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.
Plaza de la Virreina
My Space Barcelona's Apartments near Gràcia:
Loft de Vacaciones en Gràcia con Terraza y Piscina
OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Although not everything is squares and small streets in this neighborhood. And if not, look at the following attractions: EVERYONE DESERVES A MANDATORY STOP!
PARC GÜELL: work of Antonio Gaudi, in this park you will find nature, art and history. From its main square you will be able to contemplate the city from the heights.
CASA RUBINAT:Modernist building also built by Francesc Berenguer Maestres, Gaudi's right-hand man. Curious fact: the project is officially signed by Joan Rubió i Bellver, because Berenguer was not a graduate.
MERCAT DE LA LLIBERTAT: place where farmers used to sell their vegetables and other products. Today it is a feast of sounds, smells and colors.
EL VIADUCTO DE VALLCARCA: is located between the Coll and Putxet hills and is one of the highest points in Barcelona. This viaduct was a great help in opening up this area to Barcelona.
My Space Barcelona's Apartments near Gràcia:
Terrace and pool apartment near the Barcelona centre for 10
LOCAL COMMERCE AND GASTRONOMY IN GRÁCIA
We cannot talk about Grace and not make reference to any local commerce or any of its restaurants and it is almost impossible to know all the local stores or the thousand restaurants that we can find on its streets. At every step we take we come across a very good option. Here are our recommendations:
- TAIFA LLIBRES (Carrer de Verdi, 12): For reading lovers this store is a neighborhood MUST. It has a room for novelties and first-hand books and another room for second-hand books.
- ANTONIETA (Calle Torrijos, 15): a store of clothes made all in Barcelona.
- VINIL VINTAGE (Ramón y Cajal, 45-47): For those who like to preserve traditions and think that the sound quality that plays a vinyl is still the best this is your store. You will find any vinyl and/or record you are looking for!
- CASA PROTEA (Ramón y Cajal, 124): are you a plant freak? You can't miss this "house" as the owners of Casa Protea call their store on your way to Gracia
- ESCOLA DE CUINA MIREIA CARBÓ (Torrent del Vidalet, 24): If you still have some time left and you have doubts about what to do, we will solve it: a cooking course at Mireia Carbó's school. All kinds of workshops adapted for all levels and ages with final tasting of the dishes that have been prepared.
- LA VIBLIOTECA (Carrer de les Guilleries, 10): cheese lovers, if you don't know this place from now on it will be your temple. A small place taking care of the details to the maximum where you will be able to taste all variety of cheeses always accompanied by a good wine.
- CROCK & ROLL (Travessera de Gràcia, 233): roasted eggplant croquette with provolone and honey? Coming up, please! In this place you will find all kinds of croquettes. YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO DECIDE WHY TO TEST!
- WOK VERDI (Calle Verdi, 20): Who says you can't find quality street food in Barcelona is that you haven't tried the noodles in this place yet.
- LA PIADINA (Plaza del Sol, 21): that the beers get out of hand on a Friday afternoon and you get up at midnight without having eaten anything? No problem, in Plaza del Sol you can find the best piadina in Barcelona.
- VÄCKA (Calle de Séneca, 4): In a neighborhood as bohemian as Barcelona could not miss a temple to the geeks of alternative food. A completely vegan restaurant with completely gluten-free options.
- LA BICICLETA (Carrer Verdi, 65): who said tapas? When talking about tapas this is undoubtedly a must in the area. Its quantity is not very abundant but the quality is completely indisputable.
- BAR PIETRO (Travessera de Gràcia, 197): Its greatest value is the essence and the atmosphere that is breathed in its local weekend after weekend. Will you resist to try it?
We hope you feel like visiting this neighborhood in Barcelona and remember that the team of My Space Barcelona is always available for any other recommendation you may need!
HAPPY WEDNESDAY, EVERYONE!