How the Castanyer Tower became an icon of Barcelona's rich cultural heritage

Have you ever heard of the Castanyer Tower in Barcelona? It may look like just another old building, but this tower is far from ordinary. It is a piece of Barcelona's rich cultural heritage, steeped in history and stories that span centuries.

Built in the 18th century and owned by a duchess, this palace was occupied during the Spanish Civil War. Here lived Antonio Machado, a famous poet and writer who wrote these words while he was under siege: "My human cry can still reach you."

Jump into the present and witness this amazing monument that stands proud next to the Paseo de la Bonanova. His story is not just part of our history, but a reminder of how much we can learn when we open our eyes to explore a city's past. Join me and I'll tell you all about the Castanyer Tower and its incredible journey through time.

Castanyer Tower

Welcome to the Castanyer Tower, one of the most emblematic monuments of Barcelona and a symbol of the city's rich cultural heritage. Located in the exclusive neighborhood of Sant Gervasi, this majestic palace was once the residence of the Duchess of Moragas. During the Spanish Civil War, however, it passed into the hands of the provisional government of the Generalitat, but it was not until 1937 that it became a true symbol of Catalan culture.

It was in that same year that the poet Antonio Machado, winner of the Nobel Prize, took refuge here. Despite the tumultuous Spanish politics that surrounded him, Machado managed to compose some of his best works while living in Torre Castanyer. In January 1939 he left his beloved tower and began his exile; a month later he passed away in France.

Role of the Tower during the Spanish Civil War

During the Spanish Civil War of 1936-1939, the Castanyer Tower played an important role in the culture of Barcelona. It was part of the collectivized patrimony of the bourgeoisie and the nobility, transferred to the provisional government of the Generalitat. The tower served as a refuge for the famous poet Antonio Machado, who wrote from there for the newspaper La Vanguardia until, in January 1939, he left and began his exile, dying just a month later in Cotlliure.</ P>

For this reason, it has become a place deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of Barcelona, ​​a symbol of freedom and hope in those troubled times. To this day, visitors can still explore the Castanyer Tower and admire its historical importance and power.

Antonio Machado's refuge in the Tower

We had already named the famous poet Antonio Machado, who had the honor of being a refugee in the Castanyer Tower. Historian Rafael Borràs recounts that the relatives of the Duchess of Moragas, who were Republicans, welcomed Antonio Machado and his brother Luis in January 1939. From there, the poet continued to contribute articles and chronicles to the newspaper La Vanguardia.</p >

During his stay in the stately palace, Antonio Machado received visits from his family and friends such as Vicent Andrés Estellés or Josep Carner, among other prominent figures of Catalan culture of that time. </ p>

In addition, Rafael Borràs relates a mysterious fact: during those winter days from the top of the tower house you could still see the chimneys of the town anchored to the mountain; unique and unrepeatable moment for a warm evening poem. This is how Antonio Machado managed to combine nature, art and nostalgia in his last works before exile. </ P>

His last verse of him was found inside one of the poet's pockets by his brother on the day of his death on February 22, 1939 and it read like this: "These blue days and this childhood sun ".

Conclusion

The Castanyer Tower is one of the most emblematic monuments of Barcelona, ​​located in Sant Gervasi, the greenest district of Barcelona, ​​it has numerous green areas so if you dare to come and enjoy the view of this beautiful and historic Tower you can take a well-deserved rest in a beautiful park in the area.