Return to Barcelona and be amazed by the Consell de Cent super-block

During the six years I lived in Madrid, every time I returned to Barcelona I found it more modern and European. One of these improvements, without a doubt, was the Consell de Cent superilla. The first time I walked it from top to bottom I was very surprised. That a big city would transform public space in favor of pedestrians in this way seemed impossible to me. A few days ago, I went with my nephews. Specifically, to the Consell de Cent superilla with Girona. For many years of my life I lived in the area and I know very well the quality of life of these streets. The change was radical: where cars used to pass, now there was sand and green spaces, where the little ones could play.

Now that I live in Barcelona, if I go to the Eixample, I always choose to go through Consell de Cent. I have space to walk, the neighbors have made the public space their own without having the obligation to consume, and the presence of cars is very reduced. The atmosphere you find is not similar to what you breathe in a big city. The pace is much slower and you feel that the street belongs to the pedestrian.

I fervently recommend that you walk Consell de Cent street from top to bottom. If you haven't been to the area for a while, you will also be pleasantly surprised by the intersection with Rocafort street. The transformation is considerable.

Yes, superillas have drawbacks. It is evident that they make housing even more expensive (if possible). However, I do not believe that the answer to rising housing costs is to stop building superillas, which represent a clear improvement in the quality of life for Barcelona's citizens. The urgent matter is for administrations to implement policies to ensure that housing prices are fair. Otherwise, cities will continue to be unlivable for most of their citizens.