Poble Espanyol—which translates into English as “Spanish town”—is an open-air museum where you’ll encounter 117 life-size architectural recreations of buildings that one might come across in communities located all across Spain (and throughout its rich past). Within this living, breathing piece of imagined Spanish history visitors will find dozens of artisans plying their trades in fascinating workshops, as well as an art museum, numerous restaurants, and several cafés. Poble Espanyol also runs all different types of family-friendly activities each and every day.
History of Poble Espanyol
Poble Espanyol was conceived as a showstopping centerpiece of the 1929 Barcelona Universal Exhibition, the second World Fair hosted by the city. It was primarily the handiwork of four individuals: Francesc Folguera and Ramón Reventós served as the project’s lead architects, while the artists Miquel Utrillo and Xavier Nogués provided significant advice and assistance. Work on Poble Espanyol began in January of 1928; the attraction was open to the public on the first day of the Universal Exhibition, May 20, 1929.
The original intention was for Poble Espanyol to be closed down and taken apart at the exhibition’s conclusion, but the attraction’s popularity was such that this plan was scrapped. Still, on account of neglect and mismanagement Poble Espanyol fell into disrepair over the course of the next half-century. In 1996, though, new leadership took over Poble Espanyol; this infusion of resources saw the site returned to is original glory. Today, Poble Espanyol remains one of Barcelona’s most distinctive cultural attractions, a popular place for people from all over the world to learn about the region’s rich history.
Poble Espanyol Highlights
Poble Espanyol is most famous for its 117 architectural recreations of real-life buildings you might come across in other regions of Spain. Broadly speaking, the site is organized geographically: there are areas of the attraction dedicated to northern Spain, southern Spain, central Spain, and the eastern coastal areas of Spain (along the Mediterranean). Every visitor is likely to find their interest piqued by a different portion of the attraction, but for most people standout elements of Poble Espanyol include an Andalusian neighborhood of the sort you might find in Cadiz or Malaga, medieval buildings modeled after the type associated with Cervantes’ La Mancha region, and a picturesque Catalan street.
Many visitors get a lot out of the “Feeling Spain” audiovisual spaces situated throughout Poble Espanyol. Each one of these immersive installations shares insights into a different regional aspect of Spanish life, culture, history, and more.
The Fundació Fran Daurel (sometimes referred to as the Fran Daurel Museum) is headquartered here at Poble Espanyol, and selections from its 300-piece collection are on display within an exhibition on Placeta de la Iglesia. The collection’s focus is predominantly on modern Catalan art, with notable artists featured here including Albert Ràfols-Casamada, Josep Guinovart, Miquel Barceló, and Jaume Plensa. There’s also a lovely sculpture garden featuring some three-dozen striking pieces arranged in a grove of trees outside the museum.
More to See and Do at Poble Espanyol
Poble Espanyol is one of Barcelona’s most elaborate attractions—here you’ll find food, drink, live music, handcrafted goods, workshops, modern art, and more. It’s definitely the type of place you’ll want to visit with a plan in mind, so keep reading for several more things to see, do, and know about at Poble Espanyol.
*Within the grounds of Poble Espanyol you’ll have your pick of nine distinct restaurants. These establishments specialize in tapas, paella, seafood, Mediterranean market cuisine, and rice-based dishes, just to name a few of the notable foods you’ll have to choose from here. The majority of restaurants and cafés located at Poble Espanyol have lovely terraces, making them terrific places to sit and sip a drink or enjoy a meal as you soak in the scenic surroundings.
*There are plenty of shopping options available at Poble Espanyol, too. Art, jewelry, clothing, souvenirs, and accessories—you name it, you can find a store specializing in it here. There’s even an official FC Barcelona shop located on the grounds.
*Poble Espanyol’s Main Square is the attraction’s go-to destination for live music. In the evenings big-name acts play attention-grabbing concerts here—Poble Espanyol, after all, is where the acclaimed Primavera Sound music festival got its start—but typically on any given day you can visit and watch some sort of compelling performance unfold throughout this space.
*Visitors with a particular interest in handcrafted goods might want to consider signing up for one of Poble Espanyol’s hands-on workshops. These special experiences are available in several different formats at a variety of price-points, and can function as an unforgettable way to learn all about the work of the attraction’s talented artisans firsthand. Check out the “Handicrafts” webpage on Poble Espanyol’s official website for more information.
*An audio guide to Poble Espanyol can purchased on-site; it’s available in English, Spanish, Catalan, Italian, German, French, and Chinese. Though the audio guide only costs a few euros per person, you will be required to put down a 20-euro security deposit when you purchase it; this will be refunded to you when you return the guide.
Why Poble Espanyol Should Be on Your Must-See List
Poble Espanyol makes for a wonderful addition to any Barcelona tourist itinerary on account of the fact that it provides a little bit of something for everyone. Are you a history buff wanting to learn more about the many cultures of Spain? You’ll be charmed by the site’s eclectic architectural wonders. Are you an art lover looking to experience another fine collection of contemporary art? You’ll get a kick out of the Fundació Fran Daurel. Are you a foodie hoping to enjoy a tasty meal in a memorable setting? You’ll delight in the fine selection of bars, restaurants, and cafés—or maybe you’ll just want to have a picnic on the grounds of the attraction! Poble Espanyol is the type of place where you don’t even have to choose from any of the above options.
