Located in between the old town (Ciudat vella) and the other districts, the Eixample is considered the heart of Barcelona. The visionary architect, Ildefons cerda, designed the Eixample as a grid pattern crossed by wide avenues and square blocks called manzanas to facilitate traffic and bring light and ventilation to its building.It is bounded by main avenues such Gran via les Corts Catalanes, Avenida Diagonal, Paseo San Joan and Avenida Taradella. The Paseo de Gracia, divides it into two main parts: Eixample Derecho and Eixample izquierda but also composed of Sagrada Familia, San Antoni and Fort Pius. Constructed in the 19th and early 20th century, the Eixample is the sanctuary of the modernism architecture style and shelter outstanding buildings such Casa Batllo, la Pedrera, Casa Vincens, the Sagrada familia, Casa Amatller but also the less known Casa de les Punxes, Casa fuster and many more modernist constructions. Living the Plaza Catalunya, one of its frontier you can climb the Paseo de Gracia, the most prestigious avenue of Barcelona and wander through well know brand boutique such Channel, Cartier, Armani, Gucci, Loewe, Vuitton, Hermes and many more. If you haven’t complete your shopping, try the diagonal which also proposes a great shopping area. Most Barcelona luxurious hotels and restaurants are also located in Eixample.