Early Signs

In the oldest streets of Barcelona, one of the first forms of traffic control can still be encountered. Usually found on the corners of buildings and placed at a height of over two meters, these plaques remind us of a time when traffic control was quite a hectic proposal. The plaques, dating primarily from the 19th century, were the means of controlling the movement of horse-driven carts through a labyrinth of narrow city streets.

Throughout Ciutat Vella, El Raval, Barri Gótic and El Born neighborhoods, small, rectangular signs can be spotted with the coat of arms of Barcelona City Council, together with an image of a horseman pointing his horse or mule in a particular direction. These images are accompanied with the bold inscription of “Entrada” or “Salida,” indicating the permitted direction of circulation.

The earliest examples of these signs can still be found in Sant Pere neighborhood, as well as other variations painted on ceramic tiles, some of which are now on display in the city’s history museum (MUHBA). However, it wasn’t until the mid-19th century that definite rules and regulations for cart drivers were established.

Drivers had to follow a list of requirements: be over 16 years of age, dismount the cart while passing through narrow streets, circulation at night was not permitted, a bell to warn pedestrians of their approach had to be carried at all times, a limited number of passengers was allowed,  drivers were not permitted to control more than one horse at a time and they needed to carry proof of license in the form of an engraved metal, registration plate.

With its irregular, tight layout, Ciutat Vella was a challenge to maneuver, in spite of the regulations. Proof of this difficulty can still be observed in the wear and tear at intersections, where the stone structures were damaged by passing carts knocking against them. As a result, some streets were protected with chains to stop the passing of carts and avoid potential damage, such as Calle Cadena, a now nonexistent street that was once in the Raval. 

Originally published August 1, 2018, updated January 31, 2023.