Many of Barcelona’s streets, squares and parks are named after famous figures from Spanish history. There are also quite a few international names honoured, including Anne Frank, George Orwell, Winston Churchill, John Lennon and Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi Gardens (Jardins de Gandhi) were inaugurated in 2000 by the then-Mayor of Barcelona Joan Clos. The small park…
Tag: statues
Rafael Casanova Monument
Rafael Casanova was the Councillor in Chief of Barcelona during the war of the Spanish succession. He is a Catalan national hero and was wounded defending the city when it fell to Bourbon troops on September 11th 1714. Catalan politicians and public figures lay floral tributes in front of the statute as part of the…
The “Maja Madrilenya” Fountain
The “Maja Madrilenya” is a 5m high white marble fountain in Plaça Vila de Madrid (just off La Rambla). The statue was unveiled in 1956 and is the work of Catalan sculptor Lluís Montané Molfulleda. So what exactly is a Maja? “Majas” or “Majas Goyescas” date back to 18th century Madrid. At the time women’s…
Poblenou Cemetery
Poblenou’s Cemetery (Cementiri de Poblenou / Cementiri de l’Este) was built in the mid 18th Century and then rebuilt and extended during the 19th Century. It is divided into 3 sections. The first of which is a labyrinth of 7 story high burial niches typical of Spanish cemeteries. The second section is full of extravagant…
Plaça de Catalunya – More Than Just a Metro Stop!
For many visitors Plaça de Catalunya is the first place they see when they arrive in Barcelona. If you take the Aerobus from the airport, the chances are you will get off here on the way to your hotel. Plaça de Catalunya is also the intersection between Las Ramblas, Portal de l’Àngel, Ronda de…
The Roger de Llúria Monument
This bronze statue of Roger de Llúria was constructed in 1885 by Catalan artist Josep Reynés. The statue is located on Passeig Lluis Companys, just opposite the main entrance to the Ciutadella Park and was originally part of a series of 8 statues of Catalan heroes. Who was Roger de Llúria? Roger de Llúria was…
The Arc de Triomf
The Arc de Triomf was built in 1888 as the main entrance to the Exposición Universal de Barcelona. It was designed by the Catalan architect Josep Vilaseca i Casanovas and features sculptures by Josep Reynés, Josep Llimona and Manel Fuxa. The 30 metre high mudejar style brick arch is the focal point at the end…
The Canaletas Fountain (Font de Canaletes)
I’d estimate that 95% of tourists who visit Barcelona walk straight past the Canaletas Fountain without even noticing it which is a shame because this fountain come lamp post at the top of La Rambla is linked to a couple of interesting traditions. Canaletas Traditions #1: Tradition has it that if you drink from the…
Gambrinus – Barcelona’s Giant Lobster Statue
This funky giant prawn/lobster statue was originally part of the decor at the Gambrinus seafood restaurant. The 10m long fibreglass sculpture was designed and built by Spanish artist Javier Mariscal. When the Gambrinus restaurant closed the statue was bought by Barcelona city council, restored and now takes pride of place on Passeig Colom near the Port…
Myths, Rumours and Equestrian Statues
A couple of weeks ago I was showing a friend from another part of Spain around Barcelona. As part of our impromptu tour we passed the statue of Ramon Berenguer III on Via Laietana. My friend asked me if I knew the significance of the fact that one of the horse’s hooves is raised. When…
