Agbar Tower and the 22@ District
Although its name is Torre Glòries, everyone calls it Torre Agbar. The reason is that it was designed by the French architect Jean Nouvel and built to be the headquarters of the Aigües de Barcelona (Agbar) company.
The Agbar Tower is a skyscraper located in Plaça de les Glòries Catalanes in Barcelona, and is included in the Inventory of Architectural Heritage of Catalonia. Its shape is meant to resemble a geyser erupting into the air, although in reality it's often called "the pickle," "the suppository," "the shell," and other more scatological names that we'll leave to your imagination… Another way to see Barcelona from above is to go up to its observation deck.
As interesting anecdotes, in 2016, urban climber Alain Robert scaled the exterior of the tower. In 2019, climbers Leo Urban andNico Mathieux repeated the feat, but this time without any ropes or protection.
The Agbar Tower is part of the 22@ district, created in 2000 by the Barcelona City Council to transform the industrial land of the Poble Nou neighborhood into an innovative district with modern spaces. To achieve this, a new model of compact city was created, where companies, universities, research centers, training centers, and technology transfer hubs coexist with housing and green spaces. This led to the definition of a new economic model based on the development of five sectoral clusters: audiovisual media, information and communication technologies, energy, design, and medical technologies. Since 2001, more than 4,500 new companies have established themselves in the district.
Another attraction in the area is the Les Glòries Shopping Centre, ideal for shopping and leisure.
If you're staying at Barcelona Century Hotel and fancy exploring the 22@ district and its skyscrapers, you can go by bike (this is the route and it will only take you about 14 minutes of pedaling) or by public transport. Ask us at reception!
And if you're looking for accommodation in Barcelona, check out our OFFERS. If you book through our website, you can get up to 35% off. And your breakfast is FREE.
