Barcelona's famous flower tiles: Flor the Barcelona

Barcelona is known for its famous architects and designs. The Gaudí houses, Sagrada Familia and the W Hotel with a sail-like design, just to name a few. Tourists find all of these different structures and designs breathtaking. But you don't always have to look up to see unique landmarks of the city. One of the things Barcelona is known for are the flower tiles on the streets. Here's a little backstory on the Flor the Barcelona!

History of the Flor of Barcelona

The flower tiles from Barcelona, also known as “panots” in Catalan, or "Flor the Barcelona," are a unique feature of the city’s architecture. These famous tiles, which typically measure about 20cm x 20cm, are used to pave the sidewalks in many of the city’s neighbourhoods and you will recognize them immediately when walking down the street.

The design of the Flor de Barcelona dates back to the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries, when the city was experiencing a period of growth and modernization. The tiles were created by local artisans and featured intricate floral patterns that were inspired by the Art Nouveau movement.

How the Flor the Barcelona is made

The tiles were originally made using a technique known as “trencadís” which involves breaking up pieces of glazed pottery and arranging them in a mosaic pattern. Today, however, most of the flower tiles in Barcelona are made using cement molds that replicate the original designs. 

In addition to their aesthetic value, the flower tiles also have practical benefits. The tiles are durable and slip-resistant, making them ideal for use on sidewalks. They also help to regulate temperature by absorbing and releasing heat, which can be especially beneficial in the hot summer months which Barcelona has a lot of. 

Overall, the flower tiles are an important part of Barcelona’s cultural heritage, and they continue to be an iconic feature of the city’s streetscapes. It does not matter where you are in the city, the Flor the Barcelona is almost everywhere you go!