Eric B.
Yelp
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. Passeig de Gràcia connects the central Plaça Catalunya to Gràcia and other wide avenues in the area include Carrer d'Aragó, Carrer de Balmes and Passeig de Sant Joan (of which Gayle and I enjoyed a nice evening walk).
The most well-known attraction in Gràcia is the Gaudí-designed Parc Güell which is located on El Carmel mountain and was on our "must see" list. Casa Vicens, Gaudí's first important work and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also located in Gràcia. 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.