The Historic Building of University of Barcelona was one of the first buildings to be raised outside the ancient city walls, and it was designed by Elies Rogent in 1863. Work on the building lasted for more than twenty years, although by 1871 the first lectures were being given there.

The architectural work and the quality of the building's works of art meant that the historic building was declared a national monument of historic and artistic interest in 1970.

The clock and the iron bell housed in the tower in the Pati de Lletres— the "Patio of the Arts"— were installed in 1881. Complementing the building work, sculptures and paintings were commissioned either directly from artists of repute or awarded in open competition.

This historic building occupies a whole block by itself, enclosed within is a carefully tended garden with its own history. The garden was laid out together with the historic building, and was designed as a botanic garden.