BCN's most interesting neighbourhoods and their curiosities

Barcelona is a city with a lot of history and many stories, which not everyone knows, fortunately we do. In this blog we are going to go beyond talking about the most touristic monuments of the city, we are going to tell you curiosities and facts about Barcelona that, we are sure, you didn’t know.

Read on and leave everyone in awe on your next stroll through the Catalan capital. Barcelona hides not-so-well-known corners and stories that will leave you open-mouthed. Are you ready?

The Gothic neighborhood

The Gothic Quarter is the oldest part of Barcelona and also one of the most visited by the millions of tourists who choose Barcelona every year to enjoy their holidays.

The main attraction of this popular Barcelona neighbourhood is the mix of cultures and architectural styles, ranging from Gothic to contemporary to Romanesque. This is why the Gothic Quarter is where most of the monuments and buildings of interest are concentrated.

What you probably didn’t know is that Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter… It’s not gothic! In its entirety, of course. Some of the most emblematic buildings in the neighbourhood, such as the Pont del Bisbe, date from the 20th century, specifically from 1928. And, although it is very popular now, at the time it was built, the people of Barcelona were not very happy about it.

The Borne

The Borne neighbourhood, located next to the Gothic Quarter, is another of Barcelona’s most historic neighbourhoods; in fact, in recent years it has grown so much that it has become the most popular in the city.

In the 14th century, the city’s brothels were leased by the City Council, so they were legally located in certain dwellings in this district of Barcelona. The Borne neighbourhood, located next to the Gothic Quarter, is another of Barcelona’s most historic districts; in fact, in recent years it has grown so much that it has become the most popular in the city. These are sculptures of faces protruding from buildings to indicate to prospective customers that there is a brothel nearby. There are several in the Born and in the Gothic Quarter, do you dare to hunt them all down?

Gràcia

The Gràcia district of Barcelona is perhaps the one where the most styles coexist. A neighbourhood where lifelong residents live, with students, tourists and, above all, artists and musicians of all kinds. This is why it is declared the neighbourhood of art and Catalan rumba.

A curious fact about the Gràcia neighbourhood is that Peret, the famous Catalan rumba musician, was born here. In addition, every year they celebrate the popular “Fiestas de Gràcia”, where they decorate each of the streets of this neighbourhood of Barcelona, with very colourful and diverse themes.

Did you know these curious facts about each of Barcelona’s best-known neighbourhoods? Come to Grums Hotel&Spa to visit us and discover first-hand the most special corners and stories of each neighbourhood in the city!