Las Arenas in Barcelona

For many years Las Arenas has been one of the most important arenas in Barcelona. Designed by the architect August Font i Carreras and built on the initiative of Josep Marsans, it replaced the Turin's Square which space had been outgrown by the local businesses.

Las Arenas, costructed in the Neo-Mudejar style, had the surface area of 52 meters in diameter and the capacity of 16,000 seats. Its inauguration took place on 29 June 1900 and the last bullfight was fought there in 1977. Since then various projects have been raised to save it from being demolished by the City Council.

Located in Plaza de España ("Spain Square" in English) - one of the main places combining the economy and tourism of Barcelona, and close to Fira de Barcelona - ​​the complex built for the Universal Exhibition of 1929, it is now a commercial centre accommodating various shops, restaurants, and places of entertainment. The project to modernize the arena was conducted by Richard Rogers Partnership and Alonso-Balaguer Associated Architects who transformed this area into a place with over 30,000 square meters and more than 110 shops located on six floors. At the top of the building, there is a circular terrace offering an impressive panorama of Barcelona. Also, inside the arena, there is the Museum of Rock and a 12-screen cinema.