The biggest noble residence from Medieval Barcelona is just a few metres from Sant Just church.

It dates from the 13th century and belonged to Luís de Requesens, a friend of King Philip II and subsequently Governor General of Flanders.

The Palau de Requesens was restored in 1970 and houses the Reial Acadèmia de les Bones Lletres: (an institution which has promoted knowledge of Catalan history and literature since 1790) and the Gallery of Illustrious Catalans: Portraits of illustrious Catalans throughout history.