Plaça de Lesseps: A point of connection between neighborhoods with history
Review
Being the border between the districts of Gràcia and Sarrià - Sant Gervasi, Plaça de Lesseps is an important point of connection between the different neighborhoods that surround it. This emblematic place in Barcelona takes its name from Ferdinand Marie de Lesseps, a French engineer and diplomat who served as French consul in Barcelona during the 19th century. The square is a showcase of the city's historical and cultural richness, and is a perfect place for tourists and visitors to explore and enjoy its surroundings.
Who was Lesseps?
Ferdinand Marie de Lesseps was a French engineer and diplomat, famous for directing the works of the Suez Canal and the Panama Canal. He served as consul of France in Barcelona between 1842 and 1848, and during that period he lived in Gràcia, in the same place where Plaça de Lesseps is located today. During the bombardment of Barcelona by order of Espartero, on December 3, 1842, Lesseps intervened directly in favor of the city, which earned him the recognition of Barcelona.
Everyone's place
In 2005, work began on the remodeling of the square, which had to facilitate vehicular traffic without harming the life of the neighborhood. The project, approved by consensus after numerous negotiations, fulfilled a large part of the goals set and the neighborhood requests, among which, that the facades of the adjacent buildings be visible, that the square be equipped with practicable spaces for pedestrians and that the acoustic impact of the traffic is dampened.
Spaces and places of interest
Plaça de Lesseps has elements of urban furniture that allow its use by residents, as well as sculptures such as the beam that crosses the square and represents the Suez Canal. There are also trees and planters, which bring a pleasant and green atmosphere to the space. Visitors can enjoy the Jaume Fuster Library, a modern building dedicated to culture and reading, as well as the Josepets Church, the oldest building in the square and an example of Barcelona's religious architecture.< /p>
Discover the surroundings
Plaça de Lesseps is an ideal starting point for exploring the neighborhoods of Gràcia and Sarrià - Sant Gervasi. A few minutes from the square, visitors can discover the narrow and winding streets of Gràcia, full of local artists' shops, café terraces and restaurants serving traditional Catalan cuisine. In Sarrià - Sant Gervasi, you can stroll along Carrer Major de Sarrià, a lively commercial street with a wide variety of shops, as well as visit the church of Sant Vicenç de Sarrià, an emblematic Gothic building.
Access and transport
Plaça de Lesseps is well connected by public transport. There are several bus stops nearby, connecting to the main places of interest in Barcelona. In addition, the Lesseps metro station, located in the same square, allows you to quickly reach other areas of the city, such as the historic center or Barceloneta beach.
With a strategic location between the districts of Gràcia and Sarrià - Sant Gervasi, Plaça de Lesseps is a must stop for all those who want to discover an authentic Barcelona, full of history, culture and charm. With its lively atmosphere, its attractions and its excellent transport connection, this square is definitely a place you cannot miss during your visit to the city.