Passeig De Gracia

Barcelona, Spain

Contributed by Project for Public Spaces

One of the grandest boulevards of the world.

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Why It Works

This is easily a worthy contender with the Champs Elysee as one of the grandest boulevards of the world. In fact, we prefer the Passeig as it is more restrained commercially, creating a nice balance among sidewalk, architecture and commercial activity. When originally built, it had narrow sidewalks with a side access road and a wide walkway for strolling (a primary activity at the time). With little access to the stores in buildings lining it, the boulevard struggled. Eventually the sidewalks were widened and the street took its current shape. At 180 feet, it is one of the widest of any city. But it is still comfortable, with an appropriate scale in relation to the size of the buildings flanking it. The extraordinary architecture along this street is one of its great attractions.

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User Comments:

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08/05/03 Teresita Cochran said:
Ahhh, Barcelona...so many of its streets are beautiful, but Passeig de Gracia takes precedence. Having lived in Barcelona for a School Year Abroad program in 1991-1992, I made it just before the Olympics highlighted this beautiful city. My school building was between Rambla de Catalunya and Passeig de Gracia, easily two of the more beautiful city walks in Europe. Being there at this particular time, Barcelona was changing. Getting better. Making more metro stops, more bus routes, more ease in getting from place to place. Passeig de Gracia was getting a lot of tourists, as were the Ramblas and many of BCN's streets. But why Passieg de Gracia above all the rest? It's in the details. Besides its well organized corners allowing pedestrians the ease of crossing, and "motos" the ease of parking, the sidewalk itself has beauty. Passeig de Gracia's sidewalk is covered with intricate and ornate sidewalk tiles, like a beautiful Victorian foyer. Barcelona is conscious of the walkers that it invites to its sidewalks. Even the door handles on the architectural wonders that are its buildings are ornamental and thoughtful. Walking along this street is a pleasure, not a chore. Barcelona treasures its pedestrians; a custom many cities could learn from.
02/25/04 Richard Skaff said:
And what about pedestrians with disabilities? Do the street intersections have curb ramps to allow persons using wheelchairs for mobility the ability to access the crosswalks? Are the pedestrian signals accessible to all pedestrians, including those who are blind or have vision loss? Are the sidewalk cafes accessible?
04/06/04 Maria vieira said:
Yes Richard, in the Passeig de Gracia one can move in a wheel-chair as in most areas in downtown Barcelona. One should take in account that in the some historic areas the side-walks are narrow and the streets are usually full of people. The stop lights here are automatic with no individual control.
07/26/06 Jan Levy said:
How do you show Passeig De Gracia and ignore the three archtectural masterpieces: Casa Amontiller; and Gaudi's Casa Battlo and La Pedrera? Yes, it is a grand boulevard -- but the thrill is to put your hand on a Gaudi building -- better yet to explore the interior of La Pedrera! Pls add photos of these architectual masterpieces to the Passeig De Gracia slide show. Gracias - Jan Levy 7/26/06
02/09/08 Xavier Valls said:
The second picture is not Passeig de Grącia, is Rambla de Catalunya, please change.

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