Gràcia formed in the 17th century around the convent of Nuestra Señora de Gracia y San José, from which it takes its name. This small rural settlement became an independent municipality in 1850 with its own town hall, before being annexed to the city in 1897.
History & origins
The small rural settlement underwent a major transformation in the 19th century, becoming a distinctive area of workers and small shopkeepers; as Barcelona grew and the Cerdà plan took shape, it was gradually absorbed into the city.
Heritage & architecture
The Plaça del Sol, created around 1840, is one of the neighbourhood's largest squares, designed as a communal gathering point; it was used as an air-raid shelter during the Spanish Civil War. Its name comes from a sculpture called "Astrolabi", a sundial with the twelve signs of the zodiac, designed by Joaquim Camps.
Plaça del Sol
Created around 1840"Astrolabi" sculpture, air-raid shelter during the Civil War.
Plaça de la Vila
The Festa Major's main stageFormer convent of Nuestra Señora de Gracia y San José
Origin of the name and the 17th-century village nucleusCulture & living traditions
According to the historian Francesc Curet, Gràcia's festivities date back to a procession held on 15 August 1817. The Festa Major is celebrated every year from 15 August, over seven to ten days, with decorated streets, concerts, folk dances, castells (human towers), giants and fire devils — decorations the residents work on all year round.
Suggested itinerary
Morning · 9am-12pm: The village squares
Plaça del Sol and its "Astrolabi" sculpture, Plaça de la Vila.
Afternoon · 12pm-5pm: Village alleyways
Alleyways around the former convent of Nuestra Señora de Gracia, lunch on a terrace.
Evening · 5pm onwards: Bohemian atmosphere
Terraces on the Plaça del Sol, an evening in the neighbourhood's bars.
Suggested itinerary, not field-tested.
Frequently asked questions
Has Gràcia always been part of Barcelona?
No, it was an independent municipality with its own town hall from 1850 until its annexation to Barcelona in 1897.
What is Gràcia's Festa Major?
The neighbourhood's biggest street festival, celebrated every year from 15 August, dating back to 1817 according to the historian Francesc Curet.
Where does the name Plaça del Sol come from?
From a sculpture called "Astrolabi", a sundial with the twelve signs of the zodiac, designed by Joaquim Camps.
Where does the name "Gràcia" come from?
From the convent of Nuestra Señora de Gracia y San José, around which the neighbourhood formed in the 17th century.
Did the Plaça del Sol have a particular historic use?
Yes, it notably served as an air-raid shelter during the Spanish Civil War.
