Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Where Carrer Gran de Gràcia leads you into Gràcia proper, a grand Modernista edi-
3
Pla
idiarecalls the brief sojourn of the Roman empress-to-be
Galla Placidia, captive and wife of the Visigothic chief Athaulf in the 5th century AD.
She had been hauled across from Italy, where she hastily returned upon her captor-
husband's death.
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Pla
Plaça de G
a de Gal·la Pla
al·la Placidia
a de la Lliberrttatt(Liberty Sq) is home to the bustling Modernista produce
market of the same name. It was designed by one of Gaudí's colleagues, Francesc
Berenguer, who was busy in this part of town despite never having been awarded a
diploma as an architect.
Popular
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Pla
Plaça de la Llib
ila de Grràciiawas, until a few years ago, named after the
mayor under whom Gràcia was absorbed by Barcelona, Francesc Rius i Taulet. It is
fronted by the local town hall (designed by Berenguer). At its heart stands the Torre
del Rellotge (Clock Tower), long a symbol of Republican agitation.
Possibly the rowdiest of Gràcia's squares,
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Pla
Plaça de la V
a de la Vila de G
a del Sol(Sun Sq) is lined with
bars and eateries and comes to life on long summer nights. The square was the scene
of summary executions after an uprising in 1870. During the 1936-39 civil war, an air-
raid shelter was installed.
Busy, elongated
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Pla
Plaça del Sol
e de 1868commemorates the
toppling of Queen Isabel II, a cause of much celebration in this working-class strong-
hold. Today locals gather on benches for a chat or pop into one of the bars or restaur-
ants for refreshment.
Pleasant terraces adorn pedestrianised
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Pla
Plaça de la R
a de la Revoluc
olució de Se
ió de Settemmbrre de 1868
a de la Viirrreiina, notable for its shady
trees and presided over by the 17th-century Església de Sant Joan. It was largely des-
troyed by anarchists during the unrest of the Setmana Tràgica (Tragic Week) of 1909.
Rebuilt by Berenguer, it was damaged again during the civil war.
Plaça de la V
EATING
Spread across this busy quarter are all sorts of enticing options, from simple
tapas bars to top-class seafood. Gràcia is loaded with Middle Eastern and
other ethnic restaurants, many of which are upbeat and good value. Several
classic Catalan taverns tick along nicely with a strong local following. There's
little of interest, however, around Park Güell.
INTERNATIONAL
LES TRES A LA CUINA
