The slanting route traced by the Diagonal breaks up the ordered grid framework of the Eixample. Its daily flow of traffic makes it a frontier that makes itself felt even in popular traditions: it is often said that the area above this avenue is the territory of the city’s rich. This may have made more sense five decades ago, when only the central stretch was built. Nowadays, it crosses the whole city from east to west, ending at the sea. Its most attractive stretch is still the central part, containing numerous shopping centres, galleries and stores.
RECOMMENDATIONS: The Diagonal’s bicycle lanes make it ideal for this means of transport – the area’s pedestrians are used to living with two-wheeled transit. If you don’t have a bike, the best thing to do is combine the metro with the modern tramline opened in 2004.
From the original building there remain the Pavilions at the entrance, the stables, and entrance walls. They are works by Gaudí for his patron, Eusebi Güell. It’s currently occupied by Cátedra Gaudí, from the School of Architecture. Dont’ miss the cast iron gate, with its spectacular and characteristic dragon. Av. Pedralbes 77.
This is one of the city’s best examples of the Catalan Gothic style, dating from 1327.It has been preserved thanks to the nuns who occupied it until a few decades ago, when they moved to a new location. You can visit the cloister, the church, the main dependencies... It contains an important collection of art objects. Baixada del Monestir 9.
Designed at the beginning of the 20th century by Minorcan urban planner, garden designer, writer and translator Nicolau Rubió i Tudurí, this is a delightful spot in the middle of the university area. While walking we may come across a fountain designed by Gaudí and three others by Carles Buïgas, the creator of the fountain at Montjuïc. At the back end of the gardens is the palace that give sits name to the whole site, donated to the Spanish royal family by Count Güell in 1919. Although it has belonged to Barcelona City Hall since 1931, it has hosted a number of royal celebrations including the wedding banquet for Princess Cristina, daughter of King Juan Carlos I, in 1997. It also hosts two museums: the Ceramics Museum - with works by Miró and Picasso - and the Decorative Arts Museum. Av. Diagonal 686.
Futbol Club Barcelona’s imposing stadium is a key point of pilgrimage for the team’s supporters, as well as for football fans in general. It was opened in 1957 and has undergone a number of reforms. It is currently the biggest stadium In Europe and holds almost 100,000 people. Attending a match is an unforgettable experience, though if this is not possible, one can always visit the museum or take part in a guided tour, which includes the changing rooms, but without players of course. Av. Arístides Maiol s/n.
As well as being a major business centre (the Diagonal is home to the headquarters of a large number of prestigious companies), this avenue, which is about to given a complete overhaul, provides exceptional treats for shoppers. Its secret is that here you can find everything from clothes, accessories and decoration at accessible prices to exclusive boutiques belonging to consolidated designers. This eclecticism is embodied in L’illa Diagonal shopping centre, opened in 1993 on the site of was used to be an orphanage. The land available was so large that its usage was decided by a competition of ideas won by Rafael Moneo and Manuel de Solà-Morales. Their proposal was what we can see today: a building conceived as a horizontal sky scraper, inspired by New York’s Rockefeller Center. L’Illa Diagonal plays host to offices and an immense shopping centre that occupies 31,000m2. Av. Diagonal 545-565.
Barcelona is stubborn when it comes to names: although this park is dedicated to the memory of the poet Eduardo Marquina, it is better known to everyone as Turó Park, even though nobody actually remembers that it was the name of the funfair that once occupied this land. Opened in 1934, the park was also designed by Rubió i Tudurí, and has its own microclimate of shade and silence, just a few metres from the bustling Diagonal avenue.
 |
GO MAG All the musical news monthly: independent pop-rock, electronic, fashion, cinema and books. |
|
Guía del Ocio BCN The guide that puts all the entertainment in Barcelona in the palm of your hand. |
Dirección: Tuset, 17 Teléfono: 93 202 26 35 Web: www.labolsabar.com |
La Bolsa is the first theme bar to simulate the operations of a stock exchange. Extensive range of imported beers from diverse countries. Breakfast service, lunch, beers and music. Open daily. Más info |
Dirección: Aribau, 230 Teléfono: 93 414 71 95 |
Enjoy the best music in the most exclusive place in barcelona’s uptown area. Come and get to know a historical night spot on the barcelona scene. Visit our website and find out about the city’s best parties and events. The best music in the best club, and with the best people... Costa Breve barcelona. Más info |