Did you know that Barcelona has more dragons than people? Well, not really, but…
Barcelona is a city of dragons. And no, you won’t encounter a real one walking down La Rambla—although in Barcelona, you never know!—but you will find dragons almost everywhere: on facades, fountains, doors, benches, ceilings… They are part of the city’s secret soul.
In this article, we’ll tell you why Barcelona is so full of dragons, where you can see the most famous ones, curiosities that will make you look at them differently, and how to turn their search into a perfect plan whether you live here or are just visiting.
Why are there so many dragons in Barcelona?
It all starts with Sant Jordi, the patron saint of Catalonia. According to legend, Sant Jordi slayed a dragon to save a princess, and from its blood, a red rose sprouted. This story is so important that every April 23rd, Barcelona transforms into a sea of roses and books to celebrate Sant Jordi’s Day.
The dragon became a symbol of protection, bravery… and also of culture and love. Since the Middle Ages, Barcelona’s architects and artists have incorporated dragons into their works as a tribute to this legend.
But not only that: during the Modernist era, great names like Gaudí, Domènech i Montaner or Puig i Cadafalch took this tradition to the next level, filling their buildings with fantastic creatures.
Where to find the most famous dragons in Barcelona
Here’s a route for you to discover some of the city’s most emblematic dragons:
1. The dragon of Park Güell
At the monumental entrance of Park Güell, you’re greeted by one of the most famous dragons (or salamanders, depending on who you ask) in the world. Its colorful trencadís mosaic is one of Barcelona’s icons.
📍 Address: Carrer d’Olot, s/n
2. The dragon of Casa Batlló
The roof of Casa Batlló represents the back of a giant dragon, covered in shiny scales. And the cross on the facade would be Sant Jordi’s sword stuck in its back. A design full of symbolism signed by Gaudí.
📍 Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 43
3. The dragon of Casa Bruno Cuadros
Right on La Rambla, this former umbrella shop, also known as “Casa dels Paraigües”, features an impressive oriental dragon holding a lantern on its facade.
📍 Address: La Rambla, 82
4. The dragon of the Canaletes fountain
Very close to the famous fountain where Barça celebrates its victories, you can see small decorative dragons cast in iron.
📍 Address: Rambla de Canaletes
5. The dragon of Barcelona Cathedral
The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia has dragon-shaped gargoyles that protect the temple from its heights. Look up when you visit it!
📍 Address: Pla de la Seu
How many dragons are there really in Barcelona?
No one knows exactly. It’s estimated that there are more than 400 representations of dragons scattered just in the city center. Between sculptures, reliefs, mosaics, gargoyles, and architectural details, finding dragons becomes a kind of urban “treasure hunt”.
Fun fact:
👉 A citizen project called “Bestiari de Barcelona” tried to catalog them, but they soon realized that they appear in unexpected places: door knobs, knockers, interior decorations… and even on manhole covers!
How to turn the dragon route into a different plan?
Your first visit to Barcelona?
- Take a free walking tour through the Gothic Quarter, Eixample, and Gràcia looking for dragons.
- Combine it with cultural visits like Casa Batlló or Park Güell.
- Participate in themed tours about Barcelona’s legends and mysteries.
For those living in Barcelona:
- Propose a challenge among friends or family: who can find the most dragons in an afternoon?
- Organize a dragon photo scavenger hunt for children or adults.
- Rediscover your city with curious eyes: every street hides a surprise.
Barcelona and Its Love for Dragons: Much More Than a Legend
The dragons of Barcelona don’t just decorate the city: they represent values such as courage, creativity, and a love for stories. They are a reminder that in Barcelona, there’s always something magical waiting to be discovered.
So the next time you walk through its streets, don’t forget to look up, down, and to the sides. You might find a dragon watching over you!
