Everyone has their own way of visiting a city: some opt for a methodical, neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood approach, while others choose to lose themselves in the streets and simply revel in the surprises… Let's take a very special tour of the city, taking in some of its most famous landmarks, as well as places that may go unnoticed, but are nevertheless steeped in history and worthy of our full attention. The first thing you should do if you want to join the fountain circuit in Barcelona is book your Renfe tickets —the most practical, comfortable and environmentally friendly way to travel!
Just off the famous Plaça Catalunya, at the bottom of the Rambla, is the Canaletes fountain-lamp. It is one of the city's most prominent landmarks, as it is here that fans have been celebrating F.C Barcelona's glory days since the 1930s, when you had to walk right up to the door of the La Rambla sports newspaper to find out the results! Located on the site of the medieval city's water supply, legend has it that anyone who drinks from it will return to Barcelona.
Canaletes, undoubtedly one of the most visited and famous fountains in the city
Heading towards the sea from the Canaletes fountain, you will find the Portaferrissa fountain on your left, easily recognisable by its decor. Indeed, it is overhung by ceramics depicting the daily life of the inhabitants in the 18th century, at the gateway to the city.
Continue along Las Ramblas and on your left is the Plaza Real, in the centre of which is the Fountain of the Three Graces. Designed by Louis-Tullius-Joachim Visconti, it was built by Antoine Durenne and incorporated into Antoni Rovira i Trias's architectural project in 1876. It's the perfect place to take a break and cool off on the terrace.
Not far from here, the oldest fountain in the city stands on the corner of Carrer de Cucurulla and Portal del Ángel. Built in 1356; the Fountain of Santa Anna. Originally used as a drinking trough for horses, it became a fountain, was enlarged in 1819 and decorated with ceramics in 1918 to designs by Josep Aragay.
Two places worth a short break in the old town are the Pla de la Boquería fountain and the Sant Just fountain, both built to provide water for Barcelonians who didn't have wells of their own.
To finish off the tour, head for the Montjuic Magic Fountain, well known to locals and visitors alike. Built for the 1929 International Exhibition by Carles Buïges, it has undergone several transformations. Since the 1980s, it has been a real attraction, with the water dancing to the sound of the musical programme from dusk onwards, to the delight of everyone.
There are many fountains worth stopping to look at, and while we're recommending some of them today, you're sure to discover others as you stroll through the streets of the Catalan capital.
On your return, you'll have plenty of time to look at your photos and immerse yourself in the fountain circuit, so that the holiday continues until you get home.
Can't wait to hop on a train to Barcelona? Now you can do just that on AVE France, our international high-speed trains between France and Spain. The most comfortable, fastest and sustainable way to travel is by train! You can also take advantage of our discounts and get the best price.
Did you like our suggestions? Well, there is a lot more where that came from! Discover more original tips about what to do in Barcelona with Renfe.