Photo above taken by Lucas Graphic.
Calpe’s Muralla Roja is one of the most striking and talked-about buildings in all of Spain — and for good reason. With its bold colors, maze-like staircases, and surreal design, it’s been featured in countless Instagram posts, fashion shoots, and architecture blogs worldwide.
But beyond the visual hype, what is Muralla Roja really about? And can you visit it?
Let’s dive into the story of this modern-day fortress — and its mysterious neighbor, Bar Quemado.
🏛️ What is Muralla Roja?
Muralla Roja (Spanish for “Red Wall”) is a residential building designed by Ricardo Bofill in 1973. It sits on a cliffside in Calpe’s Manzanera area and draws inspiration from North African kasbahs and Mediterranean geometry.
Why It’s Famous:
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Vibrant colors: Red, pink, purple, and blue walls that shift with the light
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Escher-like staircases that create a visual maze
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Sea views from almost every corner
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Minimalist but bold design — a favorite for fashion brands and influencers
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Featured in Netflix series, Vogue shoots, and design documentaries
🎨 Architectural note: The colors were chosen to contrast the surrounding landscape — red against the blue sky, purple against the sea, and soft blue tones blending with the horizon.
📍 Can You Visit Muralla Roja?
This is where many visitors are surprised — Muralla Roja is private property.
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✅ It’s a residential complex, not a museum or public monument
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❌ You cannot enter the building unless you’re a guest or renting an apartment
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📷 However, you can view and photograph it from outside
💡 Best viewpoints:
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Avenida Europa (from the top)
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The nearby cliffside promenade
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Around the Barceló Asia Gardens side street
Please be respectful — Muralla Roja is a home to many residents. Trespassing or jumping fences to “get the shot” is not just rude, it’s illegal.
👉 Link: Top Things to Do in Calpe
📸 Instagram Fame & Global Recognition
Muralla Roja has become a bucket list location for photographers, influencers, and architecture lovers worldwide.
It’s been featured in:
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Fashion campaigns by Zara, Bimba y Lola, and COS
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Countless Instagram shoots and travel vlogs
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Compared visually to the surreal staircases in Netflix’s Squid Game
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Highlighted in design blogs and architecture magazines for its unique structure and bold colors
🎯 Pro tip: The golden hour (early morning or sunset) creates the most stunning contrast between light and shadow for photographs — even from outside the building.
🔥 Bar Quemado: The Forgotten Piece of Calpe’s Cliffside
Just next to Muralla Roja sits a long-abandoned relic of Calpe’s past: Bar Quemado, or “The Burnt Bar.”
What it was:
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Once a restaurant and social spot with ocean views
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Rumored to have hosted locals and artists in the ‘80s and ‘90s
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Now closed and decaying, but still part of local stories
Though you can’t enter, it adds a layer of mystery to the already surreal atmosphere of the Manzanera area. Some even say Bar Quemado complements Muralla Roja as a symbol of what the neighborhood was meant to be: a mix of art, living, and community.
🚶 How to Get There
Muralla Roja is located in the Manzanera district, west of Calpe’s main beaches.
Walking Directions:
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From Arenal-Bol beach, head west along Avenida Europa
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Follow signs to Urbanización La Manzanera
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Best parking is street-side — avoid blocking gates
✅ Editor’s Conclusion
Muralla Roja isn’t just a building — it’s a work of art that’s part of Calpe’s identity. Whether you’re into architecture, photography, or just exploring something different, it’s worth the visit — even if just from the outside.
Just remember: this is someone’s home. Admire it, photograph it, but respect its boundaries.
And while you’re there, take a moment to look around — the crumbling charm of Bar Quemado, the sound of waves below, and the warm red walls against the Mediterranean sky — it’s one of Calpe’s most special corners.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
Can I go inside Muralla Roja?
Only if you’re staying there as a guest. It’s a private residential complex.
Is Muralla Roja worth seeing from the outside?
Absolutely — it’s incredibly photogenic and unlike anything else on the Costa Blanca.
Where is the building from Squid Game in Spain?
The building often associated with Squid Game is Muralla Roja in Calpe, Spain. While the Netflix show was filmed in South Korea, Muralla Roja has gone viral due to its visual similarity to the show’s staircase scenes. With its bold colors, geometric shapes, and surreal layout, it’s often called the “real-life Squid Game building.”
Is there a way to stay there?
Yes! Some units are available on rental platforms like Airbnb — but availability is limited and often expensive.
Where is Bar Quemado?
Right next to Muralla Roja — now abandoned, but still part of the area’s character.
