Mar 18 • 04:30 UTC 🇪🇸 Spain El País

"A site of historical prestige": two families sell the Casino de L'Arrabassada after 80 years in ruins

After 80 years of decay, the historic Casino de L'Arrabassada, once a luxurious venue for Barcelona's bourgeoisie, is now up for sale for €1.7 million.

The Casino de L'Arrabassada, located in the Sierra de Collserola, has been a significant landmark since the early 20th century, initially serving as a hotel and amusement park for the bourgeois elite of Barcelona. For €1.7 million, the property is now being sold by two families who have owned it despite its abandonment over the past eight decades. Historical records and early 20th-century photographs highlight its grandeur, featuring opulent staircases, dining halls, and lush gardens, attracting well-dressed clients arriving in horse-drawn carriages and luxury vehicles.

The complex was established in 1899 and included various attractions such as an artificial lake for rowing, a thrilling roller coaster that ventured into the mountains, and a casino rumored to have accommodated a 'suicide room' for its patrons. This storied past positions the Casino de L'Arrabassada as a notable piece of local history, reflecting the leisure culture of Barcelona's wealthy citizens during that era. The current sale raises questions about the future of the site and discussions surrounding the preservation of historical spaces against the backdrop of urban development.

With the decline of such historic venues in the face of modernization, the sale of the casino opens a conversation about the balance between redevelopment and cultural heritage conservation. While its fate remains uncertain, the potential for revitalization could breathe new life into an important part of Barcelona's social and architectural history, reminding locals and tourists alike of a time when the casino was a vibrant center for leisure and social gatherings.

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