Can Batlló, 19th century textile factory in La Bordeta, Barcelona, Spain
Can Batlló is a large industrial complex from the 1800s in La Bordeta with multiple buildings that originally served textile production. The site today features open areas, workshops, and gardens that serve the community.
The factory was founded in 1878 by Joan Batlló i Barrera as a major textile operation that employed hundreds of workers. After decades of decline, the local community reclaimed the grounds in the 2010s and converted it into a collaborative center.
Since 2011, the space functions as a community-run center where residents organize workshops, library programs, and cultural events that define daily activity. You can see how local people have made this industrial space into a gathering place for creative and social pursuits.
Access the site through Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes in the Sants-Montjuïc district, and visit canbatllo.org for current program information. The grounds are walkable and it helps to check ahead for special events or tours being offered.
The site bears the strong imprint of neighbors who saved it from abandonment through their collective action and shared vision. This rescue through civic involvement shows how a shuttered industrial facility can become a thriving social space.
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