High above Gràcia, a bell rings out. This is the Campanar de Gràcia. It is more than just a bell tower. It is a symbol of the neighborhood. The Campanar de Gràcia stands tall. It invites everyone to admire its details.
Let’s delve into the history of this iconic tower. Antoni Rovira i Trias designed it. Construction took place between 1862 and 1864. Back then Gràcia was an independent village. Josep Balasch i Solé was the mayor.
The idea for the tower arose because Gràcia lacked a tall bell tower. The existing parish churches were outside the old town. The Campanar de Gràcia became a central point. It was visible from all corners of the Vila.
Albert Billeter a Swiss clockmaker designed the clock. It features four faces. These faces allow everyone in town to see the time.
Originally the tower had three steps around its base. These are now gone because the square’s level rose. Today the Campanar de Gràcia boasts two bells. Isidre Pallarès crafted the main bell. Locals affectionately call it La Marieta.
In 1929 there was an attempt to melt down the bell. It was for a clock tower at the International Exposition. Public outcry saved La Marieta. It was returned to its rightful place.
The Campanar de Gràcia became famous during the 1870 revolt. This was the Revolta de les Quintes. The tower suffered damage during the uprising. It was later restored in 1882. Since then it has undergone many renovations. The most recent was in 1983.
Standing at almost 33 meters the Campanar de Gràcia is the tallest public tower. Stone blocks make up most of its structure. Brick accents adorn the windows. Brick also forms the vertical stripes and corners.
The tower has a solid square base. Each side features shields. They represent Gràcia Barcelona Catalonia and Queen Isabel II. A fountain adorns the side facing the Town Hall. Two sculpted faces serve as spouts. Above the fountain a plaque commemorates the tower’s history. It marks 1864 the year of construction. It also remembers the damage from the 1870 revolt. It notes the restoration of 1882.
Above the base the tower transforms into an octagonal shape. The eight sides aren’t uniform. The corner faces are smaller creating a chamfered effect. Windows appear only on the four main sides. The Campanar de Gràcia is organized into three distinct levels. The first level sits directly on the square base. A large cornice tops it. Twelve sculpted plaques decorate this cornice. They represent the signs of the zodiac. This is the tower’s most emblematic feature. It is the only civil tower in Vila de Gràcia. It stands among church bell towers.
The next section is taller. It features two sets of windows. These small openings have a brick design. Vertical brick stripes frame them. These stripes extend to the cornice above. They end in arches. They resemble those found in mountain Romanesque buildings. This cornice separates the second section from the top. It creates a walkway around the final level. A wrought iron railing surrounds this balcony. This feature makes sense. It is a bell tower with a clock.
The top level houses a clock. It has four faces. The clock is visible from anywhere in town. Albert Billeter built the machinery. He was a pioneer of electric clocks in Spain. Crowning the structure is a large bell. Isidre Pallarès created it. It features detailed friezes. It also displays the shield of Gràcia. Reliefs of Saint Isidre the Virgin of Gràcia and the Blessed Sacrament decorate it.
On the ground floor a door provides access inside the tower. A spiral staircase leads to the clock’s machinery.
You can visit the Campanar de Gràcia. Tours are available on the second and fourth Saturday of each month. Groups are limited to five people. A visit to the Campanar de Gràcia is a journey through time. It is a chance to connect with the spirit of Gràcia.
As you leave the Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia remember the Campanar de Gràcia. It stands as a proud symbol. It represents the history and character of this unique Barcelona neighborhood.