10 interesting facts about Las Ramblas in Barcelona
Walking along Las Ramblas means immersing yourself in the beating heart of Barcelona. A journey where you can discover unique spaces full of history. Are you ready to experience Barcelona in all its glory?
10 interesting facts about Las Ramblas in Barcelona – discover them all!
1. The word Rambla comes from Arabic
More specifically, from the term ramla, which means a sandy river bed. In the 10th and 11th centuries, rain water would come rushing down the side of the Collserola Mountains, creating a pulsing stream of water and the outline of a certain famous promenade. Following the construction of the hospital, Las Ramblas became the first and only really wide avenue in Barcelona as a result.
2. Celebrate big wins at the Fuente de Canaletas
The tradition of celebrating FC Barcelona’s triumphs at the Fuente de Canaletas fountain dates back to 1930, when journalists from the sports newspaper La Rambla would report the latest results of matches on a chalkboard hanging out of their window. Fans would congregate beneath the newspaper’s office, located just in front of the fountain, and celebrate all of Barça’s biggest victories. Despite the arrival of radio – and eventually television – the tradition continued. Fans still gather at the Fuente de Canaletas to this day to listen to matches with their wind-up radios in hand.
3. The oldest hotel in Barcelona can be found on Las Ramblas
Specifically, the Hotel Oriente. Built between 1652 and 1670, it was originally the Franciscan College of San Buenaventura until the Spanish Confiscation of 1835, when it became the Gran Fonda de Oriente, a palace owned by the Durio family. In 1931, it was renamed the Hotel Oriente.
4. One of Spain’s most famous robberies took place on Las Ramblas
In 1981, an incident occurred at the Banco Central headquarters in Barcelona, located in Plaza Catalunya with access from Las Ramblas. This event became famous for several reasons: the upheaval in a society that had just experienced a failed coup attempt three months earlier, the tension inside the building, and the duration of the robbery, which lasted 37 hours and brought the city’s activity to a standstill.
A group of 11 people, led by José Juan Martínez Gómez, held 300 people hostage, including employees, customers, and passersby. They demanded the release of Tejero and four participants in the 23F coup attempt, although their true intention was to empty the vault and escape through a tunnel. The incident ended with the death of one of the robbers, the arrest of nine others, and the escape of one assailant. Subsequent investigations revealed no political connections, and the official version labeled them as a “gang of petty thieves, thugs, and anarchists.”
5. Unique Museums
On Las Ramblas, you can find the only Erotic Museum in Spain. Located opposite the Boquería Market, it attracts 60,000 visitors annually, 90% of whom are foreigners. The museum delves into the world of the Kama Sutra, the forbidden erotic art of Japan, and the history of Spanish porn cinema through 800 pieces.
6. Animal Sales Ban on Las Ramblas
In 2010, the sale of animals on Las Ramblas was prohibited. Two years earlier, a commitment was made to eliminate bird sellers due to non-compliance with animal display regulations. Only one establishment was granted authorization, considered a city heritage, but it had to comply with new legislation. The owner, who had five kiosks, was required to consolidate them into a single 40-square-meter stand, but difficulties in meeting animal protection regulations led the owner to abandon the plan.
7. Europe’s Largest Robotized Parking and Barcelona’s Only One
Las Ramblas is home to the largest robotized parking facility in Europe, located in the Palau Nou building with 11 underground floors and 780 fully robotized parking spaces. Drivers only need to collect a ticket and place their vehicle in one of the elevators, which will transport the car to an available spot.
8. The Clock That Marked the “Official Time of the City”
In the Poliorama Theater building, you’ll find the clock that once marked the “official time of the city.” This building was the headquarters of the Royal Academy of Sciences and Arts of Barcelona, and its clock began keeping time in 1886, when time references were limited to the sun and the sound of church bells. Only five years later, the official city time service was declared, as noted by the plaque next to the clock. Inside the building, another clock indicates the time in 24 cities worldwide.
9. The Controversial Cod Shop That Became Casa de Bruno Cuadros
The owner of this business opened it with the fortune he amassed while working at Barcelona’s mint, swallowing a gold coin a day. Many blamed him for the mint’s closure, earning the disdain of Barcelona’s society. When it was discovered that the cod shop Cal Pau Lladre was his, the business began to fail and had to close. Years later, Bruno Cuadros bought the building, completely renovated it, and opened an umbrella shop known for its colorful decoration.
10. Barcelona’s First Department Store
At number 5 Rambla de los Estudios stood Barcelona’s first department store, El Siglo. These stores were also marketing pioneers, introducing home delivery throughout Catalonia and using striking slogans.
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