Library of Catalonia — Attraction in Barcelona

One might consider the Library of Catalonia a hidden sanctuary within the heart of Barcelona‘s Rambla adjacent neighborhoods.

Situated between El Raval and the Gothic Quarter, this gorgeous structure encapsulates the Jardins de Rubió i Lluch, a boutique tapas restaurant (El Jardí), and a series of footpaths that offer much needed relief from the hustle and bustle of downtown Barcelona.

The Library itself is nothing if not the embodiment of elegance and a home for higher thinking. Complete with a grand foyer that opens into a great hall, containing breathtaking arched ceilings, various stunning portraits and murals, and of course, numerous research and study tables lined by bookshelves containing all nature of prints and literature.

While a reader card and subsequent membership is necessary to utilize the library, I would strongly urge you to submit an application in order to make use of this truly...

I had a very disappointing experience. First of all, it's extremely unsafe to enter. When I saw the library, I thought I was at the wrong address because it was filled with drug addicts, making it 100% unsafe. People were lying on the ground in the garden, and the security guard was smoking right at the entrance, forcing you to pass through a cloud of smoke to get in.

I traveled here from another city, and although there was plenty of space to study, it was half empty, but I wasn't allowed to stay unless I was doing research. Whether or not you can stay there literally depends on what you're reading. This is pure absurdity, especially when the hall was half empty.

It might have been a beautiful place some time ago, but now it's very unsafe and unfriendly, with unhelpful staff. I will...

I wanted to come study/work in this library, but I had read that it is for investigators only. So, I called to check and the lady told me that, no problem, I could come, get a card, and stay to work.

When I arrived, I was told that actually I couldn't stay because I wasn't directly interested in the research materials in the library. The man told me that the closest public library was Francesca Bonnemaison and that it was open.

Imagine my surprise when I arrived to Francesca Bonnemaison and found out that it was in fact closed.

It is very annoying to be given wrong information twice. The staff in this library need to be more aware of what information is correct. It is their job, after all.

I am writing this review from...