Rising high above us is the Xemeneia de la Macosa. It is a monument to Barcelona’s industrial past. This towering chimney stands as a reminder of the city’s manufacturing heritage.
The Xemeneia de la Macosa is the last vestige of the once-thriving Can Girona factory. This factory later became known as MACOSA. MACOSA stands for Materiales y Construcciones S.A. Can Girona was more than just a factory. It was a symbol of innovation and labor.
Ignasi and Casimir Girona founded Can Girona in 1862. They were two prominent brothers. The factory initially produced railway tracks. It quickly expanded into constructing wagons and other metal structures. By 1928, the factory employed 2600 workers. It covered 18 hectares.
The Xemeneia de la Macosa itself was built around 1950. It was Barcelona’s last industrial chimney. It is also the tallest at 65.30 meters. Its decagonal prism shape distinguishes it. The chimney was constructed using concrete pieces. Concrete was a popular material at the time. The monnoyer construction system used prefabricated concrete pieces. These pieces interlocked.
MACOSA became a leader in railway construction. It produced buses and trolleybuses. It was also known as the birthplace of early labor movements. The factory merged with other companies in 1989. Industrial buildings were demolished because of urban development plans. The Xemeneia de la Macosa was preserved. It remains a symbol of the area’s past.
The Espai Macosa stands at the foot of the Xemeneia de la Macosa. This space preserves the memory of the factory. Photographic panels show the factory’s history. The factory produced iron for significant structures. These include the Born Market and the Francia Station. It also made locomotives and train cars. The first funicular for Tibidabo was made here. Also, the first escalators in Spain for Can Jorba.
Today, the Xemeneia de la Macosa is a cultural asset. It serves as a reminder of Barcelona’s industrial might. The nearby Espai Macosa honors the workers and their struggles. This chimney is not just concrete. It represents Barcelona’s industrial heart. It connects the past with the present. It reminds us of the city’s evolution.