Barcelona’s Raval neighbourhood is preparing for a papal visit on Wednesday, 10 June, with traffic restrictions and heightened security already in place around Sant Agustí parish and Plaça de la Gardunya.
Posters about traffic limits have been put up on walls and at business entrances, while cleaning crews remove items from walls and street furniture. Security staff are also present near the parish and in the surrounding area, and renovation work is under way at the church, according to Infobarris.
Despite the visible preparations, most local shopkeepers told Infobarris they have not received official information or instructions about the visit. Many do not know whether they will be able to open as normal, while bars and restaurants are still unsure about outdoor terraces and any other limits that may apply.
Some businesses have made their own plans. Ehsan Ul Haq, from Ari butcher shop, said, “We will only serve orders from bars and restaurants. We will not be taking individual orders that day.” Pedro Ruiz, manager of La Morera restaurant, said, “We will not set up the terrace that day. We will also serve through a window we have, and the restaurant's access doors will be closed.”
Barcelona City Council has announced full road closures in the Raval area around Sant Agustí church and Plaça de la Gardunya on 9 and 10 June. Parking will be banned from 7am on Tuesday, 9 June, until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 10 June, including for motorcycles, mopeds and bicycles on pavements.
The closed streets and spaces include Arc de Sant Agustí on both sides, Hospital street from La Rambla to Sant Pau Hospital on both sides, the stretch from La Rambla to Rambla del Raval, all of Plaça de la Gardunya, Jerusalem street on both sides from Plaça de la Gardunya to Hospital street, and all of Plaça de Sant Agustí. The Plaça de la Gardunya car park will be closed all day, and access to private car parks will only be allowed for private vehicles in emergencies. For more local coverage, see our news page.
