Fonda España
A hotel decorated by three Modernista geniuses
Designed by Domènech i Montaner, Ramon Casas and Eusebi Arnau, Fonda España, also known as Hotel España, is a real Modernista gem. In addition to enjoying a meal in Fonda España’s dining room, you can also explore the entire hotel on a guided tour.
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Why visit Fonda España?
Fonda España is located in the Raval district in a building built in 1850 for rental apartments, shops and a bath house. In January 1859 it was converted into a restaurant called Fonda España and in the early 20th century Lluís Domènech i Montaner’s renovation won the 1904 Barcelona City Council Architecture and Decoration Award.
The decorative aspect of the refurbishment, which closed off some of the internal courtyards and installed an electric lift, included the participation of some of the period’s greatest artists, such as Ramon Casas, who designed the sgraffito in the dining room (which was known as La Peixera (Fishbowl) and is now called Saló de les Sirenes (Hall of the Mermaids), and the sculptor Eusebi Arnau, who made the five-metre-tall alabaster chimney in the Saló de Tertúlies (Gathering Hall).
The resulting Modernista gem was completely overhauled in 2010 and now offers signature cuisine and the option of taking a guided tour of the interior of the hotel.
How do you get to Fonda España?
Hop off at the Colom – Museu Marítim stop on the Red Route of Barcelona Bus Turístic and walk up La Rambla. Fonda España is on Carrer de Sant Pau, next to Gran Teatre del Liceu.
For the most curious of you
- Did you know? In Catalonia "Fonda" means inn or hostel, an establishment that offers food and accommodation. Fonda España was originally just a restaurant and then the hotel was added to it.
- Local’s tip: If you want to dine like a king, the hotel’s restaurant is run by Martín Berasategui, the Spanish chef with the most Michelin stars.
- A must: To have a good meal in a privileged setting.
