Les Corts: Architecture, Memory and Football
Accommodation in Les Corts
Les Corts is a destination for travellers who also consider the history of a district when choosing where to stay. Within the district, a historic core, residential and industrial buildings, democratic memory and football history come together as distinct themes. The range extends from a round tower dating from the 11th and 12th centuries to Camp Nou, which has stood in Les Corts since 1957. You can give greater weight to the themes that matter most to you on a trip, rather than reducing the district to a single focus.
Historic Core and Architectural History
The historic urban and rural core of Les Corts lies around Plaça de la Concòrdia. Torre Rodona (Can Vinyals de la Torre) preserves a round tower dating from the 11th and 12th centuries, attached to the farmhouse. This combination of tower and farmhouse offers a tangible example of the district’s architectural history. Can Planes belongs to a later period: the building dates from 1702, and FC Barcelona acquired it in 1950. Its construction date and acquisition mark two distinct historical milestones for the building.
Another trace of the district’s architectural history is Cristalleries Planell, a former glass factory dating from 1913. It operated as an art-glass factory from 1913 to 1952; in 2017, it was renovated as a municipal facility. Its operation and subsequent renovation belong to different periods in the building’s history and illustrate how its use changed over time.
Residential Architecture and Social History
Passatge Tubella adds residential architecture and social history to the picture. Starting in 1925, it was developed as a group of two-storey family homes with courtyards and small front gardens. The 22 homes originally planned were intended for British textile workers, who never arrived. Instead, the homes were occupied by local workers from the Benet Campabadal company. The difference between the intended and actual residents connects the architectural planning to the company’s labour history.
Commemorating the Former Prison Site
Since 2019, the Espai de Memòria de la Presó de Dones de les Corts has commemorated experiences at the former prison site. It is located at the northeastern corner between Carrers d’Europa and Joan Güell. The former women’s prison is regarded as a site of resistance to the dictatorship and as part of today’s democratic heritage. The historical focus here is on remembering experiences at the former prison and recognising them as an act of resistance.
Football History and Festa Major
Football history is also part of Les Corts: Camp Nou has stood in the district since 1957. The Museu del Futbol Club Barcelona opened in 1984 and was completely redesigned in 2011. Its history therefore has its own timeline: the opening was followed by a complete redesign. If you plan to visit the museum, check current visiting options in advance.
The Festa Major de les Corts is also part of the district’s cultural life. The festival features around 200 events scheduled over ten days; the annual programme may vary. Check the programme for the relevant year when planning specific travel dates.
Green Character
Parks and the nearby Serra de Collserola give Les Corts a distinctly green character. This adds a landscape perspective to the district’s architectural and cultural history, which you can consider alongside its historical and football-related themes when choosing your destination.
Discover more destinations: Garraf, Manresa, Sant Cugat Sesgarrigues, Les Masies De VoltregĂ , Vilassar De Dalt, Monistrol De Calders, Gurb, Sant Joan Samora
For the overview of the wider destination: Barcelona.
