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Brothels in Spain have been abolished since 1956; prostitution is not illegal but also not regulated. Many Spanish cities have whiskeyias, also known as "whisky houses," adult clubs, creating famous red-light districts. The sex industry in Spain is estimated to be worth €3.7 billion with many well-known establishments.
The oil painting "The Young Women of Avignon" (original title: "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon") is a famous work by the renowned painter Picasso depicting prostitutes. "Avignon" refers not only to the city in Provence but also to a street in Barcelona.
"The Young Ladies of Avignon" (original title: "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon")
El Raval Street, Barcelona
El Raval is a neighborhood in the Ciutat Vella district of Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia. Once known for its nightlife, bars, prostitution, and crime, El Raval has transformed significantly in recent years into a popular tourist attraction in Barcelona.
El Raval street in Barcelona
The statue at the beginning of the street
La Jonquera municipality
La Jonquera, located on the border between Spain and France, is a small town. However, since the opening of the Paradise entertainment complex, considered the "Largest Brothel in Europe," it has become much more bustling. In France, prostitution is illegal, so since the establishment of Paradise, the roads from France to La Jonquera have been constantly congested.
Europe's largest "entertainment" area
Villaverde Industrial Zone, Madrid
In the Villaverde industrial area south of Madrid, once notorious for its rows of prostitutes lining lampposts and streets after dark, many men from all over came seeking pleasure. This area also housed transgender individuals from around the world, but particularly from sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America.
The road runs through Polígono de Villaverde
In Spain, opinions on legalizing prostitution remain deeply divided, causing legal reforms to stall for a long time. Therefore, it remains a gray area regarding its semi-legal status and whether it is illegal but accepted. Debates about whether prostitution should be considered work like any other remain unresolved.
