Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Homage to Catalonia
(George Orwell, 1938) Orwell's classic account of the early days of
the Spanish Civil War.
Redesigning the City
Poblenou, once a centre of industrial activity during the 19th century, went through a time of
decay before a slow period of revitalisation that kicked off with the 1992 Olympics. Today
Poblenou is once again a hive of activity, and the city's new focal point in the realm of urban
renewal. Wild new buildings have arrived in the form of Els Encants Vells market and the
monolithic Disseny Hub, which houses the city's newest museum (dedicated to decorative
arts, textiles and graphic design). Jean Nouvel's cucumber-like Torre Agbar lies just beyond,
adding to the ultramodern architectural landscape. City officials believe the tower, which
will be transformed into a hotel in years to come, and other attractions will help make the
area a new destination for visitors to Barcelona.
Also part of Poblenou is the zone known as 22@ (vint-i-dos arroba), a 200-hectare dis-
trict with a staggering number of media, high-tech and design firms. Over 4000 firms have
arrived since the turn of the millennium, helping make 22@ Barcelona's leading centre of
innovation. Some 47% of the newly opened businesses have been start-ups.
