17/03/2025
7 things that, if you are not from Barcelona, you surely do not know
(and if you are, maybe you don’t either)
Barcelona is full of curious stories, hidden details, and traditions that can surprise both visitors and its own inhabitants. Beyond its iconic monuments such as the Sagrada Familia or Park Güell, the Catalan capital hides curiosities that even many Barcelonans are unaware of. Did you know that the statue of Columbus does not point toward America? Or that the city’s beaches are artificial?
Below, we tell you 7 surprising facts about Barcelona that will make you see the city with new eyes. It doesn’t matter if you are a tourist or a local, surely one of these stories will catch you by surprise! And, if you come on vacation, remember that at BYPILLOW we have hotels in the center of Barcelona perfect for discovering these 7 wonders.
If you think you know everything about the city, keep reading this BYPILLOW article… perhaps you’ll be surprised more than once!
Columbus does not point to America, but to Menorca
The statue of Christopher Columbus, located at the end of La Rambla, is one of the most famous and visited monuments in Barcelona. Many believe that his finger points toward the New World, as a symbol of his historic journey, but in reality… Columbus does not point to America!
If we trace a straight line following his hand, the trajectory passes through Menorca, Sardinia, and Algeria. A mistake? Not exactly. There are several theories about this curious orientation:
Technical errors: Some believe that the statue should have been placed in another location and its final position modified the direction of the finger.
Mediterranean symbolism: Others contend that Columbus does not point to America because the intention was to represent the importance of trade in the Mediterranean.
Simple chance: It may be that the statue was simply designed that way without further intention.
Be that as it may, if you ever thought that Columbus showed the way to the Americas, now you know that in reality he suggests a shorter journey… through the Mediterranean!
‘L’Ou Com Balla’: the egg that dances in the fountains
Every year, during the Corpus Christi festival, Barcelona fills with fountains featuring a peculiar scene: an egg floating and spinning over the water jet, without falling. This tradition, called L’Ou Com Balla, is unique in the world and has been celebrated in the city for centuries.
Here we leave you practical information so that you know in detail this curiosity of Barcelona:
Where to see it? In well-known places such as the cloister of Barcelona Cathedral, the Pedralbes Monastery, or the Palau del Lloctinent.
Since when has it been done? It is believed that it originated in the 15th century, although its exact origin remains a mystery.
What does it symbolize? Some say it represents the cycle of life, others see it as a symbol of abundance and fertility.
The egg is emptied beforehand and sealed with wax so that it floats, which is why it dances on the water for hours without falling. It is a hypnotic spectacle that enchants both young and old. Do you dare to try it at home?
The Sagrada Familia has been under construction for more than a century
If you think that the construction work on your street takes too long, wait until you learn the story of the Sagrada Familia! The construction of this famous temple began in 1882 and, more than 140 years later, it is still unfinished.
To put it in perspective: the pyramids of Egypt were built in less time. The duration of the work is due, in part, to the complexity of Antoni Gaudí’s design, who knew that he would not see his work completed in his lifetime and left detailed plans for future generations to complete it.
Why is it so slow? Because the Sagrada Familia is built solely with private donations and the money generated by ticket sales. This has slowed down the process. Moreover, events such as the Spanish Civil War destroyed many of the original plans, which complicated the continuation of the work.
The current architects combine traditional techniques with modern technology to follow Gaudí’s vision. It is estimated that the basilica could be finished in 2026, coinciding with the centenary of Gaudí’s death. However, with recent delays, some experts believe that it will still take a few more years.
Meanwhile, it remains one of the most visited and admired buildings in the world, even in its unfinished state. If you want to see its progress in person, at BYPILLOW we have a hotel near the Sagrada Familia, BYPILLOW Flamant, which will open its doors next July 2025.
Barcelona’s beaches are artificial
Today, Barcelona is known for its beautiful urban beaches, but what few know is that… they were not always there!
Before the 1992 Olympic Games, the city’s coast was occupied by industrial and port areas, with almost no space for leisure or bathing. As part of the urban renewal project, Barcelona transformed its coastline, creating artificial beaches that are now enjoyed by both locals and tourists.
Here are some facts that will amaze you:
The sand is imported: A large part of the sand on the beaches was brought from other areas of Spain and from Egypt.
Everything was built from scratch: Promenades, beach bars, and sports areas were built to give life to a new maritime front.
It completely changed the life of the city: Before the Games, Barcelonans did not see the beach as a recreational space. Today, it is an essential part of the city’s lifestyle.
Barcelona’s beaches are a perfect example of how the Olympic Games changed the city, turning it into the tourist and beach destination we know today. And indeed, what would Barcelona be without its Olympic Village or its Barceloneta? Nothing at all!
The Eiffel Tower could have been in Barcelona
Can you imagine the Barcelona skyline with the Eiffel Tower instead of the Sagrada Familia? Well, it was almost a reality.
In 1888, Gustave Eiffel proposed designing an iron tower for the Barcelona Universal Exposition, but the local authorities rejected the idea. The reasons? They considered it too expensive, too ugly, and that it did not fit with the city’s aesthetics.
Barcelona was looking for a more classical architecture for the Exposition, so Eiffel’s tower, an iron structure 300 meters tall, seemed like a monstrosity to them. After the rejection, Eiffel presented his project for the 1889 Paris Universal Exposition, where it was accepted and built as a temporary monument… which ended up becoming one of the most recognizable icons in the world!
If the Barcelonan authorities had made a different decision, history (and tourism in both cities) could have been very different. Would the Eiffel Tower have fit in Barcelona? Perhaps, but what is certain is that Paris knew how to seize the opportunity.
Barcelona had a roller coaster at Tibidabo before Disneyland
The Tibidabo Amusement Park, inaugurated in 1901, is one of the oldest in Europe and the world. Before theme parks like Disneyland existed, this park already had mechanical attractions that dazzled the visitors of the time.
One of its most popular attractions has always been its roller coaster. Although the current version dates from 2008, the park has had different roller coasters throughout its history. In fact, in the 1950s and 1960s, there were already attractions with great speed and thrill, and Tibidabo was a benchmark for fun in Europe long before the advent of modern theme parks.
Moreover, the park preserves classic attractions that are still in operation, such as the Tibidabo Plane (from 1928), a flight simulator that allows you to ‘fly’ over the city without leaving the ground. It is one of the first aviation attractions in the world and is designed at the real scale of an airplane from that era.
So, while Disneyland opened its doors in 1955 with its mythical Matterhorn Bobsleds roller coaster in California, Barcelona was already offering strong thrills at Tibidabo long before. Another reason to boast about the history of this city!
The Fuente de Canaletas fulfills wishes (and is the celebration point for Barça)
The Fuente de Canaletas is located in the upper part of Las Ramblas and is a symbol for Barcelonans. This small cast-iron fountain is famous for two main reasons: its magical tradition and its connection with FC Barcelona.
Legend has it that anyone who drinks water from the Fuente de Canaletas will return to Barcelona sooner or later. This myth has been passed down through generations and has become a ritual for tourists and visitors in love with the city.
The origin of this belief is not entirely clear, but it is said to come from travelers who passed through the city in the past and, upon drinking from this fountain, felt a special bond with Barcelona that made them return. Today, many people continue this tradition, hoping to return one day to the Catalan capital.
The celebration point for Barça
Beyond its legend, the Fuente de Canaletas is also the heart of FC Barcelona’s celebrations. For decades, Barça fans have gathered in this place to celebrate their team’s titles. Every time Barça wins La Liga, the Champions League, or any other major trophy, thousands of people congregate at this fountain to sing, jump, and dye Las Ramblas in the club’s colors.
But why was this site chosen and not another? The tradition dates back to the early 20th century, when Barça supporters used to meet at the editorial office of the sports newspaper La Rambla, which was very close to the fountain. There, they would be informed about match results when radio and television did not yet exist. Over time, this custom evolved into the celebration we know today.
As you can see, Barcelona is much more than its most famous postcards. Behind every street, every building, and every tradition, there are curious stories that give the city a unique character. In keeping with the spirit of the city, BYPILLOW’s hotels in Barcelona also have unique characteristics. For example, BYPILLOW House is the hotel near Parc Güell perfect for enjoying the city like a local. BYPILLOW Mothern is located in a modernist, renovated building, and just a stroll away from Casa Batlló or La Pedrera. BYPILLOW Twenty, a hotel located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, will allow you to be in the epicenter of the city and discover its hidden treasures. And, of course, BYPILLOW Ramblas, an accommodation on the famous Las Ramblas of Barcelona where you will have at your fingertips the purest essence of the city.
And you, did you know these curiosities?