Taking advantage of the celebration of the year of libraries, it is worth mentioning some of the most outstanding ones in Barcelona, a city that loves culture and is aware of the important role of books in our lives. These are some of the most amazing libraries in Barcelona.
Apart from being the first centenary of the network of public libraries of the Commonwealth of Catalonia, 2015 has also been declared the Year of Libraries. From 1915 until now, the number of libraries has considerably increased in the neighbourhoods and cities, especially in Barcelona.
Undoubtedly, a library is one of the main tools to spread the culture and also an answer to the society’s need for knowledge. Figures evidence so by showing a total of 370 libraries and 11 mobile libraries spread throughout 411 Catalan municipalities.
Millions of books and stories are waiting for someone to take them out from the libraries
With 11 million of books and hundreds of employees, libraries are places full of anecdotes and knowledge both for children and adults. As Jorge Luis Borges said: «I have always imagined that paradise will be a kind of library«.
Let’s unveil the tiny (and huge)temples of culture that are spread throughout the Old Quarter, the historic Eixample Neighbourhood, the coastline and the upper area of Barcelona.
Eight urban development projects are expected to change Barcelona’s coastline in the following years. Regardless of the controversies surrounding the issue, their designs are based on the future project for tourism of the city.
Barcelona is facing one of its major urban transformations along its metropolitan coastline. These huge projects affect an area of more than 700,000 square metres and have caught the attention of many followers, as well as of those who want to keep the essence of the city.
W Hotel is one of the facades on Barcelona’s coastline that will change over the following years
Here is a summary of all the changes that will be introduced along Barcelona’s coastline:
New Besós’ coastline
The construction of Fórum area and Diagonal Mar has recovered a space that was not in use until then, just in front of Diagonal Avenue.
Diagonal-Besós Campus, run by Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), will provide a team of more than 200 professors to work on the rehabilitation project of the coastline of Barcelona and Sant Adrià del Besós. Moreover, the upcoming Ciutat de l’Economia del Coneixement is awaiting huge projects related to Biomedicine, design, social innovation and business, the so-called Barcelona KEY (Knowledge Economy Yard).
Sant Adriàbeaches, located on both sides of the neighbourhood, are waiting for a totally different plan. It’s an urban development project related to nightlife that will probably be introduced at the end of 2015.
The yacht club in Fórum divides the coasts of Barcelona and Sant Adrià del Besós
New and exclusive yacht club
Port Vell in Barcelona faces its largest transformation after the Olympic Games in the city.
The new luxury yacht club will make Barcelona one of the best ports for large yachts in the world. That includes the renewal of the current facade in order to build a luxury access area. The works in Port Vell yacht club are expected to be concluded for the summer of 2016.
Next to it, Marina Vela yacht club (Marina Bocana Nord) also awaits for a huge project. It’ll house a complex with 136 swing moorings plus other 222 dry dock spaces. Moreover, there will be 7 commercial buildings and 2 new 400-meter-long boulevards near W Hotel. This project is expected to be completed for mid 2017.
The legacy of Barcelona to sea lovers is a totally renewed Fishing Port. The rehabilitation plan contemplates the construction of an ice factory, a new fish market and the reurbanization of the well-known Moll de Pescadores. In its interior, there is the Clock Tower (Torre del Rellotge) dated back to 1772, which will be reopened to the public after its rehabilitation. These works are expected to be finished in 2017.
Picture of the upcoming Moll de Pescadors with the sailing essence of the coast of Barcelona
Barcelona’s coastline
Ronda Litoral has traditionally been seen as the thoroughfare that closed the natural access to the sea.
The area surrounded by Montjuïc Mountain, Ronda Litoral and the port is called Morrot Neighbouhood. The rehabilitation project for this area, developed by the former government, consisted mainly of opening the neighbourhood to the sea, by means of building a double entrance to Barcelona and a direct access to the port. But unfortunately, this project is currently inoperative.
Marina del Prat Vermell is the old industrial neighbourhood of Sants-Montjuïc district, an area featuring many expansion possibilities that today is experiencing a huge transformation. Its reurbanization will affect an area equivalent to 59 blocks of Eixample of Barcelona. This neighbourhood has called the attention of both public (Tax Agency) and private institutions.
The construction works in the area of Marina are based on a project developed by Consorci de la Zona Franca, which is investing in the urbanization of the area. The residential urbanization of Marina will affect a total of 40 blocks of buildings in Sants and Montjuïc Neighbourhoods.
The arrival of the Metro service to the airport and the construction of new buildings will open the neighbourhood to new residents, especially thanks to the closeness to Gran Via.
Passeig de la Zona Franca is a thoroughfare that will experience one of the most important urban rehabilitations
From one end to the other, the emblematic Barcelona’s coastline will soon face huge challenges as regards its rehabilitation.
Sant Gervasi-Bonanova is the entrance door to Collserola mountain, the green lung of the city of Barcelona and one of its most elegant residential areas.
This neighbourhood located on the outskirts of Barcelona used to be the place of residence of the upper class during the 19th century.
Situated in the upper area of the neighbourhood and surrounded by modernist palaces and houses, Tibidabo Avenue takes everyone back to those splendid times. Moreover, going up to the peak of Tibidabo by Tramvia Blau makes an unforgettable experience.
Tramvia Blau evidences the long history of the area, passing by this splendid palace on Tibidabo Avenue
This emblematic means of transport with more than 100 years of history takes its passengers to the Church of Sagrado Corazón along a unique journey.
Oi Real Estate offers one of the most elegant properties in the area, right on Tibidabo Avenue: an impressive Neoclassical palace.
Sometimes traditional, sometimes a bit more colourful, many times creative but always impressive, shop windows in Barcelona are the result of the well-known phrase in Spanish meaning that the best shop window is Barcelona itself: ‘Barcelona, la millor botiga del món’.
With a wide commercial activity, Barcelona offers many different types of stores that compete with each other to see which one shows the most beautiful shop window of the whole city.
Some of them try to keep the traditional nature of their occupations and to mirror that nature in their shop windows. Clear examples of these are a completely renewed barber shop and a tempting bakery.
Shop windows in Barcelona are guided by new trends without totally renouncing to their own styles
Some others go for design in order to show a message based on art, style and trends. Many of them are located close to Passeig de Gràcia and try to import ideas from other neighbours too.
Either for their own nature of for their innovative spirit, these are some examples of shop windows in Barcelona.
The Old Quarter in Barcelona unveils the history of the city, with narrow and labyrinthine streets, tiny squares and historic yards that feature a unique architecture and enchant their visitors.
Among chiseled lintels and gargoyles observing everyone’s steps, there is the old Jewish Quarter, as well as remains of the Roman Barcino surrounding the cathedral of the city.
The streets of the Gothic Quarter mirror important moments in history, making reference to the great basilica, like Bisbe (bishop), Pietat (mercy) and Paradís (heaven). These three streets feature a group of buildings called La Casa dels Canonges.
La Casa dels Canonges is an emblematic architectural whole, located in the Gothic Quarter
This architectural whole dates back to the 14th century and has been affected by a renovation project by Joan Rubió i Bellver, which highlights the details of the neighbourhood itself.
Here is where Oi Real Estate introduces its really emblematic historic building, located on Paradís Street in Barcelona.
Gràcia is one of the most authentic areas of the city of Barcelona, a charming neighbourhood that inspires both artists and entrepreneurs, and attracts any type of visitor with its Annual Festival.
On the hills above Barcelona, there is the historic centre Vila de Gracia, now transformed into one of the most distinctive districts of the city. Being both traditional and bohemian, Gràcia still conserves the Mediterranean charm of a cosmopolitan metropolis.
Its streets and squares have unique styles, its stores and restaurants convey a special fascination and its neighbours experience an inexplicable love for this tiny city within the capital.
Every day, squares and streets, like Torrent de l’Olla, are filled with life in Gràcia Neighbourhood
From centric Vila de Gràcia to Camp d’en Grassot, Gràcia Nova,Vallcarca, Els Penitents and La Salut i El Coll, Gràcia keeps a local touch that breaks every mould.
This special charm becomes even more attractive during its Annual Festival.
As summer temperatures start to rise, gastronomy becomes fresher and palates more exquisite. It is time for ceviche, a dish unveiling Peruvian gastronomy and gaining ground in Barcelona.
Nikkei cuisine was born from a combination between Japanese cuisine and Peruvian gastronomy. This is a great credit for traditional gastronomy, which has become trend with the help of important chefs arriving to Barcelona.
The most popular chef at this moment is Albert Adrià, awarded with several Michelin stars. However, the big boom of this gastronomic combination arrived with Pandilla de la Leche de Tigre, a group of internationally-awarded Peruvian cooks who landed in our country with their star dish, ceviche.
Ceviche is tradition as well as combination. Here is a fusion between Mexico and Peru
That was how Gastón Acurio, Virgilio Martínez, Mitcha Tsumura, Héctor Solís and Rafael Piqueras seduced the huge Spanish capitals. They introduced an innovative gastronomy without leaving tradition aside.
Situated towards the south of Barcelona, Garraf Coast is the perfect combination of sunny holidays, beaches, natural tourism, leisure activities and culture.
Garraf Coast offers kilometres of beaches with impressive cliffs, which hide little coves among the rocks. Moreover, esplanades are alternated with caves digged on limestone rock by the waters.
Waves hit hard on the rocks in Garraf Coast
The setting is a plus for the cultural wealth and lifestyle of places like Sitges and Vilanova i la Geltru. Their traditional festivals, monumental buildings and international events make Garraf the ideal place to live and enjoy.
Its history is linked to those who travelled looking for fortunes and came back as Spanish-American nobles. This destination features a romantic style, a sailing character and a modern culture, reflecting an adventurous past in a present paradise.
Its closeness to Barcelona has rendered tourism the main economic factor of the district, especially after the industrial crisis. Garraf is ideal for those who work in the capital city and want a second residence, long holidays or even a main residence.
That is because Garraf Coast is a destination that bewitches everyone!
During the 20th century, many cities used to host urban commercial galleries that attracted a new type of public to capitals like Barcelona. Getting to know them means hanging around its old commercial past.
Today’s shopping centres offer brands and services that, in the past, used to be far from the urban centre. They have a commercial strategy that is quite different from the one used by old commercial galleries on the emblematic urban streets.
Galleries are looking for some space on the most important commercial avenues, like Paseo de Gracia, and in modern shopping centres. The increase in rents resulting from LAU (Spanish Urban Rentals Law) and their poor presence at street level render their struggle to survive even harder.
In the half of the 20th century, Barcelona opened huge commercial galleries in urban spots like Las Ramblas
However, they’re still part of the commercial and cultural past of shopping paradises like Barcelona.
Today, we’ll go around some of these historical galleries on the city’s main streets: La Rambla, Portaferrisa, Gran Via , Pelai, Tuset and Bori i Fontestà.
Let’s get to know this tiny corner of the history of Barcelona!
Popular ‘food trucks’ are now fashion in Barcelona. Several festivals of food on wheels and a varied gastronomy make them increase in number and improve in quality.
After decades of success in the United States, the international trend of selling food on the streets has arrived to our country. It’s an opportunity to taste a whole world of culinary specialities within an informal and relaxed environment.
Every day, dozens of food trucks prepare urban food on the go, with an excellent quality and at a good price.
A truck and a good gastronomy speciality are the main components of food trucks
Festivals like Eat Street, initiatives like Van Van Market, frequent fairs like Palo Alto Market and pop-up stores events like Rec de Igualada gather these travelling stalls.
These initiatives can be the link between cuisine and culture (All Those Food Market) or cuisine and music (SoundEat!), considering the complete programmes that are available.
