20 Most Famous Buildings in Barcelona
A guide to the most iconic buildings, famous architects and famous landmarks in Barcelona, Spain
If you’re planning a trip to Barcelona, Spain, then there are lots of sights to see and experiences to be had!
On the must-see list for many is some of the amazing buildings found here. From awe-inspiring Cathedrals and Churches – such as Sagrada Familia – iconic Gaudi masterpieces, huge Palaces – like Park Güell – Art Deco structures along with modern designs – this city has it all.
Known around the world for its architectural excellence and characterized by bold colors against a blue sky, Barcelona is sure to delight.
In this blog post, I will explore with you some of these famous buildings in Barcelona in depth so that you can get an idea about what awaits you in this magical Spanish destination!
One of the most iconic buildings in Barcelona
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Pssst…!!! You can’t get enough of Barcelona? Have a look at my other posts about the Catalan capital:
- 2 Days in Barcelona
- Best Wineries near Barcelona
- Best historic hotels in Spain
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1. Park Güell
Park Guell
Park Guell is a sprawling venue composed of gardens and quirky architectural pieces located on Carmel Hill from which you get a breathtaking view of the entire Barcelona skyline.
One of the major works of Gaudi in Barcelona, it was originally intended as a residential park for Barcelona’s aristocrats, but eventually became one of the most famous Barcelona landmarks.
Gaudí is the most famous architect in Barcelona, if not all of Spain, and his iconic buildings are considered to be among the best architecture in Barcelona.
When you talk about what is Spain known for, Gaudi is almost always near the top of the list!
So it’s no surprise that Park Güell is now one of the most famous landmarks in Barcelona and officials started charging entrance fees.
While Park Guell is away from the center of Barcelona, it’s still located within the city limits.
You can spend a lot of time wandering around this gem that features The Gaudi Museum, the entrance pavilion, and an incredible panoramic view from the balcony.
If you are visiting during the peak tourist season which falls in late spring through early fall, you should book your tickets online to skip the crowds.
The Palau Güell is one of the prettiest buildings in Barcelona and thus very popular. It’s thus very important to book in advance as the entrance is limited.
Book here your Fast Track tickets to Parc Güell.
2. Casa Batllo
Casa Batllo
Located in the center of the city, this famous house in Barcelona is another architectural jewel created by the Catalan architect, Antoni Gaudí.
Nicknamed “The House of Bones” by locals, Casa Batlló is known for its elegant terraces, bright colors, and unusual facade.
If you’re looking for cool buildings in Barcelona, this is one of the most unique and innovative buildings with fun interior and exterior design that will delight.
Casa Batllo is one of the reasons why Barcelona is considered one of the most beautiful places in Spain.
Along with nearby Casa Amatller and Casa Leo Morera, Casa Battlo comprises a so-called “Block of Discord” – prominent modernist houses located on the same block.
Gaudí is considered the greatest exponent of the Catalan modernist movement, and most of his iconic buildings are in this style.
If you are able to pay for the entrance, I highly recommend taking some time to explore the inside with a guided audio tour.
The major pet peeve of many travelers is the long line at the entrance which can be avoided by buying tickets online and showing up early.
This Gaudí designed building is one of the main tourist attractions in Spain, and one of Barcelona’s most iconic buildings. It is without any doubt one of the top Gaudi Houses in Barcelona!
Book here your tickets to Casa Batllo
3. Casa Amatller
Details In Casa Amatller
Right next to Casa Battlo you’ll find Casa Amatller, a Catalan modernistic building that is often ignored by tourists because of its more famous neighbor.
The neo-gothic facade of the building probably will remind you of Dutch architecture, and rightfully so, because it was inspired by the buildings in the Netherlands.
Take a guided tour inside the building and learn about the history of art in Barcelona.
Casa Amatller is one of the most famous Barcelona, Spain buildings.
Book here your tickets to Casa Amatller
4. Casa Lleó-Morera
Modernist Architecture in Barcelona
Along with Casa Battlo and Casa Amatller, Casa Lleo-Morera is one of the most grandiose modernist constructions in Barcelona.
The design of the building and the details of the balconies are intricate and impressive.
Similar to Casa Amatller and Casa Battlo, you can purchase tickets online and take a guided tour of the building.
On the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about one of the geniuses of the Catalan modernism movement – Lluís Domènech i Montaner.
Book here your Gaudi Walking Tour
5.
Casa Mila (La Pedrera)
Casa Mila (La Pedrera)
Casa Mila is located only a few minutes away from Casa Batllo and is another famous house in Barcelona.
Just like Casa Batllo, Casa Mila is nicknamed “The Quarry House” because its irregularly shaped facade resembles a quarry.
The rooftop of Casa Mila is a major attraction thanks to the amazing city views.
To skip the long lines which are also typical for this place, I strongly recommend booking your tickets in advance.
Casa Mila is one of the masterpieces of Catalan art.
Book here your skip-the-line-ticket for Casa Mila
6. La Sagrada Familia
The stunning beauty of La Sagrada Familia
Gaudi’s masterpiece is probably the most photographed piece of famous architecture in Barcelona. In fact, it is easily THE most famous building in Spain.
While there are countless interpretations of what Gaudi was trying to portray through his artwork, La Sagrada Familia is an indisputable testament to his unrelenting imagination and religious devotion.
Despite still being under construction, this Roman Catholic church is considered some of the best architecture in Barcelona.
It consistently draws huge numbers of tourists year-round, so prepare to brave the crowds.
The main highlight of the interior of La Sagrada Familia is the columns that stretch toward the ceiling.
If you look closely, you will notice that the style of construction is somewhat different between the old and new parts of the church.
This difference has created a lot of controversies, as some think that Gaudi would not have approved of the construction methods that are used to finish his most famous work.
This building can already be seen as UNESCO World Heritage. It is one of the most visited Gaudi buildings in Barcelona.
The building is a must-do, even if you just have 48 hours in Barcelona.
Book here your Fast-Track tickets for La Sagrada Familia
7. Arc de Triomf
Favorite Place to Walk
The Arc de Triompf is a red-brick triumphal arch that was built as the gateway to the fair in the Parc de la Ciutadella, but today it serves a purely decorative purpose.
One of the most famous monuments in Barcelona, the triumphal arch has numerous details and motifs that are definitely worth checking out.
So, take a few minutes to walk down the palm-tree avenue and take a peek at this architectural marvel.
Book here your Gaudi Walking Tour
8. The Gothic Quarter
The Gothic Cathedral
The Gothic Quarter is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Barcelona.
Full of history, the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona is the gateway to the Old City. It has trendy bars, restaurants, and nightlife combined with centuries-old buildings and cathedrals.
The Gothic Cathedral, a majestic 13-15th-century building is the major highlight of the area which shouldn’t be missed.
On top of the cathedral, the Gothic Quarter boasts several of Barcelona Spain’s prominent buildings such as Sant Jaume Square and the Church of Santa Maria del Pi.
Other places located within the Gothic Quarter that are worth visiting are Plaça del Rei – home to the Museum of History of Barcelona – and Plaça Reial, a popular gathering place with a lot of restaurants and a lively atmosphere.
La Boqueria is a market well-known for its large assortment of products.
Even though it’s technically located right on the border of the Gothic Quarter, you should take a walk around and breathe in the unique atmosphere of this historic place.
Book here your Gothic Quarter Walking Tour
9. Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar
Details in Santa Maria del Mar
One of the best examples of the Catalan Gothic Style, Santa Maria Del Mar (Our Lady of the Sea) is located in the Ribera district of Barcelona.
Completed in the 14th century, the church took over 50 years to be built, but it’s now one of the most beautiful buildings in Barcelona.
Make sure to check out the inside of the church and take a guided tour to one of the rooftop terraces if you want to learn more about the history of the cathedral. The tour is available from May to October.
The church is known for its unique architectural style with a simple interior devoid of any imagery and a stern-looking outside complete with an ornate nave.
I recommend you take this tour early morning before the venue gets crowded.
This building is less known but is one of the reasons why Barcelona is considered one of the top city breaks in Spain.
Book here your Gothic Quarter Walking Tour
10. The Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor – Tibidabo
Tibidabo Cathedral
Tibidabo Cathedral or with its full title, Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor (Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus) is another famous building in Barcelona.
This church sits on top of Mount Tibidabo, from which it gets its name.
Climb up the stairs to the top of Tibidabo Cathedral and you will be rewarded with an amazing panoramic view of Barcelona and more.
While the cathedral’s entrance is free, you have to pay 2 euros for the elevator to get to the top.
The venue is accessible by public transport, including buses and trains.
Book here your ticket to Tibidabo
11. Hospital Sant Pau
Hospital Sant Pau
One of the most famous Barcelona buildings is the Hospital de Sant Pau, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Spain.
This Barcelona iconic building is the largest Art Nouveau complex in the world.
As the name suggests, Hospital de Sant Pau was a fully functioning hospital until 2009.
But after a newer hospital was opened up across the street, the building was restored and reopened as a museum and cultural center in 2014.
The former hospital complex also has gorgeous gardens and intricate mosaics.
Book here your ticket to Hospital de Sant Pau
12. Palau de la Música Catalana
Palau de la Música Catalana
Palau de la Música Catalana is often grouped together with Hospital de Sant Pau due to both being UNESCO sites built by Lluís Domènech i Montaner.
But this building is one of Barcelona’s famous landmarks in its own right.
This iconic Barcelona building is full of fascinating history, some of which is only viewable by guided tour.
The colorful stained-glass skylight, doubled-headed eagle statue, and Art Nouveau sculptures make Palau de la Música Catalana one of the most famous buildings in Spain.
Book here your guided tour of Palau de la Musica Catalana
13. Torre Bellesguard
Torre Bellesguard
You might also recognize Torre Bellesguard by the name Casa Figueras. This is another iconic modernist building by famous Barcelona architect, Antoni Gaudí.
The design for Casa Figueras was inspired by the medieval castle originally built on the land in the 15th century for the King of Aragon.
In 1900 Jaume Figueres bought the land and castle ruins and commissioned Gaudi for a project.
Gaudi was given free rein to design, unfortunately, this wound up being disastrous for the family.
Due to delays and Gaudí’s obsessing over details, the family nearly went bankrupt and had to sell the home.
This famous house in Barcelona has been open to the public for the past 30 years.
Book here the best tour of Torre Bellesguard
14. Pavilion Mies Van der Rohe
Pavilion Mies Van der Rohe
Although this is one of Barcelona’s famous buildings, it isn’t for everyone.
It is definitely worth a visit for those interested in minimalism, modernist art, and architecture.
Also known as the German Pavilion and Barcelona Pavilion, this iconic building was designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich for the 1929 International Exposition.
It is an important building in both modern and minimalist architecture.
With its adjacent pool, the Pavilion is reminiscent of expensive minimalist homes on TV, but what makes it stand out are the materials.
The Pavilion is built using expensive and heavy materials, particularly golden onyx, travertine, and green marble.
Book here a private architecture tour of Barcelona
15. Camp Nou
Camp Nou
Football fans will be happy to see Camp Nou make the list of famous landmarks in Barcelona.
Since it was built in 1957, Camp Nou has been the home stadium for FC Barcelona. The stadium holds just under 100,000 people making it the largest football stadium in both Spain and Europe and the third-largest in the world.
– Get tickets here.
The easiest way to see this iconic building is to watch a football game or visit the attached museum dedicated to FC Barcelona. But true fans should book a guided tour with a journalist to get special access and behind-the-scenes stories.
Book here your guided tour to Camp Nou
16. Casa Vicens Gaudi
Casa Vicens Gaudi
One of the lesser-known Gaudi buildings to see in Barcelona is the Casa Vicens Gaudi.
Built between 1883 and 1885, this is generally considered to be Gaudi’s very first major project, as well as the first building of the Catalonian Modernisme architectural movement.
The large, multi-story building is one of the most iconic buildings in Barcelona and can now be visited as a museum.
It houses a large collection of important architectural documents about Gaudi and the building itself.
There is also a sizeable permanent art collection on-site, as well as regular temporary exhibits related to art, architecture, and culture.
Book here your Gaudi’s Casa Vicens Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket
17. Torre Glòries (formerly Torre Agbar)
Torre Glòries (formerly Torre Agbar)
The Torre Glòries (more well known by its former name of Torre Agbar), is a 38-story skyscraper in Barcelona that was designed by the famous French architect Jean Nouvel.
This bullet-shaped building is definitely one of the most unique Barcelona landmark buildings with its shiny and colorful glass siding.
In addition, the building is fitted with 4,500 LEDs that allow it to light up in different colors and designs. The lights are able to produce 16 million different colors.
At night you won’t be able to ignore this famous building in Barcelona! Even during the day, it’s unmissable from most parts of the city.
Book here a bike tour around Torre Agbar and other iconic Barcelona sites
18. Monastery of Pedralbes
Monastery of Pedralbes
One of the most beautiful buildings in Barcelona is the Monastery of Pedralbes.
This stunning gothic monastery dates back to the 1300s (though it has undergone a few renovations since).
Today, the building has been converted into a museum and welcomes visitors from all over the world and all faiths.
Visitors will find not only some of the best architecture in Barcelona to explore and admire but also some fantastic religious art pieces.
Make sure to visit the cloisters and newly renovated St. Michael’s chapel.
19. Gran Teatre del Liceu
Gran Teatre del Liceu
Although construction on the Gran Teatre del Liceu officially began in 1845, the theatre’s history really dates back to 1837.
At the time Manuel Gibert i Sans, a lawyer and member of the Spanish military, requested a military battalion form a theater group.
They formed the Liceo Filodramático de Montesión (now named Conservatori Superior de Música del Liceu), and educational music school.
This group and institution later became the basis for the Gran Teatre del Liceu.
In its lifetime, the Liceu has seen fires, and regime changes and faced many other struggles that threatened to close it down.
Now it is one of the most famous buildings in Barcelona, Spain where you can admire the architecture on the outside before enjoying the show inside!
20. Basilica Santa Maria del Pi
Basilica Santa Maria del Pi
Most of this gothic church was built between the late 14th and early 15th centuries. However, it still contains a Romanesque door from the 13th century.
The church was seriously damaged during an earthquake, bombed during Spanish succession, and looted following a fire in the 1930s.
But despite all this, this famous building in Barcelona, Spain is now one of the city’s most impressive landmarks.
When you visit the Basilica Santa Maria del Pi, be sure to book a visit to see the beautiful bell tower – and enjoy the great view over Barcelona.
Book here to enjoy a Spanish concert at the Basilica Santa Maria del Pi
Looking for more to do in Barcelona? Remember that the city is also a great base to explore the Catalan countryside, including day trips to the best wineries near Barcelona.
About the Author
The Discovery Nut is a website about traveling the less-discovered locations and encouraging others to get out of their comfort zone. Daria Bachmann founded The Discovery Nut as she wanted to share her passion for traveling to less-known places. Through writing and videos that can be found on her website and YouTube channel. She hopes to inspire others to venture out into the world and discover new destinations.
Follow Daria on Instagram: @thedisocverynut
Short FAQ
Who is the famous architect in Barcelona?
Antoni Gaudi, a Catalan architect is the most famous architect in Barcelona and probably all of Spain.
What is the most famous building in Spain?
While a few iconic buildings compete for this title, La Sagrada Familia is probably the most famous building in Barcelona AND all of Spain.
What are some of the most famous buildings in Barcelona Spain?
There are many famous buildings in Barcelona.
Some of the most iconic buildings are Casa Batllo and Casa Amatller, the Arc de Triomf, and Park Guell.
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Buildings in Barcelona are beautiful sights
Buildings from more than 2000 years of history have been preserved in Barcelona: from Roman times to the Gothic era, from Modernisme, as the Catalan Art Nouveau is called here, to modern and imposing buildings.
Many of the monuments in Barcelona are famous landmarks and real attractions for visitors. A number of buildings that you can visit today as top sights in Barcelona are famous far beyond the borders of Spain, their architects are groundbreaking for their and subsequent epochs.
Monuments in Barcelona, tickets and information
The Sagrada Familia is the best known and most impressive attraction in Barcelona: a “must see”.
Here you can book tickets for guided tours with skip the line and read about the symbolism of the architect Antoni Gaudí.
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What’s going on behind the scenes at Camp Nou? What fascinates millions of people in Barça? Here you can find out. Read about the history of the stadium and book the ticket for visiting the stadium.
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With its famous roof, the house is one of the most impressive modernist buildings. Here you can find out why you should visit Casa Milà twice.
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The roof of Casa Batlló is like a dragon’s back. The building is one of the most beautiful and peculiar buildings of the Catalan Art Nouveau. You will talk about this visit for a long time.
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What the locals call “El Palau” is rightly a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Palau is one of the most impressive modernist buildings with wonderful acoustics in the halls.
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As a tourist, the Hospital Sant Pau is a pleasure to visit: it is one of the most beautiful modernist building complexes. The historic hospital area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Casa Vicens is the first building designed by the young Antoni Gaudí and is well worth seeing! The house is the cornerstone of his later works.
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The renovation of the architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch has given Casa Amatller cultural and historical importance. You should not miss a taste of the Amatller chocolates in the café.
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One of Antoni Gaudí’s early masterpieces, partly reminiscent of a Venetian palace.
The Palau Güell is located in the Raval district, a few meters from the Rambla.
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The Catedral de la Santa Creu i Santa Eulàlia is in the middle of the Gothic District. Its magnificent gothic interior has an extraordinarily pretty cloister.
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The Torre de Bellesguard is one of Gaudi’s works that is awarded only little importance. For sure without good reason, since you can see several elements in the Bellesguard, that he perfected in his later works. Bellesguard was Gaudi’s only work for which he had to search for a building contractor. With this building, Gaudi executed a tribute to the middle age and interpreted the gothic in his own way.
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The 60 meter high Columbus monument offers an interesting view of the port, the old town of Barcelona and the sea.
In the basement you can taste the latest Catalan wines.
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Visiting the Santa Maria del Mar is a must when you are in Barcelona. The church was built in only 55 years, so it is purely gothic and not a blend of different architectural styles.
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The Castell de Montjuïc houses the military museum and offers an astonishing view over the city. At the foot of the rocky hill, there are many attractions such as the Poble Espanyol, an amusement park, the MNAC and parks.
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The Colònia Güell has been declared a cultural heritage. The crypt is the unfinished church of Antoni Gaudí, but it is a highlight in Gaudí’s work. Here you can get tickets to enter the crypt and visit the settlement and the museum.
More information and booking.
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The German Pavilion was built by Mies van der Rohe for the 1929 World’s Fair. You see modern architecture, the free and open floor plan. The Barcelona chair, which can still be found unchanged in many waiting rooms, is considered a milestone in modern design.
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The 142 meter high office tower is a symbol of Barcelona. The Torre Glòries shimmers in a wide variety of colors depending on the incidence of light. It is even illuminated at night. The viewing platform on the 33rd floor offers a great view.
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The Monastery of Pedralbes is one of the prettiest examples of Catalan gothic in Barcelona. It was built in the early 14th century and shows the everyday life of nuns. Religious art from the 14th to the 20th century is displayed in the monastery museum. The pretty gardens are a nice place to relax and stay a little while.
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The former Benedictine monastery of Sant Pau del Camp is the oldest preserved church in Barcelona today. The construction of the Romanesque church building is suspected in the late 9th century.
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Barcelona won a new attraction with the opening of the shopping centre “Las Arenas”. There are six floors with different shops, a fitness centre, a cinema, a museum and several bars and restaurants. The facade of the former bull ring was restored.
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The Gran Teatre del Liceu is one of the most important opera houses in Europe and one of the most beautiful attractions of Barcelona. Book a guided tour through the opera house.
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The Arc de Triomf served as the entrance to the World Exhibition in 1888.
A car-free street leads from here to the Parc de la Ciutadella.
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Architect and designer Josep Puig i Cadafalch had no doubts about breaking the norms of classicism and building a grand building inspired by nothing less than Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria.
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Casa Calvet has one quality that sets it apart from all the other buildings designed by the architectural genius Antoni Gaudí: it is absolutely unspectacular.
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Buildings on the UNESCO World Heritage List
Did you know that Barcelona is the city with the most objects on the UNESCO World Heritage List? Gaudí has his own entry on the list “Works by Gaudí”.
- Park Güell
- Palau Güell
- Casa Milà
- Crypt and birth facade of the Sagrada Familia
- Casa Vicens
- Casa Batlló
- Crypt of the Colonia Güell
- Palau de la Música
- Hospital Sant Pau
- Drassanes Reials de Barcelona (medieval shipyard)
Architectural history of Barcelona
The building history in Barcelona is unmistakable: you will find buildings from Roman times in Barcelona.
Monumental remains of the former city wall as well as parts of the Temple of Augustus can be visited today. The Gothic also left clear traces in Barcelona, such as the Santa Maria del Mar and the Cathedral of La Seu.
Don’t get confused: Modernisme is not modernity
“Modernisme” is often translated as “modernity”. That’s just wrong! Modernisme is the Catalan Art Nouveau that led to imposing buildings, especially between 1878 and 1910. The buildings are modern, because most of them do not require air conditioning, for example, and still have a good indoor climate. But despite the similarity in name, they have nothing to do with modern glass and concrete buildings.
The buildings of modernisme
If you stroll through the streets of Barcelona, ââyou will always experience architectural surprises: the Modernisme (1878 – 1910), which is omnipresent in Barcelona, ââhas produced many unusual and unconventional buildings, above all the buildings of the world-famous architect Antoni Gaudi and his Casa Milà, Casa Batlló and above all his life’s work, the Sagrada Familia.
Of course, there are several representatives of such an important epoch of architecture: Lluis Domènech i Montaner, who built the Hospital Sant Pau and the Palau de la Música, among other things, and Josep Puig i Cadafalch, whose impressive building Casa de les Punxes.
Barcelona and modernity
Significant impulses to erect modern and beautiful buildings in Barcelona came from the 1929 World Exhibition and the 1992 Olympic Games in particular. The German Pavilion at the World Exhibition by Mies van der Rohe is considered one of the first significant examples of modern architecture.
For urban renewal in the course of the Olympic Games, it was possible to free oneself from the dreariness of the Franco era and to continue the tradition of creativity that was lived in modernism with modern styles. Not always undisputed, but that is also what makes many buildings so appealing.
With this change, modernism and “functionalism” were introduced into the cityscape of Barcelona.
As in many other major European cities, the celebrities of modernity also realized themselves in Barcelona. In Barcelona, ââthis epoch brought with it, above all, a large-scale conversion of industrial wasteland and factories. New parks, buildings and landmarks of the city were created.
The urban area “El Diagonal Mar” around the “Forum” is particularly worth seeing. In the course of the urban development “@22” and the “Superillas”, the most modern buildings fit into a unique new urban planning.
Notable buildings from this era:
- Norman Foster: TV tower on the Tibidabo “Torre de Collserola”
- Jean Nouvel: The “Torre Glòries” illuminated at night
- Enric Miralles: Market hall in the old town “Mercat de Santa Caterina”
- Richard Meier: Museum of Contemporary Architecture “MACBA”
- Ricardo Bofill: the famous “W Hotel” on Barcelona’s beach.
The most beautiful buildings in Barcelona
Buildings in Barcelona amaze even the most sophisticated connoisseurs of architecture.
The most striking of them are closely associated with the name of Antonio Gaudí. Gaudí’s Barcelona is saturated with legends and legends. The one who created the masterpieces encourages people to talk about themselves many years after their death.
Gaudí is a genius, that’s obvious. And Gaudí and Barcelona are inseparable. Wonderful houses in Barcelona, built by Gaudí, are filled with sensations and emotions that never leave the one who saw them even once.
Gaudí’s buildings in Barcelona win hearts and minds just as easily and naturally. Gaudí, who idolized nature, made every effort to build architectural structures in harmony with it:
- Gaudí’s top of the temple is crowned with sheaves of cereals and ears of corn
- window arches complete fruit baskets
- facades look like vines
- drainpipes, usually obscenely primitive, in Gaudí’s take on the shape of snakes and reptiles
- chimneys screwed with volutes
- palm leaves turn into a fence
Casa Batlló
Gaudí’s flawlessness of nature is repeated in the flawlessness of its architectural forms.
During his life Antoni Gaudi created more than twenty architectural creations, ten of them are located in Barcelona. Materials about the most beautiful buildings in Barcelona by the hands of the architect further.
1Casa Batlo – the most famous building in Barcelona
“House of bones”, “yawning house”, “dragon house” – Gaudi builds an unimaginable building in Barcelona, wonderful and amazing. It is worth making sure of this by all means, since it is located in the center of Barcelona. In his image, everything is atypical – a mosaic that changes shade depending on the position of the sun, a hunched roof, a special type of windows. It will surprise everyone for sure.
Buy tickets online for Casa Batlló here.
Located : Consell de Cent, 381, Passeig de Gracia metro station (green line L3 or yellow line L4)
2House Mila – Pedrera
Antonio Gaudí completed this building in Barcelona and then did not deal with secular buildings, devoting himself entirely to the construction of the Sagrada Familia.
Reactions to the House of Mila were different, however, undoubtedly – this is the greatest creation.
Buy tickets online to Dom Mila here.
Location : Provença street, 261-265, Diagonal metro station or Passeig de Gracia (green line L3 or yellow line L4)
The first notable work of a brilliant architect. Gaudí erected this building in Barcelona in 1883-1888 by order of the owner of the ceramic tile factory, Manuel Vicens Muntaner. Not having time to take the order, Gaudi went to inspect the site of the upcoming construction site and found there a delightful instance of a palm tree in bloom. Marigolds framed the foot of the palm tree, forming a yellow carpet. Gaudí guessed to decorate the fence grate with palm leaves, and ceramic tiles with marigolds.
Located : 18-24 Carolines Street, next to the metro Fontana or Lesseps (green line L3)
4 House Kalvet
Gaudi in Barcelona is also easy to recognize in an elementary, seemingly invisible building in Barcelona.
Just this creation of Gaudi is not revealed immediately, its characteristic features can be appreciated only by peering into the details. Just the House of Calvet was recognized as the most outstanding masterpiece of Gaudí. Elegance, aesthetics and inconceivable embodiment were rated as the highest authorities of Barcelona directly in this building in Barcelona.
Located: Casp street 48 Urquinaona metro station (yellow line L4 or red line L1)
The place where master Gaudi built his ingenious building in Barcelona attracted builders already at the beginning of the 15th century, then the monarch Marty the Humane erected a marvelous palace on the slope of Mount Tibidabo, giving it the name Bellesguard – which translates from Catalan as “beautiful view”. In 1900, this place became the basis for the construction of another, rather elementary palace in the neo-Gothic style by architect Antonio Gaudi. Later, this building in Barcelona became known as the House of Figueres.
Location : 16 Bellesguard Street Av. Tibidabo (line L7)
- How to avoid queues at Barcelona attractions. Tickets for Sagrada Familia and Park Güell skip the line.
- How not to be deceived by local taxi drivers. Order a taxi in advance with fixed rates online. The most reliable service for ordering a taxi is KiwiTaxi .
- Tours in Barcelona with locals will help you get to know this city for real. The best way to get comfortable in an unfamiliar city is to walk around it with a person who has lived here for many years.
- We advise you to take out travel insurance so that there are no unpleasant surprises while traveling to Barcelona.
- Barcelona City Pass is a one-stop card that makes organizing your holiday in Barcelona easier and saves you a lot of time and money.
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Hotels in Barcelona: is our selection and recommendations.
- Bus Turistic is a tourist bus and a great way to get to all the necessary monuments of Barcelona quickly, with a breeze and comfort.
- Drimsim is a universal international SIM card and a free travel application. Best prices, fast internet and worldwide calls.
- TAGS
- Antonio Gaudí Works
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Lyudmila Malchenko
Barcelona… Visit once and fall in love forever!
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Barcelona’s 10 architectural gems
According to legend , Barcelona was founded by the famous hero of ancient Greek myths – Hercules and restored from ruins in the 3rd century BC by the Carthaginian Hamilcar Barca, who named the city after his family – Barcino.
Today Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain and the tenth largest in the European Union.
The capital of Catalonia is located on the Mediterranean coast. The hills on which the city was built gave the names to five of its districts: Carmel, Monterolls, Puchet, Rovira and Peira. Like most European cities, Barcelona consists of the Old City, which includes the Gothic Quarter, the New City, the 19th century building period, and modern districts.
The architecture of Barcelona reflects the main historical and cultural periods of the formation of the Catalan capital. The old city includes both medieval buildings, made in the Gothic style, and more ancient buildings from the period of Roman antiquity. The Eixample or New Town is a classic example of modernism of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. On Gràcia Boulevard, you can admire the masterpieces of the famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí and the lanterns with benches designed by Per Falques.
The main sights of Barcelona are located in the historical center of the city.
On the hill of Montjuic, located next to the seaport, you can visit the ancient fortress (1640), the open-air architectural museum known as the “Spanish Village”, the National Art Museum of Catalonia and the Olympic facilities built for the 1992 Summer Games. The site lonelyplanet.com introduces us to the most beautiful sights of Barcelona.
Sagrada Familia
Sagrada Familia, located in Barcelona’s Eixample, belongs to the modernist architectural genius Antoni Gaudí. The construction of the cathedral began in 1882. All work was paid for through private donations. Perhaps that is why the Sagrada Familia was built over more than one century. From 1882 to 19The 26th was built under the direction of Gaudí. Since 1926, other well-known architects have alternately assumed patronage over the Temple. The consecration of the temple took place only in the XXI century. Sagrada Familia was built in the shape of a Latin cross. The building has five naves. The bell towers of the temple imitate the appearance of sand towers.
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Church of Santa Maria del Mar
The Church of St. Mary on the Sea (namely, the name of the pearl of Spanish architecture is translated into Russian) is located in the old quarter of La Ribela, located in the Old Town. The Gothic building was erected during the mid-late 14th century, the time of the commercial and maritime heyday of Catalonia. Santa Maria del Mar is distinguished by the purity of its architectural style, strictly adhering to traditional medieval norms. For example, exquisite, at first glance, the stained-glass window of the western facade of the church – and that belongs to the style of flaming Gothic.
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Torre Akbar
The 34-story skyscraper, located on Glorias Catalanes Square, got its name from the owners, the Akbar Group company. The prefix “Torre” in Catalan means “tower”. The majestic building, reminiscent of its appearance as a spaceship, was completed in June 2005.
The uniqueness of the facade of Torre Akbar is associated with its special structure. The outer part of the skyscraper is covered with metal, with LEDs built into them, and glass panels moving under the influence of temperature sensors. LED technology forms complex color combinations on the surface of Torre Akbar within 16 million options.
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Palace of Catalan Music
Palau de la Música Catalana is the brightest representative of Catalan Art Nouveau. The famous Barcelona Concert Hall was built by the architect Luis Domènech y Montaner at the beginning of the 20th century. The Palace of Catalan Music is the only one in Europe with natural light. Palau de la Musica Catalana is located on a small street in the historic quarter of La Ribela. The architectural features of Art Nouveau manifested themselves in the design of the Palace in curved lines, dynamic forms, and bright artistic ornaments. The decoration of the facade additionally includes elements of classical Spanish and Arab culture.
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Hospital of the Holy Cross and St. Paul
Barcelona’s famous hospital complex is located in the New Town. Built in the first third of the 20th century by the famous Catalan modernist architect Luis Domènech y Montaner, it is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The first hospital of St. Paul appeared on this site back in 1401, when six medieval hospitals were merged into one. In its modern form, the hospital functioned until 2009.years, after which it was converted into a cultural center and museum. Currently, various exhibitions are held on its territory.
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Santa Caterina Market
Santa Caterina Market got its name from the saint to whom the nunnery that stood on this site was dedicated. The religious institution was destroyed in 1835 by revolutionary events, after which the city council decided to give its land for commercial space, which the city at that time needed more.
The first market building was designed by Joseph Mas Villa and opened in 1846. Santa Catarina acquired its modern look thanks to the work of Enrique Mirayes. It was he who proposed to decorate the roof of the market in bright, catchy colors.
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House “La Pedrera”
In fact, an unusual house in Barcelona, built at the beginning of the 20th century by the architect Antonio Gaudí, is called Mila house. “Pedrera”, that is, “The Quarry”, he was nicknamed by the locals, who at first did not accept modernism as an art form. The strange structure, completely devoid of straight lines, was perceived by the people of Barcelona as something terrible. Meanwhile, Mila’s house is unique not only from the outside, but also from the inside. Natural ventilation works in it, and interior partitions are moved at the request of the apartment owners.
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Amalie House
Built in the late 19th and early 20th century, the Amalie house combines Neo-Gothic and modernist architectural features.
The building was built in 1875. In 1898 it was bought by the Barcelona confectioner Antonio Amalie. On his behalf, the architect J. Puig i Cadafalca redesigned the decorative design of the building. The pediment of the latter acquired a stepped look, and an allegorical image of the owner appeared on the facade. Located in the Eixample district, the Amalie house is part of the “Quarter of Discord”, so named because of the stylistic heterogeneity of its constituent buildings. From 19For 76 years, the house of Amalle is a monument of national importance.
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Casa Batlló
Casa Batlló bears the name of the textile magnate who commissioned the design of the building to modernist architect Antonio Gaudí. The residential building was erected in 1877 in the Eixample district, next to the Amalie house. The second name of the Casa Batlló – the House of Bones – is associated with its unusual architectural form. Like La Pedrera, this building lacks straight lines.