Old monastery of Sant Pau del Camp

Founded in the 10th century and rebuilt in its current Romanesque form after a Muslim raid in the 11th century, Sant Pau del Camp predates the Gothic churches that define much of central Barcelona and stands out for its squat, austere stone architecture and small cloister with carved capitals. Once literally 'in the fields,' as its name suggests, it's now surrounded by the dense streets of El Raval, a contrast reviewers often remark on. Many visitors admit to appreciating it more from the outside than the interior, which is modest compared to the exterior's historic weight, though the cloister rewards a closer look. It's a good stop for those interested in Barcelona's pre-Gothic history, best combined with a wider wander through El Raval.