Spaniards loved their style of bullfighting called corrida de toros. The sport began in 711 AD and reached its peak popularity in the 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1900, architect Augusto Font Carreras created this Neomudéjar-style bullring at Plaça d’Espanya. Up to 15,000 people enjoyed each ritualized event until it closed in 1997. In 2011, the former Plaza de Toros de las Arenas (Bullring of the Arenas) was converted into a shopping mall called Arenas de Barcelona. On the left is an ornate fountain designed by Josep Maria Jujol. The sculptures are the work of Miquel Blay Fabregas.