Top 5 Gaudí Sites in Barcelona

Antoni Gaudí and Barcelona are inextricably linked, and with his striking Art Nouveau buildings popping up in the city wherever you look, it is impossible to avoid coming across his work during your stay.

However, if you only have time to check out the main works that made the architect’s name, take a look at the list below.

1. La Sagrada Família

This unfinished cathedral was started in April 1882, and Gaudí worked on it until he died in 1926, spending the last 12 years of his life exclusively on this project. It is a huge tourist attraction, and has become one of the most instantly-recognisable sites in Spain. Built entirely from donations, it still remains unfinished, and is expected to be completed in the next 20 years or so. It costs €10 to get in, with discounts costing €8. Guided tours are in English and Spanish every day, and cost €14.

2. Palau Güell

This is a mansion that Gaudí built for Eusebi Güell, and was the only building that he actually completed. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984, it had a huge influence the technique of other buildings throughout on 20th-century. Due to continuing renovations, there is currently only limited access allowed, but you will still get to see plenty of the building on the tour. It is found at Nou de la Rambla 3-5, which can be reached by taking the Metro L3 to Liceu station.

3. Parc Güell

Commissioned by Eusebi Güell again as a luxury villa, this stunning park is a delight to walk around. Constructed between 1900 and 1914, it was intended to provide up to 60 luxury houses for the great and the good of the city, but ended up being turned into a park instead. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, it includes Gaudí’s house, known as La Torre Rosa, which includes furniture that he designed himself, the main terrace with a bench in the form of a serpent, and a large dragon at the entrance. It is situated to the north of the Gràcia district, and you should take the Metro L3 to Lesseps to reach it.

4. Casa Battlló

Located on the Passeig de Gràcia, this is an incredible building and a favourite for many. It is characterised by its amazing curls, and makes use of ceramic tiles and mosaic throughout, which were some of Gaudí´s favourite materials. It has a strange and eerie appearance, and is a truly original work of art.

5. Casa Milá

Also known as La Pedrera, this is perhaps Gaudí’s most immediately-recognisable work. Built between 1906 and 1910, it was designed for a married couple who were known for their flamboyant lifestyle, and is even less conventional than Casa Battlló. No straight lines are used in the building and the floor plans are irregular, but one of the most interesting features is the roof terrace with its surreal chimneys. It can be reached by taking the Metro L3 or L5 to Diagonal.

Photo of Casa Mila, Barcelona, Spain originally posted by matze ott

Topic:  Top five Monday | 2 Comments
Tags:  Art, Barcelona

About the author

Jon has travelled widely across Europe, and is always keen to share the hidden gems he has discovered whilst on the road. He is a freelance writer specialising in travel writing, and his dream destination is Madagasgar.