Barcelona has been recognised as World Capital of Architecture by UNESCO-UIA, a milestone that transforms the city into a major platform for urban, cultural and sustainable outreach. This recognition coincides with the celebration of the World Congress of Architects organised by the International Union of Architects and places architecture at the centre of civic life.
For ten months, from mid-February to mid-December, the city presents a continuous programme spanning all ten districts, from Santa Eulàlia to Santa Llúcia, bringing architecture closer to all audiences through visits, itineraries, workshops and educational activities.
The annual cycle of XEAB activities
Within this global programme, the Xarxa d’Equipaments Ambientals de Barcelona (XEAB) joins with an annual cycle of activities connecting architecture, sustainability and environmental education.
XEAB’s proposals are designed for all ages and take place across the different districts of Barcelona, reinforcing the idea of architecture that is accessible, understandable and closely linked to everyday urban life.
Architecture activities across Barcelona’s districts
The capital programme is present in all city districts:
- Ciutat Vella
- L’Eixample
- Sants – Montjuïc
- Les Corts
- Sarrià – Sant Gervasi
- Gràcia
- Horta – Guinardó
- Nou Barris
- Sant Andreu
- Sant Martí
Each district offers activities adapted to its own urban, heritage and social context, allowing visitors to discover Barcelona from multiple architectural perspectives.
Ciutat Vella: architecture, history and sustainability
Ciutat Vella, the historic core of the city and the immediate surroundings of Hotel Arc La Rambla, hosts some of the most outstanding activities of the XEAB cycle. Its heritage value and ongoing urban transformation make it an ideal setting to reflect on the architecture of yesterday, today and tomorrow.
The first public park in the city
Date and time: Wednesday 25 March, at 4 pm
An activity to discover the origins of public green spaces and their importance in Barcelona’s urban development.
Camins d’aigua: Parc de la Ciutadella
Date and time: Wednesday 2 December, at 10 am
A guided route highlighting the relationship between water, landscape and architecture in one of the city’s most emblematic parks.
La Fàbrica del Sol, step by step
Date and time: Tuesday 15 December, at 12 pm
A detailed visit to a leading facility in sustainable architecture and environmental education.
Stay in the city centre and experience Barcelona’s architecture
Thanks to its privileged location on la Rambla, Hotel Arc La Rambla is the ideal starting point to enjoy the activities of Barcelona World Capital of Architecture. From Hotel Arc La Rambla, you can easily reach Ciutat Vella on foot and conveniently travel to the other districts where the programme takes place.
Staying in the historic centre allows you to combine culture, architecture and urban life without giving up rest and comfort in a hotel in the heart of the city.
Book your stay and discover Barcelona from a new perspective
If you wish to experience Barcelona through architecture and sustainability, we invite you to plan your cultural getaway at Hotel Arc La Rambla.
Book your stay with the exclusive code ARCBLOG and enjoy a special discount as a reader of our agenda.
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