El Patio de Gracia
Neighborhood
Gràcia are many Gràcies. It is the modernist that saw the first buildings of the architect Antoni Gaudí, such as the Casa Vicens, near the Plaza de Lesseps; It is the one of other emblematic squares, such as the Virreina, the Diamant square —which Mercè Rodoreda turned into a novel—, the Plaza del Sol, with its multiculturalism, or the Plaza de la Revolució, republican and liberal; it is also that of the Gypsy Gràcia of Catalan rumba, that of independent theaters such as the Lliure; the one that is capable of mixing the neighborhood neighbor with the most bohemian modernity of the artists who settle in its workshops. Gràcia is walking through Gràcia, entering a world of curious shops, new crafts, designs from yesterday and today, enjoying the manor houses, enjoying the fresco in the squares or watching an art-house film, during the day or at night. There is always something to do in Gràcia.
Until the seventeenth century, this neighborhood was no more than a few isolated farmhouses, three religious convents and a tower that the bourgeoisie had built as a summer home. The entry of the 19th century brought industrialization, and Gràcia became important, since it provided free land to be able to build and install industries. It was the moment when Gràcia began to claim its independence, and achieved it up to three times: in 1821, in 1828 and in 1849. The town of Gràcia was definitively annexed to Barcelona in 1897, but years before the great artery that it would link the center of the city of Barcelona with a town in full expansion: Passeig de Gràcia, which took advantage of the old path that linked both centers.
But not everything was industrialization in the town of Gràcia. For more than two centuries, the treatment of livestock was in the hands of the gypsy community, settled in the surroundings of the Plaza del Raspall. A community of well-being gypsies who, like the residents of Gràcia, articulated their lives around the squares and streets. A melting pot that mixed flamenco rhythms with Cuban and salsa sounds that came from American immigrants. The result: the Catalan rumba, a typically Gràcia musical style.
Plaça del Diamant
La Plaça del Diamant is a square in Gràcia, Barcelona. Made famous by the book of the same name by Mercè Redoreda i Gurgui, this is one of Gràcia's best-loved public spaces, which has an interesting history. The square was constructed in around 1860. The land belonged to a jewel tycoon called Josep Rossell. In honour of his trade the area was given names related to jewellery, hence the name of the square, 'Plaza of the Diamond'. During the Spanish Civil War Gràcia was a hive of political subterfuge and an... more
Plaça de la Virreina
The Virreina square is a place with an intense social life and transit of people. Very lively on weekends. In its surroundings there are bars with a terrace. The square is pedestrianized on 3 of the four sides. The lower part facing Calle Torrijos is the only one allowed for vehicles. Very difficult parking area. The square is dominated by the facade of the Church of Sant Joan and the Fountain of Rut. The square was urbanized in 1878 on the lands of the old Virreina estate. This church of Sant J... more
Plaça de la Vila
Plaça del Sol
Shelter Plaza del Diamant
If you want to visit, I can make a reservation for you.
Is not expensive ticket.
I recommend this visit :)