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The Asphalt Agora: Barcelona's Superblock Paradox

2.0 km83 min6 stops

What awaits you on this Red Thread tour

Barcelona is waging a war on cars, and the battleground is right beneath your feet. The 'Superilla' or Superblock project has been hailed globally as an urban miracle, transforming smog-choked intersections into vibrant, green plazas. But who really pays the price for paradise? Join an urban planner and a local as they peel back the layers of tactical urbanism, public health triumphs, and the harsh realities of green gentrification in the Sant Antoni neighborhood.

Itinerary

1

TOUR START

Eix Verd de Consell de Cent

The macro-level context of Barcelona's green axes and the evolution of the Superblock concept.

Eix Verd de Consell de Cent

Image by Cataleirxs on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

1.18 km • 18 min
2

STOP 2

Cruïlla de Manso i Comte d'Urgell

The perimeter of the Superblock, highlighting the displacement of traffic and noise.

Cruïlla de Manso i Comte d'Urgell

Image by Cataleirxs on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

0.21 km • 3 min
3

STOP 3

Plaça de Conxa Pérez

A transformed intersection showcasing community reclamation and historical memory.

0.23 km • 4 min
4

STOP 4

Superilla Plaza (Borrell i Tamarit)

The heart of the Sant Antoni Superblock, demonstrating massive health and traffic benefits.

Superilla Plaza (Borrell i Tamarit)

Image by Enric on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

0.24 km • 4 min
5

STOP 5

Carrer del Parlament

A highly pacified street illustrating the harsh realities of green gentrification.

Carrer del Parlament

Image by Ricardo Ricote Rodrí… on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

0.13 km • 2 min
6

END

Jardins de Càndida Pérez

An interior courtyard revealing Cerdà's original vision and the compromises of modern urbanism.

Jardins de Càndida Pérez

Image by Cataleirxs on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Where the tour takes place

Starting point and rough tour area – the exact route unfolds in the app.

Good to know

  • Ideal for Urban explorers, architecture enthusiasts, sociologists, and anyone fascinated by the hidden mechanics of city life.
  • Best time Late afternoon on a weekday, when the contrast between the playing children in the plazas and the rush-hour traffic on the perimeter is most striking.
  • What to bring Comfortable walking shoes and a curious mind.
  • Pacing Take your time in the plazas to observe the social dynamics.
  • Acoustics Pay close attention to the changing noise levels between stops.
  • Refreshments Carrer del Parlament is perfect for a mid-tour coffee break.
  • Your voucher You can redeem your voucher for two years from purchase. Once redeemed, you have 14 days of access and can enjoy the tour as often as you like during that time.

Your guide

Tom Bennett
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Tom Bennett

  • Urbanism, Infrastructure & Innovation
  • Northern England

Architecture and urban planning professional. Explains the city's hidden systems – from mobility to water pipes – clearly and vividly.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to the tour after buying?

You see your voucher code right after payment – and you also receive it at the email address you entered at checkout. Redeem that code in the Red Thread app; that's where the tour starts.

When does my access start?

Only when you redeem the code in the app, not at purchase. From redemption you have 14 days of access to the tour.

Do I need the Red Thread app?

Yes. The free Red Thread app turns your tour into a vivid experience: with audio, a map, and thoughtful prompts, it guides you from place to place in an engaging and entertaining way. It's available free for iOS and Android.

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