Thanks to its beauty and unique atmosphere, Barcelona is one of the few cities in the world that has been both the setting and source of inspiration for novels and writers over the centuries. Writers love this place. It’s an inspiring city thanks to its many hidden treasures, bustling streets and stunning unique spaces. Can you think of any authors who’ve taken inspiration from Barcelona? Why not follow our literary trail to step into their world for an afternoon… discover it all below!
1. Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes
You’ve heard of Don Quixote of La Mancha, right? Miguel de Cervantes spent time living in Barcelona and enjoyed regular walks through the Gothic Quarter. Its narrow streets, its inhabitants and its unique way of life all served as inspiration and are reflected in arguably the greatest Spanish literary work ever written.
Take a stroll through the streets here and discover the historical and symbolic places that evoke the time when Don Quixote himself would have been around. Gaze upon the neighbourhood’s medieval streets, see the statue of St George in Plaza de San Jaime, and explore the parks that inspired scenes in the book, such as Parc de la Ciutadella.
2. Cathedral of the Sea by Ildefonso Falcones
A famous novel from more recent years that is set in Barcelona is Cathedral of the Sea by Ildefonso Falcones. This book was inspired by the construction of the Santa Maria del Mar Basilica and the life of local residents during the 14th century.
You can visit the church yourself and see it through the eyes of those who built it stone by stone… Then take a stroll through La Ribera, where much of the novel takes place, and visit the Born Centre de Cultura i Memoria, where you can explore the archaeological ruins that were discovered during its restoration, a unique insight into medieval Barcelona. Enjoy!
3. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón is another of our favourite books set in Barcelona. The story takes place in the Gothic Quarter and explores what life would have been like in the city in the first half of the last century through the eyes of the book’s protagonists. La Rambla, Carrer d’Argenteria, Montjuïc Cemetery and the L’Avenç bookshop are just some of the places you can visit to walk in the footsteps of the characters. Don’t miss out!
4. Eduardo Mendoza, “The City of Marvels”
Have you read “The City of Marvels”? This novel by Eduardo Mendoza portrays the transformation of Barcelona during the 20th century through its protagonist, Onofre Bouvila, an immigrant, anarchist propaganda distributor, and traveling salesman of hair tonic.
You can visit Ciutadella Park, where Onofre takes a balloon journey, Sant Antoni Market, or the Palau de la Música Catalana, where Onofre works, as well as the Raval neighborhood or La Rambla, where the book’s scenes unfold.
5. Manuel Vázquez Montalbán and “Southern Seas”
“Southern Seas” is a novel that is part of the famous book series featuring detective Pepe Carvalho. The majority of the story takes place in Barcelona, and you can relive his adventures by strolling through the city.
The Raval and the Gothic Quarter are the neighborhoods that serve as inspiration for the author, and La Rambla is the detective Pepe Carvalho’s favorite street. Finish the route at the port of Barcelona and have a meal at Can Solé Restaurant, where the detective appears on several occasions.
