Visiting Las Ramblas

The iconic Las Ramblas of Barcelona has origins dating back to the Roman era when the city was known as Barcino. At that time, two streams flowed through the city center, one of which, called Sant Miquel, was located where we now find the Rambla. When the stream dried up, shepherds and farmers used it as a pathway. During the Middle Ages, walls were built around the Raval, and the streams were redirected, transforming these paths into a public promenade for residents. Over time, this became the 1.2-kilometer-long avenue that today runs from Plaza Catalunya to Port Vell.

On both sides of the Rambla, religious buildings were constructed, which were later destroyed and burned down in the 17th century. The area was then used to create public spaces like the Boquería Market, the Liceu Theater, and Plaza Real in the 1840s and 1850s.

The tradition of selling flowers along Las Ramblas began in 1853 with mobile stalls that were set up each morning and taken down at night. It wasn’t until the 1860s that permanent stalls were built, of which only 16 remain today.

Las Ramblas became a vital cultural and artistic element, with contributions from some of Spain’s great cultural figures. Plaza Real features street lamps designed by Gaudí, the artist Joan Miró created a mosaic on the Rambla de les Flors, and Federico García Lorca found inspiration in the flower sellers for his play Doña Rosita la soltera o el lenguaje de las flores.

In recent decades, Las Ramblas has undergone many changes, not only in design but also in the types of stalls. After years of selling pets such as birds, turtles, and fish, animal sales were banned in 2013 after prolonged debate.

Renovations on Las Ramblas are now underway, with completion expected by 2027. The project aims to create a more open, pedestrian-friendly space, with more rest areas, plazas, and parks. Sidewalks and the central promenade will be expanded, leaving only one lane for vehicles on each side.