Historical Archive of the City of Barcelona

The House of the Archdeacon is the headquarters of the Historical Archive of the City of Barcelona. The ecclesiastical residence was built using remains of the old Roman wall. It was built in a Gothic style evoking Renaissance elements, and is accessed by a wooden staircase and from the outside you can see the interior patio with a fountain.

The Historical Archive dates back to 1249, however since 1919 it has been located in its current headquarters, when it was acquired by the City Council, and comprises Medieval and Modern historical archives, graphic and oral collections. Previously the house was the headquarters of the Barcelona Bar Association, during which time it underwent numerous renovations.

To the right of the entrance, you can see the famous modernist mailbox, a personal touch that the architect Domènech Montaner included when he was in charge of a renovation for the lawyers. The swallows represent freedom and speed, the tortoise and the ivy represent slowness and bureaucratic entanglement. It is said that touching the turtle shell brings good luck and ensures a return visit to the city.