La Dreta de l’Eixample is one of the six neighborhoods in the Eixample district of Barcelona, is a historic and elegant area known for its modernist architecture and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Designed in 1860 by Ildefons Cerdà i Sunyer, it is home to iconic sites like Plaza de Cataluña and Passeig de Gràcia. Its popularity has attracted foreign investments and luxury brands, making it one of the most sought-after areas for real estate development.
Table of Contents
History of the Neighborhood
Barcelona’s urban expansion began in 1310 with the establishment of the city’s boundaries. In the 19th century, the need to expand beyond the city walls became evident, leading to the Cerdà Plan of 1859, which gave rise to the Eixample in the 1860s. Since then, Barcelona has grown continuously, becoming a vibrant and diverse city with 10 districts and 53 neighborhoods by 1878.
La Dreta de l’Eixample: An Urban Reference
La Dreta de l’Eixample is a safe and exclusive neighborhood, featuring luxury shops and restaurants, gyms, renowned boutiques, and prestigious private schools. However, its main drawback is the lack of parking spaces.
Despite this, la Dreta de l’Eixample is an excellent option for those who can afford to live in a central and well-connected location, and it also attracts visitors from around the world.
La Dreta de l’Eixample is a vibrant area with a wide variety of shops, restaurants, cafes, and art galleries. It also hosts a significant number of cultural institutions, including theaters, cinemas, and museums.
Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera. Photo via Pexels
Iconic Modernist Architecture of La Dreta de l’Eixample
La Dreta de l’Eixample is the heart of Catalan modernism, with architectural gems like Casa Batlló and Casa Milà, alongside important galleries and museums. This area combines large commercial spaces, offices, and luxury residences.
Although it was originally a bourgeois neighborhood, and many residents have moved to more exclusive areas, the apartments in l’Eixample, generally spacious and with an old-style charm, remain in high demand. While they can be expensive, there are various rental options available on ShBarcelona for those interested in living in this iconic area.
Find Your Ideal Apartment in l’Eixample
One of Barcelona’s Best Neighborhoods
La Dreta de l’Eixample is one of Barcelona’s best neighborhoods, standing out for its impressive modernist architecture and central location, offering easy access to the city’s main attractions.
Its urban design, with wide avenues and quality services, provides a comfortable and attractive environment for residents. Additionally, its vibrant cultural and social life, with numerous restaurants, bars, and art galleries, enhances its reputation as an exceptional place to live and visit in Barcelona.
Casa Batlló, Dreta de l’Eixample. Photo via Pexels
Monuments of La Dreta de l’Eixample
La Dreta de l’Eixample offers the opportunity to marvel at an impressive collection of architectural masterpieces that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when the bourgeoisie moved their residences from the old town to the vibrant center of the Eixample.
Among the most notable buildings are splendid modernist gems, innovative designs, and sophisticated facades that stand out for their elegance and originality:
Casa Amatller
On Passeig de Gràcia in Barcelona, the Casa Amatller is a notable example of Catalan Modernism. Designed by Josep Puig i Cadafalch, it combines Flemish and Catalan Gothic elements and is considered one of his best works.
Casa Lleó i Morera
A masterpiece of Catalan Modernism, designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner, is located on Passeig de Gràcia in Barcelona. Commissioned in 1902 by Francisca Morera to renovate the old Casa Rocamora from 1864, the project was continued after her death in 1904 by her son, Alberto Lleó Morera, who named the building.
Casa Milá
Also known as La Pedrera, it is a notable work by Antoni Gaudí, famous for its wavy facade and wrought-iron balconies. Today, it is a cultural center and a tourist destination with a museum dedicated to Gaudí and panoramic views from the terrace.
Casa Terrades
Designed by the architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch, it is an impressive modernist building known as the "Casa de les Punxes" (House of the Spikes), characterized by its exposed brick facade and pointed towers.
Editorial Montaner i Simón
Today, it is the headquarters of the Antoni Tàpies Foundation. Founded in 1858 by Juan and Pedro Montaner y Simón, it was a key publishing house in Spain, known for its literary, historical, and scientific publications, as well as for promoting Catalan culture.
Related Article: Amazing beauty – the best bits of Eixample
La Dreta de l’Eixample is a vital part of Barcelona, with a unique blend of history, culture, architecture, and urban life that makes it a fascinating place to explore and live. It also offers a unique experience that captivates both residents and visitors, leaving a lasting impression of Barcelona’s beauty and vibrancy.
Leave a Comment