Bernat Picornell Pools
Olympic pools with the best views
The pools located in the Olympic Ring were inaugurated in 1970 and remodeled to host swimming, synchronized swimming, the final phase of the water polo tournament, and the swimming events of the modern pentathlon during the XXV Olympic Games.
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A sports facility from Olympic Barcelona that’s still in style
During the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games, these pools were the venue for swimming, synchronized swimming, water polo, and modern pentathlon events. The images of divers with the Sagrada Família in the background have become part of the collective imagination.
Since then, the Picornell Pools have hosted the World Swimming Championships in 2003 and 2013.
Today, in addition to remaining active, they are one of the city’s most iconic spots to enjoy the view from above while having a drink at the bar-restaurant.
This sports complex is one of Barcelona’s best aquatic facilities, consisting of three pools: one for competition, one for training, and a diving pool. Designed by architects Antoni Lozoya and Joan Richard, they were inaugurated in 1970 to host the 12th European Swimming Championships in 1972 and were remodeled in 1990 for the Barcelona ’92 Olympics.
Architects Franc Fernández and Moisés Gallego led a renovation project that included covering the training pool so it could be heated and used in winter. Additionally, a temporary platform with seating was installed over the diving pool, increasing capacity to over 10,000 spectators.
How to get to the Picornell Pools?
Take the Red Route of the Barcelona Bus Turístic to the Olympic Ring stop, from where you can access the pools.
For the curious
- During the summer season, these pools have a time slot reserved for nudist users. You can check the schedule on their website.
