El Raval is a dynamic multicultural district in the heart of Barcelona.
Famous for its avant-garde, bohemian ambience, it's home to some of the city's best museums and restaurants.
Let me introduce you to this place in detail.
El Raval in Barcelona: article summary
Barcelona's El Raval: what's the story behind the place?
The name Raval, derived from the Arabic word rabad, means periphery. Indeed, El Raval was beyond the Roman walls of Barcino and the first set of medieval walls. Remains of medieval walls can be seen next to Les Drassanes.
The ancient Roman roads outside Barcino actually formed the outline of the district. Before the 10th century, the monastery of Sant Pau del Camp was the first major center of what was to become El Raval. Barcelona's growth engulfed the area within a third city wall.
In the Middle Ages, El Raval consisted of market gardens that supplied the city with produce. From 1770 to 1840 was the industrialization of El Raval. In 1850, apartment blocks housing workers from the countryside for the textile mills were built on several floors to maximize space.
A stage for art
Botero's cat arrived in 2003 at the end of the new Ramblas del Raval and has been a symbol of the neighborhood. The chubby bronze cat is a perfect meeting point before a night on the town. Colombian artist and sculptor Fernando Botero also created the rounded horse that has stood in Barcelona El Prat airport's Terminal 2 since 1992.
El Raval also has a thriving street art scene. Look around and you'll see famous street artists such as Space Invader.
Barcelona's El Raval: a district packed with museums
Visit Museu Marítim de Barcelona is housed in the Drassanes, Barcelona's royal shipyards. Construction began in the late XIIIᵉ century. In 1568, the Galera Reial was built on the site, and a replica remains in the main slipway.
Visit Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA) opened its doors in 1995. The permanent collection of around 5,000 works dates from the mid-20ᵉ century. It is located on Plaça dels Àngels, a popular spot for young people to go out and skateboarding.
Adjacent to the MACBA is the Barcelona Center for Contemporary Culture (CCCB)a multidisciplinary institution hosting exhibitions, debates, festivals, concerts, films, courses and workshops.
Finally, you'll find the Güell Palacean Art Nouveau-inspired building designed by Antoni Gaudí for industrial magnate Eusebi Güell. Built between 1886 and 1888, it was the home of the Güell i López family until they moved to the parc Güell.
A selection of the area's best restaurants
As you'd expect, the El Raval district is full of great restaurants that you really must try on your vacation.
Family-run Bar Cañete is one of the world's leading best tapas restaurants Barcelona, famous for its fresh seafood from Catalan markets.
One of the best vegetarian restaurants of the city, Teresa Carles offers a fabulous lunch menu.
El Raval in Barcelona: hotels to relax in
The building occupied by Hotel 1898 was once the headquarters of the Philippines Tobacco Company, Spain's first major multinational. Directly on Las Ramblas and just a few steps from the Place de CatalunyaYou couldn't ask for a more convenient location.
The Barceló Raval hotel stands on the Ramblas de Raval and boasts a spectacular terrace with 360-degree views.
The Andante Hotel is centrally located in the lower part of the El Raval district, a short distance from Port Vell and Las Ramblas.
Famous markets and stores
La Boqueria is a world-renowned food market. Located just off Las Ramblas, its origins date back to 1217. It's best to visit early and avoid the crowds. There are many wonderful places to eat among the market stalls, like El Quim de La Boqueria and Pinotxo Bar.
Raval is famous for its boutiques selling vintage clothes and accessories. Holala Plaza is Barcelona's largest vintage store.
Now you know a lot more about Barcelona's El Raval district. On your vacation, I'm sure you'll be stopping by to find out more. in the heart of Barcelona.
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