Raval District
Articles also under Pepe Carvalho Route:
The Raval district has experienced the highest degree of change of any neighbourhood in Barcelona. At the moment, it is a place marked by contrast. It is home to the majority of the city's vast immigrant population as well as a multitude of designer stores, chic bars and restaurants specialising in exotic and international cuisine. In short, it is a mix that reflects the cultural reality of Barcelona today. The district no longer bears any resemblance to its 14th century origins when the Raval was nothing more than agricultural fields that supplied the city with crops.
Starting in the 15th century, convents, guilds and, later on, a variety of industries were established in Barcelona and began to find their niche in the Raval. This also brought about a vast population increase since factory workers preferred to live in close proximity to their workplace. The result was that within a very short period of time, the Raval became the most densely populated district in all of Europe, driven by a frenetic pace and home to a great variety of activities.
The area's urban rehabilitation began in the 20th century and, although it hasn't reached all corners of the district, has left its mark on the Rambla de Raval. This avenue is far more modern than the streets and squares in its surrounding vicinity. Some streets still retain much of the district's typical ambience and some even conserve artwork left behind by spontaneous artists. This is the case with Calle Pintor Fortuny, on the right hand side heading down the Rambla, where one can find the Raval Cats, the wall painting shown in the photograph. They appeared one day, painted on a crumbling wall. When the facade was to be renovated, many were worried that the cats would disappear. That, however, wasn't the case. Since they had already become part of the place's identity, they were conserved on a background of colourful patchwork.
Currently, the district's public is amongst the most heterogeneous in the city: immigrants living or working (or both) in the neighbourhood, tourists who do not want to miss this side of Barcelona and locals (usually young and very hip) who always find their niche amongst the many bars and shops.
Starting in the 15th century, convents, guilds and, later on, a variety of industries were established in Barcelona and began to find their niche in the Raval. This also brought about a vast population increase since factory workers preferred to live in close proximity to their workplace. The result was that within a very short period of time, the Raval became the most densely populated district in all of Europe, driven by a frenetic pace and home to a great variety of activities.
The area's urban rehabilitation began in the 20th century and, although it hasn't reached all corners of the district, has left its mark on the Rambla de Raval. This avenue is far more modern than the streets and squares in its surrounding vicinity. Some streets still retain much of the district's typical ambience and some even conserve artwork left behind by spontaneous artists. This is the case with Calle Pintor Fortuny, on the right hand side heading down the Rambla, where one can find the Raval Cats, the wall painting shown in the photograph. They appeared one day, painted on a crumbling wall. When the facade was to be renovated, many were worried that the cats would disappear. That, however, wasn't the case. Since they had already become part of the place's identity, they were conserved on a background of colourful patchwork.
Currently, the district's public is amongst the most heterogeneous in the city: immigrants living or working (or both) in the neighbourhood, tourists who do not want to miss this side of Barcelona and locals (usually young and very hip) who always find their niche amongst the many bars and shops.
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