Globally acclaimed for his incredible mastery of light, innovative use of colour and unparalleled complexity of the design, Antoni Gaudí is the prominent figure of the Modernist movement in Catalonia.
With his eclectic style and boundless imagination, the architect managed to challenge the limits of rectilinearity, promote the recovery and consolidation of Catalan cultural identity and shape the creative soul of Barcelona. Retrace the steps of his intense artistic life, gain a deeper understanding of the evolution of his vision and discover how he kickstarted a new chapter in the history of Spanish architecture with this curated list of six of his most outstanding works.
Casa Vicens
Celebrated as one of the early masterpieces of Catalan Modernism, Casa Vicens is Gaudí’s first significant project. This Moorish-inspired private residence was commissioned by the local stockbroker Manuel Vicens i Montaner and was brought to life as his summer house in the district of Gràcia in 1885. With its unique combination of Catalonian construction traditions and Neo-Mudéjar design elements, the building was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005.
Address: Carrer de les Carolines, 20-26
Telephone: +34 935 475 980
Website: www.casavicens.org
Palau Güell
Palau Güell is a sumptuous urban palace located in El Raval neighbourhood, the heart of the old city. Designed for the renowned entrepreneur and politician Eusebi Güell, his family and their notable guests, this luxurious mansion represents a milestone in Gaudí’s career and a key destination to admire his work. The austerity of the imposing façade is outweighed by the refined interiors and the exquisite details of the furniture, while the careful selection of fine materials contributes to the creation of a sophisticated space where different architectural styles blend harmoniously. The result is astonishing.
Address: Calle Nou de la Rambla, 3-5
Telephone: +34 934 725 775
Website: www.palauguell.cat
Casa Batlló
Located in vibrant Passeig de Gràcia, Casa Batlló is an authentic architectural marvel. In 1904, it was acquired by textile industrialist Josep Batlló i Casanovas, who tasked Gaudí to completely renovate the building and transform it into one of the most avant-garde projects in Europe. An allegory of the legend of Saint George, the property features structural components and decorative details that evoke the battle of the Christian knight against the monster that was terrifying the city of Montblanc (Catalonia); a dragon-crest roof, stone pillars reminding of human bones and catenary arches symbolizing the beast’s rib cage perfectly showcase the aesthetic sense and eccentric genius of their artificer.
Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 43
Telephone: +34 932 160 306
Website: www.casabatllo.es
Casa Milà
Casa Milà, conventionally known as La Pedrera, is Gaudí’s latest accomplishment in civic planning. The architect-designed this fanciful building at the request of Pere Milà and his spouse Roser Segimon before committing exclusively to the completion of the Sagrada Família. Drawing inspiration from the natural world and its organic forms, this iconic work marks a break with the contemporary architectural standards thanks to its sinuous curves, colourful chimneys and distinctive iron balconies.
Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 92
Telephone: +34 932 142 576
Website: www.lapedrera.com
Park Güell
Sitting on Carmel Hill, Park Güell is the best example of Gaudí’s naturalist stage. At the beginning of the 20th century, the artist renewed his partnership with Eusebi Güell to create a residential development intended to accommodate the elite of Barcelona. Although his initial plan failed due to logistics challenges and building restrictions, the space was repurposed into a playful urban park which is a feast for the eyes. Incorporating marvellous mosaics, monumental arcades, endless paths and fluid forms, Park Güell reflects the ideal marriage of architecture and nature brilliantly achieved by the architect.
Address: Carrer d’Olot, 5
Telephone: +34 93 409 183
Website: www.parkguell.barcelona
The Basílica de la Sagrada Família
The Basílica de la Sagrada Família is Gaudí’s most ambitious project and the climax of his career. The authentic icon of Barcelona, this architectural triumph has been under construction since 1882 and is expected to be completed in 2026, concomitantly with the artist’s centenary death anniversary. Its shimmering stained glasses windows, giant columns rising to the sky and impressive vaulted ceiling surprisingly align with each other, in an unprecedented fusion of Gothic influences and Art Nouveau shapes that soothe the soul and invites contemplation.
Address: Carrer de Mallorca, 401
Telephone: +34 932 080 414
Website: www.sagradafamilia.org
From the sheer verticality of the conical towers of the Sagrada Família to the polychrome, façade of Casa Batlló and the bold colours of Casa Vicens, Gaudí’s originality and unconventional approach to architecture have come to delineate Barcelona’s face and artistic spirit. His incredible genius and extraordinary legacy will never be forgotten.