Port of Barcelona

The East breakwater in the port of Barcelona was a major item of infrastructure, as it closed off the port to the East, protecting it from storms. However, the sea wall, made up of large blocks of stone, also became popular among the people of Barcelona as a place to stroll and spend time by the sea. Many generations of Barcelona dwellers have come here to have a picnic, fish or simply to gaze at the sea. In the painting we can see two important features of the port landscape: the mountain of Montjuïc in the background, and the old Maritime Authority building with its lighthouse, which was built in 1772. Many years later it was turned into a clock tower.