Barcelona Art Nouveau route

The Eixample neighbourhood is the result of Barcelona's urban expansion at the end of the 19th century and brought a radical change to the overall layout of the city. A stroll through its streets today help us to understand this pivotal time of progress and development in the history of the Catalan capital.

1. Mercat de la Concepció. This market opened in 1888 and was refurbished in 1998. It is the work of the architect Antoni Rovira i Trias, who used wrought iron as the main construction element. Aragó, 313-317.


2. Paseo de Gràcia. A wide boulevard lined with many prestigious shops and important Art Nouveau buildings such as Casa Lleó-Morera, Casa Ametller, Casa Batlló and La Pedrera.


3. Colmado Quilmez. A landmark store of Barcelona that has been in business since 1908. Famed for its wide variety of liqueurs, quality products and the way it takes care of its costumers. Rambla Catalunya, 63.


4. Universitat de Barcelona. The main building of the University of Barcelona was built in 1882 by Elies Rogent and housed all the university's faculties until 1952. Gran Via, 585.


5. Plaza de Toros Monumental. This is Barcelona's only bullring and was built in a combination of Mudejar and Byzantine styles. Gran Via, 747.


6. Sagrada Família. The expiatory temple was begun by Gaudí in 1891 and became his main project until his death in 1926. Note its exquisite architecture and the detailing of its façades. Mallorca, 401.