Raval Walking Tour: Barcelona's Dark History

Begin your Raval Walking Tour outside the church of Sant Pere Nolasc Mercedaris, located right by the buzzing Plaça de Castella. From here, you’ll journey through the vibrant streets of Barcelona’s grittiest neighborhood, the Raval. First up, we’ll visit the Casa de la Misericordia, where children were abandoned and some (they say) still walk the halls. From that spooky start, we’ll take a turn to stroll down Raval’s narrow medieval streets, crowded with eclectic shops and striking architecture. Making our way through the neighborhood, we’ll stop by the skater’s paradise known as the MACBA, the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art. Hidden away behind this architectural masterpiece is one of the most important pieces of public art in the city: a mural of whimsical stick characters with a politically charged message, created by influential pop artist Keith Haring. And when you least expect it, we’ll stop by a vampire — well, by the place the Vampire of Raval used to live. But, do vampires ever die? You’ll see for yourself how the lines between life and legend blur with this story of Barcelona’s most infamous serial killer. At the former Hospital of la Santa Creu, wander the grounds and a garden where shows and spells of the most macabre once took place. Passing next by La Rambla de Raval, we’ll continue to the Bar Marsella, the oldest bar in town. Since its opening over 200 years ago, it’s been the preferred watering hole of the city’s greatest creative minds — Dalí, Gaudí, Picasso, and more. From the oldest bar to the oldest church, Sant Pau del Camp, located just on the other end of the Rambla del Raval, is a Romanesque building over 1,000 years old. Not only is it Barcelona’s oldest church, but it also hides a troubled past tied to a local legend. As the tour comes to a close, you’ll discover Raval’s south side. Hear shocking tales of the clubs, cabarets, and casinos that were the main attractions here a century ago. A few have even survived to the modern day — your guide will point them out to you. This is also a great place to see street art. Close to a former power factory, you’ll admire colorful graffiti art that is constantly changing. If you’re lucky, you’ll even see street artists in action!