Bernat Picornell Pools

The Bernat Picornell Pools, which are named after the Catalan swimmer who founded the Royal Spanish Swimming Federation, are one of Barcelona’s best aquatic facilities and consist of three pools: a competition pool, a training pool and a diving pool. Designed by the architects Antoni Lozoya and Joan Richard, they were inaugurated in 1970 as the venue of the 12th European Aquatics Championships and were remodelled in 1990 for the 1992 Olympic Games.

The architects Franc Fernández and Moisés Gallego undertook the renovation project, which included roofing the training pool so it could be air-conditioned and used in the winter. A provisional platform that expanded the seating capacity to more than 10,000 spectators was also installed for the diving pool.

 During the 1992 Olympic Games these pools were the venue for the swimming, synchronised swimming, water polo and modern pentathlon competitions. The spectacular photographs of dives performed against the backdrop of the Sagrada Família are some of the best remembered images of the 1992 Olympic Games. Subsequently, the pools played host to the World Aquatics Championships in 2003 and 2013.

How do you get to the Bernat Picornell Pools?

On the Red Route of Barcelona Bus Turístic hop off at the Anella Olímpica stop, from where you can easily access the pools.

For the most curious of you

• Did you know? In the summer these pools are reserved for use by nudists at the times stated on the website.

• Local’s tip: If you are looking for a quiet place to swim surrounded by nature with amazing views, these pools are for you!