El Corte Ingles shopping mall adorned in Christmas lights

Barcelona in December

By Robert Heaney

Barcelona in December sees the coming together of two different cities; the famous Catalan metropolis and a festive holiday wonderland. Experience all that Barcelona has to offer year-round matched with all the spectacle and warmth of the holiday season.

Winter in Barcelona

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With winter well and truly in swing, Barcelona has long since waved off the torrents of high-season tourists. While you can always expect plenty of visitors throughout the year, tourism rates are typically halved come December. What this means for you, should you choose to visit in this period, is a totally different side to Barcelona than you might see in summer.

Aside from the much more bearable weather averaging around a mild 60°F, you’ll find the city far less crowded than during its peak. Where you might have had to book long in advance to visit top sites like the Sagrada Familia and La Pedrera, quick and easy admission to just about any attraction should now be no difficult feat.

Due to the later sunrise in winter, typically taking place around 6:30 in December, a popular start to the day is to visit Park Güell to watch the sun come up. Naturally, this means that not getting there early enough will likely make it hard to find a good spot, so be sure to plan accordingly.

Barcelona Ski Season

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December also marks the early days of the Barcelona ski season, with avid skiers often passing through the city on their way to the Pyrenees. Should skiing be your thing, there are 14 fantastic alpine ski resorts within range of the city.

With most of these resorts reachable within four hours by car, they’re perfect for visiting for a day or two before returning to the city once again. Note that a number of these resorts cross over into Andorra and France, with Andorra only accessible by car.

Día de la Constitución

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Visiting Barcelona in December does come with one slight caveat, though. On December 6, Spain celebrates Día de la Constitución (Constitution Day), in commemoration of the approval of the Spanish Constitution in 1978 and the subsequent return of Spanish democracy. As a public holiday, most schools and workplaces will take the day off, and many will flock to Barcelona to celebrate.

Locals refer to this as a ‘mini high-season’, and for good reason. You can expect restaurants, bars and attractions to be crammed with visitors once again, perhaps even more so than during summer. Should Constitution Day fall either side of a weekend, the festivities are likely to last the full three days.

Christmas Markets

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We’d be remiss to discuss a trip to Barcelona in December without expanding on the city’s many holiday festivities.

From the final weeks of November, the city of Barcelona evolves into somewhat of a winter wonderland. The streets are adorned with all manner of festive decorations and lights, which are truly a sight to behold in the evening. But where the holiday spirit really shines through is the city’s many Christmas markets.

Europe is world famous for its holiday markets. While Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic are some of the most renowned destinations, Barcelona can more than hold a candle to them with its own spirited selection of merry merchants.

Throughout the city, you can explore a multitude of markets selling all manner of festive fare, from mulled wine to roasted chestnuts. Local artists also take the holiday season as an opportunity to sell their crafts, baked goods, artisan wines and spreads, homemade candies and Christmas ornaments, among a wide selection of other things.

You’ll find plenty of different markets dotted around the city, but the largest and most famous is Fira de Santa Llúcia. Found on Avinguda de la Catedral, this market dates back over 200 years to 1786. Given its history and popularity, it’s wise to give yourself plenty of time to visit should you want to pick up some souvenirs from your trip, as crowds are almost inevitable.

Caga Tió

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Neither Spain nor Catalonia in particular are shy about their traditions, and this is never more true than at Christmas.

Early in December, the Caga Tió makes an appearance in many Catalan homes. The Caga Tió or Tió de Nadal is a relatively small wooden log with two front legs and a jolly face, often adorned with a traditional Christmas hat.

Children are given the responsibility of taking care of the Tió throughout the season. This typically involves putting a blanket around the little log and feeding it fruit, nuts, bread and candy, much like kids elsewhere might leave out milk and cookies for Santa Claus.

Should you ever be fortunate enough to spend Christmas with a Catalan family, you’ll then get to see the true colors of the Tió. Translated literally as the ‘poop log’, children will beat (yes, beat) the Tió in hopes of having it ‘poop out’ gifts, which they should then find hidden beneath the blanket.

El Caganer

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The toilet-humor traditions don’t end with the Caga Tió, though. Wandering through the Christmas markets dotted throughout Barcelona in December, you’re likely to come across a common figure on display.

Often depicting various celebrities, public figures and fictional characters going number two, El Caganer is a staple of Catalan Christmas. Originally depicted between the 17th and 18th Centuries as a young peasant caught short between the three wise men in the nativity scene, many families now adorn their own scenes with their choice of Caganer.

Contrary to the apparent profane nature of the display, El Caganer is viewed as a sign of good luck to the people of Catalonia. Harking back to ancient pagan ideas, the Caganer’s ‘deposit’ is supposed to represent the fertilization of the soil and high productivity for the year ahead.

You’ll find both Caga Tió and El Caganer throughout Barcelona in December, and you can even pick up your own from just about every market stall. Why not bring both home and enjoy your very own Catalan Christmas?

Wrapping Up

Should you choose to visit Barcelona in December, you’re sure to be rewarded handsomely. Not only will you be able to see all that the city has to offer without all of the high-season crowds, but you’ll also be able to indulge in many of the region's winter festivals.

Explore the city at your leisure without having to plan too far ahead, and finish each day with a merry glass of mulled wine and a relaxing jaunt throughout the festively-lit streets and various Christmas markets stretching throughout.

Robert Heaney

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Avinguda Diagonal from above splitting Barcelona in two
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2 Days in Barcelona

While exploring a city as large and culturally rich as Barcelona in a short span of time may seem an intimidating task, it’s actually perfectly doable once you put together a solid plan of everything you’re genuinely interested in seeing. Whether you’re passing through for a couple days or looking to take a weekend city break, two days in Barcelona should be plenty of time to see a good portion of what the city has to offer. Covering everything from the city’s stunning architecture to its complex history, we’ve put together our own suggested itinerary to take you on a whirlwind tour of the beloved Catalan capital. The itinerary below includes a mix of sightseeing, museums and shopping destinations. Feel free to take suggestions as inspiration and mix-and-match them with the attractions and activities that most interest you. Use the suggested visit timings to help decide how best to lay out your trip. Day 1 - Sightseeing What better way to acquaint yourself with Barcelona than by packing your first day full of the city’s best sights? As a city famous for its mix of gothic and modernist architecture along with the unique labyrinthine design of its streets, it’s only fitting that you get a taste of these right away. Park Güell – One of renowned modernist architect Antoni Gaudí’s most famous works, this park is most well-known for its central Monumental Zone. From the mosaic salamander at its entrance to the sea serpent bench encircling the main terrace, this eccentric space is a perfect place to start your day. Recommended visit: 1h – 2h Sagrada Familia – The Belle of Barcelona’s ball, this yet unfinished basilica is truly a sight to behold. Take some time to explore the rich architectural mastery of this UNESCO World Heritage Site on your own, or book onto a guided tour for a full insight into the site’s artistic, cultural and historic significance. Recommended visit: 1h – 1h30 Avinguda Diagonal – One of Barcelona’s most popular and important streets, Avinguda Diagonal runs diagonally through the city, cutting it in two. A vast array of stores and restaurants are dotted throughout the length of the avenue. Recommended visit: 45m Casa Milà – Also known as La Pedrera (‘the stone quarry’), this modernist building was the final residence designed by renowned architect Antoni Gaudí. As per its nickname, it’s most famous for its rough-hewn exterior façade, somewhat resembling an open stone quarry. Recommended visit: 15m – 1h30 Casa Batlló, Casa Amatller and Casa Lleó i Morera – This trio of modernist buildings are widely considered the most important on Barcelona’s famous Illa de la Discòrdia, or ‘Block of Discord’. Showcasing the masterpieces of Barcelona’s prominent modernist architects Antoni Gaudi, Josep Puig i Cadafalch and Lluís Domènech i Montaner, these buildings are eccentric in design both inside and out. Recommended visit: 15m – 2h Plaça de Catalunya – Considered to be Barcelona’s city centre and the meeting point of both the old and modern city, this square is a favorite for social gatherings thanks to its wealth of shopping outlets and restaurants. Recommended visit: 15m – 2h La Rambla – Perhaps the city’s most famous street, La Rambla spans from Plaça de Catalunya all the way to the Columbus Monument on the seafront. You’ll find a vast array of streetside cafés and souvenir stands across the length of the street. Recommended visit: 30m – 2h Mercat de la Boqueria – Often considered one of the best markets in the world, this historical market houses all sorts of fresh, local produce along with stands to get yourself a hearty lunch while on the go. Recommended visit: 45m Plaça Reial – Particularly popular in the evening, this square is home to a whole host of bars, restaurants and some of Barcelona’s most famous nightclubs. Why not finish your day here with a fresh dish of Catalan cuisine and a glass or two of the local region’s renowned wines? Recommended visit: As long as you want Day 2 – Culture Your second day in Barcelona – should you choose to follow our itinerary – will take you on a cultural tour of the city and the local region. If art, music and history are up your alley, then the following are sure to give you a real kick. Palau de la Musica Catalana – A true marvel of modernist architecture, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has been host to a magnificent array of musical performances since 1908. Bask in its colorful exterior from outside, book onto a guided tour of the venue, or even attend one of its legendary musical performances for yourself. Recommended visit: 1h – 3h Gothic Quarter – Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter sits immediately north of La Rambla and houses some of the city’s best sights. It’s worth spending a decent period of time here to explore everything the historic streets have to offer. Recommended visit: 2h Barcelona Cathedral – Known officially as the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, this immense structure is a case study in Gothic Revival architecture. It’s expertly-crafted neo-Gothic façade makes way to a somewhat more unassuming yet nevertheless still imposing interior common to traditional Catalan churches. Recommended visit: 30m – 1h30 Museu d'Història de Barcelona – If you’re a history buff visiting Barcelona, this should be your trip’s Mecca. As the name might suggest, the MUHBA will take you on a tour of key points throughout the city’s history, from as recent as the Spanish Civil War to as far back as prehistory. Recommended visit: 3h – 5h Museu Picasso – Housing over 4,000 of Pablo Picasso’s works, this museum possesses one of the world’s most complete collections of the famous Spanish artist’s paintings. Recommended visit: 2h Carrer de Salomó ben Adret – At the heart of the Gothic quarter, this street is replete with charming bars, restaurants and cafés. A perfect rest stop to draw a close to your whirlwind trip. Recommended visit: As long as you want Getting Around Our recommended attractions are listed in such an order to allow you to easily walk from one to the other, though most are also within short walking distance of transport hubs should you prefer to take public transport. Alternatively, a Bus Turístic will also allow you to hop on and off along a similar route while offering an audio commentary of the sights along the way.
Robert Heaney
Multiple fireworks exploding in the sky above Barcelona
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Festivals in Barcelona

  If you love to party then Barcelona is the place to be. As well as being home to increasingly popular international music festivals, the city's seasonal traditions and saints’ days will have you whirling through the streets all year long. From parades, costumes, music and dancing to more unlikely spectacles like human pyramids, papier måché giants and fire-runs, there’s nothing the Catalan people like more than a celebration. Whatever time of year you plan to visit, we've everything you need to know about some of Barcelona's biggest festivals including: • Festival traditions • Summer music festivals like: - Primavera Sound - The Sónar - The Grec - Cruïlla de Cultures • Barcelona festivals including: - Epiphany (January) - Carnival (February/March) - Sant Jordi (April) - Sant Joan (June) - Neighbourhood festivals - Feste de la Merce (September)   Barcelona festival traditions ‘Festes’ (in Catalan - or ‘fiestas’ in Spanish) are a part of daily life in Barcelona. Some have Pagan or Roman origins, others were adopted as Christian festivals. Either way, since every barrio (neighbourhood) celebrates its own saints' days with processions and street parties, you’ll often find a carnival atmosphere around town.   Fire One theme common to many festivals is fire. Feel the glow of bonfires, fireworks or the ‘correfoc’ (fire run) when ‘devils’ parade through the streets waving pitchforks that release firecrackers and shower sparks.   Giants Giants - or gegants - are another feature of many festivals. Larger-than-life characters with papier måché heads bob through the streets alongside fantastic animals and Capgros (big heads). They originated in the Middle Ages when theatrical figures and animals were used to demonstrate Bible stories to an illiterate public. When they’re not on parade, drop in and see them for yourself at the super quirky (and free) La Casa dels Entremesos (Giant Museum) in the old town.   Castells Also look out for human towers - or castells. Originating in the 18th century, individual groups (or colles) compete to build hair-raising towers of people (castellers) up to nine levels high. In 2010 the sport (or art, depending on who you ask) was declared an ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’ by UNESCO.   Barcelona music festivals But before we get lost in too many time-honoured traditions, let’s first lose ourselves in music, because, from baroque to techno, Barcelona boasts some of the best music festivals in Europe. The Primavera Sound Festival is one of the most hotly anticipated festivals on the international circuit. Whatever you’re into, groove on down to the Parc del Forum where, for one week in spring, you’ll find big names and independent artists across diverse genres - from folk to jazz to hip hop, though mainly rock, pop and electro. Also keep your eyes on the side programme of gigs and performances taking place in clubs and public spaces across the city.   Hot on its heels is the Sónar Festival, one of the oldest and most well-known European music festivals, which attracts fans of electronic and experimental music from across the continent. Over a weekend in mid-June you can experience Sónar de Dia (day time performances) or catch some of the biggest names in the electronic scene as Sónar de Noche takes the event into the evening. Sónar+D offers an accompanying programme of creative technology experiences including digital workshops, and virtual-reality activities. From June to August The Grec Festival (which began in the seventies in the Grec (Greek) Theatre) brings together the best of theatre, music, dance and circus in a lively series of events that have become a huge summer attraction.   Or you can celebrate multiculturalism at Cruïlla de Cultures. As well as a music festival for genres as varied as ska, pop, hip-hop, reggae, folk and rock, it has grown to be a wider meeting of cultures, involving immigrant associations and neighbourhood groups. Don’t miss the series of open-air concerts that take place throughout July, when the clubs and public spaces of Poble Espanyol play host to national and international artists.   Get ready to mosh as Rock Fest Barcelona attracts rock and heavy metal bands from across Europe. Or grab your castanets as the De Cajón! Flamenco Festival gets the city whirling and stamping. Meanwhile the Barcelona Guitar Festival welcomes Spanish and foreign artists to celebrate that versatile instrument for a month every springtime. It’s official - whatever your music vibe, Barcelona is where it’s at!   Barcelona festival calendarEpiphany (January) The first big event in the traditional festival year is Epiphany. On 6th January, Spaniards and Catalans exchange gifts, whilst commemorating the gifts given to the baby Jesus by the three wise men (or magi). The evening of 5th January is a great time to be in the city, as the wise men arrive by boat at Port Vell. The extravagantly dressed kings then set off on the ‘Cavalcada del Reis’, a parade of floats, which travels from Parc de la Ciutella, through the city streets, with clowns, elves and acrobats distributing sweets to children along the route.   Carnival (February/March) Or, if you time your visit just a few weeks later you can kick back at Carnival, both a religious celebration and a popular party, featuring more floats, fancy dress and lots of fun. Lent is observed across much of the world as a period of abstinence in the 40 days leading up to Easter and, in Spain, rather than ‘Mardi Gras’, it is ‘Carnaval’ (or Carnestoltes in Catalan) that traditionally marks the last party before the fast and frugality. If you’re lucky enough to be in Barcelona on the Saturday before Ash Wednesday, don’t miss the many local parades that honour the arrival of the Rei Carnestoltes (Carnival King) who rouses the crowd to mischief and laughter. Since food is fundamental to festivities, many local markets also organise tortilla-making competitions!   On the Sunday the streets of the city turn orange for the Taronjada, a colourful ‘battle’ that takes place on the Plaça Comercial in El Born. In the past the public would throw actual oranges at one another but today you can just revel in a riot of orange balloons and confetti. Join adults and children that evening in traditional dancing at the Sarau, a grand masquerade ball. The celebrations come to an end on Ash Wednesday with (weirdly) the ‘Burial of the Sardine’ signifying farewell to fun and feasting and the beginning of Lent. The Carnival King is also symbolically condemned to death. Switch your bright colours for black and head to nearby Sitges where drag-queens and glamorous ‘widows’ mourn the death of the party - all night long!   Sant Medir (March) If you love sweets you might want to join the crowds in the Gràcia district on 3rd March for the dolça festa (sweet festival) dedicated to Sant Medir. According to legend the ancient saint’s broad beans flourished immediately after they were planted (though he was subsequently taken prisoner and martyred). In the 1830s a baker from the district made a pilgrimage in his honour, throwing beans to the public along the way. Today the beans have been replaced with tons of sweets and toffees, thrown from a parade of floats and horse carriages that take to the streets in the afternoon after the traditional pilgrimage. To make like a local take along a bag, bucket or open umbrella to catch your own share of treats!   Sant Jordi (April) Not content with slaying dragons to become the patron saint of England, busy St George is also patron saint of Catalonia. Apparently he saved a princess by taking on another dragon there, from whose blood grew a red rose... Consequently the custom is for gentlemen to purchase roses for their own damsel. In return ladies bought a book, although, in these enlightened days, it’s now usual for either partner to buy both! Even though it’s not a national holiday, join the Catalan people in taking to the streets to celebrate. Watch sardanas (traditional dances) and castells (human towers), take part in literary activities like workshops and signings; and stroll the stalls on La Rambla and Paseo, laden with books and colourful blooms.   Sant Joan (June) Don’t miss the mad midsummer celebrations on Sant Joan (St John’s Eve), one of the biggest events of the year, when incredible firework displays light up the shortest night and beer and sangria flow freely. Often known as the Nit del Foc (Night of Fire), locals welcome summer with fireworks and bonfires in the street. Join them as they eat pastries decorated with candied fruit and pine nuts and drink Cava all night long! Because June 24th is a national holiday it feels like the whole city hits the street or beach to party until sunrise.   Neighbourhood festivals (July - September) Whilst the bigger festivals are celebrated all over town, some are local to particular districts or barrios. The edgy El Raval neighbourhood is a great place to explore and, in July, the Festa Major del Raval celebrates its multi-cultural roots. Stroll among ethnic food stalls and flea markets, dance to world music and marvel at the obligatory procession of papier-måché giants. You can see more parading giants, human towers and fire devils later in July at the Festa Major de Poble Sec Or join the throngs of people who pack the bars for singing and Sangria for a week in August, at the Festa Major de Gràcia, one of the most famous barrio festivals. Amid the giants, correfocs, coloured lanterns, dancing and music, the neighbourhood streets compete to be the best decorated. And, should you miss that, The Sants Festival follows immediately afterwards with more decorated streets, performances and Catalan traditions.   Sala Montjuïc (July/August) Whilst not strictly a festival, you can make the most of Barcelona’s balmy summer weather at one of the picnic concerts or open-air cinema showings at Montjuïc castle. Maybe spend the day exploring the mountain on foot or by cable car. Then load your hamper with cava and jamon and treat yourself to a night of classic cinema. We recommend you buy a ticket in advance and get there early for a good spot.   Sant Roc (August) You an even bring your four-legged friend to help celebrate the Festival of Sant Roc, held on Plaça Nova, in the Gothic Quarter and one of August’s largest festival events. Legend maintains that Sant Roc was saved by a dog that brought him food whilst he was suffering from the plague, so locals bring their own dogs to join the festivities. Our advice is to spectate but not attempt another attraction of this festival - La Cucaña, a greasy pole that partygoers must cross to win a prize.   Feste de la Mercé Barcelona’s patron saints day - Feste de la Merce - marks the end of summer and sees one of Europe’s biggest street parties. The city has two patron saints - Santa Eulalia (for whom the cathedral is named) and the Mare de Déu de la Mercè (Our Lady of Mercy), also known simply as La Mercè. Having originally appeared to Catalan King Jaume 1 in 1218 and encouraged him to found a religious order, the Virgin allegedly reappeared in 1687 to save the city from a troublesome plague of locusts. It’s said that it always rains on 24th September as Sant Eulalia sheds tears of jealousy over the appointment of her ‘co-patron’.   Nevertheless 24 September is a national holiday so, if you’re lucky enough to be in the city, look out for performances, street art, live music, open air concerts and the city traditions of castells, devils, fire-runs and parades of gegants and Capgrossos. Then see the festival season out with a bang, with light shows in Ciutadella Park, laser displays on the facade of the city hall, pyrotechnics on Barceloneta beach and the awesome firework finale beside Montjuïc’s Magic Fountains. As we’ve seen, with festivals all year round, it’s always a good time to visit Barcelona. And an All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass will ensure you can make the most of your time whilst making savings on your sight-seeing. So get ready to party because, with Go City, there’s always something to celebrate.
Jo Cooke
The emblematic salamander at the entrance to Park Güell
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Gaudi Barcelona

Alongside its rich cultural heritage, thriving nightlife and globally-celebrated football team, Barcelona is famous for its wealth of stunning architecture. Offering up a unique mix of baroque, Romanesque and modernist architecture, a walk through its streets is enough to know how much the city celebrates its architects. But very few architects can boast as prolific and accomplished a portfolio as Barcelona’s very own Antoni Gaudí. Known above all for his highly individual modernist style, Gaudí designed and oversaw the construction of a plethora of buildings throughout Barcelona. Drawing equal inspiration from nature, local tradition and often mysticism, many of his works now sit among the ranks of Barcelona’s best attractions for their often bizarre and mesmerizing designs. UNESCO has dubbed seven particular examples of his work as World Heritage Sites, which are referred to collectively as the Works of Antoni Gaudí. Sagrada Familia Location: Carrer de Mallorca, 401 A guide to Gaudí’s finest work would be woefully incomplete without first covering the architect’s magnum opus, Barcelona’s famous Basilica de la Sagrada Familia. One of the most famous religious sites in the world, the church began construction in 1882, when devotees of St. Joseph sought to build a place of worship in his honor. Gaudí took over as chief architect of the project in 1883, adapting the original plans of his predecessor and introducing Art Nouveau elements to merge with the intended Gothic style. He is credited for having designed and overseen the construction of the basilica’s famous nativity scene, interior apse and crypt during his time on the project. Intricate models of the church put together in his workshop allowed him to experiment with his plans, and would later form the blueprint for the remainder of the works. Gaudí would come to work on the project for the remainder of his life, and was buried in the crypt alongside its first architect. The Sagrada Familia now serves as Barcelona’s most visited attraction. While construction continues on the basilica, its planned total of eighteen spires are intended to represent the twelve apostles, the Virgin Mary and the four Evangelists, with Jesus Christ towering above them all. Park Güell Location: 08024 Barcelona Second only to the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell is another of Barcelona’s most visited attractions. While the majority of the park consists of tranquil green space, its main feature is the interior Monumental Zone. Commissioned by Spanish entrepreneur Eusebi Güell, the park was originally built to serve as a stylish social space for Barcelona’s aristocracy. Gaudí designed this space to serve as a tranquil area from which to enjoy the park’s surrounding beauty, ensuring its features were eccentric while still incorporating naturally into their environment. Much of the park’s symbolism draws inspiration from a combination Catalan nationalism, religious mysticism and ancient poetry. From the iconic mosaic salamander at its entrance to the sea serpent bench encircling the main terrace which offers panoramic views over the park, the Monumental Zone is best characterized by its somewhat surreal installations. La Pedrera / Casa Milà Location: Passeig de Gràcia, 92 Translated literally as the ‘stone quarry’, La Pedrera is best known for its rough-hewn limestone façade, somewhat resembling an open quarry. This titan of a residence was designed and built for the aristocrat Pere Milà i Camps and his wife Rosario Segimon between 1906 and 1912. Entrancing both inside and out, La Pedrera is composed of two apartment blocks spread across nine stories and constructed around two large, interconnected courtyards. Gaudí, together with his partner Josep Maria Jujol, designed everything from the exterior façade to the individual apartments and the furniture within to incorporate with one another in the duo’s iconic modernist style. Crowning the residence is the ‘garden of warriors’ rooftop terrace, named after the 28 imposing chimneys that resemble twisted, standing soldiers. The terrace is decorated in a mosaic of marble, broken Valencian tiles and shards of broken champagne bottles and offers almost unparalleled views over the city. Casa Batlló Location: Passeig de Gràcia, 43 Famous for its somewhat visceral, skeletal exterior, Casa Batlló is known locally as la casa dels ossos, or the ‘house of bones’. While not originally built by Antoni Gaudí, the property’s owner, Joseph Batlló, commissioned the architect to redesign the home in 1904. While only broadly identifiable as a modernist structure, the residence joins Casa Amatller and Casa Lleó to make up the Illa de la Discòrdia, or ‘Block of Discord’, which stands as a celebration of Barcelona’s most prolific modernist architects. Palau Güell Location: Carrer Nou de la Rambla, 3-5 Palau Güell was the first of what would come to be many works commissioned by tycoon Eusebi Güell. Designed as both a residence and a venue at which to host high society guests, the urban palace served to offer every conceivable luxury possible of a building. Its opulent interior appears in stark contrast to its relatively undecorated exterior façade. The mansion is constructed around a central hall and its accompanying receiving rooms. Incorporating towering, ornate walls and pillars, this party hall served as somewhat of an interior courtyard, offering a source of natural light during the day. In the evening, lanterns would be hung from small holes in the domed ceiling to mimic a starry sky. Casa Vicens Location: Carrer de les Carolines, 20-26 Considered Gaudí’s first significant masterpiece, Casa Vicens was the first building in Catalonia to stray entirely from standard architectural norms and practices. With inspiration drawn from the orientalist and Neo-Mudéjar architectural styles, Gaudí’s design incorporated a mixture of Catalan, Islamic, Japanese and English techniques and symbolism. Commissioned by the Vicens family to serve as a summer residence, Gaudí designed the home to provide a balance of private quarters, social spaces and areas for quiet reflection. Much of the interior furniture was also by his own design in order to compliment the surrounding architecture. Church of Colonia Güell / Gaudí Crypt Location: Carrer Claudi Güell, 08690 La Colònia Güell Sitting a short distance outside Barcelona, the Church of Colònia Güell was designed to serve as a place of worship for the workers of Eusebi Güell’s industrial colony. Although Gaudí had drawn up plans for the construction of a full church, various complications meant that the structure was ultimately left unfinished. The church’s crypt stands as the only completed section of the project. Built partially below ground due to its hillside location, Gaudí designed the crypt to incorporate with its natural surroundings. His use of basalt, brick and stone gives the crypt a more muted, earthy appearance. Between the use of natural-looking colors and the rough-hewn pillars holding up the ceiling, the crypt has been likened more to a forest grotto or cave. A number of stained glass windows help to provide some vibrancy to the otherwise dim, almost ancient-looking interior space. Other Works Although UNESCO dubs these the collective works of Gaudí, they certainly weren’t his only projects. Throughout his professional career, the architect worked on over a dozen major sites throughout Catalonia. His most celebrated works are those that employed the extent of his skills, often straying largely from architectural norms. For those looking for the full Gaudí experience, some other notable examples of his work throughout Barcelona include Pavellons Güell, the Teresian College, Celler Güell, Casa Calvet and Bellesguard.
Robert Heaney

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