Canaletes Fountain

The upper part of the Rambla begins where Plaça Catalunya leads into the Eixample. One of its most characteristic elements is the Canaletes Fountain, a very popular spot amongst locals and visitors alike. Legend holds that anyone who drinks from the fountain's water will be destined to always return to Barcelona.

The fountain was built at its current location when the city walls that once surrounded Barcelona were pulled down. The Rambla came to be one of the most popular avenues for city strolls, and the fountain was intended as a decorative element. No one at the time thought that it would turn into a symbol.

The Canaletes Fountain is never without company. Aside from being a common meeting point for people in the city centre, it is always surrounded by people strolling by or rushing past. In addition, many human statues have made the fountain their work place. Therefore, it is rare to see the fountain standing alone.

However, it is when the Barça team wins a decisive game or an important final that the largest crowds are drawn to the fountain. The team's supporters literally take over this section of the Rambla and give new meaning to the saying that "the Barça team is more than a club".