Must see Gaudí buildings in Barcelona

A visit to Barcelona is never complete without seeing the magnificent world of Antonio Gaudí, one of the most celebrated architects of all time. Not only has his unique style influenced Barcelona, but also all over the world. When you’re visiting the beautiful city, don’t forget to check out his stunning artistic creations.

Casa Milà

More commonly known as ‘La Pedrera’ (the stone quarry), the Casa Milà is among the main residential buildings that Gaudí designed. It represents one of the most creative designs in the history of architecture. It gives the feeling that it is a sculpture rather than a building and for sure a stunning work of art. Today it serves as the headquarters of Catalunya-La Pedrera Foundation, housing a cultural centre with a wide range of activities.

Casa Vicens

Built between 1883 and 1888, the Casa Vicens is among Gaudí’s very first big assignments. The residential summer villa was designed for industrialist Manuel Vicens and his family, who owned a ceramic factory. The house is constructed of undressed stone, rough red bricks, and finally coloured ceramic tiles in checkboard and floral patterns, paying tribute to the owners. You can visibly see stunning Islamic influences in the design as well. While you can’t enter the house, seeing it from the outside is wonderful.  

Sagrada Familia 

The Sagrada Familia is probably his most famous work, although still currently under construction with an expected finish date around 2030. The building was his lifelong dream and it will be completed 100 years after its conception, with his undying vision celebrated. The design and beautiful sculptures of the church shadow the relationship between man, nature, and religion. To get a unique panoramic view of the charming city, climb one of the church’s towers.    

Park Güell

Built between 1900 and 1914, Park Güell is now one of the most famous public parks in Barcelona. Located on the edge of Caramel Hill, the park provides the ideal sunny afternoon surrounded by the charming colourful buildings that include Gaudí’s own house. Don’t miss the iconic colonnade hall and the terrace, which are surrounded by a large bench in the form of a sea serpent.

Casa Calvet

Considered the most conservative of his work, the Casa Calvet was built for the textile manufacturer Pere Màrtir Calvet in 1899. The stunning building projects the baroque Catalan style with the stone quarried on Montjuïc hill featuring intricate ironwork in the balconies. The façade of the building is designed taking a beautiful curve and the attic balconies look like those of a fairy tale castle. In 1900, Barcelona City Council awarded the Casa Calvet with the prize for best building of the year.

Torre Bellesguard

Gaudí’s inspiration for the Torre Bellesgaurd was the medieval castle of Martin I, the last king of the Catalan dynasty of the House of Barcelona. The castle was designed using rectilinear forms that are rarely seen in his other work. He restored the ruins of the medieval palace and used a beautiful blend of Art Nouveau and Gothic style. The castle truly stands as one of his most personal, symbolic, and spectacular work.

Casa Batlló

Gaudí is known for being bold and intricate. He paid attention to every single detail and this is glamorously witnessed in the Casa Batllo, one of the most iconic Gaudí buildings. It was designed for Joseph Batlló, a wealthy aristocrat, as a residential complex. Gaudí used a mix of colours and shapes found in marine life as inspiration behind his genius creativity.

By Amal Ahmed