Referred to both as La Rambla (singular) and Las Ramblas (plural), the name derives from an old Arabic word 'ramla' meaning sandy riverbed, and indeed that's how this magnificent boulevard started – as a humble dried-out stream outside the walls of the Gothic Quarter.
What is the origin of the word Rambla?
The word “Rambla” comes from the Arabic word "Ramla", meaning "sandy river bed". When it rained, water flowed down from the mountains and ran along the river bed. After the hospital had been built, the river bed was turned into a street known as La Rambla; it was Barcelona's first and only major wide boulevard.
What does Ramblas mean in Spanish?
La Rambla can refer to: Hispanic term with similar meaning as Esplanade. Arroyo (creek), a seasonally dry stream bed, rambla in Arabic.
What does Rambla mean in Catalan?
The name La Rambla has its own meaning in Catalan and Spanish which means 'intermittent water flow' and the word has been taken from Arabic word Rambla meaning “Sandy Riverbed”.
What happened to La Rambla?
On 17 August 2017, many people were struck by a van deliberately driven down the sidewalk on La Rambla in a terrorist attack, causing 15 deaths and at least 100 injuries.
What does La Rambla mean in English?
Why is Las Ramblas important to Spain?
Las Ramblas avenue. This is an emblematic street and a must-see for any visitor to Barcelona. Its central promenade is lined with flower stalls and kiosks, while the sides are home to buildings such as the Gran Teatre del Liceu theatre, the Palau de la Virreina palace and La Boquería market.
What do Catalans call Barcelona?
Ciutat ComtalAnother common abbreviation is 'BCN', which is also the IATA airport code of the Barcelona-El Prat Airport. The city is referred to as the Ciutat Comtal in Catalan and Ciudad Condal in Spanish (i.e., "Comital City" or "City of Counts"), owing to its past as the seat of the Count of Barcelona.
Is it safe to stay in La Rambla?
You will find many people on the streets of Barcelona at any time, so you don't have to be afraid at night. Yet, the neighbourhood around La Rambla turns into a hotspot for prostitutes and johns at night. Try to avoid La Rambla at night. Use your common sense at night as you would during the day in any big city.
Is it safe to stay at La Rambla?
Las RamblasLas Ramblas, a major hotspot for tourists and locals, presents a kaleidoscope of shops, restaurants, and street performers. Unfortunately, this energetic area is also a hub for pickpockets and petty thieves, making it one of the areas to avoid in Barcelona without sufficient vigilance.
Are people in Barcelona friendly to Americans?
The people of Barcelona are generally very friendly, non-aggressive, calm, helpful and generous, particularly with their time.
What does rambla mean in spanish?
feminine noun. 1. (= avenida) boulevard ⧫ avenue. 2. (= arroyo) watercourse.