Coinciding with the celebration of the Chinese New Year, during which the dragon takes center stage, we venture to discover the dragons of Barcelona and their profound cultural significance on a fascinating journey. Don't miss out, Hola Barcelona takes you there!
Barcelona, City of Dragons
In this Year of the Dragon, while China celebrates nobility and prosperity, Barcelona embraces the legend of Sant Jordi and his dragons as a fundamental part of its culture. They say that the Catalan city is "the city in the world with the most dragons per square meter."
Dragons, far from being feared creatures, have become a fascinating attraction for those who visit the city. Through an exploratory journey into the cultural essence of these creatures, you can get to know the fascinating dragons hidden in various corners of the city.
Where to find them
The tour begins with a look at the pavilions of the Finca Güell, a masterpiece by the illustrious architect Antoni Gaudí that refers to the legend of the mythological dragon of Verdaguer. Through Line 3 of the metro, you can reach Palau Reial and venture to discover this monumental gate guarded by a winged dragon, an impressive sight that fuses craftsmanship and industrialism.
Continuing through the heart of Barcelona, the route takes us to the Casa dels Paraigües, where an oriental-inspired dragon holds a lamppost, recalling the architect's journeys to distant Japanese lands. This sculpture, protruding from the facade, captivates pedestrians with its imposing presence and eclectic symbolism.
Another destination on this adventure is the Casa Amatller, a modernist palace that houses a sculpture representing Saint George slaying the dragon, a work by Eusebi Arnau that stands out among the decorative richness of the facade. This house, along with other monuments such as Casa Batlló, Casa Bonet, Casa Mullereas, and Casa Lleó Morera, is part of the so-called "Block of Discord" on Passeig de Gràcia.
However, the highlight of this exploration is the Parc de la Espanya Industrial, where a gigantic dragon emerges on a large structure. This monumental sculpture, created by the sculptor Andrés Nagel, embodies the fusion of art and entertainment, offering a unique experience to visitors who venture to conquer its slide.
In addition to the highlighted locations on this journey, Barcelona hides many other dragons that enrich its urban landscape. From Casa Martí, where Els Quatre Gats is housed, to Casa Batlló and the Palau de la Generalitat, dragon sculptures recall the legend of Saint George and enrich the city's cultural heritage.
Precisely, Antoni Gaudí turned Casa Batlló into the living representation of the legend of Sant Jordi. The architect designed the roof with the shape of the dragon's back, covered with ceramic scales of various shades, and crowned the facade with a cross, symbolizing the sword with which the knight saves the princess.
Dragons in Barcelona's culture
Beyond their physical presence, the dragons of Barcelona have a profound impact on the city's cultural aspect. Thus, their representation has been prominent in films like "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" by acclaimed American filmmaker Woody Allen, or in books like "Drakcelona: Barcelona City of Dragons" by author Josep Martín. These mythical beings continue to captivate and inspire the inhabitants and visitors of Barcelona.
As the world celebrates the Year of the Dragon, Barcelona opens its doors to those who wish to explore its cultural richness and uncover the secrets of the dragons that guard the city. This journey through the streets and buildings of the city becomes a fascinating cultural experience for all those who dare to discover it.
