Modernisme Route of Barcelona
The Eixample of Barcelona is home to a multitude of Modernist buildings and structures, adorned with glass, wood, wrought iron, and ceramics. The artistic details found both on large buildings, residential front doors, and the architectonic features of storefronts, bakeries, or pharmacies still retain their remarkable and unique Modernist elements.
The Passeig de Gràcia is the site of the movement’s greatest gems, like the Antoni Gaudí’s masterpieces Casa Milà and Casa Batlló; the Casa Amatller, designed by Puig i Cadafalch; and Casa Lleó i Morera, by Domènech i Montaner. Hotel Europark is conveniently located next to all these modernista landmarks, and near the two other iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites Sagrada Família and Sant Pau Hospital.
Barcelona's Eixample
Towards the middle of the 19th century, the city’s rate of growth effectively broke through the medieval city walls, which had limited its expansion for years. Suddenly the urban center’s surrounding areas, which were previously illegal to build on, were completely free. So in 1860, thanks to the Remodeling and Extension Plan, the Eixample was born (Eixample in Catalan means extension).
The Eixample district of Barcelona, the city extension designed by the urban engineer Ildefons Cerdà, is undoubtedly one of the most unusual urban neighborhoods in the world, thanks to its grid of perpendicular streets with chamfers on the corners.
Barcelona Shopping Line
Barcelona is a hub for the most renowned fashion brands and designers in the world. Thanks to its fabulous climate, residents and visitors can window shop and pop in and out of stores all year round. Barcelona’s shop-friendly nature is best reflected by the now famous Shopping Line, which spans five kilometers from Avinguda Diagonal to the port, passing through the Passeig de Gràcia, and the historic city center, with is legendary Ramblas.
Barcelona’s most attractive shopping center is also its most exclusive. Diagonal, Passeig de Gràcia, Rambla de Catalunya, and Portal de l’Àngel offer up the world’s most prestigious clothing and accessory lines, high-end shoe shops, and exclusive jewelry retailers. Renowned brands like Armani, Chanel, Gucci, Valentino, Escada, Dolce & Gabbana, and Louis Vuitton are all present in the shopping heaven that Barcelona has become.
Suggestions...
Anita Flow
Anita Flow reflects the personality of its namesake, fusing passion for international cuisine and Modernism in three distinctive spaces with the pleasure of personalized service. To guarantee that all palates savor the rich flavors of the world, their kitchen stays open every day of the week, serving brunch on the weekends and happy hour every Thursday.
Consell de Cent, 413
Telf: 935 04 57 04
Betlem Restaurant
Betlem is, in short, a few gourmet tapas with a clear message: fine products and solid recipes make for great meals at reasonable prices. At Betlem you’ll find an array of classic and innovative dishes created with the most exacting processes and high-quality ingredients, all within a cozy bar atmosphere. This local favorite also serves as the ideal wine bar.
Carrer de Girona, 70
Telf: 932 65 51 05