A small space that could be seen in under an hour, the Museu del Calçat presented the history of footwear,  from the ancient Egyptian sandals to 18th-century shoes.

Originally located on Calle Corribia, a Renaissance building in the medieval historic enclaves of Barcelona, the museum had to be moved shortly after the civil war to avoid its own complete destruction. The museum has been closed since the end of 2015, waiting for a new space to showcase its shoe collection.

Related article: The best women’s shoe stores in Barcelona

Shoes to be seen

Photo by pedrosimoes7 via Visual hunt

The Footwear Museum’s collection has 2000 years of shoe history. The shoes from the Roman Era are mostly reproductions based on original documentation but there are also original pieces that were used by roman shepherds, villagers, and even slaves.

The collection goes beyond the Roman empire, showing all kinds of styles, such as clogs, silk shoes, pumps, delicate women’s shoes, oriental slippers, and several types of boots, like musketeers, military, horse ridings, and some examples of boots designed for Luis XIV and XV.

There are a few special items in the museum’s collection, shoes from famous personalities such as the ex-president of the Catalan government Jordi Pujol, the famous Catalan cellist and conductor Pau Casals, the clown Charlie Rivel and even some boots that have been worn to climb Mount Everest.

Related article: Where to find espadrilles in Barcelona

More than shoes

Photo by National Library of Scotland via Visual hunt

Other then the design and fashion of so many eras, the collection also has a number of photographs that show the work of cobblers through history. The photo exhibit is complemented by the materials used to make the shoes, such as leather, machinery, and tools used by the cobblers from different times to manufacture hand-made shoes.

One of the most curious items in the museum’s collection is the world’s biggest shoe, registered in the Guinness book of world records, measuring 1.22 meters. It is the mould for Christopher Columbus’ statue shoe, which can be found at Passeig de Colom.

Be sure to check the newspaper to find out when the museum will open its doors again!

5 / 5 ( 1 vote )
Aléxia Costa

Aléxia Costa is a ghostwriter for both fiction and non-fiction.

Recent Posts

Is it possible to open a bank account with a passport?

Barcelona, a vibrant, multicultural city, attracts people from all over the world with its unique…

3 days ago

What is Biosphere certification?

Undoubtedly, the importance of sustainability has become fundamental in all areas, and a clear example…

2 weeks ago

What you should know about Formula 1 in Barcelona 2024

Formula 1 arrives in Barcelona, ​​this year the city is preparing to receive the best…

3 weeks ago

Incasol: 10 “FAQS” for tenants and owners

Whether you're a property owner or a tenant, you've probably wondered at some point, what…

1 month ago

Quick Guide to the Technical Inspection of Buildings (ITE)

The Technical Inspection of Buildings (ITE) emerges as a fundamental pillar in the management and…

2 months ago

Hola Barcelona Travel Card: How it works

Barcelona attracts visitors from all over the world every year, and exploring this metropolis can…

2 months ago