Barcelona boasts of fascinating museums and culture, Mediterranean Sea and beaches as well as wonderful gardens and parks not to forget the renowned works of the great Antonin Gaudi who is regarded so highly that 7 of 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Barcelona are the creations of this architect who was born in Reus.
Antoni Gaudi was an architect known for his unique and very individualistic designs. He worked through the Art Noveau period in Barcelona. As there are many attractions and sights to visit in Barcelona as well as a number of guide books, you are bound to be confused as to what to see. There are a few key spots worth checking out to learn more about this creative genius.
If you wish to visit the chief attractions of Antoni Gaudi, the ideal way to go about this is to set aside a day so that you will be able to see the key sights of Barcelona and also take in the fascinating history and scenery. If you have come to the city on a weekend trip, you could dedicate one day to spending time on the beach or shopping.
The Gaudi Walking Tour
There are a few Gaudi’s city sights that you could visit in an easy to follow route that could be covered in any order.
You could start from the town and city centre. You must stroll along the renowned promenade of the Las Ramblas, an old bed of a river running beside the walls of Barcino, a Roman town.
Your first stop would be Palau Guell that has been opened recently after an extensive renovation. There is no entrance charge here. It would be a great way to start your day.
Then you could take the metro or walk up a green line beyond Las Ramblas in Liceu and arrive at Passieg de Gracia. When you step out of the station, you will find Casa Battlo, without doubt Gaudi, having window frames like bones and rooftop tiled with dragon’s scale in honor of Catalan Patron Saint, Saint George.
Follow the street of Passeig de Gracia two blocks further. You will reach La Pedrera or Casa Mila. You will notice the influence from Gaudi’s father, an ironmonger here as well as in Palau Guell in the city centre. You will now become familiar with the genius and style of the man.
The building of Casa Mila lacks straight lines. You will be charged an entrance fee here that includes visiting one period apartment, an attic museum having original blueprints that are fantastic and the magnificent rooftop terrace that boasts amazing views as well as chimneys.
You could then walk into the Gracia district to Casa Vicens, a UNESCO site that looms large over the neighboring buildings. This is on the line of Green metro where you could go back to Vallarca.
The Must See Gaudi Sites
Park Guell and Sagrada Familia. These couple must see sites of Gaudi are popular with tourists. On leaving Vallarca station, you can take the outdoor escalators to behind Park Guell. This way you can go downhill and visit the park.
Visitors will come across the elaborate entrance with a dragon fountain and a huge plaza that is adorned with broken tiles that is a typical Antonin Gaudi design. Here you will also see the house Gaudi lived in, which is now turned into a museum.
You will then have to walk downhill to the famous work of Gaudi, the Holy Family Cathedral or Sagrada Familia. Gaudi started the Basilica in 1883 and it was about 20% complete when he died in 1926. This church draws more than 2.5 million visitors annually in spite of not being finished!
After you complete this walking tour, you will have become an expert on the works of Gaudi!
Check out more Barcelona architecture!
Julie McElroy - Freelance travel writer with published articles about places all over the world, including Italy, Colorado, Japan, Germany, and Spain.
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