Picture these towers. Rising majestically before you stand the Venetian Towers. These aren’t just any towers. They’re a testament to Barcelona’s vibrant past. Built between 1927 and 1929 they were part of the city’s grand transformation for the 1929 International Exposition.
Architect Ramon Reventós designed them. He also worked on other iconic Barcelona landmarks like the Greek Theatre and the Spanish Village. The towers’ design? Inspired by Venice’s St Mark’s Basilica campanile. They’re 47 meters tall each with a 7.2-meter square base. Their elegant form is a perfect blend of artificial stone red brick and copper.
Initially intended as temporary structures the Venetian Towers surprisingly survived. They were constructed using relatively inexpensive materials typical of the noucentisme architectural style of the time. This is why several restoration projects were needed. In 1984-85 the roofs were replaced. In 2009 safety netting was added due to concerns about the stonework. Extensive restoration work followed in 2013-2014 costing €472,000.
The towers aren’t just pretty faces. They served a purpose. One housed equipment controlling the Magic Fountain’s illumination. The other contained emergency sirens. Both were removed during the 2013-14 restoration. The towers marked the entrance to the exhibition district. Now known as Fira de Barcelona they stand proudly at the start of the avenue leading to the Palau Nacional.
Originally open to the public visitors could climb the internal stairs to the viewing galleries. Today access is usually restricted. However a rare exception occurred in October 2014. The towers opened to the public for two days as part of the 48h Open House Barcelona.
These Venetian Towers are more than just buildings. They’re symbols of Barcelona’s history ambition and resilience. They stand as a lasting tribute to a city that never ceases to amaze and inspire. They are a captivating sight that continues to enchant visitors.