Gracia is comprised of other neighborhoods within this district, the best known and the historic district: La Vila de Gràcia. Like many other neighborhoods in Barcelona, it was formerly an independent municipality that was annexed to Barcelona in 1897. La Vila still has its own personality and has managed to maintain the typical atmosphere of a small town for all its life.
Gran de Gràcia Street (Fuente: La Barcelona de antes)
Did you know that the Catalan rumba originated in the Gracia district? Even with the industrial revolution, the neighborhood maintained the rural character of the area and retained activities such as livestock trade that concentrated the gypsy population around the Plaza del Raspall. Between the 19th and 20th centuries these gypsies shared life with newcomers from Cuba. The fusion of Caribbean rhythms and flamenco gave rise to the well-known Catalan rumba.
Raspall Square, meeting point for the gypsy ethnic group (Source: Ara.cat)
The best way to get to know this alternative neighborhood in Barcelona is to get lost in its streets and squares. BUT as we know it can be a little difficult to know where to start, we propose a small route to know its most famous squares and streets.
ROUTE BY THE STREETS AND SQUARES OF GRÀCIA
We will start at Ramón y Cajal street and our first stop will be Plaza del Sol. This square is famous for the custom of young people bringing their own beers and drinking them sitting on the floor on sunny days. However, this square is full of terraces and cafes where the midday snacks and the half-day beer are sacred traditions.
Plaza del Sol (Source: El Périodico)
My Space Barcelona's Apartments near Gràcia:
Private Terrace and Swimming Pool Apartment in Gràcia for 6
We will continue to the Plaza de la Vila de Gracia. It is the heart and essence of the neighborhood. We will find an octagonal tower of 33 meters high where the town hall used to be.
Plaza de la Vila de Gracia (Source: Knowing Barcelona)
My Space Barcelona's Apartments near Grácia:
Pool and Terrace Attic Apartment in Gràcia for 6
This neighborhood also has several modernist buildings, such as the well-known Casa Vicens on Carolines Street. It was the first work of the modernist architect Antoni Gaudí. After this mini-stop to observe the building we will go to two of the most famous streets of the neighborhood: Torrent de l'Olla street and Verdi street. This second one is known for hosting restaurants with the typical food of practically all countries.
Casa Vicens de Antoni Gaudí (Source: Tiqets)
My Space Barcelona's Apartments near Gràcia:
Penthouse in Gracia Pool and Terrace near Sagrada Familia for 6
Another indispensable square in Gracia is the Plaza del Diamant, where there is still an underground that was a bomb shelter during the Civil War. It is also engraved in the popular memory thanks to the famous novel by Mercè Rodoreda which bears the name of the square.
Sculpture to pay homage to the novel by Mercè Rodoreda in the Plaza del Diamant (Souce: Spotted by Locals)
My Space Barcelona's Apartments near Gràcia:
Apartment with Terrace and Pool in Sagrada Familia for 6
Passing through the Carrer del Oro (Gold Street) we arrive at the Plaza de la Virreina, where the parish church of Sant Joan is located. For dance lovers, please note in your diaries the following: every Sunday swing lovers gather to dance in this square.
Our route will end in Encarnación street where the smallest theater in the world is located.