Visit Gaudí's three houses with one time-saving ticket, plus an audio guide
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Antoni Gaudí is the architect responsible for some of Barcelona's most famous landmarks and popular tourist attractions. Born on June 25, 1852, in Reus, Spain, he passed away on June 10, 1926, in Barcelona, Spain, after being tragically struck by a tram. His career spanned several decades, during which he pioneered unique architectural styles and designed world-renowned landmarks such as the Sagrada Familia.
Gaudí's masterpiece - the Sagrada Familia. Started in 1882, still unfinished but already a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stands as Barcelona's (and the whole of Spain’s) most popular tourist attraction, drawing approximately 20 million visitors annually, with around 4 million purchasing tickets to explore its interior. The basilica's design, which Gaudí dedicated over 40 years of his life to, tells the story of Jesus' nativity, passion, and glory through intricate architectural elements. Despite suffering damage during the Spanish Civil War and facing various construction challenges, the project continues, with successive architects striving to remain faithful to Gaudí's vision.
One of Gaudí's first major commissions, Casa Vicens, was built between 1883 and 1885 in the Gràcia neighbourhood of Barcelona. It was designed for a stockbroker called Manel Vicens i Montaner, as his summer house, and reflects influences from Catalan architecture, Islamic art, and Japanese design. Casa Vicens remained a private residence until it was purchased by the Andorran bank, Morabanc, in 2014 and subsequently opened to the public.
While constructing Casa Vicens, Gaudí was also commissioned to build ‘El Capricho’, a summer villa in Comillas, Cantabria, for Máximo Díaz de Quijano. Although the property may not be one of Gaudí's most famous works, El Capricho is significant as it led to Gaudí's introduction to ‘Eusebi Güell’ and what would become a pivotal relationship in his career. The villa is open to the public, offering a glimpse into Gaudí's early work.
In 1888, Eusebi Güell commissioned Gaudí to design Palau Güell. A property that would be the Güell family residence and reception hall allowing the family to entertain and hold events there. This six-level mansion features a central hall with a parabolic dome that floods the space with natural light. Gaudí's innovative use of the ‘Trencadís’ method in the chimneys and ventilation towers of Palau Güell was later replicated in his designs for Casa Batlló and Casa Milà - La Pedrera.
In 1900, Gaudí was tasked by Güell to create a garden city in Barcelona. Although the project to develop 60 homes on 15 hectares was never completed, Gaudí's design for Park Güell did end up becoming a beloved public park after the local council ended up purchasing the land from the Güell family. A handful of properties were completed, one of which Gaudí went on to live in until his death.
Gaudí designed Torre de Bellesguard in 1900, a residence in northern Barcelona. The property incorporates mediaeval elements from the site's history as the home of the last king of the Catalan dynasty, Marti the Humane. Gaudí's design features in Torre de Bellesguard would later be seen in Casa Batlló and Casa Milà, again making it an influential property in the time-line of Gaudi.
In 1904, Josep Batlló Casanovas commissioned Gaudí to renovate Casa Batlló. Known by various nicknames, including "the house of bones" and "the house of the dragon," Casa Batlló showcases Gaudí's creative freedom and mastery. The building, part of UNESCO's "Works of Gaudí" collection, now welcomes around 1 million visitors each year and has received numerous awards, including UNESCO World Heritage status.
Casa Milà, commonly known as La Pedrera due to its similarity to a rock-quarry (that is the translation), was Gaudí's final private commission and completed in 1912. Commissioned by Pere ‘Milà’ and his wife Roser Segimon, this landmark on Passeig de Gracia is renowned for its undulating stone façade and iron balconies. Initially exceeding building regulations, it was later certified as "a monument in nature," exempting it from bylaws. Today, La Pedrera stands as a testament to Gaudí's genius and remains a major tourist attraction.
Gaudí's innovative designs and dedication to his craft have left an indelible mark on Barcelona, attracting millions of visitors from around the world each year.