Middle Ages. While the specific 'Sempere & Sons' bookshop is a work of fiction, this street captures the exact essence of the dusty, labyrinthine shops Zafón described. Imagine Daniel and his father walking these stones, surrounded by the smell of old paper and leather bindings. It remains a vital artery of the old city, connecting the Roman walls to the heart of the medieval quarter.

4

Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar

This stunning example of Catalan Gothic architecture is often called the 'Cathedral of the Sea.' Built in the 14th century by the local stonemasons and porters, it stands as a symbol of the Ribera neighborhood's grit and faith. In the world of the Cemetery of Forgotten Books, this church is a landmark for Fermín and Daniel as they navigate the El Born district. Its soaring, slender columns and minimalist interior create a sense of immense space and light, offering a spiritual contrast to the dark, narrow streets you have just traversed.

5

Plaça Reial

Designed in the mid-19th century, Plaça Reial is a grand, palm-lined square that exuded luxury in its heyday. Look for the two lampposts topped with winged helmets—these were the very first commissioned works by a young Antoni Gaudí. In Zafón’s narrative, the square represents the fading grandeur of Barcelona's bourgeoisie and the hidden doorways where characters like Clara Barceló lived. It is a place where the city's high society and its darker underworld often brushed shoulders under the yellow glow of the streetlights.

6

Carrer de l'Arc del Teatre

You have arrived at the most mysterious stop on our walking route. This narrow, arched street in the Raval district is the purported location of the 'Cemetery of Forgotten Books.' In the opening of the novel, Daniel’s father leads him here at dawn to a secret door that opens into a massive, hidden library. While no such physical library exists today, the street’s proximity to the old theater district and its shadowy, damp atmosphere makes it easy to imagine the entrance hidden behind one of these weathered facades. This is where stories come to live forever.

Frequently Asked Questions

The walk typically takes between 90 and 120 minutes. The total distance is approximately 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) through the Gothic Quarter and El Born.