Zona Franca de Barcelona, Industrial zone in Sants-Montjuïc, Spain
The Zona Franca de Barcelona is a large industrial zone near the port that houses factories, warehouses, and distribution centers. The area covers significant ground and serves as a major economic hub in the southwestern part of the city.
The area began as a free trade zone and became a central industrial hub in the 1950s when a major automobile factory was built there. This factory shaped the region's growth and turned it into the city's economic powerhouse.
The area shows Barcelona's shift from pure manufacturing to a modern business hub, where former factory buildings now house offices and companies. Visitors can see how the city has kept its industrial past while welcoming new enterprises and tech firms.
The area is well connected by public transportation, especially by Metro Line 10, which offers a direct link to the city center. Visitors should note that this is primarily a working area and appears most lively during daytime hours.
The area functions as a customs-free zone, which simplifies international trade activities and cross-border business operations. This special status allows companies to handle and process goods without going through standard customs procedures.
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