The Three Chimneys of the Paral·lel: Sociedad Española de Electricidad
Roger Tarrats Balet
The Three Chimneys of the Parl·lel: Domènec Balet's Cathedral of Light (1883)
When we think of Barcelona's industrial skyline, we often visualize the chimneys of Sant Adrià del Besòs. However, long before those existed, Domènec Balet Nadal had already built a complex in the heart of Poble Sec that would change the city's history: the thermal power plant of the Spanish Electricity Company (Sociedad Española de Electricidad), popularly known today as Les Tres Xemeneies or La Canadenca.
Located on Avinguda del Paral·lel, these three red brick towers are not only a vestige of one of the first power plants in Spain and the world, but also the stage where fundamental labor rights were won.
Architectural Origin: Energy Pioneers (1883)
In 1881, the Spanish Electricity Company was founded with the goal of bringing electric light to a Barcelona still living by gaslight. Construction of the thermal plant began in 1883 under the technical direction of engineer Narcís Xifra i Masmitjà and the architectural execution of Master Builder Domènec Balet Nadal.
The complex was conceived as a state-of-the-art facility. The first of the iconic chimneys was erected in 1896 (when the company was already operating as the Barcelonian Electricity Company), built entirely of red brick, standing 72 meters (236 feet) tall and 4 meters (13 feet) in diameter. Due to the increase in electrical demand, two more twin chimneys were added in 1908 and 1912, forming the definitive silhouette we know today.
Evolution: From "La Canadenca" to the 8-Hour Workday
The history of this building transcends architecture to enter the books of social history. In 1911, the plant was acquired by Riegos y Fuerza del Ebro, a subsidiary of the holding company popularly known as "La Canadenca."
It was on these grounds that, in 1919, the famous La Canadenca Strike began. The plant's shutdown left Barcelona in the dark and paralyzed industry, forcing the Spanish government to sign a historic decree: Spain became one of the first countries in the world to establish the 8-hour workday by law.
Project Fact Sheet
Project: Thermal Power Plant of the Spanish Electricity Company (Mata).
Architect (Master Builder): Domènec Balet i Nadal.
Engineer: Narcís Xifra i Masmitjà.
Construction started: 1883.
First chimney: 1896.
Location: Avinguda del Paral·lel / Carrer de Vila i Vilà (Barcelona).
Current status: Preserved industrial heritage (integrated into Red Eléctrica offices and public gardens).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are these the chimneys on Sant Adrià beach?
No. This is a very common mix-up. Domènec Balet's Three Chimneys are located within the city of Barcelona, in the Poble Sec neighborhood (Avinguda del Paral·lel). The ones in Sant Adrià are a later construction (from the 1970s) located on the coast.
What role did Domènec Balet play?
Domènec Balet was the Master Builder in charge of the original construction of the thermal complex that began in 1883, working hand in hand with engineer Narcís Xifra to build an infrastructure that was pioneering for its time.
Can they be visited?
Currently, the site houses the offices of Red Eléctrica de España and the public gardens that bear its name. Although you cannot climb the chimneys, they can be admired from the park, where fragments of the old industrial machinery are also preserved, converted into sculptures.
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