“A dome like a samurai’s helmet?” a young boy asked his father, pointing at the Palau Sant Jordi. His father chuckled. “Not quite, Jordi, but I see what you mean. It’s a unique design, isn’t it?” The Palau Sant Jordi indeed boasts a distinctive silhouette against the Barcelona skyline. This architectural marvel, designed by Arata Isozaki, opened its doors in 1990, two years before the Barcelona Olympics. The Palau Sant Jordi is more than just a pretty face. It’s the largest indoor arena in Spain, with a capacity of 17,960 for sporting events. This flexibility has allowed it to host a wide range of events, from the IAAF World Indoor Championships in Athletics to Davis Cup finals. Remember when Spain clinched its first Davis Cup title right here in the Palau Sant Jordi in 1991? The atmosphere was electric! Even the temporary pool installed for the FINA World Championships in 2003 and 2013 didn’t dampen the spirit of this versatile venue. And who could forget the NBA preseason game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and FC Barcelona Regal in 2012? Beyond sports, the Palau Sant Jordi has echoed with the music of legendary artists like Luciano Pavarotti, Bruce Springsteen, and U2. Interestingly, the smaller Sant Jordi Club, with a capacity of 3,000, opened behind the main building in 1991, adding another dimension to this entertainment hub. From sporting triumphs to musical magic, the Palau Sant Jordi has witnessed countless unforgettable moments. It stands as a testament to human creativity and a vibrant hub of Barcelona’s cultural and sporting life.
Velòdrom Municipal d’Horta, Miquel Poblet
Want to witness a monument to Barcelona’s Olympic dream? You are standing before the Velòdrom Municipal d’Horta, Miquel Poblet. It’s