Many of the original buildings and industrial chimneys still exist; however, most have been converted into company and civic buildings. In Poblenou the industrial revolution age sits next to futuristic with the @22 Barcelona technology district just around the corner and the ultra modern building that houses the ME Barcelona Hotel.
However, the most notable and futuristic of them all is the Torre Agbar (Agbar Tower), designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, together with Spanish firm B720 Arquitectos. This 38-story tower is located in the Barrio Poblenou, between Diagonal and Carrer Badajoz; on its inauguration in 2005, it marked the start of the new technological era and district that was developing in Barcelona.
The design of the tower was inspired by Montserrat, which is a mountain close to Barcelona and also by a geyser shooting up into the air. It could also be mistaken for the Norman Foster designed 30 St Mary Axe skyscraper.
According to Torre Agbar designer Jean Nouvel, the greatest and most influential Catalan architect, Antoni Guadí influenced the construction, with references in the design to the bell towers of the Sagrada Familia and to the Hotel Attraction, a Gaudí project for a skyscraper in New York, which he never realised.
Close to the Torre Agbar is the Glories shopping centre on Avenida Diagonal; the tree-lined boulevard is where you will find locals out walking, jogging and cycling.
Poblenou also has its own version of Las Ramblas, the Rambla de Poblenou is lovely pedestrianised street, where residents step out to stroll, shop and chat with the neighbours. Rambla de Poblenou stretches from Avenida Diagonal down to the Mar Bella Beach.
The Carrer de Maria Aguilo, which runs parallel with the Rambla de Poblenou is a great street to wander down. It still retains much of the charm of the old neighbourhood.
With its close proximity to the sea, you can find some great local seafood restaurants in Poblenou, in Placa Prim (Prim Square) you find Els Pescador, one of the best fish restaurants in Barcelona. It has to be experienced.
Poblenou is by far one of the more dynamic neighbourhoods of Barcelona; from its old industrial roots to its pioneering technological community. The area certainly knows how to combine old charm and local hospitality with the truly cutting edge.
Steffen Hansen is living in Malaga - Spain and has been travelling all over the world. He is the owner of http://www.globalcitybreak.co.uk which is based in Malaga. The company is specialized in city holiday apartments and has a wide selection of high quality properties in several European cities.
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