There is something very special about Barcelona: most people who visit it fall instantly in love with it. It has a special charm, and part of it is due to the many buildings of a very peculiar architectural style, Catalan Modernisme, a mixture between Art Nouveau and Neogothic according to many experts. Barcelona’s Eixample, the largest neighbourhood of the city that was built to join the upper villages with the centre, and which created this beautiful Mediterranean city as we know it today, was designed and built when Modernisme reached its peak as a cultural movement. This is why that part of Barcelona is full of buildings of Modernista style, and why you will find them all absolutely beautiful.
But let’s go back to this article’s protagonist, Antoni Gaudí, the maximum representative of this particular architectural style called Modernisme. His buildings have come to be the most visited attractions of Barcelona, understandably so: You may like them more or less (and let’s be honest, you’ll probably love them), but their uniqueness and originality is undeniable. In the following lines, we’ll mention all the buildings designed by Gaudí that you can find in Barcelona, and some useful data if you’re planning a visit. There are more than you may know!
Gaudí Buildings: The Sagrada Familia, his masterpiece
The Sagrada Familia, Barcelona’s forever unfinished cathedral, is of course at the top of our list. It’s full of allegories, and all the characteristics of Catalan Modernisme reach its peak with this fabulous design: the references to nature, the inspiration in geometry and light, the symbolism… You would need a whole day to discover all the allegories hidden in the Nativity façade! It’s probably the most ambitious and original building you will ever visit. You can buy your tickets online for 15 euros. Worth every penny.
Gaudí Buildings: The most famous and iconic designs
- The Casa Batlló: One of the most photographed façades in the world, the colourful Casa Batlló plays with two different meanings. Is it a metaphor of carnival or a dragon’s lair? Whatever it is, its uniqueness can’t be denied. It’s located in the majestic Passeig de Gràcia and entry tickets go from 23,5 euros.
- La Pedrera: Another of Gaudí’s masterpieces, the Casa Milà or La Pedrera, which is also in Passeig de Gràcia. Visiting this homage to the Mediterranean Sea will cost you 22 euros.
- The Park Güell: This famous attraction isn’t exactly a building (although it includes two little buildings that look like cute gingerbread houses!), but it couldn’t be off this list. The impressive Park Güell is a mandatory visit in Barcelona. Book your tickets online for 7 euros.
Gaudí Buildings: The other Gaudí
We’ve listed now the four most important and famous works by this unique architect – however, there are other buildings designed by him in the city of Barcelona that don’t get as much attention, but that have great architectural value. Most of them were reached before Gaudí fully developed the style that made him so famous, which means the designs are more discrete and less buoyant. However, they’re equally beautiful and they deserve a visit, especially if you want to get the full picture about the architect’s style and career. If you’re willing to know Gaudí’s Barcelona, don’t forget to add the following attractions to your to-do list:
- The Palau Güell: A beautiful building commissioned by the Güell family, Gaudís main sponsors. It was built between 1886 and 1890, before the architect had fully developed the style that made him famous. It’s located off Las Ramblas, in carrer Nou de la Rambla. You can buy your online ticket for 12 euros.
- The Casa Vicens: From all Gaudí’s previous works, the Casa Vicens is the one where you can sense what the architect would become. It was built between 1883 and 1885, but it has recently been restored and it’s going to open to the public soon. You can buy online tickets for 16 euros.
- The Casa Calvet: Some call it his most conservative work, but it is a truly beautiful building, a homage to Catalan baroque style. It was built in 1899 and you will find it Carrer del Casp.
- The Güell Pavilions: They are a series of buildings located in Pedralbes, one of Barcelona’s richest neighbourhoods, which you will find over the western part of Diagonal. The most famous is their impressive dragon gate.
- The Teresian College: It’s located in Sant Gervasi, one of Barcelona’s upper neighbourhood, and it was built between 1888 and 1890. Gaudí inherited another architect’s project and made it his own. It is an incredibly impressive sight.
- Bellesguard: This tower is known as Bellesguard, although it’s official name is Casa Figueres. Gaudí built it between 1900 and 1909 also in Sant Gervasi, in the place where there used to be the residence of the King of Aragon and the count of Barcelona, Martin.
Surprised? As you can see, there is much more to Gaudí than what you may think, as the work by this great architect is much more extensive than the Sagrada Familia, the Park Güell and the three houses located in Passeig de Gràcia. And there is even more! There are other works by the architect located in other places in Catalonia and Spain. If you’re passionate about architecture, know that there is so much more about Gaudí for you to discover!
