Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Plaça de Rius
(
Plaça de
i Taulet
The progressive,
bohemian area of
Gràcia, a former
village annexed by
Barcelona in 1897, still
exudes a small-town
ambience, where
socializing with the
neighbours means
heading for the
nearest
plaça.
Topping
the list is this atmos-
pheric square, with an
impressive clock tower rising out
of its centre. Bustling outdoor
cafés draw buskers and a
sociable crowd.
d
Map F1
^
Plaça de Sant Josep
Santa Maria
The magnificent
Església de Santa
Maria del Mar
(see
p76)
imbues its name-
sake
plaça
, in the El
Born district, with a
certain spiritual calm.
Bask in its Gothic am-
bience, people watch,
and soak up the sun
at one of the outdoor
terrace cafés.
d
Map N5
)
Plaça de la Vila de Madrid
Façade, Plaça del Pi
Mere steps from La Rambla
(see pp12-13)
is this spacious
plaça
, graced with the remains of
a Roman necropolis. A remnant
of Roman Barcino, the square sat
just beyond the boundaries of
the walled Roman city. A row of
unadorned 2nd-4th-century AD
tombs were discovered here in
1957. The complete remains are
open to the public.
d
Map M2
Oriol & Plaça del Pi
Old-world charm meets café
culture in the Barri Gòtic's leafy
Plaça de Sant Josep Oriol and
Plaça del Pi, named after the pine
trees (
pi
, in Catalan) that shade
its nooks and crannies. The lovely
Gothic church of Santa Maria del
Pi
(see p38)
rises between the
two squares.
d
Map M3 & M4
&
Plaça Comercial
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The buzzy Passeig del Born
culminates in Plaça Comercial,
an inviting square dotted with
cafés and bars. It faces the 19th-
century Born Market
(see p72)
,
which is being transformed into
a cultural centre and exhibition
space.
d
Map P4
*
Plaça del Sol
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Tucked within the cosy
grid of Gràcia, this square is
surrounded by handsome 19th-
century buildings. As evening
descends, it becomes one of the
most lively spots to start your
night-time festivities, along with
all the
Barcelonins
who mingle on
the outdoor terraces.
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Map F1
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37
For parks & beaches
See pp56-7
