"After a .permanent. closure in 1998 (114 years after its inauguration), Las Violetas rose like a phoenix from the ashes in July 2001. During the first few weeks of its renaissance it was packed with overjoyed locals, many of them pensioners reliving romantic encounters from their youth. Now the novelty has worn off and the crowds have thinned, the service has improved markedly. This successful turnaround of Las Violetas may mark an end to the city.s short-sighted destruction of some of its oldest architecture: the city council is now pouring considerable resources into restoring the historic centre, as well as backing dozens of traditional bars, cafes, restaurants and billiard halls".