Visiting Poble Espanyol in Barcelona, is it worth it?

The area of Montjuic hill overlooking the Barcelona harbour is a must see for every visitor of the city. There are so many things to see there, including musical Fountains of Montjuic, Montjuic Castle, Miro museum, cable car and funicular rides, walks in the park, among others. Just some 400 metres away from the Fountains, there is the Poble Espanyol or Spanish village. It was built in 1929, so already 90 years ago, for the Barcelona International Exhibition. It was initially supposed to stay there just for the time of the exhibition, but it was so good that they decided to keep it so it’s there to this day. Some visitors complain that the 14 euros entrance fee is too steep and the shops inside are overpriced, so the question is, to go or not to go. Is it worth to choose this among many other things to do in Barcelona? Have a look over my shoulder watching my experience there and decide for yourself!30 pinterest poble espanyol barcelona thesanetravel.com 1650084

The buildings of the village are full-size replicas of 117 historic buildings from different parts of Spain, including the entrance gate. In a few minutes, you can move through several cities and even regions of Spain to discover the best of Spanish architecture. This is the magic of the Poble Espanyol. Poble Espanyol’s buildings are organised into four geographical areas of Spain: Mediterranean, South, Centre, and North. But let us start from the entrance.

Entrance gate, the Puerta de San Vicente

The entrance gate is a replica of the Puerta de San Vicente, the gate of a walled medieval town, Avila, part of UNESCO heritage. Its walls were built from the 11th to 14th century. The entrance is guarded by two human giants by sculptor Ramon Aumede, beautifully dressed in costumes of the early 20th century.10poble espanyol gate barcelona thesanetravel.com 1640980After they check your ticket and you get in, you will see info signs in front of you. There is an opportunity to get an audio guide for an additional fee to enrich your visit.11pinterest poble espanyol barcelona thesanetravel.com 164098312 poble espanyol audioguide barcelona thesanetravel.com 1650126Then you are ready to start your exploration. I turned to the street on my left surrounded by buildings showing the best architecture of Spain.13pinterest poble espanyol barcelona thesanetravel.com 165013014 pinterest poble espanyol barcelona thesanetravel.com 1640990As I was visiting on a Sunday morning in January, the street was empty and felt a bit like Palle alone in the world. By the way, do you know this book by Danish writer Jens Sigsgaard? After a short walk that goes a little bit uphill, you reach

The Monastery of Sant Miquel

This neo-Romanesque monastery combines elements from several Catalan monasteries, from the 11th and 12th centuries.15 pinterest poble espanyol barcelona thesanetravel.com 165002516pinterest poble espanyol barcelona thesanetravel.com 165001717 poble espanyol barcelona thesanetravel.com 1650016The frescoes that cover the interior were painted by a painter from Malaga Rafael Padilla and are inspired by Romanesque paintings from different parts of Catalonia, including Sant Quirze de Pedret. This is also a place with the best views over Barcelona. Take a moment to enjoy.18 pinterest poble espanyol barcelona thesanetravel.com 1650010Then take the right turn behind the monastery and follow the street leading to the highest tower of the village.19 poble espanyol tower barcelona thesanetravel.com 1650038Just a short while before reaching it, notice a bright blue doorway on your left leading to

The Fran Daurel Museum

It was opened in 2011 and houses a valuable private collection of paintings, sculptures, ceramics, tapestries and graphic artwork by leading masters of contemporary art of Spain including Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali and Joan Miro.20pinterest poble espanyol barcelona thesanetravel.com 1650039I was pleasantly surprised by the tastefully designed exposition and masterpieces represented there. As the museum is free with your entrance ticket, just come in and enjoy.21pinterest poble espanyol barcelona thesanetravel.com 165004622pinterest poble espanyol barcelona thesanetravel.com 1650053When exiting Museum, just turn left and the tower visible from every place of Poble Espanyol is next to you. It is a copy of Terre de Utebo.

Torre de Utebo

The tower of the church of Our Lady of the Assumption. The original can be found in Utebo town in Zaragoza province, also called Saragossa in English, in northern Spain. The original tower was built in two phases: the first part in the 16th century in Gothic-Mudejar style and the second in the 18th century in Baroque style. The Mudejar style is a combination of Christian and Muslim religions expressed in the language of architecture. You can clearly see the difference between Mudejar and Baroque parts when admiring this stunning building.40 pinterest poble espanyol barcelona thesanetravel.com 1640996I think now you’re ready to watch a real Fiesta housed in the copy of

Church of the Carmelites Alcaniz

The original is from the Teruel province of Spain.30 pinterest poble espanyol barcelona thesanetravel.com 1650084In 2018 Poble Espanyol museum opened a new "Fiesta" space which is a multimedia show highlighting Spain's most popular and famous cultural festivals, celebrations and landscapes. It’s very engaging and colourful. It’s free of charge with your entrance ticket.31 pinterest poble espanyol barcelona thesanetravel.com 165009732 pinterest poble espanyol barcelona thesanetravel.com 165006033 poble espanyol fiesta barcelona thesanetravel.com 1650102After watching Fiesta, if you are in Poble Espanyol at a more lively time than me, enjoy visiting shops and workshops of craftsmen, but in any case, do not forget to have a coffee with some handmade sweets. When returning to the city after your Poble Espanyol visit you must also try the best tapas in Barcelona.41 pinterest poble espanyol barcelona thesanetravel.com 165006942 pinterest poble espanyol barcelona thesanetravel.com 165006443 pinterest poble espanyol barcelona thesanetravel.com 165008744 poble espanyol coffee barcelona thesanetravel.com 1650090Conclude your visit walking through

Plaza Mayor

As in all Spanish towns, this is a large public space, inherited from the Greek agora or Roman forum. This Plaza Mayor was inspired by the one in Riaza town of Segovia province.poble espanyol barcelona thesanetravel.com 1650111Of course, those are only glimpses of what Poble Espanyol can offer but I hope you got an idea.

Practical information

Poble Espanyol is located approximately 400 metres away from the Fountains of Montjuïc. The closest Metro station is Espanya. The museum is open 365 days a year from 9 am but shops and workshops from 10 am. The entrance fee is 14 euros, online 12,60 euros. The cost of renting an audio guide is €3.50. A 20€ deposit will be required for the audio guide. There are luggage lockers available to make your visit more comfortable. Ask for information.51 poble espanyol luggage barcelona thesanetravel.com 1650118Where to stay? If you want to spend time in the Montjuic hill area and also visit Montserrat, I would recommend staying at four stars Ayre Hotel Gran Via.61hotel ayre gran via barcelona thesanetravel.com 1640373So what would be your decision: paying 14 euros and visiting Poble Espanyol or not?

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The area of Montjuic hill in Barcelona is a must see for every visitor. There are so many things to see there, including the Poble Espanyol or Spanish village. It was built in 1929, for the Barcelona International Exhibition. It was so good that they decided to keep it. Some visitors complain that the 14 euros entrance fee is too steep, so the question: Is it worth it? Have a look and decide for yourself! #visitBarcelona #PobleEspanyol #SpanishvillageBarcelona #travelblog #travelphotography

Ready to explore more of the city? Check 37 things to do in Barcelona!

What did you think? Have you been to Poble Espanyol? Or perhaps you’re thinking of visiting there in the near future? Either way, I’d love to hear from you so please add your comments below.

  • Published by Anita on February 09, 2019
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    Author: Anita Sāne

    Anita 03 18

    About the author
    Anita is a part-time traveller, passionate photographer and a retired career woman from Latvia, 
    travelling mostly solo for more than 15 years. She is a skilled travel planner who plans and executes her travels by herself. Anita wants to show you how to travel the world and open your mind to new experiences. Follow her on FacebookInstagramPinterestTwitter and Bloglovin.

     

    The area of Montjuic hill in Barcelona is a must see for every visitor. Do not forget to visit the Poble Espanyol or Spanish village built in 1929. https://bit.ly/2Gjnvll By @thesanetravel #visitBarcelona #PobleEspanyol #SpanishvillageBarcelona #travelblog #travelphotography

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    I’ve been in to Poble Espanyol twice, once during the day, and once for the evening flamenco dinner show which was great. I think it’s a lovely place to visit and would recommend it to anyone! Seem to remember I got money off my entrance fee with the sightseeing bus tour tickets.
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    Yet another phenomenal post! HOW DID I MISS THESE MONASTERIES when I was in Barcelona! I absolutely Must go back ASAP! Thank you so much!!!
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    Mr CW went on a stag weekend to Barcelona and promised to take me soon, then the junior CWs appeared and we we have yet to visit. Have shown all three of them this post and they are looking thoughtful .... here’s hoping
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    I've been to Catalunya several times and had no idea about Poble Espanyol. I think I would visit actually. The price might be steep for a museum but the visit would help me with deciding if I want to truly visit an actual place in Spain or not. So I vote yes for visiting Poble Espanyol!

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