Plaza de toros de las Arenas

Arenas de Barcelona 2013

The Plaza de toros de las Arenas is a former bullring located in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. It was originally designed by the architect August Font i Carreras and opened in 1900. The bullring was used for bullfighting events until its closure in 1977.

History

The Plaza de toros de las Arenas was constructed in the late 19th century and officially opened its doors in 1900. The design of the bullring was influenced by Moorish architecture, which is evident in its distinctive facade and decorative elements. The bullring had a seating capacity of approximately 14,000 spectators.

Bullfighting was a popular event in Barcelona during the early 20th century, and the Plaza de toros de las Arenas was one of the main venues for these events. However, the popularity of bullfighting began to decline in the latter half of the century, leading to the eventual closure of the bullring in 1977.

Redevelopment

After its closure, the Plaza de toros de las Arenas remained unused for several decades. In the early 2000s, plans were made to redevelop the site into a modern shopping mall while preserving the historic facade of the bullring. The redevelopment project was led by the British architect Richard Rogers.

The new shopping mall, known as Arenas de Barcelona, opened in 2011. It features a variety of retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment facilities. The original facade of the bullring was carefully restored and integrated into the design of the new structure, preserving its historical significance.

Architecture

The architecture of the Plaza de toros de las Arenas is characterized by its Moorish Revival style. The facade is adorned with intricate tile work, horseshoe arches, and decorative motifs that are typical of this architectural style. The bullring's circular shape and tiered seating were designed to provide optimal views for spectators.

Current Use

Today, the Plaza de toros de las Arenas serves as a modern shopping and entertainment complex. The Arenas de Barcelona shopping mall includes a wide range of retail outlets, dining options, and a rooftop terrace that offers panoramic views of the city. The transformation of the bullring into a shopping mall has been praised for its innovative approach to preserving historical architecture while repurposing it for contemporary use.

See also

• Bullring
• Bullfighting
• Arenas de Barcelona
• Moorish Revival architecture
• Richard Rogers