Les Tres Xemeneies

Description

Standing tall against Barcelona’s skyline, Les Tres Xemeneies (The Three Chimneys) serves as an impressive reminder of Catalunya’s industrial heritage. These towering thermal power plant chimneys, each reaching about 200 meters in height, have become an iconic symbol of the Sant Adrià del Besòs area. Though they’ve long since stopped belching smoke into the Mediterranean sky, their imposing presence tells stories of Barcelona’s rapid industrialization during the 20th century.

I remember the first time I saw these behemoths – they literally stopped me in my tracks! What strikes you immediately is how they’ve been transformed from industrial workhorses into cultural landmarks. The base of the structures now hosts various cultural events, and local artists have turned portions of the exterior into an ever-changing canvas for street art.

Key Features

• Three identical chimneys standing at approximately 200 meters tall
• Art-covered walls featuring rotating murals and graffiti installations
• Large open plaza perfect for photography and cultural gatherings
• Historical industrial architecture from the 1970s
• Surrounding green space with views of the Mediterranean
• Former turbine hall now used for special events and exhibitions
• Unique photographic opportunities, especially during sunset
• Educational panels describing the industrial heritage
• Popular spot for local skateboarders and urban sports enthusiasts

Best Time to Visit

Based on my countless visits here (yeah, I’m kind of obsessed with industrial architecture), I’d say the golden hour just before sunset is absolutely magical. The way the light plays off these massive structures creates stunning photo opportunities you won’t want to miss. Summer evenings are particularly pleasant, when the sea breeze cools things down and local families gather in the surrounding area.

The site is actually pretty fantastic year-round, but I’d suggest avoiding rainy days since there’s limited covered space. If you’re interested in catching some of the cultural events that happen here, spring and fall typically have the busiest calendar of activities. Weekends tend to be busier with locals enjoying the space, so if you’re after those perfect Instagram shots, try visiting during weekday mornings.

How to Get There

Getting to Les Tres Xemeneies is pretty straightforward. The nearest metro station is Besòs Mar on the yellow line (L4), and it’s about a 10-minute walk from there. You can also catch several local buses that stop nearby – I usually hop on the H14 or B20, which drop you practically at the doorstep.

If you’re feeling energetic, my favorite way to reach the chimneys is actually along the beachfront promenade. You can walk or bike from Barcelona’s Barceloneta area, following the coast north. It’s a gorgeous route that’ll take you about 45 minutes on foot, but trust me, the journey itself is worth it.

Tips for Visiting

Ok, so here’s the real deal from someone who’s been here more times than I can count. Bring your camera – seriously, you’ll kick yourself if you don’t. The light changes throughout the day, creating different moods and shadows that photographers dream about.

Wear comfortable shoes because you’ll want to explore the whole area. There’s more to see than just the chimneys themselves. The surrounding neighborhood has some cool little cafes where you can grab a coffee or a bite to eat.

If you’re into urban photography, early morning visits offer the best lighting conditions and fewer people in your shots. And speaking of people – chatting with locals here is totally worth it. Many have fascinating stories about when the power plant was still operational.

During summer months, bring water and sun protection. There isn’t much shade around the main viewing areas, and the Barcelona sun can be pretty intense. Oh, and if you’re visiting with kids, there’s a small playground nearby where they can burn off some energy.

I always tell friends to set aside at least an hour to properly explore the site. The scale of these structures isn’t something you can really appreciate in a quick drive-by. Take your time, walk around the entire perimeter, and don’t forget to look up – way up!

Location

Places to Stay Near Les Tres Xemeneies

Find Tours in Sant Adrià de Besòs

Explore More Travel Guides