In this publication we leave you information about Barcelona’s Port Vell and its most charismatic buildings. These make up the beautiful visible profile of the coast of the Olympic city and give it exit and access to the Mediterranean Sea.
On a boat trip along the coast of Barcelona we can see the skyline of the city and the coastline. It is worth noting, due to its importance, the Barcelona’s Port Vell. In this old port of Barcelona we find a clear example of renewal and updating of the city, as well as a powerful economic, sports and services engine for citizens.
History of Barcelona’s Port Vell
Barcelona’s Port Vell has a long history and a privileged location on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. It is one of the most emblematic destinations of the Olympic city. Known as the old port of Barcelona, Port Vell has evolved over the centuries to become a nerve center for cultural, sports, commercial and tourist activities.
Barcelona’s Port Vell has its roots in Roman times, when the Romans established a settlement called Barcino in the 1st century BC. At this time, the port was used mainly for commercial activities and as a naval base. During the Middle Ages the port gained importance, becoming a thriving commercial center and a crucial gateway for Mediterranean trade.
Over the years, Barcelona’s Port Vell has been modernized to adapt to the growing demands of maritime trade. During the 19th century, new infrastructures were built and port facilities were improved, which allowed for a greater flow of merchandise and economic growth in the region.
In the middle of the 20th century, it began to suffer a gradual deterioration due to the change in the dynamics of maritime trade and the lack of proper maintenance. However, starting in the 1980s, an ambitious renovation project began to revitalize the area and make it an attractive and accessible public space.
Thanks to this renovation, Barcelona’s Port Vell underwent a significant transformation. New recreational boating facilities were created and modern piers and boardwalks were built. In addition, tourist attractions were established, such as the Barcelona Aquarium and the Maremàgnum, a popular shopping and entertainment center.
Today, Barcelona’s Port Vell has become a must-see for tourists and locals alike. Its blue waters, its majestic yachts and its lively atmosphere make it an emblematic meeting point in the city. In addition, Port Vell hosts renowned cultural and sporting events, attracting a large number of visitors each year.
Barcelona’s Port Vell is much more than a port. It is a symbol of the city’s maritime history and a place where culture, sport, commerce and tourism converge. With its Mediterranean charm and diverse offer, Barcelona’s Port Vell has established itself as an unmissable destination for those wishing to explore the region’s rich maritime heritage.
Main buildings and entities of Barcelona’s Port Vell
Among the most outstanding buildings in Port Vell are the Barcelona Customs Building, the Barcelona Maritime Museum, the Port Authority Building and the España or Maremagnum Wharf, which was one of the liveliest areas of Barcelona’s Port Vell and the whole city.
The Customs Building of Barcelona
It was designed in 1903 by the engineer Julio Valdés Humaran and inaugurated in 1908. It was built as a gateway to Barcelona to provide various services to all travelers arriving by sea.
The Maritime Museum of Barcelona
It is a Gothic building built between the 13th and 15th centuries, and is located in the Royal Shipyards. The museum has a permanent collection that shows the maritime history of Catalonia from Roman times to the present day. We recommend your visit.
The Port Authority Building
The building (at first called the Port Works Board Building) is located on the Bosch i Alsina wharf, in Barcelona. It was built by Julio Valdés between 1903 and 1907, in an eclectic style. It was the headquarters of the administration of the port of Barcelona from 1918 to 2010.
The Barcelona Port Authority Building stands as a symbol of power and control over port operations. Built in the 20th century, it reflects the architecture of the time with its imposing neoclassical façade and elegant lines. Designed to house the port’s key offices and departments, this building quickly became a landmark for both sailors and visitors coming to the city.
Currently, the building is undergoing rehabilitation to reconsider its use as an interpretation center for the Port of Barcelona and has been listed since October 27, 2000 as a Cultural Asset of Local Interest.
Marina Vela
Marina Vela de Barcelona is a luxury marina for recreational sailing located in Barcelona’s Port Vell. It is located at the north mouth of the port, next to the Hotel W (the emblematic Ricard Bofill building popularly known as the Vela hotel) and Rosa dels Vents square, next to the Barceloneta neighborhood.
It offers a wide range of services and amenities for yacht owners and their crews. The marina has 151 berths for yachts up to 190 meters in length and offers exceptional services and facilities for premium yachts as well. Marina Port Vell is home to some of the most important agents, service companies and superyacht companies in the sector.
Barcelona Yacht Club
One of the most prestigious yacht clubs in the city, Club Náutico de Barcelona offers first-class facilities and services for lovers of sailing and water sports. It also organizes events and competitions related to the sea.
Royal Maritime Club of Barcelona
The Real Club Marítimo de Barcelona is a yacht club located in Barcelona’s Port Vell. It was founded in 1902 as the Real Club de Barcelona when the Real Club de Regatas (fundamentally dedicated to Rowing) and the Real Yacht Club (fundamentally dedicated to Sailing and of a similar age) merged, making it one of the oldest sports clubs. old from Spain.
They perform different sports activities, such as rowing, sailing, etc. It has sports rooms and moorings for boats. It also has different services: space rental, cafeteria, swimming pool, barbecue, rowing hangar, slipway and crane, gym, and library. This club is a pioneer and promoter of water sports, and has achieved one of the best sports resumes in the world in this field.
Current events and news from this port
Barcelona’s Port Vell will receive more than 120 million euros of public-private investment in the coming months to provide this area with new spaces. The celebration of the Copa América in 2024 has expedited the first phase of the transformation that Port Vell will undergo in the coming years. Once the competition is over, the Port of Barcelona will promote new projects to open up even more to the city.
Formula 1 landed in Barcelona last week for the Spanish Grand Prix and the city became the perfect setting to receive the show. Those responsible for the Circuit joined forces with the Generalitat de Catalunya and the Barcelona City Council to launch the Formula 1 Barcelona Village, which was installed in Port Vell from May 26 to June 3.
The Village had free access for all attendees, and intended to connect the Mediterranean Sea, modernism and the cosmopolitanism of Barcelona with Formula 1, the adrenaline and excitement of the Circuit. Fans of this sport found all kinds of activities, experiences, and performances to fully enjoy during these days.
At Catvents we are at your disposal and we offer you our excellent boat departure services along the coast. Share an unforgettable experience with your loved ones, partner, friends or colleagues and coworkers. We offer you our help so that you can enjoy your holidays or your stay in Barcelona to the fullest, and so that you can discover and enjoy its architecture, art and culture.
Book our services now through our WhatsApp / phone (+34) 639 433 079 or by filling out our contact form.
Julián Guisado