Poble Espanyol, Barcelona Overview

Poble Espanyol is an open-air museum that resembles an actual village. Situated a short distance from the iconic Montjuïc Fountains, the village is a unique combination of art and architecture. It is also a venue conducting. theatre, performances, and food festivals.

Housing some incredible life-size renditions of Spanish buildings, Poble Espanyol is open all around the year. The restructured village has been made easy to explore and experience for tourists. From Andalusian settings to chapels influenced by Gothic architecture, the museum has all sorts of attractions. It was originally designed as part of the Barcelona International Exposition in 1929. Literally translating to Spanish Village, this area is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Barcelona.

Although the Poble Espanyol was planned to be destroyed once the exhibition was over, the museum was preserved because of its great success. The village conducts various shows around the year including theatre, dance performances and gastronomic festivals. It can also be hired for private events like weddings.

From a Dominican monastery to an Andalusian barrio, this little makeshift village is a melting pot of the varied cultures in Spain. There are many group tours, some specific to children, which walk you through the annals of history. Poble Espanyol is a wonderful place to visit for a short while.

History of Poble Espanyol

The idea of creating a village to exhibit Spanish culture is credited to Catalan architect Puig Cadafalch. The original set up was built by the architect duo Francesc Folguera and Ramon Reventós, art critic Miquel Utrillo and painter Xavier Nogués. Research was done for over 600,000 sites all across Spain in order to paint a comprehensive picture of the culture all around the country.

The exhibition of 117 pieces centred around 63 districts of Spain took over thirteen months to curate. Initially meant to be torn apart after the 1929 Exposition, the popularity this place garnered made the authorities decide against it. Curated carefully to correctly depict the traditions of each region, Poble Espanyol caters to adults and children alike with its museums, shows and activities.

Sightseeing in Poble Espanyol

1. Guinovart Space

guinovart space, poble espanyol, art installation — Source

The circular Guinovart Space is surprisingly versatile. Designed by the famous artist Josep Guinovart, this installation is presided over by a giant sculpture. Spanning over many floors, the Guinovart space can be explored in about 5 to 10 minutes. The abundance of natural light streaming through the building makes it a perfect place for portrait photography.

2. The Monastery of San Miquel

monastery of san miquel, pablo espanyol — Source

The exhibit of San Miquel’s monastery is an exquisite example of Roman-Catalan architectures melding together. Created as a tribute to the influences of various cultures on Catalonia’s places of worship, the monastery overlooks the city of Barcelona. It can be hired out for weddings and other events.

3. The Sculpture Garden

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Set right next to the Monastery of San Miquel, the sculpture garden houses 36 contemporary sculptures. The garden melds open green spaces with artistic expression, making it a beautiful place to stop for a picnic or a quick rest. In the evenings the sculpture garden often hosts concerts and magic shows.

4. Fiesta

One of the newer installations, the Fiesta pays homage to Spanish cinema and film-making. From the festival of Tomatina, Jaleo, Castells, San Fermin and La Patum, this immersive experience over breathtaking images and sound offers an unprecedented cultural and sensorial journey. It allows visitors to imbibe Catalan culture through the medium of multimedia.

5. Handicraft Market

handicraft making, poble espanyol — Source

Over 50 craftsmen and artisans have set up shop in the village of Poble Espanyol. Their products range from brown glass and ceramics to jewellery and much more. Each piece holds some cultural meaning and is meant to represent the art form unique to specific regions of Spain. You can even watch the artists make handicrafts live in their workshops.

Timings for the handicraft workshops are as below:

Winter: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Summer: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Autumn and spring: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM

6. Activities for Children

Activities for Children, Poble Espanyol — Source

While the historically specific Poble Espanyol may not seem like a great place to entertain children, the village authorities have been making efforts of late to make the exhibits more engaging and attractive for children. The village regularly conducts circuses, magic shows and other activities specifically for children, particularly on Sundays.

7. Traditional Spanish Food

Poble Espanyol has many cafeterias and fine-dining restaurants, all specialising in traditional Spanish cuisines from different regions. Set in the backdrop of actual locations across the country, the options range from paella to tapas and Iberian ham.

8. Night Life

The village has quite a happening night scene. There are four clubs inside the Poble Espanyol premises - Sala Upload, Input, The One and La Terrazza. La Terrazza is an open-air discotheque, only open during the summers. The Barcelona Night Pass gives you free access to these clubs as well as other places around the city.

How To Reach Poble Espanyol

By Bus

Bus number 13, 23 and 150 have stops right outside Poble Espanyol.

By Metro

Get down at Plaça Espanya (L1 and L3) and a short 10 minute walk will take you to Poble.

By Hop On Hop Off Barcelona Bus

The Red Line of Hop on Hop off Barcelona stops at Poble Espanyol.