How about a journey back to Barcelona’s medieval past right here at Sant Martí de Provençals? This neighborhood has a fascinating story. It blends ancient roots with modern life. Sant Martí de Provençals was once the heart of an independent municipality. Now, it is a vibrant part of Barcelona.
Let’s start with the origins of Sant Martí de Provençals. The name comes from a Romanesque chapel. It was dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours. The Romans called this farmland ager provincialis. It was used to feed the city. Over time, a small town grew around the chapel. This became the center of Sant Martí.
Look at the church of Sant Martí de Provençals. It stands as a testament to the area’s long history. The church was rebuilt between the 15th and 17th centuries. But its origins date back to the 10th century. Even before that, in Roman times, these lands were farmed. The church has a Gothic portal. The rest of the facade and bell tower are Baroque in style. A fire in 1936 destroyed a representation of Sant Martí de Tours. It once adorned the tympanum.
Notice the three farmhouses next to the church. These are Ca l’Arnó, Can Planas and Can Cadena. They have been restored and now serve the community. Ca l’Arnó is a play center for young children. Can Planas provides care for homeless people. Can Cadena is an agricultural center. It features an urban garden and a farm.
Imagine Sant Martí de Provençals in its early days. It was a rural area with fields and country houses. The population increased with migratory waves in the 1950s. Sant Martí was mostly fields and farms until then. The district stretched from the Besòs river to Carmel mountain. Marshes and lagoons once dominated Poblenou and Besòs. The coastlines gradually changed Sant Martí.
Sant Martí de Provençals is now one of Barcelona’s largest districts. It has a population of over 220000. The land is flat and slopes toward the sea. Rivers and streams once flowed from the Collserola mountain range. They shaped the landscape.
Sant Martí de Provençals became a separate municipality. This happened after the Decree of Nova Planta. Over the next century, it became the most industrialized area near Barcelona. This led to the creation of three distinct neighborhoods: Clot, Poblenou and La Sagrera. The old rural center became surrounded by large apartment blocks. These were built in the 1950s and 1960s.
Today, Sant Martí de Provençals is a neighborhood. It is a blend of old and new. It offers a unique glimpse into Barcelona’s past. From its Roman origins to its medieval church and restored farmhouses, Sant Martí de Provençals tells a story of transformation and resilience. As you explore Sant Martí de Provençals, remember its rich history. It is a living memory of Barcelona’s evolution.