Four out of the ten most popular tourist attractions in Barcelona are Gaudi’s buildings. Gaudi had a very personal style, and his works greatly influenced the face of this city. In fact, Gaudi buildings in Barcelona are some of the most creative structures you will see in Spain. Here are the best works of Antoni Gaudi you need to see when exploring Barcelona.
Did you know seven works of Antoni Gaudi are today the UNESCO World Heritage Sites?
Why are Gaudi buildings in Barcelona famous?
The works of Antoni Gaudi are famous because his buildings are original and rather unusual. This world-famous Catalan architect had great attention to detail. Antoni’s passion for nature and religion also left a mark on his works, which have creative facades and organic looks. Also, his buildings have many colours and shapes and are never the same.
According to UNESCO, “the work of Antoni Gaudí represents an exceptional and outstanding creative contribution to the development of architecture and building technology in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.” What’s more, his designs influenced many architects around the world.
Where are most of works of Antoni Gaudi?
Gaudi spent most of his life in Catalonia’s capital. As a result, Barcelona has the largest concentration of his work in the world. You can find them in various locations in the city.
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9 Must-see Gaudi buildings in Barcelona
Gaudi buildings in Barcelona go far beyond the Sagrada Familia. In this guide, we will show you the best works of Antoni Gaudi that you cannot miss when exploring Barcelona.
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1. Casa Vicens
Casa Vicens is one of the most beautiful Gaudi buildings in Barcelona.
Begin your day by exploring Casa Vicens in the quiet Gràcia neighbourhood. Casa Vicens is Gaudi’s first finished major project. This beautiful building showcases Gaudi’s early architectural style. In fact, Casa Vicens is the first place where Gaudi started to develop his unusual style. This pretty house marks the beginning of his career. Therefore, Casa Vicens must be on your list of the best Gaudi buildings in Barcelona to visit.
Casa Vicens is famous for coloured tiles, red bricks and Moorish columns. This unusual building with narrow windows, horseshoe arches and geometric patterns opened to the public in 2017.
ABOUT CASA VICENS:
Did you know that Gaudi created this castle-style townhouse for a wealthy family owning a ceramic factory? This residential project belongs to Gaudi’s orientalist period. During this time, Antoni Gaudi made works with oriental flavours. He also used a lot of ceramic tiles and Moorish arches in his works.
The building with floral patterns and colourful ceramic tiles expresses the owner’s background. Gaudi used tiles on the front of the house and also in some of its rooms to reflect the client’s heritage.
Casa Vicens is one of the best works of Antoni Gaudi because it is one of the first Art Nouveau buildings in the world. This beautiful building with Islamic architectural features is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Because of that, it is one of the best Gaudi buildings in Barcelona you need to visit.
Gaudi took inspiration for Casa Vicens from the past. It was Moorish and Oriental architecture that influenced him when designing this house. He also added a variety of natural elements to the design.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Even though Casa Vicens is not as famous as the other Gaudi buildings in Barcelona, it’s still worth booking a ticket. Casa Vicens is open every day from 9.30 am – 8 pm during the peak season (April – October). If you visit during the low season, Casa Vicens opens at 9.30 am and closes at 4.30 pm. The entry fee to Casa Vicens starts at €18 for adults and kids older than 12 years.
2. Casa Mila
The locals refer to Casa Mila La Pedrera (the stone quarry).
Ever wondered what it’s like to live in a fairy-tale house? Then, find Casa Mila – it is a masterpiece with the irregularities of the natural world. Casa Mila is Gaudi’s greatest contribution to Barcelona’s architecture. This corner apartment block is also his most famous house. Because of that, Casa Mila is one of the most visited Gaudi buildings in Barcelona. It is also one of the most famous landmarks in Spain.
Casa Mila is one of the best works of Antoni Gaudi because this unusual house with a curved facade has no straight walls in the building. Also, Casa Mila consists of two buildings (linked by courtyards). The locals loved and hated this private home of a wealthy Mila family during the construction. It was due to its unusual style.
Casa Mila planned to serve as a private residence and apartment building. It is the last private residence designed by Gaudi before he dedicated himself entirely to La Sagrada Familia.
ABOUT CASA MILA
Today, La Pedrera is one of the most visited landmarks in Barcelona. Tourists flock to see Casa Mila because this house with a wave-like facade is more a sculpture than a building. Casa Mila has an asymmetrical look and curved balconies. It certainly looks like it came from the world of fairy tales.
Gaudi combined his love for nature and geometry in La Pedrera. You don’t need us to convince you that Casa Mila is one of the most iconic Gaudi buildings in Barcelona. It is because this organic building is an extraordinary piece of art. That is why UNESCO added Casa Mila to its precious list.
The highlight of Casa Mila is undoubtedly its roof terrace, which offers beautiful views of Barcelona. But that is not the only reason to visit the roof terrace. This iconic roof terrace has chimneys that appear like helmed soldiers. Its stairwells connecting the attic and ventilation shafts are also very photogenic. Also, don’t miss the Gaudi Museum on the top floor.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Casa Mila is one of the most popular attractions in the city and, therefore, expect long queues here. If possible, visit La Pedrera early in the morning or late in the afternoon during the summer.
You can visit Casa Mila every day from 9 am – 8.30 pm between 20th March and 1st November 2023. Alternatively, explore it between 9 am and 6.30 pm during the Winter schedule (2nd November – 3rd March 2024). There are also night tours at Casa Mila from 9 am to 11 pm. Casa Mila will not be opened between the 15th and 21st of January 2023 because of the maintenance.
The entry ticket to Casa Mila starts from 25 euros per person. There are different types of tours to choose from, depending on what experience you prefer.
If you want to see Casa Mila in a different light, reserve a night tour.
3. Gaudi’s Casa Batllo
A 10-minute walk from La Pedrera brings you to Casa Batlló. Casa Batllo is also one of the most beautiful Gaudi buildings in Barcelona. Gaudi again turned to nature for inspiration when rebuilding this gorgeous residential building. Gaudi restored Casa Batlló’s facade and interior with its eye-catching design. Casa Batllo is one of the best works of Antoni Gaudi because this unusual building is one of Gaudi’s masterpieces. No wonder UNESCO added Casa Batllo to its list.
In the past, there was criticism of this extravagant design of Casa Batllo. Today, Casa Batllo is famous because this curving dragon-roofed apartment block has irregular lines. Also, colourful mosaics and bizarre balconies with bone-like columns form a beautifully decorated façade.
FUN FACT:
Did you know that the locals call Casa Batllo the House of Bones?
GOOD TO KNOW:
Casa Batllo is open from 9 am until 8 pm (6.30 pm during the low season) every day. It is an extremely popular attraction, and, therefore, you should pre-book your ticket if you don’t want to miss it. If possible, visit Casa Batllo between 9 am and 11 am or 3 pm and 5 pm. The entry tickets to Casa Batllo start from 25 euros per adult. There are a few to choose from, depending on when you want to visit this famous attraction.
4. La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona
La Sagrada Familia
It is easy to see why the Sagrada Familia is one of the best Gaudi buildings in Barcelona. This Roman Catholic basilica, dedicated to the Holly Family, is Gaudi’s greatest work. La Sagrada Familia is the symbol of the city and the most visited monument in Spain. This famous UNESCO site is also the largest unfinished Catholic church in the world. Because of that, you must add it to your list of the best things to see in Barcelona.
La Sagrada Familia is also one of the best works of Antoni Gaudi because it has a unique design. This giant basilica combines Spanish Late Gothic and Art Nouveau styles. It is also full of symbolism and natural motifs because this church comes from Gaudi’s final period.
Did you know that Gaudi was not the original architect of La Sagrada Familia? Antoni Gaudi took over this project and spent four decades of his life working on it. Even though he devoted his life to it, the Sagrada Familia is still under construction. The completion of the main structure is not until 2026, for the 100th anniversary of Gaudi’s death.
FUN FACT:
Did you know when Gaudi died, he built less than a quarter of the Sagrada Familia?
The construction of La Sagrada Familia continues on Gaudi’s information and plans.
Once completed, La Sagrada Familia, shaped like a cross, will be the tallest church in the world. Ten thousand people will be able to fit inside of La Sagrada Familia after its completion.
GOOD TO KNOW:
La Sagrada Familia is the most visited attraction in the city. It attracts millions of visitors every year.
- Tickets often sell out; hence buy them well in advance.
- An audio guide is very informative and also very interesting.
- If you want to visit the towers, purchase a different ticket. The general ticket doesn’t include access to the towers.
- Don’t miss Gaudi’s tomb and also a museum. It is outside of the main church.
Opening times at La Sagrada Familia vary during the season. There are various tickets for La Sagrada Familia, starting from 26 euros for an adult (as of October 2023).
5. Palau Güell in Barcelona
If you want to visit one of the less-visited Gaudi buildings in Barcelona, why not explore Palau Güell? This beautiful townhouse is one of the seven sights which are works of Antoni Gaudi. Neo-Gothic Palau Güell is from Gaudi’s early career. You can find it only a few metres from La Rambla. It is Gaudi’s first major building in the city centre. It established his international reputation for original architecture. Today Palau Güell is also a part of the UNESCO World Heritage list.
If you don’t know, Palau Güell was once home to Gaudi’s patron Eusebi Güell. Gaudi created a large castle-style home with an extravagant interior and bizarre chimneys. This palace is also famous for ornamental motifs and a blend of architectural styles. One of the highlights is also its rooftop terrace, which offers beautiful views of Barcelona.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Palau Güell is not open on Mondays. Otherwise, you can visit it every day from 10 am to 8 pm between April and September. Palau Güell closes at 5.30 in the winter (from 1 October 2023 to 31 March 2024). Entry fee to Palau Güell is € 12 for adults. If you visit on the first Sunday of every month, then admission to Palau Güell is free.
6. Park Güell
The Gingerbread House, Park Güell. You will not find any regular buildings here.
Park Güell is considered one of the best works of Antoni Gaudi for some pretty clear reasons. This fantasy-like park on the edge of El Carmel Hill has a cool design. This stylish park is all about colourful mosaics, curvy shapes and small details. Park Güell is a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of symbolism and nature motifs.
You are right to think that Park Güell belongs to the architect’s naturalist phase. Gaudi made sure this garden complex felt like it was part of nature. He used fairy-tale houses, winding paths, and caves that blend with the trees and plants.
Gaudi didn’t stop at just making a functional park. Gaudi used some of the decorative characteristics. He filled Park Güell with bright mosaics, sculptures and shapes that make it a real work of art. Because of that, Park Güell is one of the best works of Antoni Gaudi.
Don’t miss the terrace supported by Doric columns, which offers beautiful city views.
Gaudi used some really clever methods in this park. Look at the famous wavy bench. Not only it’s the place to sit, but it is also a cool engineering feat.
FUN FACT:
Did you know that Park Güell was a commercially unsuccessful housing site? Gaudi wanted to create a neighbourhood where people could live and work together. Unfortunately, it did not happen, and today Park Güell is the most famous park in Barcelona. It is also one of the most visited attractions in the city.
The Gaudi’s colourful dragon fountain is near the steps at the entrance to the park. This mosaic dragon is together with La Sagrada Familia, a symbol of Barcelona.
Gaudi’s old home in Park Güell
Afterwards, visit the Gaudi Museum and see a collection of Gaudi’s objects. You can find it in the park. However, the house in which Gaudi lived is not his design.
GOOD TO KNOW:
The entry ticket to Park Güell does not include an entry to the museum. You need to buy it separately at the museum’s entrance.
Additional information about Park Güell:
You can visit most of the park for free, but there is a charge if you want to explore the Monumental Zone. This is the most popular part of the park, where you can see all the famous designs. The part with Gaudi’s work is one of the most famous attractions in Barcelona. So, it’s a good idea to pay for a ticket. If you want to avoid long queues, buy your skip-the-line- tickets in advance.
How to visit Park Güell’s Monumental Zone for free?
You can visit the Monumental Zone at Park Güell for free outside the opening times. This is also a perfect way to beat the crowds.
How to get to Park Güell?
* Metro stops at Lesseps or Vallcarca. The walk from the metro station takes about 20 minutes. In the last 200 meters, you need to walk up a steep hill.
* Public buses: Bus number 24 brings you to the park’s gate. Alternatively, if you take number 92, you need to walk about 10 minutes.
7. Casa Calvet
Even though Casa Calvet is not as famous as the other Gaudi buildings in Barcelona, it’s rather unusual for Gaudi. Casa Calvet is one of the more traditional works of Antoni Gaudi because it is one of his earliest works. He designed this building with a curved façade for a textile industrialist.
Casa Calvet reflects the transition between more classical design and his later more experimental creations. This beautiful building even won the Building of the Year in 1900. While it may not be as iconic as the Sagrada Familia or Casa Mila, it remains a significant part of Barcelona’s architectural heritage.
GOOD TO KNOW:
This symmetric building with statues of Saints is private property. Therefore, it’s not possible to visit the building inside.
8. Teresian College in Barcelona
Teresian College is another early work of Antoni Gaudi. This project was passed over to him by another architect. The Gothic-inspired building, with a red brick façade, is one of the less famous works of Antoni Gaudi. The college is a private school. Hence, it is not accessible to the public.
9. Torre Bellesguard
When Gaudi rebuilt the Bellesguard, he took inspiration from the castle, which once stood there. With Gothic inspiration and a medieval feel in his mind, Gaudi added his personal touch. Today, Torre Bellesguard is one of the best Gaudi buildings in Barcelona because it offers a less crowded experience.
Torre Bellesguard has unusual architecture and is full of fantasy and art nouveau design. Gaudi used innovative design elements, such as a dragon-tail roof and mosaic work. This building has a unique blend of styles and shows a connection to nature. Therefore, it is one of the best less-visited Gaudi buildings in Barcelona.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Even though the Bellesguard is a private property, some parts of the house are open to visitors. The entry ticket to the Bellesguard is 9 euros per person (reservation is necessary). Torre Bellesguard is open every day except Monday from 10 am until 3 pm.
Now you know what are the best Gaudi buildings to visit in Barcelona!
More works of Antoni Gaudi in Barcelona
As you already know, Gaudi is famous for his work on La Sagrada Familia and residential buildings such as Casa Mila or Casa Batllo. But there are more works of Antoni Gaudi in Barcelona. Even though other decorative arts may not be as famous, they are also worth checking out.
10. Fountain at Parc de la Ciutadella
The Cascade Fountain is in the centre of the park. The fountain is famous for mythical creatures and horses.
The Cascade Fountain at Parc de la Ciutadella is one of the very first works of Antoni Gaudi. Did you know that the Trevi Fountain in Rome was the inspiration for this tall cascade? This Roman-style fountain is, however, not Gaudi’s work, but he was a part of it. Young Gaudi designed the fountain’s hydraulics and water tank.
11. Street Lamps in Plaça Reial and Pla de Palau
Gaudi’s Lampposts were the first commission for the city council. Lanterns with iron snake crowns and the shield of Barcelona also have marble bases and cast-iron structures. While many visitors don’t notice them, they surely deserve your attention.
12. Pedrera Street tiles
Did you know that Barcelona has a different style of tiles for each part of the city? The city paved the pedestrian zone along Paseo de Gracia with the Pedrera Tile as a tribute to Gaudi. Originally, tiles with botanical and animal motifs were only for the Pedrera house. These days, tiles are on the boulevard where the Casa Mila and the Casa Batlló are.
Which are the best Gaudi buildings to visit in Barcelona?
So, the most famous Gaudi buildings to visit in Barcelona for all the Gaudi fans are:
- La Sagrada Familia
- and also Park Guell
- Gaudi house museum at Park Guell
- then, Casa Mila (La Pedrera)
- Casa Batllo
- Torre Bellesguard (Casa Figueres)
- and also Casa Vicens
- Palau Güell
- last, but not least Casa Calvet.
To better understand Gaudi’s rather unusual style, visit at least three of the buildings by Gaudi in Barcelona.
Now you know what are the best works of Antoni Gaudi!
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Last updated: 17/11/23