We propose you a route through old shops -and generations of shopkeepers- that have kept business afloat into a modern economy and yet managed to preserve the distinct character and the original artistic values of the establishment, all of them have made an effort to preserve their original outer appearance and modernist style

ANTIGA CASA FIGUERAS-PASTISSERIA ESCRIBÀ
La Rambla, 83 - Petxina,1s

From 1902 was a manufactured and sold pasta until 1986 when the shop was taken over and restored by the reputed Escribà bakers. A shop always full of people from the city and tourists enjoying its delicious sweets

The façade is a magnificent example of the integration of the different decorative arts, with its diversity of volumes and finishes: stone, symbolist sculptural relief, mosaics, leaded windows and wrought-iron

CAFÈ DE L’ÒPERA
Rambla, 74

Though the current café dates from 1929, it had been previously founded as Xocolateria La Mallorquina in around 1890.

The main door has a wooden frame with carved natural motifs, combined with two marble door jambs. The interior is in pre-Modernista (Vuitcentista) style with use of cast-iron columns, painted cloth panels and mirrors with etched designs representing female figures from several operas.

CAMISERIA BONET
La Rambla, 72

This outfitter’s was founded in 1890 and was managed until late 2002 by three generations of the Bonet family.
On the façade a complete wooden cladding rises to the mezzanine, a space originally occupied by the workshop, with a display cabinet framed by two signs made of hammered sheet metal. The wood used throughout the shop is mahogany, with small floral decorations in the corners

ELS QUATRE GATS
Montsió, 3 bis

It was founded in 1896 as a meeting point of artists and intellectuals, which remained open in this first lapse only until 1903. On 1988 was opened as a Bar-restaurant now specialized in market cuisine and always full of tourist,

The interior of the establishment reveals the Neo-Gothic style of the building

CASA ALMIRALL
Joaquín Costa ,33

A quiet cocktail bar in the heart of the Raval, it has 2 different rooms. It is a place ideal for a relaxing meetings.
Ir as founded on 1860 as a tavern on 1976 was bought for the current owners

LA CONFITERIA
Sant Pau, 128

It was founded on 1912 as a Pastry. Now it a a tapas bar with an excellent wine and sausages menu, at night usually is full of people enjoying the cocktails while listening jazz, flamenco or ethnic music

FARMACIA FERRER ARGELAGUET (Antigua Farmacia Robert)
Roger de Llúria, 74

This Modernist style chemists’ shop was founded in 1906 as “Farmàcia” Robert. In the interior, it still keeps all the wooden display cabinets with rich natural motifs, together with the counter and cash desk. Other outstanding features are the ceiling with a trompe l’oeil representation of a bandstand, and the plaster mouldings decorated with garlands.

EL INGENIO
Rauric, 6

Since 1838 when the sculptor Escaler opened El Ingenio, this shop has specialised in items for parties and festivals. Escaler’s successors, the Homs-Cardona family, have maintained the traditional business and also preserved the decoration of the shop. At the entrance it has wood panelling featuring gilt wooden mouldings and medallion decorations.

LONDON BAR
Nou de la Rambla ,34

Modernist local with decadent atmosphere, meeting point for young people with cultural interests and good place to visit as a tourist, from 0.30 h begins the concerts
It was founded fast 100 years ago, and some of its clients were Miro, Picasso and Dalí
The main door has a wooden frame.