Volta d'en Bufanalla

Nestled between the Passeig del Born and the alleyways of the Santa Maria neighbourhood, the Volta d'en Bufanalla is one of those medieval covered passages that still give El Born its uniquely labyrinthine character. The vault, linking the narrow lane to the Passeig del Born, is supported by a timber framework and opens at each end through segmental arches. Its curious name comes from the nickname — Bufanalla — of the owner of a house in the street. The city's historical archive holds requests for demolition and rebuilding permits for buildings on this street from 1775 and 1781; it was in 1781 that March Bartomeu applied for permission to rebuild and add an overhang on the Plaça del Born and the Volta d'en Bufanalla. The corner house with Carrer Esparteria still bears the date 1798 carved into its portal.