A unique route for literature and history enthusiasts has appeared in the Catalan capital. This new cultural project invites you to see Barcelona through the eyes of Eduardo Mendoza, author of the famous novel “The City of Marvels” (La ciudad de los prodigios). The tour covers key locations where the events of the book took place, allowing you to experience the atmosphere of the city at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.
The journey begins at Plaça de Catalunya, where old and new districts converge. Here you can feel the pulse of modern Barcelona, but just a few steps away are streets that preserve the spirit of a bygone era. The tour leads along Via Laietana towards the neighborhoods of Sant Pere, Santa Caterina, and La Ribera. These areas still maintain the architecture and ambiance of the late 19th century. Special attention is given to landmarks such as Mercat de Santa Caterina, the basilica Santa Maria del Mar, and Parc de la Ciutadella, the site of the renowned 1888 World’s Fair.
Barcelona: balancing tradition and progress
The second part of the route takes participants to the foothills of Montjuïc, where the city was preparing for a new era. Starting from Plaça d’Espanya, the path leads to the Palau Nacional and the famed fountain—both symbols of the 1929 exhibition. Along the way, you can explore the architectural diversity of Poble Espanyol and feel the spirit of change that swept through Barcelona at the start of the 20th century. The walk continues through the Olympic complex and ends at Castell de Montjuïc, which offers breathtaking views of the city and the sea.
The final stop is the descent to the old port (Port Vell) and the Barceloneta quarter, where the city’s maritime spirit still lives on. Here, amid narrow streets and seafood restaurants, it’s easy to imagine the protagonists of Mendoza’s novel dreaming of a better life and new opportunities.
A journey through the ages through a writer’s eyes
The novel “The City of Marvels” was published in 1986 and immediately became one of the cornerstone works of Spanish literature. Mendoza created not just a historical chronicle, but a vibrant portrait of a city evolving alongside its people. His Barcelona is a place where ambitions, hopes, and disappointments collide, and the streets bear witness to great change.
A literary stroll inspired by the book is more than just a chance to learn about Barcelona’s past—it’s an opportunity to see familiar places from a new perspective. Every turn along the route reminds us: the city keeps changing, but its history and vitality continue to inspire locals and visitors alike.
