Gràcia Quarter, about 1 km north of the center of Barcelona at the north end of the Passeig de Gràcia, is the most distinctively Catalan neighborhood to be found in easy walking distance of the center. A prosperous neighborhood, Gràcia nonetheless has more a local than a cosmopolitan feel to it, with much of life lived on the many public squares. It's also a very good place to start (or finish) a walk through the most important modernist buildings. A good place to stay in an hotel. Check out any plaza and it will most likely be humming with life and vibrancy.

Gràcia was established in 1626, by a novitiate of Carmelites who established a convent there called "Nostra Senyora de Gràcia (Our Lady of Grace)." Gràcia was an independent municipality until it was annexed to Barcelona in 1897 along with other villages in the plain of Barcelona. The expansion of the Eixample district in the 19th century eventually led to the northward expansion of Barcelona, connecting Gràcia to the growing metropolis.

Gràcia was also the original home to Teatre Lliure, one of the most prestigious theaters in Spain (the theater has since relocated to Montjuic). There are several notable squares in Gràcia including Plaça del Sol, Plaça de Rius i Taulet and Plaça de la Virreina.

The most well-known attraction in Gràcia is the Gaudí-designed Parc Guell which is located on El Carmel mountain. Casa Vicens, Gaudí's first important work and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also located in Gràcia.

Festa Major de Gracia

Every August, Gràcia holds an 8-day festival "Festa Major", known as Festes de Gràcia, one of the largest festivals in Barcelona. The Festa Major de Gracia, is a week long festival that displays the best of Catalan with a mass celebration in the streets. One of the most popular events is the 'Best decorated street', where residents from 23 neighboring streets use anything and everything to decorate their street in a theme and vie for the prize.

Tourist Attractions in Gràcia Quarter