Spanish village in Barcelona – history, photo, description, how to get there, prices 2021, map
One of the main attractions of the country is the Spanish Village in Barcelona. It is a real complex, an open-air museum, which gives everyone the opportunity to get acquainted with examples of architecture of past centuries. Every year this place is visited by many thousands of tourists.
Why built
This question cannot be answered unambiguously. Sometimes it seems that this was done specifically for the guests of the country. So that they can, as they say, “without departing from the ticket office”, see how the main sights of Spain look like. But this village is intended not only for foreigners, but also for the Spaniards themselves. Despite the careful attitude of the people to their culture, it is sometimes difficult to preserve architectural structures whose age is measured in centuries. So the Spanish village will allow the descendants of the current inhabitants of the country to see what their great-grandfathers admired.
The open-air museum Poble Espanyol originated at the beginning of the 20th century. The reason for its creation was the preparation for the World Exhibition. Professionals – artists and architects – traveled all over the country. Moreover, they paid attention not only to the famous palaces and temples, but even visited small villages, where houses, amazing in their color, were preserved.
So there was a development of the project of the future Spanish village. Now over 40 thousand square meters have been allocated for it. They housed models of 117 buildings. Some are life-size, while others are miniatures. Fortresses and monasteries, palaces and traditional dwellings, they are all made of the same materials as their prototypes.
The Spanish village was discovered in 1929 on Mount Montjuic (although the first guests visited here in 1927), and since then it has been a place of real pilgrimage. Needless to say – she makes a grandiose impression. And yet – what is worth seeing here? The gates leading to the complex are a copy of the fortifications of the famous castle of San Vicente. The central square has collected the features of many market squares of the Middle Ages. Now concerts are held here, and in the evenings, flamenco shows.
Attracts the attention of tourists and a replica of the old town hall. The streets of the Spanish village are named so that tourists can easily find their way around. Would you like to see the masterpieces of Andalusia? Look for Arcos street. The buildings of the Valencian Community are represented on Levante Street and so on.
Such zoning is very convenient for those who came to Spain for a short time, cannot visit all of its ancient cities, but at the same time would like to see as many as possible.
City of artisans – what to see?
Guests come to the Spanish Village not only to see skillfully made models. This is a place where you can watch how artisans work – after all, a real “City of Masters” is located here. And skill in Spanish families is passed down from generation to generation. So during the master classes, tourists can be introduced to ancient secrets, and, of course, they will answer all their questions.
The work of potters attracts special attention of the guests. After all, the dishes that they produce – bowls, cups, jugs – are needed in every family. And rarely anyone leaves here without a souvenir. In addition, you can stand behind the potter's wheel yourself and, under the guidance of a master, make something simple on your own.
Glassblowers have a more complex craft, but they will also tell you how beautiful products are made. Wonderful vases, various souvenirs and decorations bought here will always remind you of Spain. And, of course, you can see how weavers, tanners, and artists work. It seems to many that the time machine moved the Spanish village and all its guests to the distant Middle Ages. Craft traditions are carefully preserved here.
Souvenir shops are also located in the houses of the Spanish village. It mainly sells jewelry made of gold and silver. They are very beautiful, but those who are used to saving money can be advised to buy jewelry directly in the shops of Spanish cities – they will cost less there.
Holidays for every taste
In the Spanish countryside, no one will be bored. Those who are interested in history will look at the models of buildings with great interest. Those who like to shop will run their eyes at the sight of a variety of souvenirs. Tired, want to sit and eat? Not a problem – cafes and restaurants are waiting for you here.
But young people come to the Spanish village in the late afternoon. The nightlife here is vibrant and lively. Clubs are open, not only modern, but also national Spanish dances are dancing at discos, cabaret invites lovers of spectacles.
Opening hours and ticket prices
You can explore the Spanish Village daily, it opens its doors at 9 am. But it closes at different times – depending on the days of the week. The open-air museum is open the longest on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays until midnight. On Monday – until 20:00, on Friday the Spanish Village closes the earliest – at 15:00, on Saturday – an hour later, at 16:00.
The cheapest way to purchase such a service as a video guide is 3 euros. Russians can listen to the story in Russian. It is most convenient, and even more practical, to buy tickets by going to the website of the Spanish Village. Those who do so will be given a 20% discount, but in this case, it will not be possible to return tickets in case of force majeure.
Adults can see the sights of the Spanish Village for 12 euros, for a child under 12 years old, you need to pay 7 euros. There are discounts for pensioners and students, combined tickets are offered. The cheapest way to visit the village is at night, after 20:00. It will cost 5 euros.
Another nice feature. Those who have purchased tickets can visit the Spanish Village several times during one day. It is not forbidden to enter the complex as much as you like. But if roller skates, which are so popular with young people, are on your feet, they won't let you in here.
Where is it located and how to get there
To explore the Spanish Village in Barcelona, you can use the metro. The desired station is called “Plaza de España”, and trains running along lines 1 and 3 stop at it. A walk to the architectural complex from this station will take no more than a quarter of an hour. Buses 13 and 150 also go here, the stop is again “Plaza de España”.
A visit to the Spanish village of dates is an opportunity to get acquainted with the life and culture of the country, which have been formed over the centuries.