The architecture in Barcelona thrived in the late 1800’s. The walls of the old city of Barcelona finally were taken down after five centuries of usage.  The deconstruction of the wall opened up a large space in the area around Barcelona. This space allowed for new constructions from Barcelona all the way to the old city of Gracia.  This space made way for new architects to make lasting marks on the city of Barcelona.  One architect started his career in the late 1800’s and ended his career as one of the most revered architects in all of Catalonia: Antoni Gaudí.  He created many of the structures that are famous in Barcelona.  So what famous architecture should you look for in Barcelona?

Casa Vicens

Casa Vicens was one of Gaudí’s first works and one of his most important early works.  It was commissioned by a very wealthy individual as a summer home.  His construction of the Casa Vicens was completed in 1888.  It has since been converted into a museum. There are exhibitions and activities at the house year round that are great educational, artistic, social, and cultural opportunities.

Casa Calvet

Casa Calvet began construction in 1899 for this building, which was funded by a textile manufacturer.  This is one of Gaudí’s most conventional and traditional works.  Most of his buildings are very imaginative and creative.  It was awarded the title of best building in Barcelona by the Barcelona City Council in 1900.

Colonia Guell

Colonia Guell began construction by Gaudí in 1890 and was designed to be an integrated colonial area, in which the workers would live and work in the same area.  The most historical parts of this project were the church and the crypt which were both complete before funding for construction was pulled in 1914.

Finca Guell

Finca Guell was finished in 1887 by Gaudí.  The front part of the pavillion really is the only part mentioning because the gate is the most beautiful part.  The gate beautifully adorns a metal dragon.  The building connected to the gate is an early expression of the later Gaudí.  The pavilions were declared a national historical-artistic monument in 1969.  

Palau Guell

Palau Guell was completed in 1888 and an early Gaudí architecture.  It has a more conservative feel when compared to later Gaudí works, but it shows a mastery of architecture using lighting.  The main room holds a high ceiling that has small holes in the top that disguises the light from lanterns in another room.  This creates the illusion of a night sky is the room.  It was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984.

Casa Mila

Casa Mila, also known as La Pedrera, was finished in 1912 and was the last work before Gaudí solely focused on the Sagrada Familia until he died.  Now acts as a museum for Antoni Gaudi, and the rooftop is also used for modernist light shows for the museum. It is a beautiful place, inside and out, and is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Parc Guell

Parc Guell, finished in 1914, was originally supposed to be a housing complex, but ended up becoming a public park, but still holds the main area in a privatized area that can be seen with a ticket.  It was designed by Gaudí and holds many brightly colored architectures through.

Casa Batllo

Casa Batllo, or Casa Dels Ossos, was finished in 1877. It looks quite different from many other houses on the block.  Casa Batllo was actually built on top of another building, The building has three distinct sections: Lower Part, Multicolored middle section, and the top, which has the dragon spine along with the chimneys.

Cascada Fountain

The Cascada fountain in Ciutadella Park was designed by Josep Fontsere with assistance from Antoni Gaudí.   Gaudí helped design the architecture atop the fountain. It was finished in 1888.  The central fountain and accompanying water basin are guarded by two dragons near the water.  The park used to be the location of the military compound of Ciutadella, which was used to monitor the city of Barcelona after the 1714 Spanish War of Succession.

La Sagrada Familia

Finally, La Sagrada Familia was designed Antoni Gaudí and is still under construction to this day.  It is undoubtedly the most famous piece of architecture in Barcelona.  It is scheduled to finish in 2026 and will the the tallest religious structure in Europe when finished.  The final topping to La Sagrada Familia will be all of the massive spires atop the architecture.

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