Do you know which are the most important modernist buildings in Barcelona? We reveal them to you!
One of the main attractions of the city of Barcelona is the architecture of the nineteenth century, known as modernist. The most important architect of this artistic movement is Antoni Gaudí, but he is not the only one who captured his vision in the buildings of Barcelona. Therefore, you can not miss a tour of the most emblematic modernist buildings on your vacation.
At Willy’s Plan, we offer the modernism tour in Barcelona, one of the best ways to learn the secrets hidden in each of these emblematic buildings, with the help of a local guide. Next, we are going to show you some of the most important works of modernism in Barcelona, will you join us on this journey through time?
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
1. Palau de la Música Catalana
On Sant Pere Més Alt street, near the Urquinaona metro station, begins the tour of the Palau de la Música Catalana, one of the most important buildings of modernist Barcelona designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner between 1905 and 1908.
It was originally the headquarters of the Catalan Choral Society and is a dazzling building that was recognized as a World Heritage Site in 1977.
2. Sagrada Familia
Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia is the most visited monument of modernist architecture in Barcelona. This expiatory temple is unique in the world, beyond its modernist architectural style.
Its interior impresses with a forest of columns that support a roof structure, allowing natural light to filter in as if through the trees, painting the stones with the colors of the stained glass windows according to the time of day. At Willy’s Plan, we also offer the Sagrada Familia tour, which will allow you to get to know this building in detail.
Although its construction is scheduled to be completed in 2026, the visit is still in high demand, so we recommend that you book in advance, especially to access the towers.
3. Casa Batlló
Casa Batlló is Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece and an impressive example of modernism in Barcelona. Between 1904 and 1906, Gaudí radically transformed the building at the request of Josep Batlló. After being fascinated with the result, Batlló recommended to his friend Pedro Milà that Gaudí design the Casa Milà.
It is located on Passeig de Gràcia and has 4300 m² distributed over 6 floors. One of its main attractions is the facade, with decorated windows and a beautiful roof terrace. It is a true symbol of Gaudí’s creative talent and a must-see for anyone interested in modernist architecture in Barcelona.
4. Casa Clavet
Casa Calvet is located at number 48 of Casp street, and is one of the modernist houses in Barcelona created by Antoni Gaudí. This building was completed in 1900 commissioned by a textile entrepreneur. Unlike other works of the architect, this house is distinguished by its discretion.
Its most outstanding feature is the central staircase, which presents a design that combines functionality and elegance. Since 1994, the building has housed a high-class restaurant, combining architecture and gastronomy in perfect harmony.
5. La Pedrera o Casa Milà
On your modernist route through Barcelona you can not miss the Casa Milà, a jewel of Gaudí that is located on Paseo de Gracia number 92. It differs from the Casa Batllò for having been built completely from scratch for the family who commissioned it.
It is also known as La Pedrera due to the amount of dust that was present during its construction, which initially upset the Milàs, but today it wears its nickname with pride.
Gaudí had some disputes over the interior decoration, so he abandoned the work in 1906 and donated his fees to the Jesuits. Today, the entrance fees fund social projects. The visit includes the main floor and the rooftop with its chimneys, with the option of an audio guide and advance booking to avoid the queues. At night, you will even have access to videomapping shows.
6. Casa de les Punxes
Now let’s discover the enigmatic Casa de les Punxes, also known as Casa Terradas, designed by the architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch and one of the best modernist buildings in Barcelona. It was built between 1903 and 1905 and stands out for its red brick facade and its pointed towers reminiscent of the medieval style. Its architectural design and decoration transport you to a real fairy tale.
In addition, from its terrace you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.
7. Casa Pia Batlló
On the corner of number 17 of the Rambla de Catalunya and Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes is the Casa Pia Batlló, a work of Josep Vilaseca built between 1891 and 1896, which you can not miss on your route of modernism in Barcelona.
This building is famous for its elegant towers adorned with wrought iron and glass, in addition to the impressive central stone tribune. This is an example of Catalan modernism that attracts visitors thanks to its architectural design that combines ornamental elements with functionality.
8. Casa Amatller
We finish with one of the best works of modernism in Barcelona, the Casa Amatller. In 1898 Antoni Amatller commissioned Josep Puig i Cadafalch to rebuild his residence on Paseo de Gracia. Two years later, the work was complete and Amatller and his daughter moved into their new home.
The house is distinguished by its façade that breaks with neighboring styles, capturing the attention of the Catalan bourgeoisie. Puig i Cadafalch designed a tribune facing the street, with a pink marble column visible from the outside. Every detail inside has a meaning: decorations such as the owl and the magpie symbolize wisdom and thrift for Amatller, while the cat and the dog represent elegance and fidelity for his daughter.
Esperamos que nuestra ruta de modernismo en Barcelona te haya guiado a través de los edificios más emblemáticos de esta corriente arquitectónica. En Willy’s Plan encontrarás muchas más propuestas para llenar tus vacaciones con experiencias inolvidables, que te permitirán recordar la Ciudad Condal como un lugar al que quieres volver una y otra vez.
