Take a look at this arched gate—impressive, isn’t it? But let’s go back to the very beginning. Barcino was founded by the Romans around 15 B.C. under Emperor Augustus, officially named Iulia Augusta Faventia Paterna Barcino. A strategic hill, water resources, and sea access made it the perfect spot. Like all Roman cities, it had a forum at the center and two intersecting main streets—cardo and decumanus—ending in four gates. You’re now standing at the remains of one: the Porta Praetoria.