Discover the unusual architecture of Gaudi in Barcelona

Barcelona has become a very popular destination with visitors from around the world who want to mix some fun and culture. But as you spend time exploring the streets of the city you will be able to enjoy all that the architect Antoni Gaudi has to offer. In fact here you are going to some of the most creative buildings ever in this part of Spain.

Even if you do not know anything with regards to Barcelona architecture or Antoni Gaudi as you wander around the streets of the city you will soon be able to identify which ones are his. They are really so unique.

In this article by ShBarcelona, you will learn about Barcelona Gaudi’s architecture. Make sure you visit the following Barcelona Gaudi’s buildings during your trip in Barcelona. While you explore the city, remember to bring the camera with you to take amazing pictures.

1.  Casa Vicens

This particular building was built between 1883 and 1888 and is the first to be designed by Gaudi. It is located in the neighborhood of Gracia in Barcelona. This building was home to one of the city’s wealthiest families who owned a ceramic factory and the facade (trencadis) clearly reflects this because of the wide variety of decorations on the building that have been created using ceramics. 

Moreover, it is one of the first examples of the aesthetic renovation of art and architecture that took place throughout Europe at the end of the 19th century. It was the starting point of Gaudí’s artistic and creative career and is considered one of the first masterpieces of modernism. The design was inspired by the art of the Near East and Hispanic Islamic art, Mudejar and Nasrid style.

Related article: Casa Vicens, a jewel of architecture in Barcelona

2. La Pedrera

La Pedrera, also known as “Casa Milà” or “The stone quarry”. As well as being one of Antoni Gaudi’s main residential structures it also has proven to be one of the most imaginative buildings in the history of architecture. It is more of a sculpture rather than a building. The exterior is made up of stone that undulates along with balconies forged from iron that are based on the irregularities we find in the world around us. Since 1984 UNESCO has recognised this building as a World Heritage site, and this magnificent building was started to be visited by people in the year 2013.

3. La Sagrada Familia

La Sagrada Familia is a large Roman Catholic basilica located in the Eixample district of Barcelona. This construction of the Basilica was started in 1882, and is scheduled for completion in 2026. Is now one of the signs of identity of Barcelona, recognized worldwide and visited by millions of people. When the construction is finished, the basilica will be 172 meters high. It will be the highest building in Barcelona and the highest church in the world. 

The Basilica of Sagrada Familia is also considered as an exceptional temple, both in terms of its origin and foundation and in terms of its purpose. The style is varyingly likened to Spanish Late Gothic, Catalan Modernism or Art Nouveau.

The most important, it is designed by the brilliant architect Antoni Gaudi, the maximum representative of Catalan modernist architecture, who has dedicated his entire life to this project until his death. 

If you want to visit La Sagrada Família, we recommend you to have a Barcelona City Pass card, as you will have direct access to the Basilica.It will also be very interesting to buy an Audio-guided ticket because of its incredible amount of histories. 

Related article: Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família

4. Parc Güell

Parc Güell is a charming and peculiar place that always surprises its visitors. It is composed of gardens and architecture elements designed by Antoni Gaudi as well, and it is located on Carmel Hill, Barcelona.

This was built between 1900 and 1914 and is now another UNESCO World Heritage site. Within the grounds of this garden you will find series of very dynamically designed structures, including Gaudi’s own home. Like other buildings designed by this architect the exteriors have been covered in pieces of irregular shaped ceramics. However one area of the park that is particular popular with visitors to the city who which to explore Barcelona architecture more intimately is the Colonnade Hall along with the terrace made up of serpentine shapes.

The gardens are freely accessible, but if you want to visit Gaudi’s architecture, you will have to pay for an entrance ticket. Remember, a visit to Barcelona would never be complete without a walk in the Park Güell.

5. El Drac de Gaudi at Finca Güell

This is one of the biggest properties designed and built by Gaudi for one of his most influential clients Count Güell. However it isn’t the main building that is of much interest but rather the iron gate that provides entry to it. The cast iron gate links to the two buildings that make up this structure and is festooned with vegetal fantasies that are synonymous with the Art Nouveau period as well as a medallion housing the letter “G”. However the feature that most people find amazing to look at is the big iron dragon that houses the locking mechanism to the gate as was made by Vallet i Pique, who was a well known locksmith in the city at the time that this building was built.