Historic Barcelona intersection at the crossing of Passeig de Gràcia and Avinguda Diagonal has been revealed through a newly colourised photograph from 1910, showcasing dramatic changes to this iconic city landmark. The image provides a remarkable glimpse into early 20th century Barcelona, capturing the intersection decades before the installation of its distinctive obelisk in 1936. This visual journey through time highlights both the transformation and enduring character of one of Barcelona’s most significant urban spaces.
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Historic Barcelona intersection through early 20th century lens
The colourised photograph, originally taken by renowned photographer Josep Brangulí during the 1910s, shows the junction known as Plaça del Cinc d’Oros in its earlier incarnation. Furthermore, the image reveals cobbled streets filled with horse-drawn carriages and pedestrians strolling along pavements on either side. Meanwhile, what appears to be a tram descends this important city artery in the background, providing crucial public transport for residents of the era.
This historic Barcelona intersection originated from Ildefons Cerdà’s 1860 urban planning project for the Eixample district. Consequently, it has undergone multiple reforms throughout the decades, reflecting Barcelona’s continuous urban evolution. The area served as a vital connection point between the expanding Eixample and the formerly independent town of Gràcia, establishing its importance within the city’s growing infrastructure network.
The colourisation work was completed by social media user Catalunya Color, who specialises in adding colour to historical black and white photographs from across Catalonia. Additionally, this follows their recent colourisation of Plaça de Catalunya through an 1888 photograph by Frederic Ballell taken during Barcelona’s Universal Exhibition. These projects collectively contribute to preserving and revitalising Barcelona’s visual heritage for contemporary audiences.
Public reaction to the shared photograph has been overwhelmingly positive, with comments expressing nostalgia for this earlier version of Barcelona. Consequently, viewers have noted the contrast between the peaceful intersection of 1910 and the bustling modern crossroads familiar to today’s residents and visitors. This visual documentation provides valuable context for understanding Barcelona’s ongoing urban transformation projects throughout different historical periods.
Social media responses included remarks such as ‘I like this Barcelona so much’ and ‘Who could walk there now,’ highlighting the public’s fascination with the city’s layered history. Therefore, this historic Barcelona intersection continues to capture public imagination, serving as both a functional urban space and a repository of collective memory spanning more than a century of continuous use and adaptation.
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