Northampton Taxi

Right in the heart of Barcelona, very close to Plaza Espanya and on the hill of Montjuic, you will uncover Poble Espanyol, an exciting attraction that will transport you instantly out of the town, into the area of traditional Spanish villages.

A little history

Poble Espanyol was constructed at the time of the planet Fair of 1929 by creators of great renown : the designer Puig I Cadafalch, initiator of the project ; two famous designers, Ramon Reventos and Francesc Folguera ; and the two artists Xavier Nogus and Miquel Utrillo. To do this project, they travelled through characteristic villages on the cape and got info about the architectural characteristics of each area to make a harmonious synthesis in one single town, Poble Espanyol Barcelona, right in the heart of the city of Barcelona. Their goal was to present to the world Spanish architecture in all of its variety, as well as the convivial ambiance of Iberian hamlets.
The town consists of elements reconstructed at once on the model of authentic Spanish buildings, whilst others are in original form, extrapolated and transported right to the middle of Barcelona. Carried out with great precision and a particularly harmonious aesthetic, this hamlet, which was to be destroyed after the Exposition, is still standing today, much to the delight of visitors. Aragon, Castilla, Andalusia, Asturias, Murcia, Catalunya.. You will be able to discover the standard architecture of all these areas without leaving the centre of Barcelona, so be sure not to miss Poble Espanyol.

My experience in Poble Espanyol

After having entered the enclosure of Poble Espanyol, you have the impression of having left the town and transported into the centre of an energetic and pleasing town. You are then in a position to ask for audio guides, which are available in Spanish, Catalan, English, French and Italian, giving you reasons about the regions of Spain, their design, their history, which is perfect to get an overall picture of the country. Strolling around gives you a full tour of Iberian design, while at the same time benefitting from the convivial ambiance of a Spanish hamlet, breathing in the gentle perfume of the orange trees.
Your visit begins in plaza Mayor, which abounds in small restaurants offering good quality menus and whose patios will allow you to absorb the sun, while admiring the architectural landscape of the village. Upon continuing your visit, you’ll discover Galicia, Asturias and Aragon, and will make a stop-off in Andalusia with its white-washed towns. Then you’ll be in a position to go and visit the Fran Fraudel foundation, a collection of modern art which gathers stupefying works from the contemporary Catalan artistic world : Picasso, Mir, Dal, Tpies, Pon, Momp and many others.

Afterwards, you can take a look around the tranquil monastery of San Miguel, as well as a giant number of buildings reflecting all areas of Spain.
While walking through the small lanes of Poble Espanyol, you’ll discover all types of shops, many of which are essentially craft and artists’ workshops. Leather, jewels, guitar manufacturers, glass-blowers, fans, masks, hand-made embroidery, paintings, ceramics you will be able to discover the trade systems of all of these objects and see online a way to blow glass thanks to one of the most noted glass-blowers in Spain. You may certainly be ready to dig out a few attractive objects to take back home.
To amuse the children, there are also some workshops offering such things as puppets, storytelling, and even a fun game which lets you discover the hamlet all whilst having a great time. Many festivities are also organized to amuse small ones and grown ups alike.
If you come later in the evening, you can eat in one of the many restaurants in Poble Espanyol, later having a drink in one of the pubs and then enjoying the well known clubs of the hamlet, to keep the party banging into the wee-small hours.
For those that wish to really get into the Spanish vibe, an authentic flamenco show with dancing, songs and music is also on offer in the Andalusian lanes of the village.
Poble Espanyol is an energetic town, ideal for walking, and where you’ll have the facility to discover the areas of Spain thru design and the standard craft industry. Moreover, Poble Esanyol regularly accommodates many events and festivities which liven up the life of the town and make your visit full of surprises.
Check the Barcelona blog.