In short
Concealed within the tight domestic grid of upper El Raval, this colonnaded pedestrian courtyard stands as a tranquil contrast to the frantic energy of La Rambla. Built across the footprint of a former Renaissance monastery, its continuous red-brick porticoes, shady orange trees, neighborhood playground, and relaxed outdoor terraces preserve a distinct village calm inside the dense historic district.
- Sheltered arcaded courtyard occupying a former cloistered convent site
- Continuous brick-vaulted porticoes providing cool shaded walkways
- Leafy central garden square featuring aromatic bitter orange trees
- Relaxed neighborhood cafe terraces serving tapas and cold drinks
- Car-free family enclave hosting local playgrounds and cultural centers
☰ Table of content
The perfect stop
Cool colonnades and fluttering orange leaves offer an idyllic haven during warm midday strolls.
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Recommended stop time 40'
Gives sufficient leisure to order a refreshing drink under the arches, watch local families, and rest away from crowds.
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Local customs
Parents chat on shaded benches while children use the swings, university students read paperbacks over iced coffee, and neighbors gather for evening vermouth under the brick vaults.
What to see in Plaça de Vicenç Martorell
Postwar civic architecture, cloistered monastic memories, and family gathering spots shape this quiet urban courtyard.
The continuous porticoes Iconic
Symmetrical brick ground-floor arcades sheltering outdoor cafe tables and quiet pedestrian sidewalks.
The central orange grove
Fragrant citrus trees providing bright blossoms in spring and dense green shade in summer.
Children's playground
A fenced central recreational area equipped with swings, slides, and soft earth under trees.
Convent of Montsió trace
Architectural footprint reflecting the historical cloister perimeter of the demolished 16th-century convent.
Sculpture of the girl
A modest bronze figurative statue installed within the central garden flowerbeds honoring local youth.
Quick summary of Plaça de Vicenç Martorell
A concise briefing prepares you for navigating this sheltered pedestrian sanctuary in upper Raval.
Best moment
Mid-afternoon when tree shadows shield
Crowd
Low to moderate
Kid friendly
Exceptional
Unmissable
Enjoying an iced drink under the vaulted brick arcades
Type of experience
Authentic neighborhood relaxation, cloistered calm, and cafe life
What to expect
Children playing, clinking glassware, cool portico shade, and stillness
Explore the squares of Barcelona
Slotted between quiet side streets, entering this courtyard requires merely stepping through connecting archways.
Good to know
- Outdoor cafe seats fill quickly right after local school hours.
- Bicycles and skateboards must yield to playing children.
- Narrow entrance alleys can appear dimly lit late at night.
- Ground-level playground sand can blow on breezy afternoons.
Practical tips
- Enter via Carrer d’Elisabets after browsing indie bookstores.
- Choose an arcade table for natural protection on hot days.
- Order classic patatas bravas from Kasparo cafe terrace.
- Combine with the contemporary exhibits at nearby CCCB.
How to reach Plaça de Vicenç Martorell
Short connecting passages lead directly off major thoroughfares in just a couple of minutes.
Lines L1 or L3 to Catalunya station, walking three minutes southwest down Carrer de Bergara and Carrer de les Bonsuccés.
Lines 59, 120, V13, and V15 stop along La Rambla or Plaça de Catalunya nearby.
Turn west off La Rambla at Carrer del Bonsuccés and walk two minutes straight ahead.
Plaça de Vicenç Martorell, 2, Ciutat Vella, 08001
Official Transport in Barcelona
History of Plaça de Vicenç Martorell
The grounds of Plaça de Vicenç Martorell were consecrated ground for centuries, originally housing the Convent of Santa Maria de Montsió. Established in 1588 by Dominican nuns who relocated from the Gothic Quarter, the religious complex was renowned for its beautiful 14th-century Gothic cloister, extensive interior courtyards, and secluded fruit orchards.
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During the ecclesiastical confiscations and urban turbulence of the 19th century, the monastery faced repeated disruptions, until the nuns finally abandoned the property in 1888, carefully dismantling their precious Gothic cloister to reconstruct it in the newly developing Eixample district.
The vacated monastic site subsequently served various secular functions, including housing an operative military barracks, before falling into disrepair during the turbulent early decades of the 20th century.
Following the conclusion of the Spanish Civil War, municipal planners sought to bring light, hygiene, and recreational space into the overcrowded working-class fabric of El Raval. Between 1947 and 1954, the city council cleared the aging barracks and executed an ambitious housing project designed by municipal architect Adolf Florensa.
Florensa organized the open perimeter into a harmonious, enclosed residential square, wrapping three sides with multi-story brick apartment buildings supported by continuous vaulted porticoes reminiscent of classic Mediterranean civic spaces.
The new public plaza was dedicated to the memory of Vicenç Martorell i Portas, a respected local educator and municipal director of civic schooling. Today, the square remains one of El Raval’s most cherished urban respites, illustrating how thoughtful postwar urban planning successfully converted an enclosed cloister into an open community sanctuary.
Curiosities about Plaça de Vicenç Martorell
The original medieval Gothic cloister from this site was dismantled stone by stone and moved to Eixample.
- The square is named after an influential Catalan educator who modernized municipal schools.
- Architect Adolf Florensa designed the surrounding brick arcades during the post-civil war reconstruction.
- Famous open-air terrace bar Kasparo has operated under these brick arches for decades.
- It sits precisely midway between the historic La Rambla and the modern MACBA museum plaza.
Tickets and tours in Barcelona
Find your stay near Plaça de Vicenç Martorell
Selecting a base along these cultured northern lanes puts artisan bakeries and indie bookshops at your doorstep.
Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ
Is Plaça de Vicenç Martorell quiet compared to La Rambla?
Yes, despite sitting just two minutes away on foot, the enclosed buildings buffer almost all vehicular and pedestrian noise.
Who was Vicenç Martorell?
Vicenç Martorell was an esteemed 19th-century educator and public official who directed Barcelona’s municipal charity and school systems.
Are there good places to eat and drink in the square?
Yes, several independent cafes and tapas terraces occupy the porticoes, offering outdoor dining beneath the arches.
Is the square safe to visit for solo travelers?
Yes, it is a bustling, family-oriented neighborhood square frequented by students and residents throughout the day and evening.
Are dogs allowed inside Plaça de Vicenç Martorell?
Dogs on leashes are permitted along the paved arcades and paths, but they are excluded from the children’s playground.
Is the square fully accessible for wheelchairs and strollers?
Yes, flat stone paving, street-level access ramps, and wide porticoes provide easy mobility across the entire square.
What major museums sit close to Plaça de Vicenç Martorell?
Both the MACBA contemporary art museum and the CCCB cultural center sit less than a three-minute walk to the west.
What was originally located on this site before the square was built?
It was the site of the Convent of Montsió, an ancient Dominican monastic complex established in the late 16th century.
