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Discover Pueblo Español in its entirety

The Pueblo Español or ‘Poble Espanyol’ in Catalan, is an enclosure located in Montjuic. In our opinion, it’s one of the best things to do in the Sants-Monjuic zone. Here’s why.

Under the guise of a small village, it combines culture and architecture from around Spain. In it, we witness the gathering of the country’s architectural essence and heritage, making it an impressive sight for visitors. If you also want to enjoy this open space -attracting guests since 1929- keep reading to discover everything you need to know before visiting the Pueblo Español.

What is the origin of Pueblo Español?

Constructed in 1929 for the International Exhibition in Barcelona, Pueblo Españolwas the brainchild of Catalan architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch. It was envisioned as a village that would reunite the defining features of Spanish villages.

Finally, the Pueblo Español was designed by the renowned engineers and painters of the time: Miquel Utrillo, Xavier Nogués, Francesc Folguera and Ramón Reventós.
The creators of this place visited more than 1,600 towns before designing the site, as they wanted to ensure that they accurately captured the spirit of every corner of Spain.

Although the original plan was to demolish it after the International Exhibition, the designers agreed it should become a permanent project—and that’s exactly what happened.

History of the Pueblo Español

During the Barcelona International Exposition, Pueblo Español was meant to evoke a constant sense of celebration, so a wide variety of festivities were held. Dances, regional performances, open-air events, and even quiz competitions became part of daily life.

However, a few years later, Pueblo Españolwould become affected by the Spanish Civil War and was converted into a prisoner detainment facility.

Once the war ended, the Pueblo Español was threatened with ruin, but Barcelona City Council made a strategic move to preserve it. By distributing the Museum of Popular Arts and Industries among the different buildings on the site, the destruction of the buildings was avoided.

Between 1957 and 1973, Barcelona City Council made efforts to rejuvenate it and the entire Montjuic mountain. However, despite the rehabilitation work and various events organized, the site still struggled to operate effectively.

It wasn’t until 1986, following the restoration of democracy and autonomy in Catalonia, that Barcelona City Council managed to “revive” Pueblo Español. Since then, it has transformed into a hub for cultural, leisure, and commercial activities, enhancing its appeal to tourists and artisans alike.

Since then, around a million people visit Pueblo Español annually and enjoy hundreds of activities and places to visit. In addition, it now has several museums and tourist guides for all those who want to dive into its history.

Today, following the global pandemic of COVID-19, the Pueblo Español has been redesigned and has now separated its tourist activities from the locals. Although it still maintains a great tourist interest, it is now possible to enjoy various workshops more geared towards the local population.

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Things to do in Pueblo Español

The Pueblo Espanyol offers a plethora of activities, for all tastes and ages. While the events may vary based on Pueblo Españols’ calendar, certain times of the year call for themed activities.

For example, during Christmas, open-air concerts and festive activities are typically hosted for children. Similar events are organized around Halloween as well.

In addition, there are continuous activities throughout the year that you can enjoy, regardless of when you visit. Here is what awaits you at Pueblo Español every day of the year:

Appreciate the different architectural styles

The architecture of Poble Espanyol incorporates exactly 117 buildings that replicate constructions from practically every Spanish region. They represent all the styles representative of Spain, from Romanesque to Baroque.

Wandering through its streets and marvelling at the cultural diversity of each region of Spain is one of the highlights of visiting Pueblo Español. The best way to explore is with a map of the different areas, which you can also find on the Poble Espanyol website.

Artisinal workshops

Stalls and master craftsmen have always been one of the main features of Pueblo Español. In several of the buildings in the venue, you’ll find master craftsmen from different disciplines.

From master potters to sculptors, you’ll find families here who have passed down their craftsmanship through generations. You can join their craft workshops or, if you prefer, purchase some of their products as a memorable souvenir of your visit.

One advantage is that the workshops are typically brief and reasonably priced, so they won’t interfere with your plans or impact your travel budget.

There are also more in-depth workshops where you can make everything from leather bags to your own jewellery. However, bear in mind that these workshops are more expensive and must be booked days in advance.

Discover local contemporary art

Inside the Pueblo Españoll, you will find a museum where you can see works by Picasso, Dalí and Miró, among other great artists. There’s also a second museum, the Fran Daurel Museum, which houses various works, including “Sardana Oberta,” a group of sculptures created in 2000.

There’s also a garden where you can admire the Owanto sculpture, which embodies the spirit and strength of women as the heart of nature. Strolling through this garden, filled with art and a variety of native plants, is truly a beautiful experience.

Enjoy the local gastronomy

Pueblo Español has a wide variety of restaurants where you can try the most typical dishes of Catalan and Spanish cuisine. Many of its restaurants have terraces, allowing you to enjoy the good weather while you feast on some of the most delectable dishes in Barcelona.

FAQS

Is it possible to enter the Pueblo Español for free?

Yes, you can enter for free any day of the year if you have a family pass. You can also enter the Pueblo Español for free on 24 and 25 September if you are a resident of Barcelona.

How can I find out about the activities at Pueblo Español?

All you have to do is check the Pueblo Español’s schedule of events and see which ones interest you most. The immersive experience “Titanic: An Immersive Voyage” will be on display soon – watch this space!

Are there any nightlife activities?

As well as occasional evening activities, there is an open-air techno club in Pueblo Español called La Terraza del Pueblo Español, which opens in the afternoon.

Still not sure where to stay during your visit to Barcelona? Remember that at Loca Barcelona we have a great selection of the best tourist rentals in Barcelona. Whether you want to stay in the scenic Sants-Montjuic or the historical Gotic Barrio, we have the right apartment for you.

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