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The protagonists of Jet Lag live in an apartment located on the Ramblas of Barcelona. AuthorNikos Roussos.

Top 10 Little Know Facts about Las Ramblas

Las Ramblas is a street located in central Barcelona. It is lined with trees and it is 1.2 km. The street connects Plaça de Catalunya with the Christopher Columbus Monument at Port Vell. Las Ramblas street marked the boundary between Barri Gòtic to the east and El Raval to the west.

Las Ramblas street is crowded during the tourist season. Due to the high rate of tourists visiting the street, the character has changed due to the restoration of pavement cafes and souvenir kiosks. Due to the high number of tourists on the street, pickpocketing has also increased.

Below are some of the top 10 little know facts about Las Ramblas

1. The street was Originally a Sewage-Filled Stream

Las Ramblas street was once a sewage-filled stream. Most of the time the stream was always dry but during heavy rain, the street drained from the Collserola hills during the spring and autumn seasons.

2. The Street was Constructed in 1440

In 1377, construction began for the expansion of Las Ramblas and El Raval. In 1440, the street started to develop slowly into a street when the stream was redirected to run outside the walls.

Las Ramblas became the center of urban life in Barcelona. The street serves as a marketplace and it is used for festivals and sports.

Additionally, some religious establishments were built on the street.  These religious establishments include the Jesuit Bethlehem monastery and college established in 1553.

3. Trees were Planted on the Street in 1703

Las Ramblas from Colon. Author Pablo Costa Tirado.

Lining trees were first planted at the store In 1703. The trees included 280 birch trees. The trees were later replaced by elm trees. Additionally, in 1832,  acacias trees were planted and in 1859, the trees started to be common on the street.

4. The Street was Used as a Market for Caged Birds

Las Ramblas Barcelona. Author FaceMePLS.

Las Ramblas street was initially used as an open-air market for caged birds and different small pets which came to an end in 2010. This was after the laws on animal protection made it difficult for businesses at the market to continue.  After a long period of fighting the laws, the market closed.

During the 17 August 2017 terrorist attack,  people were struck by a van that was intentionally driven down the sidewalk on Las Ramblas. The attack left 15 people dead and at least 100 people were injured during the attack.

5. A Plan to Redevelop the Street was Approved in 2017

Las Ramblas Barcelona. Author Karen Jardine

Barcelona city In 2017 approved a proposed plan to redevelop Las Ramblas street which is famous in the country. This plan was intended to give the street a new look and a presentable image to visitors.

The redevelopment plans are slated to start in late 2022. The budget for the whole redevelopment project is estimated to be around €45 million which will be carried out in different stages.

The plan proposed intended to develop more pedestrian spaces and reduce the number of car lanes available. The street traffic shall be used by service vehicles only and people living in the area. The idea behind this redevelopment is to create more green space in order to attract locals and international tourists to the street.

6.  The Street Host Various Cultural Establishments in Barcelona

Barcelona in 2015. Author Eric Fischer.

In Barcelona city, Las Ramblas street host most of the cultural establishments.

The street host an opera house that was opened in 1847. The opera house is called The Gran Teatre del Liceu, commonly known as Liceu.

The street is home to the oldest theater in  Barcelona city. The Teatre Principal was founded in 1568, and constructed on the street.

Also, The Centre d’Art Santa Mònica which serves as a public museum of contemporary art is located at Ramblas street. The museum exhibits international artists and cultural events.

7. Las Ramblas Witnessed Riots in 1835

In its history, the street has witnessed Various conflicts and riots. The main target was the  Rambla’s religious buildings such as St. James, which was attacked in 1835. The revolutionaries burned down monasteries and churches and left a number of people dead. The Spanish Civil War which was between 1936 and 1939 also targeted religious buildings and personnel.

8. The Street Host the Oldest Hotel in Barcelona

One of the oldest hotels in Barcelona is on Las Ramblas. The hotel is known as Hotel Oriente.

The hotel was Constructed between 1652 and 1670. Originally the hotel served as a School of San Buenaventura until 1835. The school was later acquired by the Durio family and it became the Gran Fonda de Oriente palace. It was named Hotel Oriente in 1931.

9. Las Ramblas was the Scene of the most Famous Robberies in 1981

In 1981, the Central Bank of Barcelona headquarters experienced one of the most famous robberies in its history. The robbery became famous since it caused upheaval in society.

The robbery came after a failed coup attempt. It caused tension that lasted for 37 hours and all activities in the city stopped. A total of 300 people were detained by a group of 11 people who were led by José Juan Martínez Gómez. People detained included employees, customers, and passers-by.

 The armed robbers demanded members of the 23-F group be released although their main intention was to steal from the bank.  

10. Las Ramblas Host the Biggest Automatic Car Park in Europe

Las Ramblas is home to the biggest and only automatic car park in Barcelona. The car park has eleven underground levels and a total of 780 parking spaces. When a driver picks up the ticket, they drive to one of the elevators in the car park which transports and park the car. Being one of the best streets in Barcelona, it is also one of the best tourist attraction sites in the city. 

The street has a good green environment that is attractive to visitors, and the cultural monuments are also very attractive and help visitors from different countries to understand the history of the city.