Passeig de Gràcia
The Avenue of Art and Luxury in Barcelona
A showcase for the wealthy classes since the late 19th century, everything on this avenue is art: the modernist buildings, the benches, the streetlights, and even the pavement. Passeig de Gràcia, the main artery of the Eixample district that once connected the old walled city with the village of Gràcia, is today a grand catwalk where unique modernist constructions and luxury shops are on display.
Today, the heritage and architectural value of Passeig de Gràcia is combined with the most prestigious shops in Barcelona.
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The Promenade of the Catalan Bourgeoisie and Modernism
Passeig de Gràcia gained prominence when it became the central axis of the new Eixample district, designed by Ildefons Cerdà between 1860 and 1890. The sidewalks were widened, and a low-density residential area was developed around it, consisting largely of single-family homes. Due to its central location and width, the avenue acquired great commercial value, attracting the bourgeoisie and leading to the gradual replacement of garden houses with apartment buildings.
It was during these years, between 1900 and 1914, that Passeig de Gràcia became a showcase of modernist architecture, with Gaudí’s masterpieces such as La Pedrera and Casa Batlló—both UNESCO World Heritage Sites—true works of art like Casa Lleó i Morera by Domènech i Muntaner, and modernist buildings with Catalan Gothic influences like Casa Amatller by Puig i Cadafalch. In 1906, Passeig de Gràcia also incorporated the impressive trencadís and wrought iron bench-lampposts designed by municipal architect Pere Falqués i Urpí.
But it’s not just the buildings, benches, and lampposts that dazzle visitors. In 1974, during renovations for the construction of an underground car park, the sidewalks were paved with hexagonal tiles inspired by those Gaudí designed for the kitchens of La Pedrera. This hydraulic pavement was originally created for Casa Batlló but ended up covering the kitchen floors of La Pedrera’s apartments. Today, it creates a marine backdrop beneath the feet of those walking along Passeig de Gràcia. In each set of six tiles, you’ll find an octopus, a sea snail, and a starfish.
How to Get to Passeig de Gràcia
You can visit Passeig de Gràcia using either the Red Route or the Blue Route of the Barcelona Bus Turístic. The stops Passeig de Gràcia – La Pedrera and Casa Batlló – Fundació Antoni Tàpies will drop you off at different points along the avenue, while from Plaça de Catalunya—the starting and ending point of the Bus Turístic routes—you can stroll the entire avenue up to Diagonal.
For the curious
- The lampposts designed by Pere Falqués i Urpí, the city’s first electric ones, were rejected by some sectors of the population who considered their shapes “horrible” and “delirious,” representing too drastic a change. Moreover, a group of influential Noucentista intellectuals in Catalan society at the time launched a campaign advocating for strict classicism as the preferred style for construction and ornamentation.
- Passeig de Gràcia was the road that connected medieval Barcelona, enclosed by walls, with the village of Gràcia, now a city neighborhood. The first urbanization project was carried out by the Captain General of Catalonia, Francisco Bernaldo de Quirós, Marquis of Campo Sagrado, who in 1827 inaugurated a 42-meter-wide promenade that quickly became a favorite spot for the aristocracy.
