Gran Via, the endless backbone of Barcelona
Barcelona is a city that moves, that breathes. Alive. A melting pot of cultures where visitors live an experience that can be described as unique and surprising. La Dreta de l'Eixample, commonly known as the “Golden Square” for comprising the jewels of modernist architecture, stands out as the district with the highest concentration of art nouveau per square meter. It's more than common to come across walkers who only look upwards. The stroller is almost compelled to keep their gaze lifted due to the wonders that the city presents to them.
From letter N to Primo de Rivera
Although far from the 56 km length of Yonge Street in Ontario, Canada, which holds the Guinness World Record for the longest street in the world, the Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes can boast of being the longest in Spain. It is none other than 13 km long. It was originally named by Ildefons Cerdà as letter N and number 11, to be transformed, after the civil war, into the avenue of José Antonio Primo de Rivera.
For lovers of numbers and curious facts, it's worth knowing that if you were to run the distance, it would take you approximately an hour and a half to complete it, and you would pass by 689 doorways.
Some mandatory stops
We recommend you to stop at Gran Via 649, a building refurbished by Núñez y Navarro in the year 2000, which is currently occupied by private residences, offices, and retail spaces. Continuing our route towards the center, we find Casa Planàs, another remarkable space, at the intersection of Gran Via and Roger de Llúria, a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts looking for the essence of Barcelona, away from the more popular classics.
After such a long journey through the city, it's always a good idea to stop and enjoy the classic summer vermouth. Located between Paseo de Gràcia and Pau Claris, the Hotel Granvía is the perfect spot to indulge in this culinary tradition in a mansion built in 1870 by the master builder Jeroni Granell, thanks to the initiative of the banker Josep Maria Serra and the philanthropist Dorotea de Chopitea, who lived there. From Thursday to Sunday, until the end of September, Granvía offers an all-inclusive vermouth for just five euros.
This building, renovated in 2013, promises to delight its adventurous visitors with its spectacular 500 square meter terrace. The sun and pleasant company are the perfect finishing touch to a journey along the city's longest route.
