Perhaps the best reason to visit Barcelona is to see Antoni Gaudi’s famous architectural creations. In particular, these properties have been added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Collectively known as the Works of Antoni Gaudí, they represent some of the greatest architectural achievements of the 19th and early 20th centuries.
UNESCO Works of Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona, Spain
Casa Batlló
Paseo de Gràcia, 43
08007 Barcelona, Spain
+ 34 932 16 03 06
www.casabatllo.es
Hours: Monday-Thurs9:30 am30 a5:30 pm p.m., Friday-Su9 am a.m8 pm8 p.m.
Understanding why Casa Batlló is called House of Bones won’t take long. After all, much of its façade does appear to be made of skulls and bones. Moreover, the interior, which has stained glass and colorful ceramics, is equally striking. Aside from Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló is likely Gaudí’s most recognizable work in Barcelona.
Casa Milà
Paseo de Gràcia, 92
08008 Barcelona, Spain
+34 932 14 25 76
www.lapedrera.com
Hours: Monday-Sunday and Holid9 am a.m6:30 pm p.m., Night Vi7 pm p.m10 pm0 p.m.
Like its counterpart, Casa Batlló, this enormous modernist building has a nickname. In this case, it’s La Pedrera or the stone quarry in English. However, the nickname was due to the criticism it received during construction. Despite the notoriety, Casa Milà is among Gaudí’s most visited attractions. Built for wealthy politician Pere Milà, it was the last private residence designed by Gaudí.
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Casa Vicens
Carrer de les Carolines, 20-26
08012 Barcelona, Spain
+34 932 711 064
www.casavicens.org
Hours Through March 31, 2022: Monday-Fr10 am a.m3 pm p.m., Saturday-Sun10 am a.m7 pm7 p.m.
With its colorful Moorish and Asian themes, you might find Casa Vicens grandiose. Even so, it’s noteworthy as Gaudí’s first significant project. It was the first modernist home he designed in Barcelona. A guided tour of Casa Vicens features both temporary and permanent exhibitions. A premium visit is temporarily unavailable until further notice.
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Church of Colònia Güel (Gaudí Crypt)
Carrer de Claudi Güell
08690 Santa Coloma de Cervelló
+34 936 305 807
www.gaudicoloniaguell.org
Hours: Tuesday-Su10 am a.m3 pm3 p.m.
The Church of Colònia Güel is best known for housing one of Antoni Gaudí’s famed hidden treasures. To clarify, the UNESCO-listed crypt draws visitors to this pastoral community outside Barcelona. Indeed, Gaudí Crypt, with its stunning interior design, will highlight your trip. Although the church and crypt are about 20km from Barcelona, it’s easily accessible by rail.
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Palau Güell
Carrer Nou de la Rambla, 3-5
08001 Barcelona.
+934 725 775
www.palauguell.cat
Hours through March 31: Tuesday-Su10 am a.m5:30 p.m. p.m.
One of Gaudí’s earliest examples of modernist architecture is in the El Ravel neighborhood. Designed for his longtime friend Eusebio Güell, it was among the finest homes of its day. Indeed, its main floor was so lavish it could be fit for a Spanish royal. If you go, take time to make it to the rooftop for distinctive examples of his distinctive ceramic tiles.
Park Güell
Carrer d’Olot
08024 Barcelona, Spain
+34 93 409 1831
www.parkguell.barcelona
Hours: Daily 9:30 am a.m5:30 p.m. p.m.
Just north of the Gràcia district, you’ll find Park Güell. A 42-acre greenspace, it was originally built as an upscale housing project. Gaudí himself lived here for the last twenty years of his life. Near the entrance to the UNESCO park, you can see the famous ceramic-tiled salamander on the staircase. Please stop by the top of the Laundry Room Portico, which has impressive city views.
Sagrada Família
Carrer de Mallorca, 401
08013 Barcelona, Spain
+34 932 08 04 14
www.sagradafamilia.org
Hours: Daily 9 am a.m. pm6 p.m.
Of all the Gaudí’s works, his most celebrated is Sagrada Família. Construction began in 1882, but it’s still under construction today. Moreover, this minor basilica was far from being completed at the time of Antoni Gaudí’s accidental death. The famed architect’s imprint can be viewed throughout his UNESCO masterpiece. But his artistic talents are never more evident than inside the breathtaking nave.
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Bonus Recommendation:
El Capricho de Gaudí
Barrio de Sobrellano,
39520 Comillas, Cantabria, Spain
+34 942 72 03 65
www.elcaprichodegaudi.com
Hours Through February: Monday to Sunday, 10:30 am to 5:30 p.m.
Of Gaudí’s many architectural marvels, El Capricho is among the furthest away. It would take you a whole day to get there by car. But if it’s part of your itinerary, you can also visit the famous Cave of Altamira. If that’s not enough, Guggenheim Bilbao is also in the region. El Capricho de Gaudí features a fusion of Asian and Moorish influences. It’s not on the UNESCO World Heritage List. On the other hand, it’s one of Antoni Gaudí’s most essential works outside of Barcelona.
About The Author:
Randy Yagi is an award-winning freelance writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS Local from 2012 to 2019. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across 23 CBS websites, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, he reportedly had a digital audience reach of 489 million and more than 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additional stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS Radio, Engadget, and Radio.com. He is a Media Fellow of Stanford University.
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