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you count the luxury chain stores of the Passeig de Gràcia or are really, really into Zara). But La Manual Alpargater­a is different. Opened just after the Spanish Civil War, the workshop cum showroom sells only traditiona­lly crafted espadrille­s, the ropesoled shoes that are the region’s most lasting gift to fashion. Workers here speak Catalan, so finding a size and style that works for you can be an adventure — but if they’re good enough for Salvador Dalí, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Michael Douglas, they’re good enough for you.

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