Rambla Sant Josep
According to Cirici Pellicer: "The quintessence of Barcelona, its changing beauty is typical of all seasons of the year." During the 19th century it was the only place in Barcelona where flowers were sold, and in the gatherings that formed around the stalls of very beautiful florists, the painter Ramon Casas, the introducer of Impressionism in Catalonia, found his best model, who later became his wife.
Descending along the Rambla Sant Josep (or de les Flors)
The flower market is currently accompanied by large newsstands of books, magazines and national and foreign newspapers, like those found along the Rambla. This part of the Rambla is also known as Rambla de Sant Josep, due to its proximity to the square carrying this name.
A little further down from Portaferrissa Street, almost opposite, we find the Palau de la Virreina. This palace was built by the former Viceroy of Peru, Manuel Amat i Junyent, Marquis of Castellbell, who died prematurely. The palace was then named Palau de la Virreina, becoming the residence of his widow.
The construction of the palace began in the year 1772 and was completed after three years. The plans already existed in 1770, but it is not certain who made them. They are attributed to Josep Ribes. The works were directed by the architect and sculptor Carles Grau (1717-1798).
Next to the Palau we find a narrow and very old shop: Casa Beethoven, where all kinds of musical scores, both ancient and modern, are accumulated. Past the Palau de la Virreina we come across the centenary Boqueria market, although its official name is Mercat de Sant Josep. The architecture of the market is harmonious but is hidden under its iron construction; it has preserved its tradition as the city's main market over many decades.
We return to Portaferrissa and enter Petritxol Street, a street at once secluded and full of life, "a sweet street" - in the words of the writer and journalist Josep Maria Huertas - where we can find exhibition halls, like the Parés Gallery, goldsmiths, bookstores, fashion stores, and the traditional chocolate shops typical of this street. It was opened in 1465 on the property of a citizen of this name, and many of its houses were built during the 17th and 18th centuries; it preserves numerous panels that recall events that happened there and has an endearing civic and literary memory in the figure of the popular playwright of the 20th century Àngel Guimerá (1846-1924), who lived in the house at number 4.
At 88-94 La Rambla stands the Palau Nou de la Rambla, a high-tech building where an eleven-story underground robotic parking is installed. This commercial building, constructed by the Martorell-Bohigas-Mackay-Puigdomènech team and Jordi Frontons, dates from 1992 and its structure allows, through a large opening in the façade, to see the bell tower of the Church of Santa Maria del Pi.
Following this building, we encounter a construction in Orientalizing style, known as Casa dels Paraigües, featuring a dragon (imitation of a Chinese dragon) on the façade, and inside we can highlight the Modernist furniture preserved in the bank office on the ground floor.
We find other points of interest along La Rambla Sant Josep: At Hotel Bagués - which occupies the place of the former store of the brand - you will find a collection of jewelry from Bagués-Masriera. You can also visit the Museum of Erotica or indulge in the sweets of Pastisseria Escribà.
