Parish Churches and Public Space in Barcelona: A Catalan Experience During the 1950s and 1960s

This study examines the relationship between Catholic parish churches and urban development in Barcelona, Spain, focusing specifically on the 1950s and 1960s. During this period, a notable increase in church construction was observed, correlating with the city's demographic growth and immigration, as well as the need to reconstruct a devastated Diocese due to the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) aftermath. The significant role of Archbishop Gregorio Modrego Casaus in this post-war reconstruction is emphasized. Under his leadership, many new parishes were established, and numerous damaged or destroyed temples were rebuilt. His strategic approach to restructuring the territory and the urban landscape of Barcelona during his tenure is highlighted. The methodology of this study involves a comprehensive inventory of the 132 Parish churches of Barcelona, detailed architectural analysis, on-site visits, and the creation of graphical plans that depict the churches' relationship with their urban surroundings. The analysis spans from the oldest churches to the most recent additions, initially offering a chronological perspective, then focusing on the 37 built during the 1950s and 1960s, and finally presenting a paradigmatic case study: Sant Sebastià del Verdum (MBM architects). This temple perfectly embodies the era's changes, initiated by the Modern Movement and accelerated by the Second Vatican Council. Overall, this research seeks to provide a deeper understanding of the connection between Catholic parish churches and urban development in Barcelona, particularly during a period of significant post-war growth.