Rambla Dels Caputxins

The sign that you are about to enter the Rambla dels Caputxins is a true, open-air work of art. The ground is adorned with an enormous mosaic by the artist Joan Miró. A few metres further down is one of the city's most important buildings, especially for opera lovers.

The Gran Teatre del Liceu overlooks the Rambla, faithfully reconstructed after a fire destroyed much of it in 1994. For many years, the city's most exclusive social strata met here on opera nights. Nowadays, holding a season pass to the Liceu is still a sign of distinction, but times have changed nevertheless, and the opera is no longer the elitist art form it was in the 19th century. In fact, the Liceu stage has been graced by many artists who have absolutely nothing to do with opera. Immediately in front of the Liceu, you can find the Cafè de l’Òpera, one of the oldest and most well-preserved cafés in Barcelona and a popular spot with tourists and intellectuals alike.

Continuing on our walk, we turn down a street called Nou de la Rambla to find the Palau Güell. This is one of the first buildings Antoni Gaudí built for his friend and patron Eusebi Güell. Finished in 1889, the building boasts a spectacular facade made out of white stone and adorned with the obligatory, modernist elements. Inside the building, the main attraction is an enormous, marble staircase that leads all the way up to the top floor, where it is crowned by an elegant cupola.