The interiors of these blocks were designed and planned by Idelfons Cerdà as large common green spaces. After time, and due to economical interests, most of these green spaces were turned into buildings, parkings, markets or alike. The space where “El Nacional” is located is an example of that.

The original construction was home to the Spanish Theater, which was designed by the architect Antoni Rovira. Unfortunately, this theater did not have a long life as a fire burned it down, just a few years after its inauguration.

The architect Ramon M. Ruidor rebuilt it and gave it a new name “Spanish Garden” and it was used for zarzuelas, arias, concerts, tombolas and fairs. It was not very successful and closed shortly.

Like a building that does not stop being reinvented, it was then transformed into a leather tannery for shoes, but this also did not last long… Many years later, it turned into a high-end car dealership and finally it fell as low as possible when it became private parking place.

Thanks to an entrepreneur this worn-out building was reinvented again, hosting a large gastronomic project: More than 3,000 m2 where different style bars and restaurants offer a wide variety of good food and good drink! This latest reformation respected and rehabilitated the ceiling of vaults that are supported by industrial columns and the original paving of hexago slabs, now very good visible when you decide to enjoy your lunch there.