The modernists architects and their creations is the best way to describe the fantastic district of L’Eixample Barcelona.
L’Eixample district Barcelona is a great example of the of modern architects looking to the future and changing the districts of the past. Grid street plans and wide avenues are charecteristic of a Barcelona moving towards the rise of cars and transportation. This district has an area of 7.4 km2 and a population of just under 300,000 habitants. This district is where you can see many of the works of Antoni Gaudí. Such buildings as the Casa Mila, Casa Batllo and the Sagrada Família are in this area. You can also see many other influential 19th century modernist buildings within this district.
Ildefons Cerda Sunyer, The Master of Urban Planning
The revolutionary block and grid design of L’Eixample, an idea conceived by urban planner Ildefons Cerda Sunyer. He visioned Barcelona streets with “sunlight, space, ventilation, and greenery”. Despite Ildefons Cerda Sunyer creating a masterpiece for modern city design, he died impoverished in 1876. Ildefons did not get paid for designing the famous and revolutionary district of L’Eixample.
Todays L’Exiample District Of Barcelona
Today the district of L’Eixample is a wealthy area of Barcelona with wide streets and cafés. This district is a must for fans and admirers of the Modernist architecture. There are many such modernist examples visible in this part of Barcelona. The district of L’Exiample also has many great restaurants to visit, with the evenings coming to life with vibrant activity. There are many great cafés along the district’s tree lined streets and a good selection of shops. The district of L’Exiample overall has a very metropolitan feel, with many people of different nationalities passing through.
Best Attractions To Visit In L’Eixample
The L’Eixample district Barcelona has a variety of interesting places to visit. The most popular attraction is the Sagrada Família, the most inspiring building in Barcelona. Designed by Antoni Gaudí, the Sagrada Família should be top of your list of places to visit in L’Eixample. Also within the neighborhood are Gaudí’s Casa mila / La Pedrea and Casa Batllo, both highlighting Catalan modernism. Another modernist building worth visiting is the Casa Amatller which is also situated nearby. Close to these modernist gems, you will find the Egyptian Museum for those interested in the history of Egypt.
The large square called Plaça Catalunya where La Rambla and the Gothic Quarter meets L’Eixample district. This busy square is also a major transport hub, with metro and regional trains stopping here. Also, worth mentioning is the fantastic El Corte Ingles department store. This large department store sells just about everything you can think of. You can find it by the side of this square, close to the Hard Rock café.
If you enjoy shopping, you must visit the Passeig de la Gràcia, Barcelona’s trendy shopping street. Here you will be able to explore the best designer shops, while enjoying the atmosphere of this lively main street. Also within L’Eixample district Barcelona, you will discover fantastic bars and restaurants, just as you would expect from this cosmopolitan district. The best thing to do in L’Eixample district is to explore and enjoy the many great sights on offer.
How to get to the L’Eixample District
There are three metro lines that will take you to Passeig de la Gracia metro station. Which you will find is in the very heart of this neighborhood. The metro lines are the lines 2, 3 and 4 will get you to the Passeig de la Gracia metro station. This street is also a great place to do some shopping. The lower end of this district can be reached quite easily from Plaça Catalyuna, this will lead on to the Passeig de la Grácia street.
