21 Jun History of La Barceloneta

La Barceloneta is one of the most emblematic and picturesque neighborhoods in the city of Barcelona. Located on the coast, this former fishing village has undergone a fascinating transformation over the centuries, evolving from a modest fishing community into a place of great historical and touristic significance.

The history of La Barceloneta dates back to the 18th century when the city of Barcelona decided to expand its port and build a new neighborhood to accommodate the fishermen who lived in the old neighborhood of La Ribera. La Barceloneta was designed by the Spanish military engineer Juan Martín Cermeño, who carefully planned the layout of straight and narrow streets to make the most of the available space.

Since its foundation, La Barceloneta has become an important center of fishing activity. Its narrow streets were filled with fishermen’s houses, net workshops, and fish salting warehouses. The inhabitants of La Barceloneta were primarily engaged in fishing and maritime trade, with their main livelihood being the capture and sale of fresh fish. However, nowadays it is a place full of paella restaurants and seafood cuisine that captivate tourists and locals alike.

During the 19th and 20th centuries, La Barceloneta experienced moments of growth and transformation. With the expansion of the city of Barcelona, the neighborhood expanded and welcomed new residents, including workers from the emerging textile and naval industries. The community grew and strengthened while maintaining its seafaring spirit and welcoming character.

However, the history of La Barceloneta was not without difficulties. During the Spanish Civil War, the neighborhood suffered significant damage due to bombings. Additionally, in the 1960s, the Spanish government initiated a process of urban redevelopment that adversely affected the fishing community, displacing many of them and altering the urban fabric of the neighborhood.

Ca La Montse: the best paella in Barceloneta

The tradition of good Paella in Barceloneta dates back to those early settlers who had close ties to the sea. The fishermen and sailors who inhabited the district found in paella and rice a nutritious and tasty dish that perfectly suited their needs and resources. The combination of rice with fresh fish and seafood from the Mediterranean waters became a true delight for the palates of the time.

Paella was prepared in simple coal or wood-fired kitchens, using local ingredients and recipes passed down from generation to generation, as in Ca La Montse. The aroma of spices and the sound of ingredients mingling in the pans became emblematic features of Barceloneta.

Over time, the fame of Barceloneta’s paella transcended the borders of the district and became an iconic dish of Catalan and Spanish gastronomy in general. Tourists visiting Barcelona couldn’t resist trying this traditional delicacy, and thus paella became an essential part of the city’s culinary offerings.

Today, the tradition of rice dishes in Barceloneta continues to thrive and evolve. Restaurants and establishments in the area compete to offer the best version of this emblematic dish, incorporating quality ingredients and innovative culinary techniques without losing the essence of its traditional recipe.

What customers think about our paella in Barceloneta

If you want to try freshly prepared rice with homemade broth and fresh ingredients, look no further and come visit us! At Ca La Montse, you’ll find a wide variety of delicious paellas and rice dishes, such as the classic seafood rice, the authentic black rice, the comforting mountain paella, and vegetarian options packed with fresh vegetables.