Classic commercial premises in Barcelona
Among the multiple architectural gems that our city's streets treasure, we also find classic commercial establishments in Barcelona, which remain active and have managed to reinvent themselves and adapt to new times while preserving the look and essence of the era in which they were founded. Baroque, neoclassical, modernist... there are various styles that can be seen in their facades, staircases, and display windows. In addition to giving an extra charm to their respective businesses, they contribute greatly to the historical and cultural heritage of our city. Let's review some of them.
Still active today, we have before us the oldest candle shop of all those that exist in Barcelona. It was founded in 1761 on the street of Corders, in the old town. The urban reform of the neighborhood in 1908 to open Via Layetana forced the demolition of that building, so the owners had to move to a building on Bajada de la Llibreteria, constructed and decorated in 1847 to house a fabric store called La Argentina. As a candle shop, the business has gone through three families but has always maintained the original appearance of the establishment, with a double back staircase, with two female statues that served as supports for two gas lamps. Like those details, the entire interior remains intact. Even some original colors of the furniture and walls could be recovered after a restoration in 1982.
Antigua Casa Figueras
A landmark of Las Ramblas that we have all passed by countless times but never stopped to consider. Known as the Antigua Casa Figueras, it was originally a pasta shop in another location and moved to the Barcelona boulevard in 1846. In 1902, Jaume Figueras commissioned the renovation of the premises to master Antoni Ros, who worked with a team of artists, sculptors, glassmakers, and mosaic artists to decorate the facade. Stained glass, wrought iron work, paintings, and sculptural ornamentation are just some of the works carried out on this iconic building at Rambla de les Flors 83. In 1906, the renowned pastry chef Antoni Escribà took over the premises to continue the family business with a new store that would be run by his son and daughter-in-law. The reason we can still enjoy all this architectural richness today is thanks to the Escribà family's commitment to preserving the memory of the previous owners. To talk about the old Casa Figueras today is to talk about the many temptations that can be enjoyed inside: chocolates, cakes, pastries... Products that make visiting this place a great experience, both inside and out.
The Opera Café
Historic building that is part of the exclusive Association of Historic European Cafes. It is one of the oldest businesses in Barcelona, dating back to the late 18th century when it operated as a tavern-inn. The inauguration in 1837 of the Gran Teatro del Liceo led the business to change its activity, becoming a Viennese-style chocolate shop, with wooden walls and glass and classic paintings that made this place one of the most glamorous in Barcelona, as well as a meeting place for aristocrats and bourgeoisie before attending the performance. Painters, writers, musicians, and artists in general have been regular customers of this business that was even visited by King Alfonso XIII. Evidence of this are the three guest books that are treasured in the establishment.
After various uses, always within the restaurant sector, in 1928 the premises were refurbished, giving it a modernist air with neoclassical touches, among which the main door with carved wooden frame stands out, as well as painted panels on fabric and mirrors with intricate designs. It was then that it was renamed as Cafè de l'Òpera, without having ceased its activity to this day, not even during the Civil War.
Restaurant Reñé
The number 362 on Consell de Cent houses the Reñé restaurant, a modernist bistro with Catalan cuisine that stands out from all the surrounding restaurants, as it has maintained the original appearance of the building from 1982. Before serving meals, Reñé started as a confectionery, later becoming a chocolate and pastry shop until it closed its doors in 1993. The original shop was designed by Enric Llardent who based the decoration on two materials: marble and mahogany, used in the skirting boards and showcases. As a restaurant, the premises were refurbished by the interior designer Carlos Martínez, who managed to preserve that modernist charm by keeping the display cases, the marble of the main bar, and the plaster decorations inside. Details that have given the new business the appearance of a French bistro.
The Four Cats
It's not the oldest but perhaps it is the most legendary place in the city. It has become part of the collective imagination as the quintessential bohemian bar. It has a mystique that charmed Woody Allen himself, who featured it as a setting in the movie Vicky Cristina Barcelona. The establishment opened in 1897 as a tavern with cheap food and piano music. Ramón Casas and Santiago Rusiñol contributed financially to its opening. In addition to them, Rubén Darío, Isaac Albéniz, Enric Granados, Gaudí, and Picasso were regulars at gatherings where, according to the founder of the place, Pere Romeu, 'the world was put to rights' and which were 'nourishment for the soul'. The place closed in 1903 and reopened its doors at the end of the 70s, when three gastronomic entrepreneurs decided to relaunch a legendary site of Barcelona's culture.
Like these, many other still-active establishments preserve the beauty of authenticity in their ceilings, shop windows, and facades, adding a touch of charm to the business and an incredible historical value to the city. It's just a matter of going out on the street and knowing how to look.
