Bullfighting is inextricably linked to the culture of Spain, a fact that is especially evident at Barcelona's La Monumental. While the famous building no longer hosts bullfights, it is still a vital part of the city's history, and remains a popular destination during any visitor's tours of Spain.
La Monumental first opened in 1914 and its recognizable design quickly became an icon of Barcelona. For nearly 100 years, it played host to bullfights, which only came to an end in 2012 after the Parliament of Catalonia passed a ban on the sport.
Interestingly, though bullfighting at La Monumental has ceased, the ring still welcomes audiences, only this time they watch concerts and other performances. The ring is a good venue for performances, as it has ample room to accommodate approximately 25,000 spectators.
If you want to experience bullfighting, La Monumental still has plenty to offer. Specifically, the building is home to The Bullfighting Museum of Barcelona. The modestly-sized museum is comprised of exhibits that offer some insight into the history of the sport, whether it be through branding irons, heads of famous bulls or the suits of iconic bullfighters.
