Voted the second coolest street in the world by Time Out magazine. Paseo de Sant Joan Barcelona is a fantastic old fashioned street often not visited by most visitors to Barcelona.
After a busy few days visiting all the sights, you may now looking for a relaxing and scenic walk in Barcelona. There is just the place and it is called paseo de Sant Joan Barcelona. The paseo de Sant Joan is a main avenue that runs through the Eixample and Gràcia districts of the city. This street has a lot to offer, from beautiful modernist buildings and monuments, to cozy gardens and fountains, to quirky shops and cafes. In this article, I will tell you more about the history and attractions of this charming street and why you should visit it.
A Brief History of Paseo de Sant Joan Barcelona
Paseo de Sant Joan (which means Saint John’s Promenade in Catalan) was named after an older street that bordered the esplanade of the Ciutadella fortress, which was built in the 18th century by King Philip V to suppress the rebellious Catalans. The fortress was demolished in 1868, and the area was transformed into a park and a new neighborhood called L’Eixample (The Extension), following the urban plan of Ildefons Cerdà.
An interesting fact is the paseo de Sant Joan was one of the first streets to be built in L’Eixample, and it was designed as a wide and elegant avenue with trees and gardens along its sides. It starts at the Arc de Triomf, a monumental arch that was built for the 1888 Universal Exposition, and ends at Travessera de Gràcia, in the lower part of Gràcia, a former village that was annexed to Barcelona in 1897.
The paseo de Sant Joan was home to some of the most prominent families and personalities of Barcelona’s bourgeoisie in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, who commissioned some of the most renowned architects of the time, such as Josep Puig i Cadafalch, Antoni Gaudí, and Lluís Domènech i Montaner, to design their residences. The result is a stunning collection of modernist buildings that showcase the artistic and cultural richness of Catalan nationalism.
What to See and Do on Paseo de Sant Joan
Walking along paseo de Sant Joan is like taking a journey through Barcelona’s history and culture. Here are some of the highlights that you should not miss:
- Arc de Triomf: This impressive red brick arch marks the entrance to paseo de Sant Joan from the south. It was designed by Josep Vilaseca i Casanovas for the 1888 Universal Exposition, and it features sculptures and reliefs that celebrate Barcelona’s progress and industry. It is also a popular meeting point and a gateway to the Parc de la Ciutadella, one of the largest and most beautiful parks in the city.
- Palau Macaya: This elegant white palace is located at number 108 of paseo de Sant Joan, and it was built by Josep Puig i Cadafalch between 1899 and 1901 for Romà Macaya i Gibert, a wealthy businessman. The building is a masterpiece of modernist architecture, with its intricate façade decorated with floral motifs, sculptures, balconies, and towers. It is currently owned by La Caixa Foundation, which organizes cultural events and exhibitions inside.
- Verdaguer Monument: This bronze statue honors Jacint Verdaguer, one of the most important poets of Catalan literature. It was sculpted by Josep Maria Pericàs in 1924, and it stands on a pedestal surrounded by four allegorical figures representing religion, poetry, history, and homeland. The monument is located at the intersection of paseo de Sant Joan with Diagonal Avenue, one of the main arteries of Barcelona.
- Església de Salesas: This neo-Gothic church is situated at number 68 of paseo de Sant Joan, and it was built by Joan Martorell between 1882 and 1885 for the Salesian Sisters. The church has a striking façade with three pointed arches and a rose window, as well as a slender bell tower. Inside, you can admire stained glass windows, paintings, and sculptures.
- Hercules Fountain: This is the oldest monumental fountain in Barcelona, dating back to 1802. It was designed by Josep Moret for the Marquis of Barberà, who owned a palace nearby. The fountain depicts Hercules holding his club and the skin of the Nemean lion, and it is adorned with four lions that spout water. The fountain is located at the corner of paseo de Sant Joan with Ronda de Sant Pere, and it is a nice spot to rest and enjoy the sound of water.
- Comic and Manga Shops: Paseo de Sant Joan is also a paradise for comic and manga fans, as it hosts some of the most famous and specialized shops in the city. For example, at number 9 you can find Norma Comics, one of the largest and oldest comic bookstores in Europe, which has a huge collection of comics, manga, graphic novels, and merchandising. At number 11, you can visit Continuarà Comics, another reference for comic lovers, which also organizes events and signings with authors. And at number 13, you can discover Freaks, a shop that sells manga, anime, video games, and collectibles.
How to Get to Paseo de Sant Joan
Paseo de Sant Joan is very well connected by public transport, as it has several metro and bus stops along its route. You can take the metro line L1 to Arc de Triomf station, or the metro lines L4 or L5 to Verdaguer station. You can also take any of these bus lines: 6, 15, 19, 20, 39, 45, 47, 50, 51, or 55.
Alternatively, you can rent a bike or a scooter and explore paseo de Sant Joan at your own pace. There are many bike lanes and parking spots on the street, as well as some bike rental shops nearby.
Conclusion
Paseo de Sant Joan Barcelona is one of the most charming and historic avenues in Barcelona, where you can enjoy a relaxing and scenic walk while discovering some of the most beautiful buildings and monuments in the city. It is also a lively and diverse street, where you can find cozy gardens and fountains, quirky shops and cafes, and cultural events and exhibitions. If you want to experience a different side of Barcelona, paseo de Sant Joan is a must-see street to enjoy an evening stroll.
