Architectural paradoxes of Barcelona
In the Catalan capital, one can find buildings squeezed tightly between massive neighbors. They resemble pieces of a complex puzzle, where every centimeter of space is used to its fullest. These houses appeared on plots that remained unclaimed for a long time due to their modest size. However, as the city grew, even the narrowest strips of land were developed, resulting in unique structures with unusual proportions. Today, these buildings attract the interest not only of locals but also tourists seeking alternative routes through Barcelona.
The narrowest house: Sepulveda, 153
A striking example of extreme space-saving can be found at Sepulveda, 153, in the Eixample district. At first glance, you might miss this house: a narrow gap with a metal roller shutter is tucked between two large buildings. Behind its modest façade hides a living space only one and a half meters wide. For many years, rumors circulated about this property, suggesting it had no separate entrance and could only be accessed through the neighboring parking lot at Casanova, 23. This air of mystery has drawn the attention of journalists and photographers. To this day, many wonder how life is organized in such a confined space and who would choose to live here. This example vividly demonstrates how the city made use of every available parcel for construction.
Modernist solutions: Casa Fajol
Architecture enthusiasts are well acquainted with Casa Fajol on Llança Street, 20, in the Nova Esquerra de l’Eixample district. Although this house is not the narrowest, its elongated and slim facade stands out against the surrounding buildings, including the large Arenas shopping center. Built at the beginning of the 20th century, the building demonstrates how architects of the past gave character even to the smallest plots. Thanks to well-designed balconies and vertical lines, the house appears harmonious and modern. Today it may not always catch the eye of passersby, but it remains an example of how Barcelona adapted to a lack of land, turning constraints into architectural strengths.
Contemporary interpretations: a house in Sant Andreu
In the historic Sant Andreu district, an architecture studio transformed a house with a facade just 3.7 meters wide into a modern family home. The key feature was a central staircase, which not only connects the floors but also brings in natural light and creates visual unity within the space. Architect Jordi Antonijoan Roset (Ferrolan LAB) managed to fit a garage, living area, and bedrooms into the compact volume, creating a sense of spaciousness. This project proves that even the narrowest sites can be reimagined and adapted for comfortable living with a creative approach.
Historical examples and market value
In old neighborhoods such as Ciutat Vella and Raval, you can find numerous narrow facades dating back to the Middle Ages. At that time, long and narrow plots of land were divided among families with limited means, who built vertical homes. Over time, these properties gained value thanks to their location and unique character. Today, a studio apartment in such a building can cost over 250,000 euros, while a renovated penthouse can reach 400,000. This contrasts sharply with their humble origins, when these houses were a last resort for the less fortunate.
Legends and Symbols: Casa del Verdugo
In the very heart of the Gothic Quarter, on Plaça del Rei, stands the Casa del Verdugo—a tiny structure nestled between the Santa Àgueda chapel and Casa Padellàs. For a long time, this house remained unnoticed due to its narrow and inconspicuous facade. According to city legend, it was once home to an executioner, which adds an air of mystery to the building. Today, the house is part of the Barcelona History Museum complex, and its entrance is covered with glass. Whether or not the story is true, Casa del Verdugo illustrates how the city made use of even the most unusual corners of its medieval center.
Life in Narrow Houses: Challenges and Advantages
Residents of such buildings face real challenges: narrow corridors, a sequential layout of rooms, and a lack of natural light. Yet for many, something else matters more—the uniqueness of their homes, a sense of connection to the city’s history, and the knowledge that they live in a truly exceptional place. These buildings embody the spirit of Barcelona, a city that, unable to expand outward, learned to grow upward and make use of every square meter, leaving behind some of the most unusual structures in Europe.
