America’s Cup – Waterfront
Discover the transformation of Barcelona’s Port Vell with a specialized architect-guide
The hosting of the 2024 America’s Cup in Barcelona is a perfect occasion to discover its long maritime history and the evolution of its waterfront. For centuries, the city seemed to look away from the Mediterranean and its coastline became especially disordered with the arrival of the industrial revolution, when a combination of industrial sheds and informal constructions seemed to randomly occupy the seafront.
The 1992 Olympic Games held in Barcelona initiated a transformation that would radically alter the cityscape, and particularly its connection to the sea. The Olympic Port might seem the most noticeable intervention, but the renewal of the Old Port was equally remarkable, including a refurbishing of the Moll de la Fusta and the construction of the Maremagnum commercial area.
Visit Barcelona’s historical port and witness its urban and architectural transformation. Cross the harbor on the nautical bus to visit the new buildings and public spaces in the Nova Bocana dock.
Fortunately, the transformative impulse endured beyond the Olympic event, and from then on, Barcelona’s seafront witnessed constant improvements. The result is an extended and attractive seafront promenade that longs from the Hotel W all the way to the Olympic Port, flanked on one side by prominent buildings and on the other by several kilometers of beaches. The renovations carried out for the 2024 America’s Cup are the last milestone in this ongoing development. The latest projects aim at blending contemporary structures with historical buildings and places, highlighting the continuity of the city’s maritime tradition, and reinforcing even further the connection between Barcelona and the Mediterranean. For a more detailed background, we invite you to read our blog article on this topic.
Who will be guiding you through the waterfront?
A local architect of Guiding Architects (The world’s largest network of architecture tour companies, established in 1996):
- We deliver relevant, accurate and up-to-date information in a dynamic and entertaining way.
- We design authentic, off-the-beaten-track experiences that strive to exceed your expectations.
- We provide insightful reflection and inspirational views
Selection of projects included in the tour
Museu d’Història de Catalunya | Josep Benedito + Agustí Mateos
Maremagnum | Albert Viaplana + Helio Piñón / L35 Arquitectes
World Trade Center | I. M. Pei + Henry N. Cobb
Hotel W | Ricardo Bofill
Mirador Vela | External Reference Architects
Duration: 2,5h – 3,5h (depending on group size)
Transport: By foot + nautical bus
Service: Experienced architect as a guide, reservations
Languages: German, Spanish, Catalan, English, French, Italian, Dutch
Max participants: 25 pax/group
