One of the leaders of the Modernisme movement—the Catalan take on art nouveau—Antoni Gaudí’s unique design style shaped Barcelona at the turn of the century. Here's how to explore the artistry of Barcelona’s best-loved architect.
LessOriginally known as Casa Milà thanks to the businessman who commissioned it, today it goes by the name La Pedrera (the Quarry) due to its gray stone facade. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 and opened to the public in 1996, this was Gaudí’s last work before he dedicated himself entirely to La Sagrada Familia. Here, you can witness elaborate metalwork, mosaic-tiling, and beautiful courtyards alongside a rooftop with 360-degree views of the city.
Most famous for never being finished, La Sagrada Familia is set to finally be completed in 2026, exactly 100 years after Gaudí’s death. Finished or not, this is one spot that's truly spectacular inside and out—from the kaleidoscopic windows and tree-like columns to the grand honeycomb towers and intricate frescos. You need to purchase tickets to go inside, and these often sell out, so get skip-the-line tickets in advance or book a guided tour to learn more about this spectacular building.
Originally designed by Gaudí as a high-end housing development for his biggest patron, Catalan entrepreneur Eusebi Güell, the project was a commercial failure. Güell’s loss was the city’s gain, though, and Park Güell became a public space in 1922. Highlights here include the gingerbread house entrance, the mosaic serpentine bench, and the cave-like porticos—not to mention sweeping views from the top of the park.
Built for Güell as his family residence, this mansion is located in the neighborhood of El Raval. From the outside, Güell Palace appears rather austere with its gray and white stonework, but make sure you head inside to see the luxurious interiors. Palau Güell has horse stables in the basement, a glamorous hall for entertaining, and a trademark Gaudí rooftop with colorful tiled chimney pots. You need tickets to go inside, or you can book a tour of Gaudí attractions in Barcelona to learn more.
Located on what is now Barcelona’s biggest shopping street, Passeig de Gracia, Casa Batlló is hard to miss. The front is covered head to toe in iridescent broken tiles and studded with jaw-like balconies that give it its nickname, Casa del Ossos (House of Bones). Once inside, you’ll be treated to an equally fantastical setup with swirling shapes at every turn, from the staircase to the windows and the ceiling.
Built between 1883 and 1885, Casa Vicens was Gaudí’s first major work to be finished. Slightly more understated than his later mansions on Passeig de Gracia (Casa Batlló and Casa Milà), it still offers a stunning array of colors thanks to ceramic tiling and glass windows, as well as intricate woodwork and carving. Opened to the public in 2017 after a major restoration, it’s a peaceful spot to spend some time, and is home to a lovely rooftop and a shady garden.
Fourteen miles (23 kilometers) outside of the city, Colonia Güell was designed as a worker’s colony for Güell’s textile factory. The plan was for a fully self-contained town complete with shops, restaurants, schools, and even a theater. Although the project was never finished, it’s a fascinating spot to explore and see many of Gaudí’s signature architectural details. Don’t skip the crypt, the only complete building that showcases many techniques Gaudí went on to use for the Sagrada Familia.
Found in the neighborhood of Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, a residential district that the majority of tourists don’t visit, Torre Bellesguard is one of the least crowded of Gaudí’s buildings. This manor house is most recognized for the tower that gives it its name, Bellesguard. The interior is quintessentially Gaudí with colored glass, tall arches, and a dragon-inspired terrace. So, if it’s lesser-known Gaudí buildings you’re interested in, consider booking a tour that includes Torre Bellesguard.
Built for textile manufacturer Pere Màrtir Calvet in 1899 as his business premises and private residence, Casa Calvet was crafted from stone quarried on nearby Montjuïc (the hillside park that hugs the south of the city) and features impressive wrought ironwork balconies. It’s not open for visits, but you can glimpse the impressive facade on a Barcelona bike tour. Plus, it’s centrally located right behind Plaça de Catalunya, so you can even stroll past independently while exploring the city.