Catalan architecture has long been a recurring resource for films and TV series, capable of setting a story and giving it character from the very first shot. Along this route, a series of buildings and architectural complexes become key stops, revealing how audiovisual productions have made use of these spaces and what makes them especially appealing to visit today. This journey moves between architectural heritage and film heritage, offering a particularly compelling proposal for 2026, the year when Barcelona will be the World Capital of Architecture. Castles, monasteries and historic landmarks We begin this journey by exploring major monumental references that take us back to the Middle Ages. Medieval Barcelona in "Cathedral of the Sea" In Barcelona, one of the most significant locations is the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar, the undisputed protagonist of Cathedral of the Sea. Based on the novel by Ildefonso Falcones, the series recreates 14th-century Barcelona through the life of Arnau Estanyol, unfolding in parallel with the construction of the church itself. Built between 1329 and 1383 thanks to the efforts of fishermen and local residents, the basilica became a symbol of the common people in contrast to the nobility and high clergy. Nearly 80% of the scenes were filmed on real exterior locations, using spaces that have changed very little since medieval times. The basilica plays a key role in the final scene, filmed inside the church, marking the completion of the building. The Gothic Quarter also proved ideal for storylines linked to the arrival of the plague, religious intolerance and social segregation. In Plaça del Rei, one of the finest examples of medieval architecture in the city, final scenes were filmed confirming the marriage between Arnau and Mar, with more than 400 extras and almost no set dressing. Today, visiting the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar allows travellers to reconnect with this historical context: entry to the church is free during worship hours, while guided visits provide access to the terraces and areas such as the crypt. Cardona Castle: a medieval fortress made for cinema Leaving the city of Barcelona behind, we head into the surrounding province. Our next stop is Cardona Castle, one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in Catalonia. Perched on a rocky hilltop, it overlooks the Cardener Valley and boasts an impressive defensive complex with walls, towers and the Romanesque collegiate church of Sant Vicenç, located within the enclosure. This striking setting caught the attention of Orson Welles, who filmed Chimes at Midnight (1965) here. The director was searching for a castle capable of conveying power, isolation and epic scale, and found Cardona to be the perfect location for his Shakespearean adaptation. Local residents still recall how Welles, passionate and demanding, walked along the ramparts in search of the perfect frame, captivated by the site’s visual strength. The architectural solidity of the castle made it possible to recreate medieval England with minimal scenic intervention, a key reason why it was later recognised as a Treasure of European Cinematic Culture. Decades later, Cardona returned to the screen in Cathedral of the Sea, where the castle stood in for the headquarters of the Inquisition tribunal. Today, the castle — now a National Parador — can be visited following the Orson Welles Route, a guided tour available on request that highlights the exact filming locations and combines history, architecture and cinema in a single experience. Medieval Girona and TV fantasy in "Game of Thrones" The journey continues to Girona, where the Cathedral of Santa Maria became one of the most recognisable locations in the sixth season of Game of Thrones. Its monumental Baroque staircase was transformed into the Great Sept of Baelor, while other corners of the Old Town — such as the Pujada de Sant Domènec, the Arab Baths, Plaça dels Jurats and the Monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants — were reimagined as locations in Braavos and Oldtown. The series required very little alteration to these sites, making them easy to recognise during a visit today. These locations can be explored through cultural heritage tours of the city, which provide access to and context for landmarks such as the cathedral and the monastery. Girona also offers guided tours specifically focused on Game of Thrones filming locations, explaining how scenes were shot, which exact spots appear on screen and sharing behind-the-scenes anecdotes from the production. As a final nod to the Game of Thrones phenomenon, Girona even adds a gastronomic twist. At Rocambolesc, the ice cream shop run by the Roca brothers, the “Golden Hand” ice cream was created: a limited-edition treat shaped like a golden hand and flavoured with blood orange. Conceived as a tribute to Jaime Lannister, it has become a must-stop for fans looking to take home an edible souvenir.