Inside the historical walls of La Model

La Model, one of the most emblematic buildings of 20th century Barcelona, opens its doors to the public this September with a programme of free visits that allows you to explore its most important areas. Located at the heart of the Esquerra de l'Eixample, this old prison offers an opportunity to take a historical journey through the corridors, cells and common spaces.

Inaugurated in 1904, La Model was designed as an innovative panoptic structure. Based on a central polygonal shape, where the guards were located, six galleries with six hundred cells were radially arranged. Inspired by the concept of the jurist and philosopher Jeremy Bentham, and designed by the architects Salvador Vinyals Sabaté and Josep Domènech Estapà, the structure provided an exceptional surveillance and control system.

During the 20th century, La Model became a testimony to Barcelona's most turbulent history, as many people were imprisoned for political reasons, especially during the 1940s, during the great repression of the post-war period. Over the years, at least twenty-four executions by garrotte were carried out, including the assassination of Salvador Puig Antich, who was the last political prisoner to be executed in Spain by this method in 1974, turning this place into a place of collective memory.

After its definitive closure as a prison in 2017, La Model began a new chapter as a socio-cultural space open to all. The transformation project planned for this site includes the creation of urban facilities, social housing and a large city park.

Take the opportunity to visit La Model to discover the secrets where past and future meet and to reflect on a space that unites memory and heritage. Free visits, without a guide, can be made on Fridays from 4 pm to 6 pm, on Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm and from 4 pm to 6 pm, and on Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm. The building will not be open on 12 October, 1 November and 6 and 8 December. There is no need to book in advance to enter the building. In addition, you must respect the established rules, such as the prohibition of smoking, eating and drinking inside, as well as the prohibition of access with animals, except for assistance dogs. If you would like more information, you can consult the website of La Model.