Sant Antoni

Sant Antoni, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Barcelona’s Eixample district, is an area where the city’s modernist architecture intertwines with traditional life. Although the area has experienced changes due to young professionals and students moving in recent years, the neighborhood still maintains a non-touristic character where local shopkeepers and middle-class families live.

Founded in the mid-19th century as part of the city’s expansion plan (Plan Cerdà), this neighborhood took its name from the historic Sant Antoni Monastery in the area. Planned as part of the urban transformation project that began in 1860, Sant Antoni today stands out particularly with its renovated market and surrounding streets.

History of Sant Antoni

Sant Antoni’s story actually tells the beginning of Barcelona’s modern urban planning. As part of the city plan designed by Ildefons Cerdà in 1859, this area, which was then outside the city walls, began to develop as an example of planned urbanization. The Sant Antoni Market (Mercat de Sant Antoni), which opened in 1882 and sits at the heart of the district, became one of the most important structures shaping the neighborhood’s identity.

The Story of Sant Antoni Market

The Sant Antoni Market, one of the important examples of the modernist architectural movement, was designed by architect Antoni Rovira i Trias. Opened in 1882, the market was built in an octagonal form and planned as a massive structure with four main entrances. Following comprehensive restoration work that began in 2007 and completed in 2018, the market now serves as both a food market and a second-hand book market.

Life in Sant Antoni

Today, Sant Antoni is one of Barcelona’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Especially with the transformation over the last decade, it offers a perfect blend of traditional neighborhood culture and modern city life. The cafes, restaurants, and boutiques along Parlament Street and Comte Borrell Street form the new face of the neighborhood.

In Sant Antoni, you can find a wide range of options from traditional Catalan cuisine to modern fusion restaurants, from street food to elegant bistros. Especially the restaurants and bars along Comte d’Urgell Street become a meeting point for neighborhood residents and tourists in the evenings.

Architecture and Urban Transformation

Sant Antoni’s architectural texture is built on the characteristic grid system of Eixample. However, what makes the neighborhood special is the coexistence of modernist buildings alongside restored industrial structures and new-generation architectural examples. The restoration of Sant Antoni Market, completed in 2018, is shown as one of the most important examples of the area’s urban transformation.

Sustainable Urbanism Projects

Sustainable urban planning projects implemented in Sant Antoni in recent years have significantly improved the neighborhood’s quality of life. As part of the “Superillas” (Super Blocks) project launched in 2016, some streets were closed to vehicle traffic, pedestrianized, and green spaces were created. While this transformation provided more social spaces for neighborhood residents, it also improved the area’s air quality.

Sant Antoni today

Today, Sant Antoni stands out as both an authentic neighborhood where locals live their daily lives and a dynamic area that attracts tourists. With its modernist architecture and cultural life, it continues to be one of the most interesting neighborhoods in Barcelona.

My suggestion to visitors to the area is to visit the Sant Antoni Market, especially on Sundays, and take a pleasant walk in the surrounding streets.

We continue touring Barcelona, ​​now continue walking upwards and discover Les Corts.