The district known as the Ciutat Vella, or old city, in
Barcelona was the entire city until the mid 19th-century expansion. The old city
had developed very high housing densities and had associated problems of lack of
light, air and open space. As the city expanded, the more well-off population
moved out. Slum conditions developed in various areas, and continue to the
present day in several neighbourhoods, such as the Barri Gňtic, Santa Caterina
and Barceloneta. The highest concentration is found in the neighbourhood known
as the Raval, and most specifically Southern Raval.
Self-constructed dwellings visible on the roof tops opposite
the Barceló Raval Hotel
This area was traditionally known as the Barrio Chino, or
'Chinatown', and, partly because of its proximity to the port, has been
characterized by marginal activities and the highest levels of poverty in the
city. It has also traditionally served as the gateway for new immigrants to the
city, providing cheap lodging in very poor conditions, in the form of boarding
houses, dormitories and subdivided apartments. The buildings in this area vary
in age – some are several centuries old – and the existence of slum lodgings
in the area can be traced back at least to the mid 19th century.
South El Raval: subdivided apartments
Source: THE CHALLENGE OF SLUMS
GLOBAL REPORT ON HUMAN SETTLEMENTS 2003
United Nations Human Settlements Programme
