“Els 4 Gats” is one of Barcelona’s more historical literary cafés. The origins of “Els 4 Gats” goes back to the late nineteenth century in Paris. Pere Romeu, a Catalan who worked in a cabaret bar called ‘Les 4 chats” in the French capital, wanted to bring that concept back to Barcelona. In 1897, thanks to the economic collaboration of Santiago Rusiñol and Ramón Casas, “Els 4 Gats” opened in a modernist building on Carrer Montsió. All intellectuals of the time let themselves be seduced by the place where “food of the spirit” was served. Artists like Antoni Gaudí, Enric Granados, Lluís Millet, and Isaac Albéniz were regular clientele. Picasso, little more than 17 years old, made his first exhibition there.

In June 1903 it closed its doors, to the surprise of many locals. The building became the headquarters of the artistic circle of Sant Lluç until civil war broke out in 1936. After some failed attempts to reopen it, finally, in 1989, it was taken over by Josep Maria Ferrer. A painstaking renovation to get it to its original modernist style ensued. Finally, the cafe, once more, opened its doors.

Today, “Els 4Gats” is very popular with locals and tourists. It is located at Carrer de Montsió, 3, Barri Gotic, Barcelona. It is open seven days a week from 10 am to 1 am.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org