El Raval | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Carrer Tallers | |
 Map of El Raval within Barcelona | |
| Country |  Spain |
| Autonomous Community |  Catalonia |
| Province |  Barcelona |
| Comarca | Barcelonès |
| Municipality |  Barcelona |
| District | Ciutat Vella |
| Population (2023) | |
• Total | 45,671 |
| Postal code | 08001 |
| Website | ajuntament.barcelona.cat |
El Raval (Catalan pronunciation:[əlrəˈβal]) is a neighborhood in theCiutat Vella district ofBarcelona, the capital city ofCatalonia. The neighborhood, especially the part closest to theold port, was formerly (informally) known asBarri Xinès orBarrio Chino, meaning "Chinatown".[1] El Raval is one of the two historical neighborhoods that borderLa Rambla, the other being theBarri Gòtic; it contains some 50,000 people.
An area historically infamous for its nightlife and cabarets, as well as prostitution and crime, El Raval has changed significantly in recent years and due to its central location has become a minor attraction of Barcelona. It currently has a very diverse immigrant community (47.4% of its population was born abroad, ranging fromFilipinos,South Americans, andPakistanis, to a more recentEastern European community, especially fromRomania). It is home to many bars, restaurants, and night spots.
The northern border of the neighborhood is marked byPlaça Catalunya andPlaça Universitat, and the street which connects them,Carrer de Pelai. It ends in the east withLa Rambla, and in the west and south, the neighborhood is delimited byRonda de Sant Antoni,Ronda de Sant Pau andAvinguda del Paral·lel.
El Raval is one of Barcelona's most dangerous neighborhoods, with frequent robberies. There is substantial police concern about drug crime and fighting.[2] The police have been struggling to control the use and sale of heroin in the neighborhood where it has taken a foothold among marginalized residents. 40% of the residents of the Raval live at risk ofsocial exclusion.[3]
There are a few historical monuments such as theMonastery of Sant Pau del Camp, as well as newer additions such as theRambla del Raval, and theMACBA (the Contemporary Art Museum of Barcelona) or theCentre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona. Near the museum is the muralTodos Juntos Podemos Parar el SIDA, originally created by American artist Keith Haring in 1989.[4]
In the southern part of the neighborhood an old wall and gate of the medieval city calledPortal de Santa Madrona still exists as part of theMaritime Museum. The Raval is also known for its large statue of a cat byFernando Botero, located on theRambla del Raval. The city's most famous market,La Boqueria, is also situated in the Raval.
In the eastern part of the neighborhood,Antoni Gaudí'sPalau Güell is located on theCarrer Nou de la Rambla.
41°22′47″N2°10′5″E / 41.37972°N 2.16806°E /41.37972; 2.16806