Travel Guide to the Ghost Route in Barcelona

Discover Barcelona’s darkest secrets with the Barcelona Ghost Route, available both on foot and by car. From the legend of the blacksmith of Portal Nou to the mysteries of Carrer del Rec, you’ll explore the scenes of the city’s most terrifying stories, such as the vampire of Raval or the witchcraft of Santa Caterina. An unforgettable experience filled with legends and ghosts that have shaped Barcelona’s history.

WHAT TO SEE IN THE Ghost Route Travel Guide in Barcelona

The tragic legend of the blacksmith of Portal Nou

The legend of Portal Nou Street tells a story of greed, murder, and spectral apparitions that has endured in the city’s folklore. According to this legend, the ghosts of a greedy blacksmith and his ill-fated apprentice still roam the area, an eternal warning of the dangers of greed and injustice.

Legend has it that on Portal Nou Street lived a blacksmith known for his greed and mistrust. Despite his skill and success in his craft, the blacksmith was obsessed with money and always suspicious of those around him, including his young apprentice.

One night, while the blacksmith was counting his earnings at the smithy, he noticed the apprentice watching him. In his mind, twisted by distrust, the blacksmith mistakenly believed the boy was planning to rob him. Overcome by his paranoia and violent nature, the blacksmith reacted brutally and unjustly: he took a hot iron and attacked the young man, killing him instantly.

Not long after committing the heinous crime, the blacksmith attempted to flee the scene to escape the possible consequences. However, as he hurried to leave the smithy, the specter of the young apprentice appeared before him. The ghost, with a look of sadness and justice, confronted the blacksmith. Consumed by terror and remorse, the blacksmith died of fright at that very moment.

Since that fateful day, it is said that the ghosts of the blacksmith and his apprentice are inseparable. Although the blacksmith had been the executioner, in death, his fate was irrevocably tied to that of the young man he had killed. Stories claim that, at nightfall, the spirits of both can be seen walking together along Portal Nou Street, near the Arc de Triomf.

The Legend of Portal Nou Street is a story that explores themes of greed, mistrust, and postmortem justice. It is a warning about the consequences of greed and the danger of acting on erroneous and violent assumptions. The blacksmith, consumed by his own paranoia and greed, not only lost his life but was condemned to wander eternally alongside the victim of his injustice.

Lliri Flower Street: Romeo and Juliet of Barcelona

For de Lliri Street dates back to medieval times, when Barcelona was surrounded by walls and each street had its own story to tell. Originally, this street may have been a market or meeting place for flower merchants, especially lilies, which were highly prized in medicine and decoration at the time.

Walking along the street, visitors can admire the Gothic architecture that predominates in the area, with wrought-iron balconies and stone facades that seem to whisper stories of the past. The street is especially popular at night, when soft lights illuminate the arches and ancient stone structures, creating an almost magical yet mysterious atmosphere.

Barcelona’s Calle de la Flor de Lliri is home to a moving legend that has left an indelible mark on its history. This is the story of Arnau and Elisenda, two souls united by love and separated by tragedy. Arnau, a nobleman who lost his family in a fire, found solace in Elisenda’s flower shop on Calle de la Flor de Lliri, where he bought a white lily every day, his late wife’s favorite flower. Over time, Arnau and Elisenda fell in love, but their happiness sparked the envy of Berenguer, a shady neighborhood figure secretly in love with Elisenda. Consumed by jealousy, Berenguer set the flower shop ablaze, in which both lovers perished in each other’s arms.

The tragedy left an indelible mark on the street, where it is said that on foggy nights, Arnau’s ghost appears, leaving white lilies in his wake, in his eternal search for Elisenda. Residents, in memory of the couple, continue to place white lilies in their windows, keeping alive the mysterious and romantic essence of Lliri’s Calle de la Flor.

Calle de la For de Lliri also houses the legend of the Hostal Flor del Lliri, a place that once stood at number 1 on the street. Popular in the mid-20th century, it was known for its welcoming atmosphere and affordable prices. However, behind its seemingly harmless facade lay a terrible secret.

The innkeeper, a greedy and cruel man, is said to have taken advantage of his guests’ trust to commit atrocious acts. He lured wealthy, lonely men to his rooms, where he drugged and then murdered them.

The bodies of the victims were dismembered and their remains used to prepare a meat stew that was served to the other guests, who ate it without knowing the origin of the meat.

Legend has it that one day, a perceptive guest discovered the owner’s macabre plan. Terrified, he fled the inn and reported the crimes to the authorities. However, when the police arrived, the inn had vanished without a trace, and the owner was never found.

It is said that the owner’s lost soul still roams Calle de la For de Lliri, seeking victims for his sinister schemes. Some claim to have seen his ghost at night, or felt a strange energy in the place where the inn once stood.

Black Masses at Santa Caterina

Before becoming the Santa Caterina market, the area was occupied by a Dominican convent, founded in the 13th century. This convent was an important religious center for many centuries. However, in 1835, during the Mendizábal confiscation, a series of measures that led to the expropriation and sale of church properties, the convent was closed and demolished.

According to legend, the convent of Santa Caterina was not only a place of prayer and devotion, but also a site where black masses were held, Satanic rituals involving the invocation of demons and the desecration of Christian symbols. It is said that Satan, whenever he visited Barcelona, would stop by this place to participate in these rituals.

Legend has it that at midnight, when the convent was shrouded in darkness, these occult ceremonies took place. Participants, dressed in black robes, invoked the devil and performed blasphemous acts in an attempt to obtain power and favors from the dark forces. Black Masses, according to popular belief, were a parody of the Catholic Mass, where everything sacred was inverted and profaned.

The legend of the black masses at St. Catherine’s may have arisen due to a combination of factors. During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, accusations of heresy and occult practices were common, especially against those who deviated from religious orthodoxy. Convents and monasteries, due to their isolated and mysterious nature, were often the focus of rumors and suspicion.

Furthermore, the confiscation and subsequent demolition of the convent in 1835 may have fueled these stories. The convent’s disappearance left a void and a mystery in the community, facilitating the spread of legends about dark and sinister events that supposedly occurred there.

Today, the Santa Caterina Market stands where the convent once stood. Opened in 1848, the market is known for its colorful, undulating roof and vibrant atmosphere. However, the history of the site remains a reminder of times gone by and the legends that have endured throughout the years.

School of Witchcraft and Mysteries on Neu Street

Neu Street in Sant Cugat is not only famous for its architectural beauty or bohemian atmosphere, but also for its dark past linked to the dark arts and witchcraft.

This narrow street is best known for having housed Barcelona’s most famous witchcraft school in ancient times. According to local legends, the school was run by a maiden known only as “Seca,” who was considered a famous disciple of the devil. Seca’s school was a center where the dark arts were taught and practiced, and it is said to have attracted many young people with promises of power and secret knowledge.

The students at this school not only learned about spells and incantations; they are also rumored to have traded in human bones obtained from those who had been hanged, using these macabre artifacts in their rituals. The practice of witchcraft, especially in an age dominated by superstition and religious fear, was extremely dangerous. Not surprisingly, several students at this school were eventually caught and executed, burned at the stake as punishment for their activities.

Today, Carrer Neu in Sant Cugat has transformed into a picturesque corner of Barcelona, with cafes, art shops, and small studios that bring an air of creativity and modern life to the street. However, the legacy of its past lives on in the stories told by residents and tour guides who frequent the area.

A curious feature of this street is how its dark past has influenced local culture. It’s not uncommon to find objects referencing witchcraft and the occult in local shops and craft markets, such as amulets, talismans, or even artistic reproductions of scenes from ancient witchcraft.

Another of the most popular anecdotes among local guides is the occasional appearance of what some believe to be Seca’s spirit, wandering the street on full moon nights. It is said that his shadowy figure can be seen gliding silently along the street, as if still watching over the place that once housed his school.

Witchcraft acts in Carrer del Rec

Rec Street is historically known for its irrigation ditches, which in the Middle Ages were used to channel water into the city. This street, where women used to wash clothes, has a picturesque past that contrasts with the dark legends that have emerged over time.

Rec Street is said to have been the scene of various satanic acts and rituals, especially at night. These stories may have arisen from the street’s secluded and somber atmosphere after dark, ideal for fostering tales of occult and mysterious activity.

Legend has it that the women who washed clothes on the street during the day were unaware of the activities that occurred at night. Witches and sorcerers gathered there under the moonlight to perform dark rituals and worship demons. Some even claim that human sacrifices were carried out on Rec Street, and the ghosts of the victims still roam the street, seeking revenge.

Some additional details suggest that Satanic activity on Rec Street began in the 12th century, when the city was under Muslim rule. Later, when the Spanish Inquisition suppressed witchcraft and sorcery in the 15th century, it is said that some clandestine covens continued to meet on Rec Street.

The last time satanic activity was seen on Rec Street was in the early 19th century.

The ghost of Canalete

The Canaletas Fountain, located in Barcelona, is now famous for being the place where FC Barcelona fans celebrate their victories. However, the history of the Canaletas Fountain also has a dark and mysterious side.

The legend of the ghost of Canaletes is one of the most intriguing stories of old Barcelona. Located at the intersection of Plaça Catalunya, where the old Portal de Sant Sever once stood, this portal was guarded by two towers, known as Canaletas (the canals) due to the water channels that supplied the Las Ramblas and Raval areas.

At that time, there was no running water in the homes, so the city’s inhabitants collected water from nearby fountains, the Canaletas fountain being one of the most popular. Legend has it that in 1845, a ghost began appearing among the ruins of a demolished artillery barracks on Las Ramblas. This specter was sometimes described wearing a long black cloak and other times wrapped in a white shroud, wandering around the fountain.

The ghost, according to the story, had a particular weakness for women. One day, he dared to speak to two young men who were going to the fountain to fetch water. His attempt at courtship was a disaster, as he terribly frightened the girls, who didn’t dare leave their homes for several days. This incident caused such a commotion that a group of about 200 men decided to confront the ghost. Armed with courage, they set out to search for him, but the specter disappeared without a trace and was never heard from again.

The ghost’s appearance was so shocking that even the Diario de Barcelona newspaper reported on the story, contributing to the spread and perpetuation of the legend. To this day, it is said that the legend of the ghost of Canaletes still haunts the streets of Barcelona.

Some interpret the ghost of Canaletes as a possible victim of the fountain’s enchanted waters. According to popular tradition, “if you drink water from the Font de Canaletes, you will fall in love with Barcelona, and no matter how far you go, you will always return.” Perhaps, upon dying, the man had no choice but to appear there, trapped by the fountain’s charm.

Vampire of Raval

Enriqueta Martí, also known as the Vampire of Raval, is the protagonist of one of Barcelona’s most terrifying black legends. Enriqueta Martí i Ripollés was born in 1868 in Sant Feliu de Llobregat and moved to Barcelona as a young woman. She lived in precarious conditions and was known for leading a double life: during the day, she disguised herself as a beggar and was sometimes accompanied by children she passed off as her own (the same children she later prostituted or allegedly murdered). At night, however, she dressed in elegant dresses, hats, and wigs, and appeared in places frequented by Barcelona’s high society, such as the Casino de la Arrabasada, where she likely offered her services as a pimp specializing in minors.

In 1909, Enriqueta was arrested for running a brothel on Minerva Street in Barcelona, where she traded in the services of children between the ages of 5 and 16. However, the legal case against her did not move forward, as a person of considerable power, whose identity remains a mystery, intervened on her behalf. After her file was “lost,” Enriqueta Martí was released.

The unfortunate legend of the Vampire of Raval began to be written in 1912 with the kidnapping of five-year-old Teresita Guitart. Five-year-old Teresita had disappeared without a trace, causing great concern for her family and the community. The disappearance was widely reported and caused a stir in the city, leading the police to intensify the search.

A few days after Enriqueta Martí’s disappearance, Claudia Elías, a neighbor of hers, noticed something strange. She saw a little girl from the window of Enriqueta’s apartment, who seemed to match the description of Teresita Guitart, who had been reported missing. The neighbor thought it was very odd and reported it to the police.

The neighbor’s complaint prompted the police to act quickly and raid Enriqueta Martí’s home, located at 29 Ponent Street (now Joaquín Costa Street), in the Raval neighborhood. When the officers entered the house, they found Teresita Guitart alive, along with another child named Amèlia, both neglected and visibly malnourished.

What the police found inside Enriqueta’s home was chilling. There were human remains, bones, jars of blood and fat, and other items that suggested Enriqueta engaged in macabre practices. In addition, they found children’s clothing, hair, and a list of potential clients, fueling suspicions that Enriqueta was involved in kidnapping children and making potions and ointments from their body parts.

Enriqueta Martí’s home appeared to be a true “house of horrors.” Medical books, potions, and preparations were found, along with recipes for ointments believed to have healing or rejuvenating properties. These remedies were reportedly sold to wealthy members of the city, demonstrating the extent of Enriqueta’s network of contacts and the possible complicity of certain sectors of society.

The police also discovered several secret rooms and hidden doors, suggesting that the kidnapped children were kept hidden in the house, with no contact with the outside world. Testimonies from the rescued girls revealed that they had been held against their will, and everything indicated that Enriqueta had kidnapped several children in the past, for dark purposes ranging from sexual exploitation to using their bodies to make potions.

Enriqueta Martí was imprisoned in Reina Amàlia prison. Some claim she was lynched by other prisoners, while others maintain she died of uterine cancer.

During the week Teresita was kidnapped, a children’s brothel had been dismantled in Barcelona’s El Raval neighborhood. It was rumored that this establishment operated with the complicity of the police. Could Enriqueta Martí have been used as a scapegoat to explain the wave of child disappearances that plagued Barcelona at the beginning of the 20th century? At that time, the disappearance of minors was commonplace, and many children from poor families ended up in brothels catering to the upper class.

The horrific story of Enriqueta Martí has inspired countless articles, novels, films, plays, and even a musical. However, some historians question the veracity of her ruthless nature, arguing that the story has been exaggerated to make it more gruesome. The book “Dismantling the Case of the Vampire of Raval” by Elsa Plaza argues that she did not commit murders and was only guilty of kidnapping a child. Furthermore, an essay by writer Jordi Corominas debunks the legend of the serial killer, describing her as a woman disturbed by the death of her ten-month-old son, which led her to kidnap Teresita Guitart.

Legends and Mysteries in the Streets of El Born

Originally, El Born was an area inhabited by nobles and merchants, as reflected in its magnificent Gothic palaces and historic buildings, which today house museums, galleries, and fashion stores. During the 14th century, it was the economic center of Barcelona, and many of the structures from that era still stand, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich maritime and commercial history.

El Born has witnessed numerous events over the centuries, from Roman times to the construction of the Born market in the 19th century, with a history steeped in political and social struggles from earlier eras. This historical context has given rise to numerous legends of ghosts and spirits that are said to still haunt the neighborhood’s narrow streets.

During the Inquisition and other dark periods in Barcelona’s history, El Born was the scene of executions and torture, fueling legends of tormented spirits roaming the area.

The narrow streets, old buildings, and medieval atmosphere of El Born contribute to creating an atmosphere conducive to ghost stories.

A visit to El Born could begin at the impressive Basilica of Santa María del Mar, a perfect example of Catalan Gothic architecture, built in the 14th century by and for the city’s merchants. The church is known for its spacious and light-filled structure, and a visit is not complete without climbing to its rooftop terrace for a panoramic view of the neighborhood.

Continuing the tour, visitors can explore the Born Market, a former food market converted into a cultural center offering exhibitions about Barcelona in the 1700s, as well as events and activities. Here, the archaeological remains of the old neighborhood, demolished in the 18th century, are visible through glass floors, offering a literal connection to the city’s past.

The streets of El Born are filled with craft shops, fashion boutiques, tapas bars, and gourmet restaurants occupying restored medieval buildings, offering a perfect blend of old and new.

You can’t talk about El Born without mentioning its legends. One of the most famous is that of the ghost of Montcada Street, where a lady dressed in white is said to appear on full moon nights. The story takes place in the Palau Dalmases, a 17th-century palace that now hosts flamenco shows, adding a dramatic touch to this legend.

Other interesting sights include the remains of Roman soldiers buried in the Born Market. It is believed that these soldiers were part of the Roman garrison defending the ancient city of Barcino.

El Born is also famous for its nightlife and culture. The Palau de la Música Catalana, a little further west, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a dazzling example of Catalan modernism. Concerts and events are often held here, attracting locals and tourists alike.

The Walk of the Inquisition

At the end of the 19th century, the Born Commercial Square was known as the site of knightly tournaments and Inquisition autos-da-fé. Autos-da-fé were public ceremonies in which the Inquisition carried out its sentences against those declared heretics. Specifically, they were public ceremonies in which those condemned by the Inquisition were paraded and their sentences read before the crowd. These sentences could include penances, corporal punishment, or, in the most extreme cases, burning at the stake.

The Holy Inquisition tortured and burned witches. Popular belief was that the spirits of those condemned took possession of one of the gargoyles in the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia (Barcelona Cathedral).

From a historical perspective, the Inquisition arrived in Barcelona on July 5, 1487, through the inquisitor Alonso de Espina, although without much support from the local authorities. The Inquisition tribunal was established in the Palau Reial Major, where 13 cells were also provided. On December 14 of that year, the first conviction was handed down against 52 converted Jews, accused of practicing Jewish rites. They were forced to march in procession from the convent of Santa Caterina to the cathedral. A month later, the first capital punishment was carried out on two women and two men in the Plaza del Rey. The Inquisition, which had been established at the end of the 12th century, was not abolished until 1834, with Féliz Duarte de Andrade being the last victim in Barcelona in 1726.

The abolition of the Inquisition in Catalonia marked the end of an era of repression and terror. Established to maintain Catholic orthodoxy, the Inquisition was responsible for the persecution of thousands of people accused of heresy, witchcraft, Judaism, Islam, and other crimes against the faith. The executions and torture carried out by the Inquisition left an indelible mark on the history and collective memory of the region.

The legend of the Paseo de la Inquisición centers on this dark and turbulent period in Barcelona’s history. Rumor has it that the city witnessed brutal persecutions and public executions of those accused of heresy and pagan practices. The dark legend of Barcelona, fueled by literature and oral tradition, speaks of secret tunnels and haunted places where the shadows of those who were persecuted still lurk.

Today, the Born Cultural Centre serves as a space for culture and art, offering exhibitions and events that celebrate the city’s rich history.

The Palau de la Virreina

This palace, built between 1772 and 1778, is a splendid example of the city’s Baroque architecture. It was commissioned by Manuel d’Amat i de Junyent, who was Viceroy of Peru between 1761 and 1776, for his wife, María Francesca Fiveller i Bruc.

The history of this palace is marked by drama and tragedy. Manuel d’Amat, despite his power and wealth, died only three years after his marriage to Maria Francesca, leaving the young widow in an enviable social position but, according to legend, also in great emotional desolation. It is said that their marriage was more an arrangement of convenience than a union of love, as there was a considerable age difference between them.

The rejection by Manuel d’Amat’s nephew on the wedding day adds an even more tragic nuance to the story of Maria Francesca, who was supposedly the object of unrequited love, which intensifies the melancholic aura that surrounds her figure.

According to legend, the spirit of María Francesca still roams the rooms and corridors of the Palau de la Virreina. Visitors and employees of the palace have reported feeling an ethereal presence and, on occasion, seeing the figure of a woman dressed in Baroque-era clothing. This spirit, believed by some to be the Viceroy herself, seems to manifest, still affected by the grief and heartbreak she experienced during her life.

Today, the Palau de la Virreina houses the Centro de la Imagen, which organizes various art and photography exhibitions.

Corralet Cemetery

This place has a history that may surprise many of those who frequent this popular and busy area of the city.

The cemetery of the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau (14th century), located exactly in what is now the Jardins del Dr Fleming (between the streets of Carme and Hospital), was built next to the walls of the Academy of Medicine (18th century), which is the building attached to the Hospital.

The Corralet Cemetery, according to legend, was a burial place for society’s outcasts: vagrants, people considered insane, and women stigmatized for their lifestyles, who died without anyone claiming their bodies. During those times, social norms and religious restrictions often dictated that these people could not be buried in consecrated cemeteries or on sacred ground.

The deceased were piled up haphazardly in simple wooden boxes. Occasionally, when the cemetery ran out of space for more bodies, some remains were moved to the common grave. This unpleasant task was performed by the hospital patients themselves, along with the gravedigger. They worked through the night, removing the remains from the graves and throwing them into the ossuary. The coffins and shrouds were burned in bonfires to dispose of them.

This cemetery was a corral, hence the name “corralet,” for those excluded from standard funeral rituals and usual resting places. The existence of such cemeteries was common in many European cities during the medieval period and beyond, although today much of this history has been forgotten or overshadowed by urban development.

One of the most sordid stories was the discovery between 1925 and 1931, during the works for the Biblioteca de Catalunya to be installed in the current headquarters of the former Hospital de la Santa Creu (previously located in the Palau de la Generalitat since its creation in 1914), a wall was demolished that revealed a macabre discovery known since 1918: hundreds of skulls filled the wall forming crosses and other symbols. Photographers Alexandre Merletti and Jaume Ribera documented the discovery, and these photos have recently been recovered by the Barcelona Photographic Archive. Later, the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Barcelona was authorized to study the skeletal remains.

It is said that Pablo Picasso’s work, Dead Woman, was the result of the painter’s visit to the Corralet Cemetery.

Often forgotten, with no one to claim their bodies, people were buried in this cemetery, nameless, without a headstone, and without ceremony. The legend reflects the harsh social reality of those times and the way society treated those considered “undesirable.”
Today, the area is a vibrant place full of life, with children playing and tourists strolling, oblivious to its past as a final resting place for those rejected by society.

The mysteries of the Gran Teatre del Liceu

Barcelona’s Gran Teatre del Liceu is one of Spain’s most famous opera houses, with a rich history marked by tragedy, Renaissance, and mystery. Originally built on the ruins of a convent, the Liceu opened its doors in 1847 as an opera house.

The idea that the Gran Teatro del Liceu is cursed originates from the popular belief that it was built on the site of a former nunnery, the Convent of the Discalced Trinitarians. According to legend, when the convent was demolished to make room for the new theater, the sacred site was desecrated, triggering a curse. The act of building a venue dedicated to entertainment on the site of a former convent is said to have angered some sectors of society, and, according to superstition, this “curse” has been haunting the Liceu ever since.

The mysterious fire of 1861 is particularly intriguing and adds a supernatural tinge to the history of this iconic theater. According to contemporary accounts and oral traditions, the blaze that almost completely destroyed the theater during a lively Carnival celebration seemed to have started spontaneously and under mysterious circumstances. The most notable aspect of this event was the discovery among the charred rubble of a piece of paper containing a chilling and enigmatic message: I am an owl and I go alone. If you pick it up again, I will burn it again.

After the fire, and despite the ominous warning, the Liceu was rebuilt and continued operating, only to face new challenges.

Another tragic event that fueled the Liceu’s curse was the anarchist attack of 1893. On November 7 of that year, an anarchist named Santiago Salvador threw two Orsini bombs at the theater’s audience during a performance of the opera “William Tell.” One of the bombs exploded, killing around twenty people and injuring many others, while the other bomb failed to explode. This attack sowed fear and consternation among the audience and reinforced the idea that the theater was doomed to be the scene of tragedy.

Finally, another fire broke out in 1994, caused by a random spark during welding work. These events have contributed to the Liceu’s legend as a place marked by recurring tragedies, which some interpret as the fulfillment of the owl’s curse.

Legend of the Flassaders neighborhood

Flassaders Street in Barcelona has an interesting history, indirectly linked to numismatics and finance in medieval Spain, especially in the context of the Crown of Aragon.

Flassaders Street, located in Barcelona’s El Born neighborhood, owes its name to the “flassaders,” or makers of linen fabrics and clothing. During the Middle Ages, this area was an important center of textile activity. As a result, the neighborhood was known for its artisans and bustling atmosphere. It was an economic center frequented by vendors and well-to-do people.

The tragic story of the blanket seller in the Flassaders neighborhood is one of those urban legends that has been passed down from generation to generation, becoming an unforgettable part of Barcelona’s local folklore.

One day, the neighborhood’s tranquility was interrupted by a violent act: a respected neighbor was brutally murdered by thieves who stabbed and robbed him, leaving his body in a pool of blood on the neighborhood’s dark streets.

The wounded man’s desperate screams echoed through the night, attracting the attention of a young blanket vendor who was passing by. Upon finding the man, the vendor rushed to his side, only to discover that he had arrived too late and that the life had already left the unfortunate neighbor’s body. Unfortunately, he dropped his scissors into the pool of blood, and the authorities deemed the vendor to be the culprit, so he was sentenced to death.

As he was being dragged to the Pla de les Forques, where he was to be executed, he wept and cried for mercy and defended his innocence, when something surprising happened.

At the corner of Montcada Street, the Virgin Mary, who stands at the entrance to the apse of the Cathedral of Santa María del Mar, turned her face toward the future executioner, maintaining a compassionate gaze. All those present were shocked and frightened by this event. Therefore, the condemned man was declared innocent and acquitted.

The curiosities of this historic street don’t end there. The influence of the past on this well-known Barcelona thoroughfare is undeniable. In fact, a short walk is enough to come across one of its most distinctive buildings. At one time, La Seca Real, or the Royal Mint of the Crown of Aragon, emerged as a key landmark. You remember the peseta, right? This name comes from a small coin minted in Catalonia, which was called “peceta” due to its small size.

This ancient establishment has a history spanning at least five centuries, given that coin minting was carried out intermittently from 1441 to 1881, although the building’s construction dates back even further, possibly to the 13th century. Notably, in July 1441, King Alfonso V granted his advisor, Leonardo de Sos, authorization to mint coins, resulting in the production of “florins, ducats, escudos, louis, and treintenas.” Until 1836, pesetas continued to be minted under the inscription “Principality of Catalonia.”

The Ogre of Tibidabo

Tibidabo is one of the mountains that dominates the Barcelona landscape and has been a place of cultural and religious significance for centuries. In ancient times, it was said that an ogre, known as the Father Giant, lived in the foothills of this mountain. Legend has it that this ogre had an insatiable appetite for children and would eat them whenever he had the chance.

The Father Giant wasn’t just a scary figure; he also served as a tool to keep children away from the potential dangers of wandering alone in the mountains. Like many stories of creatures carrying off children, this legend likely helped teach young people to be cautious and stay close to their homes or in the company of adults.

Today, Tibidabo is known for its amusement park, one of the oldest still operating in the world, and its beautiful temple, the Expiatory Temple of the Sacred Heart. The mountain is a place of recreation and spirituality, and the image of the Tibidabo Ogre stands in stark contrast to the joy and devotion that characterize the area today.

The Hanged Man of Creu Coberta

The street known as Creu Coberta, located near Plaza España in Barcelona, has a historical origin dating back to medieval times. Its name comes from an ancient covered cross that stood at this location and marked the entrance to the city on the road leading to Montjuïc and the surrounding towns.

In the Middle Ages, covered crosses were common on roads leading to cities. These structures, usually small chapels or crosses under a roof, served both to mark the boundaries of towns and to provide shelter or spiritual protection to travelers. In the case of the Creu Coberta, the cross marked the southern entrance to Barcelona, protecting pilgrims and merchants arriving via this route.

At that time, public executions and the display of the bodies of those executed were common practices in many European cities, including Barcelona, as a form of exemplary and deterrent punishment.

Creu Coberta Street was part of the ancient royal road that connected Barcelona with nearby towns and southern Catalonia. This route, once heavily traveled by merchants, pilgrims, and travelers, also became a “road of the damned.” Authorities would often hang executed criminals on the outskirts of the city, and their bodies were displayed as a warning to those arriving in the city. The display of the bodies was a symbolic act, meant to demonstrate the power of the law and warn travelers and locals of the consequences of disobeying the city’s rules.

Legend tells of a knight in Barcelona who was forced to fight a duel. Before the fight, seeking some kind of comfort or protection, the young man prayed before the body of a condemned man who had been hanged at Creu Coberta. According to the story, the spirit of the hanged man, moved by the young man’s prayer, decided to intervene in the duel.

The ghost of the condemned man stripped him of his belongings, weapons, and clothing, and ordered him to wait in the same place. The knight obeyed, and soon after, he heard the sounds of combat in the darkness, including groans of agony. Some time later, the stranger returned to return his clothes and explained that he had pretended to be him in order to confront an ambush intended to kill him. In this way, the knight was able to save his life.

Rope makers and butchers on Tallers Street

The butchers of Calle Tallers, responsible for providing meat to the people of Barcelona, faced a harsh reality. Their daily work involved slaughtering animals, a task that, although essential, provoked a certain revulsion among some sectors of society. Beyond their role in slaughtering animals, butchers were often also called upon to serve as executioners, carrying out death sentences imposed by the authorities. This additional role solidified their bad reputation and gave them an aura of fear and distrust among the citizens.

On the other hand, the ropemakers, who made rope using primarily hemp fibers, found themselves in a peculiar situation. Their work frequently took them to the hemp fields on the outskirts of the city. Constant exposure to hemp, a plant known both for its industrial uses and its psychoactive properties, supposedly induced a kind of hypnotic state in the ropemakers. This effect made them appear enigmatic or even endowed with supernatural powers, which fueled rumors and superstitions about them having witchcraft or magical abilities.

The location of these guilds on Tallers Street, just outside the city walls, was significant. The activities they carried out, considered impure or dangerous, required a space separated from the main urban core for reasons of both hygiene and social order. Tallers Street provided a physical margin that reflected their social marginalization.

Over the years, the perception of these guilds and of Calle Tallers has evolved. What was once a marginal area is now a vibrant and central street, known for its diverse shops and rich cultural life. The history of the ropemakers and butchers has transformed into an intriguing part of Barcelona’s historical heritage, offering visitors and residents a window into a complex past where economics, superstition, and social life were deeply intertwined.

The skull of the Bisbe bridge

The Bisbe Bridge, a picturesque elevated walkway connecting the Palau de la Generalitat with the Casa dels Canonges in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, is a relatively modern structure, built in 1928 by architect Joan Rubió i Bellver during the renovation of the city’s historic center. Despite its youth compared to the city’s other historic monuments, the bridge has captured the imagination of locals and tourists alike due to the fascinating legends surrounding it, particularly those centered on the skull found at its base.

The skull in question, apparently authentic, is pierced by a dagger and is the focus of several urban legends. This enigmatic architectural detail has given rise to multiple theories and myths about its meaning and power.

One of the most well-known and widespread legends is that the foundations of Barcelona will crumble if anyone dares to remove the dagger pierced through the skull. This legend suggests that the dagger metaphorically sustains the stability of the entire city. Although the credibility of this story is clearly questionable, the legend has endured over the years, in part due to the human fascination with mysteries and the desire to find meaning in the inexplicable. The idea that a simple object can maintain the integrity of a metropolis as vibrant as Barcelona invites residents and visitors to reflect on the city’s fragility and resilience.

Another popular legend claims that if a person crosses the Bisbe Bridge by walking backward and staring at the skull, they will be granted a wish. This myth adds an element of magical interactivity to the bridge, turning it into a place where visitors not only observe but also participate in creating their own magical experience. Although many have attempted this ritual and have not seen their wishes granted, the practice itself has become a fun activity and an opportunity to take a memorable photo in one of the most iconic locations in the Gothic Quarter.

The true meaning behind the skull and dagger remains a mystery. Joan Rubió i Bellver, the architect responsible for the bridge’s construction, never left any clear documentation about his intentions behind this enigmatic decoration. This has allowed legends to flourish and each visitor to interpret the symbol in their own way.

Rubió i Bellver most likely included the skull and dagger as a reminder of the refusal he received to develop a project to rehabilitate the surroundings of Mount Táber, which included demolishing all non-Gothic buildings, adding new elements in that style, and creating ornamentation that imitated it.

Perhaps it is just a decorative detail intended to add an air of mystery and antiquity to the structure.

The Cathedral’s Hell Road

The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, commonly known as Barcelona Cathedral, is a magnificent Gothic church located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter. Built between the 13th and 15th centuries, the cathedral has been the spiritual center of the city for centuries and has witnessed countless historical events and legends.

One of the darkest legends associated with the cathedral is the one that tells of a path that led directly to hell from this sacred place. This myth suggests that, beneath the cathedral, there were secret tunnels and passageways that connected to the underworld. Tales tell that those who ventured into these passageways could become lost and never return, forever trapped in the depths of hell.

Next to the Cathedral Avenue, there was a cave known as the “thieves’ cave.” According to the book Fantasmes de Barcelona, this cave was a dark and dangerous place, frequented by criminals and outlaws who used its nooks and crannies to hide from justice and plot their misdeeds. The legend becomes even more intriguing when it is mentioned that one of the cave’s frequent visitors was the infamous bandit Joan de Serrallonga.

Joan de Serrallonga was a famous 17th-century Catalan bandit, whose life and adventures have been the subject of numerous folk tales and legends. Serrallonga became a legendary figure, known for his daring robberies and his ability to evade capture. According to legend, Serrallonga and his gang used the Thieves’ Den as a safe haven, from which they could plan their attacks and escape the authorities.

The connection between the cathedral and the den of thieves adds a sinister dimension to the legend. The idea of a road leading to hell, combined with the presence of a cave frequented by thieves and outlaws, suggests a network of tunnels and dark passages hiding terrible secrets. This image of a subterranean and dangerous Barcelona, where the sacred and the profane intertwine, has captured the imagination of generations.

The murderous barber of Barcelona

The legend of Barcelona’s murderous barber is a dark and gruesome tale that has endured in the collective memory of the Ribera neighborhood since the 18th century. This story blends elements of horror and cannibalism, and although there is no historical evidence to support it, it remains a fascinating and terrifying urban tale.

You are standing at 14 Pou de la Figuera Street. There, you’ll find an alleyway separating two buildings. This place is known as “El Forat de la Vergonya,” which means “The Hole of Shame.” It is said that the events that occurred in that area were so shocking for the neighborhood that the city council decided to demolish the building. Since then, the space has remained empty and nothing has been built on it.

According to legend, on a cold winter night, a stranger arrived in the Ribera neighborhood. This dirty and disheveled-looking stranger had been recommended by a fruit vendor at the Born market to visit an inn on Carrer del Pou de la Figuera, famous for its exquisite meat stew.

The stranger, following the recommendation, arrived at the inn and ordered the famous stew. He was so delighted with the food that he decided to spend the night there. However, during the night, he was awakened by strange noises that seemed familiar to him: the characteristic banging sounds made by butchers when butchering animals. Although it seemed strange, his exhaustion forced him to go back to sleep.

The next day, intrigued by the nighttime noises, the stranger questioned the innkeeper, who dismissed the sounds as probably someone chopping wood. Later, while out for a walk, the stranger noticed a barbershop next door to the inn, a place he hadn’t noticed the night before. He decided to go in for a haircut and a shave, thinking a good appearance would help his sales.

The barbershop was dark and gloomy, lit only by a small window and a few candles. The sinister-looking barber invited the stranger to sit. Suspicious, the stranger put his valuables in a pocket and kept his hand in it. Although the haircut was impeccable, the stranger began to feel uneasy as he watched the barber approach with a razor, his eyes bloodshot.

In a tense moment, the stranger stood up and confronted the barber. After a struggle, the stranger managed to snatch the razor and push the barber against the wall, activating a spring that opened a trapdoor in the floor. The barber fell through the trapdoor, revealing the horrors lurking below.

The terrified stranger ran out of the barbershop and ran into a lawman. Together they returned to the barbershop to investigate. The policeman’s investigation revealed a macabre plot of murder and cannibalism. The barber slit his victims’ throats and threw them through the trapdoor into the basement, where the innkeeper butchered them and prepared the meat for the famous stew.

The revelation of these facts horrified the neighborhood residents. Many of those who had tried the inn’s stew began vomiting when they realized what they had actually eaten.

Although the story of the murderous barber of Barcelona has no documented historical basis, it has endured as a legend warning of the dangers hidden in seemingly ordinary places. This legend has parallels with other tales of murderous barbers and pastry chefs in literature and film, such as the 19th-century French Sweeney Todd tale “The Flesh Pastry Chef and the Murderous Barber” and the story brought to the Hollywood screen.

Witches at the stake in the Plaza del Rey

In medieval Barcelona, specifically in the Plaza del Rey, executions of people accused of witchcraft were carried out, although they were not as common as in other regions of Europe. These executions were part of the response by civil and religious authorities to beliefs in witchcraft and the widespread fear of the supernatural.

Accusations of witchcraft were often based on superstitions, rumors, or personal enmities. People accused of witchcraft could be subjected to torture to extract confessions, as it was believed that torture could make them confess their pacts with the Devil or their magical practices.

The Plaza del Rey also gained notoriety in 1492, when a peasant, known as the pagès (farmer in Catalan), attacked King Ferdinand the Catholic with a dagger. This man, Joan de Canyamars, suffered a brutal punishment: he was paraded half-naked in a cart, accompanied by the executioner. In the Plaza del Blat, one hand was cut off, in the Plaza del Born, the other, and in the Plaza Sant Jaume, his nose, one eye, and one leg were mutilated, and he bled to death in front of the crowd.

Since the old prison was located in King’s Square, when a prisoner was to be executed, a sign detailing his crime was hung around his neck. Sometimes, a red ribbon was added, from which hung stolen objects or tools used in the crime.

From the prison, the condemned man was led to the Baixada de la Llibreteria and then to Bòria Street, now partially replaced by Via Laietana. The people of Barcelona knew this route as “Bòria Avall.” The route passed through several emblematic places, and upon reaching his final destination, the prisoner was branded on his back with irons engraved with the city’s coat of arms, so that he would never forget his punishment. The end of this process could be prison in Plaça del Rei, or for the less fortunate, the stake or the gallows in the same square.

Those who committed any crime were flogged and forced to witness execution by hanging or burning. In the case of women who committed any infraction (except heresy), they were paraded naked on a donkey, wearing a colorful hood, and their chins were immobilized to prevent them from hiding their faces. Nobles and privileged individuals, on the other hand, did not suffer such severe punishments; at most, they were banished to a convent or castle.

To judge heretics, the Inquisition used the “judgment of God by water” in the Plaza del Rey, where a large scale was placed. A Bible was placed on one side, and the alleged heretic or witch on the other. If the person weighed less than the Bible, they were considered innocent.

It’s not surprising that Barcelona residents felt a great fear of witchcraft after these rituals and ceremonies, so beloved by the Dominicans and Franciscans. For this reason, on the doors of the Sant Martí de Provençals church in Plaça Ignasi Puyol, you can still see good-luck horseshoes or symbols used to ward off enchantments.

TRAVEL GUIDE Ghost Route in Barcelona