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Located in the west of Barcelona, Les Corts is one of the city’s most dynamic and diverse neighborhoods. A mix of modern business centers and historic buildings, Les Corts offers one of the best examples of Barcelona’s transformation from the past to the future. Formerly known for its farmland and textile factories, Les Corts has become one of Barcelona’s major financial and shopping centers.
The area is not only characterized by its modern face, but also by FC Barcelona‘s world-famous Camp Nou stadium, historic monasteries and green spaces. The distinctive character of Les Corts perfectly reflects the cosmopolitan nature of Barcelona and offers many treasures to discover for locals and tourists alike.
History of Les Corts
Les Corts dates back to the 11th century, the name of the area comes from the Latin word “cohors”, meaning “courtyard” or “farm”. This name points to the agricultural past of the area. Until 1714, Les Corts was an independent village, completely separate from the city of Barcelona.
In the mid-19th century, especially after the 1840s, the region underwent an important transformation. With the establishment of textile mills, Les Corts transformed from an agricultural area into an industrial center. In 1897, when it was officially incorporated into Barcelona, it was no longer a small village, but a thriving modern neighborhood.
Camp Nou and FC Barcelona
Opened in 1957, the Camp Nou stadium is one of the most important landmarks of Les Corts. With a capacity of 99,354, the Camp Nou is the largest football stadium in Europe and is currently undergoing extensive renovation. The stadium, which has not been used since May 2023, is home to a major construction project. FC Barcelona temporarily plays its matches at the Montjuic Stadium.
Club officials have announced that the return to the renovated Camp Nou will take place in February 2025. The first match is scheduled for the weekend of February 15-16 against Rayo Vallecano. David Escudé, Director of Sport for the Municipality of Barcelona, confirmed that the renovation of the stadium is progressing as planned and is expected to be completed in February. The new Camp Nou will serve not only as a soccer stadium, but also as a modern sports complex.
Although the FC Barcelona Museum is currently temporarily closed, it normally welcomes more than 1.2 million visitors annually, with an impressive collection showcasing the club’s rich history and achievements. Once the renovation works are completed, the museum will have a modern look and will offer a more comprehensive experience to its visitors.
L’Illa Diagonal
L’Illa Diagonal is a huge complex that opened in 1993 and represents the modern face of the area. Designed by Rafael Moneo and Manuel de Solà-Morales, it combines a shopping mall, offices, hotels and cultural centers. Along the 2-kilometer Diagonal Avenue, commercial areas make Les Corts one of Barcelona’s most important shopping centers.
Cultural and Historical Buildings
Reial Monestir de Pedralbes
Founded in 1326, Pedralbes Monastery is one of the most important historical buildings in Les Corts. One of the most beautiful examples of Catalan Gothic architecture, the monastery is worth seeing with its impressive courtyard, frescoed chapel and rich art collection. The gardens of the monastery offer a peaceful environment away from the noise of the city.
Can Deu
Built in 1897, the Can Deu building serves as a cultural center today. Designed by Eduard Mercader, the building has architectural details reflecting the rich bourgeois life of the period. Today it houses exhibition halls, conference rooms and various cultural events.
Parc de Cervantes
Despite its dense urban fabric, Les Corts has many parks and gardens. Opened in 1970, Parc de Cervantes is one of the largest parks in the region with an area of 9 hectares. Especially famous for its rose garden, the park is home to 245 different rose species. These parks offer residents and visitors breathing space and enhance the quality of life in Les Corts.
Les Corts, one of the most important business and shopping centers of Barcelona, continues to offer its residents and visitors a peaceful living space with its large parks and cultural venues. If you are planning to visit Les Corts on your trip to Barcelona, you can discover the modern face of Barcelona while also witnessing the rich history of the city.
