Undoubtedly, when we talk about Barcelona it is inevitable to think about its culture, tradition, tourism and gastronomy. However, this city goes much further. In fact, there are mysteries of the city of Barcelona that many people are unaware of. Arriving in the city, the atmosphere leads us to think about what is hidden in so many years of history.
Surely you have heard some of the strangest stories of this city. However, we must not miss the opportunity to mention the most popular legends known to the inhabitants of Barcelona.
If you want to know more about the legends of this city, keep reading this article. Right now we will explain interesting facts that you will not be able to believe. You will be surprised with each one of them. Without further ado, let’s get started!
1. The vamp from Raval
This is one of the greatest mysteries of the city of Barcelona. It is a very dark story about Enriqueta Martí who, at the time, was known as the vamp of Raval. This legend dates from the beginning of the 20th century. Specifically, in the year 1912. By then, everything happened on Ponent Street.
A neighbor saw a little girl without hair looking through a window on the mezzanine where Enriqueta lived and told a friend about it. This person ran to the authorities immediately. After approaching the place, they found a missing girl days ago in the woman’s house. The media exposed that in Enriqueta’s apartment there were creams made with children’s fluids and people’s bones.
It was said that the Raval vamp kidnapped children at night. Also, that the potions he made were for elitist groups in the city. Although it is a gloomy story, the truth is that nothing was ever proven. Everything remained in the speculation of the people who knew the place and this woman.
2. The curse of the Liceu
In case you don’t know anything about the Liceu, it is a building that has completely burned down twice. The first was in 1861 and the second in 1994. Currently, the building is the most popular theater in Barcelona.
Previously, this building was a convent. Years later, the monks took over the place until their expulsion, when the building was demolished for the construction of the Liceu. Since then, it is said that the monks cursed the place because they did not conceive that pagan activities were carried out in the enclosure . The spirits of these monks were attributed the fire of 1861.
The “curse” of the monks continued with the bombing of the Liceu, an attack carried out by Santiago Salvador in 1893 in which 20 people died. A further minor fire broke out which started when a spark from the explosion caused the entire curtain to burn down. The theater in general was burned and it was an unfortunate event due to the amount of human losses.
After the new fire that occurred in 1994, the theater was built again in 1999. Its inauguration was carried out with the expectation that the curse had been left in the past. Since then, there has not been a new event of this type.
3. The resurrected Saint Mary of the Sea
This is another of the most popular mysteries of the city of Barcelona . According to legend, the village church watched a true horror story. A few centuries ago, a woman died after marrying a man from Barcelona. Her family then made the decision to watch over her with her dress and jewelry in Santa María del Mar.
When night had just fallen, two thieves entered the church with the intention of stealing the jewels. They decided to remove the earrings. To do this, they pulled the ears hard. At that moment, the deceased screamed in pain and the thieves left. The young woman walked back to her house and her entire family was surprised by the event.
Since that moment, she was called “the resurrected” and refused by everyone in the town because the superstitions of the time.
The doctor in charge of the young woman’s care mentioned what happened: it was the cause of a catalepsy. This strange condition makes it possible for the human body to remain without vital signs for various periods of time. So, the possibility that the woman had returned from the dead was completely ruled out.
4. The devil of Santa María del Pi
Santa María del Pi is one of the medieval buildings preserved in the city of Barcelona. Some popular stories claim that its construction was carried out with the help of the devil. That is, the natives affirm that it was necessary to make a pact from step number 100. This was the only thing that allowed the construction to be completed.
In fact, the first architect left the building abandoned on step 99. Another architect then completed the job. Supposedly, the devil felt cheated and left an imprint on step 100 that was restored a short time later. The mark of the step became so popular and the church decided to remove it due to the number of people who came to look at the supposed mark of the devil.
Another interesting fact in relation to this church is how the teacher José Mestres fell from a bridge without a railing in said construction. The strangest thing is that he did not suffer any damage, despite the height of the fall. By 1800 it was considered a miracle by San José Orios whose remains rest in the church.
5. The alchemist’s house
It is said that, in Jewish times, an alchemist lived at number 8 of the Arc de Sant Ramon del Call. One day a Christian man came to visit him. He told him that he had fallen in love with a Jewess, but that she had abandoned him when he told her that their relationship would not prosper. So, the young man asked the alchemist for a poison to take the woman’s life.
The alchemist asked if the poison was for a woman or a man. In response, he gave her a poisoned flower for the girl. The surprise was when the alchemist, upon arriving home, found his daughter dead while holding the flower in her hand .
6. The history of the Sant Felip Neri Square
Following on this list of mysteries of the city of Barcelona, we have this interesting story. This fairly quiet square holds many dark legends. In the Middle Ages, the square was not as beautiful as it is now. In fact, it was used as a common grave to dump the bodies of people sentenced to death by the Inquisition.
In addition, there are holes in the walls of the church. They were presumed to be marks of firing squads. However, it has been shown that the holes are the result of the bombs dropped by Italian aircraft during their attacks in 1938.
7. Ghost subway stations
We cannot talk about mysteries of the city of Barcelona without mentioning hidden corners. Prior authorization is required to visit any of the underground stations. Although there are many stations, the most popular for their mysteries are Correos, Banc, and Ferran.
Legend has it that the Banc station was used as a transport channel for Spanish money. In addition to the homeless community that made life in this place. There are stories that talk about ghostly apparitions.
Arrabassada Casino and Torre Salvana Castle
To finish with the mysteries of the city of Barcelona it is worth mentioning these two terrifying places. Arrabassada Casino was a casino and hotel at the same time. This one stood out for having been built quite luxuriously. The most relevant part of the construction was the supposed suicide chamber created for those who wanted to end their lives after losing everything in the casino. At present, the entire construction is in ruins.
On the other hand, there is Torre Salvana Castle. This is a hidden place, but popular for the number of ghosts that many claim to see. The castle dates back to the 10th century. It is said that whoever visits it meets a desperate woman who asks for help. In addition, there are apparitions of girls who roam the area.
Other curious facts that you should know about Barcelona
In addition to the above, Barcelona is a city of endless mysteries. Popular and not so popular legends are an essential part of the city’s tourist attraction. There are other interesting mysteries to highlight.
If you have visited Bisbe Street, you may have caught a glimpse of its large bridge. This bridge was built to restore the Gothic quarter. So, due to its origin, if you look closely you will notice a skull with a dagger embedded in it. The reasons why Joan Rubió i Bellver sculpted that skull are not clear. It certainly remains a total mystery.
In addition to this, there are other legends such as that of the virreine who lived locked up in the convent of La Garrotxa until her engagement. This woman died years later and there are those who claim that her ghost wanders at night.
If you want to know more about the mysteries and legends of the city of Barcelona, get in touch with us and hire one of our city tours.
