Barcelona Tour Highlights
Poble Espanyol was built for the 1929 Barcelona Expo as a showcase of Spanish architecture and culture. It was the brainchild of local Catalan architect Puig Cadafalch. He entrusted his plan to four men, Ramon Reventós and Francesc Folguera, both architects, Xavier Nogués, a painter and Miquel Utrillo an art critic. Together they embarked on a remarkable journey that took them to over 600,000 sites across Spain.
The result was Poble Espanyol. 117 different buildings representing 15 autonomous regions of the country. The Geography boffins amongst you will have spotted that Spain has 17 autonomous regions, well in 1929 La Rioja wasn’t recognised as a separate region and the chaps didn’t have enough cash to visit the Canary Islands, so they both got left out.
They also didn’t have time to visit the council building in Mallorca, so asked for photos to be sent. The black and white pics duly arrived and they guessed at the actual colour and got it wrong! Local bylaws prevent any changes to colour or structure inside the site, so it is still painted wrong today!
The whole thing was such a success that instead of the planned demolition after the Expo, the site was preserved.
Apart from strolling the narrow streets or enjoying the views out over Barcelona, this Spanish Village has a host of other things to offer the visitor. There are the obligatory bars and restaurants of course, but also art and craft studios, a flamenco show, a top notch art gallery, lots of boutiques and a nightclub.
In addition there are regular live events, everything from concerts to carnivals and even its own beer festival!
Main Square
Art Gallery
Arts & Crafts
Monastery of Sant Miquel
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© 2024 All rights reserved GoCar Barcelona