We are visiting the Raval neibourhood with the students of the Spanish intensive course

The best way to get to know the city we live in is by walking through it. Strolling its streets, stopping to admire the façades, looking closely and even touching the monuments allows us to connect with the city’s past. It also provides valuable knowledge to better understand and appreciate the place we call home.

At Dime, we love doing just that. That’s why we organize urban walks for our Spanish students who live in Barcelona. One thing is certain: the teachers at Dime are passionate not only about teaching the language, but also about sharing their city. For them, it’s a true pleasure to tell stories, offer insights, and point out curiosities about different corners of Barcelona.

Some days ago we visited the Raval neighborhood with the students of our Intensive Spanish Course. It was a very pleasant walk under the warm —but not overwhelming— July sun. We started early, before most shops had even opened. As a result, the Raval’s usual hustle and bustle was yet to begin. In that calm moment, our students had the chance to learn about the origins of the neighborhood and explore the different historical periods it has gone through.

The Raval has a fascinating and complex past. Originally, it was an area outside the medieval city walls, which began to be urbanized during the Middle Ages. Many religious orders settled there, building convents, monasteries, and hospitals. These institutions gave the neighborhood a charitable and social character, offering care and shelter to the most vulnerable members of society.

During the Industrial Revolution, the Raval underwent a radical transformation. It became one of the first neighborhoods in Barcelona to host factories and workshops, attracting large numbers of workers from other parts of Spain. The growth was rapid and chaotic, leading to overcrowding and poor living conditions. Still, it played a key role in the city’s economic development.

In the interwar period, the Raval earned the nickname "Barrio Chino" ("Chinatown") —coined by a sensationalist journalist— and became associated with nightlife, poverty, prostitution, and crime. This reputation shaped its image for decades. However, it was also a vibrant cultural center, home to artists, writers, and bohemians.

Today, the Raval is a lively, diverse, and multicultural neighborhood. In recent years, it has undergone several urban renewal projects —some controversial— that have changed its social and architectural landscape. It is now a dynamic space, full of energy, creativity, and a strong sense of identity.

During our walk, we explored some of the neighborhood’s most iconic places, which reflect this rich historical and cultural legacy:

• The old Hospital de la Santa Creu, a beautiful Gothic complex that now houses the Library of Catalonia. Its peaceful cloister is a true oasis in the heart of the city.
  
  
  
• Rambla del Raval, one of the most emblematic symbols of the neighborhood’s urban renewal, home to the famous Cat sculpture by Botero —a popular meeting point.
  
  
  
• The MACBA (Museum of Contemporary Art of Barcelona), with its striking white building, is a hub for modern art and youth culture. The square in front is always buzzing with skaters and students.
  
  
  
• The Filmoteca de Catalunya, a must-visit for film lovers, offers screenings of classic and contemporary movies in their original version.
  
  
  
• The church of Sant Pau del Camp, one of the oldest churches in Barcelona, with a unique Romanesque style and a quiet, spiritual atmosphere.
  
  
  
• The Boquería Market, located at the edge of the neighborhood, is a feast for the senses —one of the most famous markets in Europe, full of color, flavor, and life.
  
  
  

Throughout the walk, we not only brought the past of the Raval to life, but also experienced the vibrant pulse of its present: lively streets, multicultural shops, and squares where locals, students, and visitors mix and mingle. Without a doubt, spending a July morning exploring the Raval is a rewarding experience —perfect for practicing Spanish while discovering the authentic soul of Barcelona.

If you would like to join our next excursion, don't hesitate con contact us to info@dimebarcelona.com.