Discover the Best Gaudí Architecture in Barcelona

Last updated on May 26th, 2024 at 01:22 pm

Antoni Gaudí is one of the most famous architects not just in Barcelona, but also the world. Even those unfamiliar with intricacies of architecture find themselves drawn to his colorful, playful, and nature-inspired designs. The pinnacle of his success, the Sagrada Família, is considered by many to be one of the most recognizable architectural structures in the world. You can discover this glorious basilica as well as many of Gaudí’s other famous buildings during a visit to Barcelona. If you are interested in visiting any of these beautiful architectural sites, be sure to keep reading! Below, I’ve included all kinds of information about Gaudí and how to visit his greatest masterpieces including how to plan for your visit, what the closest public transportation stops are, and more. At the end, I have also included a section with information on free/paid architectural tours in Barcelona.

***Disclaimer: Be sure to check the current restrictions for Spain and any activities you wish to participate in before booking any part of your journey!

4 Fun Facts About Antoni Gaudí

A total of seven of Gaudí’s numerous works have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These include: Park Güell, Palacio Güell, Casa Mila, Casa Vicens, Gaudí’s work on the Nativity façade and Crypt of La Sagrada Família, Casa Batlló, and the Crypt in Colonia Güell.
(All of these are located in Barcelona)

Antoni Gaudí’s style was deeply inspired by the complex patterns he had seen in nature. He once said: “There are no straight lines or sharp corners in nature. Therefore, buildings must have no straight lines or sharp corners.” Indeed, this unique element of his style is one of the main things that makes him stand out as an architect.

Gaudí wanted to go beyond the Gothic style of architecture and not have to rely on structures such as buttresses. He invented a number of techniques and expanded upon other existing techniques in order to achieve this goal. Some of these include the use of fractals (found in nature), catenary arches (which had been used in suspension bridges), and he created his own technique which he called equilibrated.

Due to his modest state of dress later in life, Gaudí was frequently mistaken for being a beggar. In fact, this was one of the leading causes of his untimely death. After being struck by a tram, he was mistaken for someone inconsequential. Therefore, he was given very little medical attention, which could have saved his life. Sadly, it was only after it was too late that the priest of the Sagrada Família identified him and all of Barcelona mourned his loss.

La Sagrada Família by Gaudí

Interior of Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain

La Sagrada Família is an incredible landmark, designed by Antoni Gaudí, that towers over the Eixample district in Barcelona. Looking up at it, you might not first imagine that the construction on this massive basilica began in 1882. (The construction process has long exceeded that for other wonders such as the Great Pyramids, the Great Wall of China, or the Taj Majal!) For the past 140 years, it has continued to grow as a stunning symbol and pride of Barcelona. (Literally, it has grown, and by the time La Sagrada Família is completed, it will be the tallest church in the world!) While he certainly hasn’t lived to see its near completion, it is considered Gaudí’s crowning glory. (One would hope that’s the case when the church‘s estimated costs will total approximately 374 million euros, and possibly even more than that!)

Having visited this masterpiece twice now, I can say that it is indeed glorious to behold. My first visit was over a decade ago and I still remember how my breath was stolen the moment I stepped inside. The attention to detail, both inside and outside, bids visitors to linger a while and discover more.

I have toured many European churches and basilicas, but this one is unlike any of the others. The church’s ornate towers reach for the heavens, the facades are filled with intricate religious sculptures, and the altar is filled with rich symbolism. A step inside is like walking into a forest filled with dazzling light. And, the longer you stand there, the more and more details reveal themselves: the ceiling of flowers, the colorful stained glass windows, the staircases spiraling up to the heavens. The intricacies are endless.

Statue of Harp Player on la Sagrada Familia

Planning Your Visit to La Sagrada Família

If you are planning to visit this unique wonder, I highly recommend booking a guided tour. The first time, I visited on my own without a tour. But, the second time, I chose to join the guided tour and I felt like it added a new level of insight and depth which my first visit lacked. Plus, there is the added benefit of being able to ask an expert questions as they come to your mind!
Please note that spots on these tours are limited, so you will want to be sure that you purchase your tickets ahead of time. You can do so on the official Sagrada Família website.

Even if you are not planning to join a guided tour, you may want to purchase your tickets ahead of time anyways. This can be especially true if you are visiting during the peak season, May-September.

For more information about the basilica’s opening times, ticket prices, mass/special event schedule, and more, please visit the official website.

Getting to La Sagrada Família by Public Transportation

If you are planning to take the Metro, the nearest stop is “Sagrada Família”. It is accessible via L2 and L5.

If you are planning to take the bus, numbers 19, 33, 34, D50, H10 and B24 all make stops near the Sagrada Família.

Casa Batlló by Gaudí

Casa Batlló is a uniquely, beautifully, and intelligently designed residence where the prominent Batlló family once lived. Most famous for its dragon inspired roof, its walls are filled with beauty, nature, and playful interactions of color and light.

As you walk through, it can be bizarre to envision what it would be like to grow up in such a magical place. I can imagine that the shapes, colors, and motifs would inspire much wonder and creativity. I could also imagine that it would be strange to leave the colors behind each day. For the world outside would seem so much grayer and plain in comparison.

While indeed, the distinctive elements were designed to bring beauty and life into the home, you will also find that every element that Gaudí incorporated served a practical and important purpose as well. It’s hard to believe that such a balance is achievable. And yet, Gaudí managed to do just that!

The Casa Batlló Tour

I have personally visited this home twice now. I have to say that the new structure for the self-guided tour with the HistoPad is an incredible and immersive experience that I will not soon forget. Adults and children alike will be mesmerized by the stunning and interactive graphics that bring Gaudí’s designs to life. Additionally, the audio narration is beautifully executed and gives greater insights to the Gaudí, his designs, and the Batlló family who resided in this special home.

According to the official website, the tour with the HistoPad is listed as the “General Visit“.

For more information about opening hours, ticket prices, and more, please visit the official Casa Batlló website.

How to Get to Casa Batlló by Public Transportation

If you are planning to take the Metro, the nearest stop is “Passeig de Gràcia”. It is accessible via L2, L3 and L4.

If you are planning to take the bus, numbers H10, V15, 7, 22 y 24 all make stops near the Casa Batlló.

Christine at Pallea Cooking Course in Barcelona

Looking for more amazing things to do during your stay in Barcelona? Check out this post, dedicated to some of our favorite experiences in our favorite Catalonian city:

Top 5 Cultural Experiences in Barcelona, Spain

Park Güell by Gaudí

Initially, Park Güell was never intended to be a park for the general public. In fact, it was meant to be a residential area, inspired by the English garden movement, for wealthy families. Spearheaded by Eusebi Güell, Antoni Gaudí was called upon for his masterful architectural and design skills. Initially, 60 triangular shaped plots were designated, each providing residents with unblocked views of the sea and access to sunlight. An elaborate series of paths, viaducts, and steps would connect homes in the neighborhood.

Unfortunately, by 1914, the project had fallen flat due to a lack of interested buyers. While Gaudí contributed greatly to the landscaping of the area, none of his homes were actually built. In the end, Gaudí was able to buy one of the two homes which were built, when it came up for sale. It has since been turned into The Gaudí House Museum of Barcelona.

After Güell’s death in 1926, the area was sold to the City Council and opened as a park in 1926. Now, the magnificent Park Güell is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and receives millions of visitors each year. Within its walls, visitors will discover the colorful designs of Antoni Gaudí, most of which I have listed below the section entitled “Entrances and What’s Inside”.

Christine sitting on a bench in Park Guell

Mosaic lizard by Antoni Gaudi in Park Guell

Planning Your Visit to Park Güell

This colorful and ingenious UNESCO World Heritage site is open year round and can be visited by anyone. Please note that the park’s opening hours vary depending on the time of year.

Tickets can be purchased online ahead of time or at the entrance to the park. Please note that tickets have timed entry! Depending on the time of year (especially the high-season, May-Sept), you may want to purchase your tickets ahead of time in order to guarantee that you won’t miss out!

For more information about opening hours, admission prices, and more please visit the official Park Güell website.

Entrances and What’s Inside

Please note that there are multiple entrances/exits for Park Güell. The most famous of these is at the Carrer d’Olot, which is located near the gatehouses which resemble intricate gingerbread houses. Alternatively, you can enter at Carretera del Carmel or Av. del Santuari de Sant Josep de la Muntanya.

Within the park, you will find a number of paths that will allow you to explore the following attractions: The Serpentine Bench (famous overlook located near the gatehouses) which sits upon Sala Hipostila (with its famous 86 columns), El Drac (the famous mosaic lizard which serves as symbol of Barcelona), the pink Gaudí House Museum, the Passeig de las Palmeras, the Calvary (with its 3 crosses and beautiful views overlooking Barcelona), and so much more!

How to Get to Park Güell by Public Transportation

If you are planning to take the Metro, the nearest stop is “Lesseps/Vallcarca”. Please note that you will need to walk an additional 20 minutes to reach the Carrer d’Olot entrance.

If you are planning to take the bus, ” Park Güell” is the nearest stop. It can be reached with both the 24, 32, H6, or 92 buses. Please note that you will need to walk an additional 10 minutes to reach the park entrance.

For more information on how to reach the other entrances, please visit the Barcelona Tickets website.

La Pedrera-Casa Milà by Gaudí

In 1905 Antoni Gaudí was commissioned to design a building for Pere Milà and Roser Segimon in the Passeig de Gràcia in Barcelona. At the time, this was the most important and prominent avenue in the city and any building located on it certainly made a statement. The couple’s goal was for main floor of the new building, La Pedrera-Casa Milà, to be their main residence. The remaining rooms were to be divided into a series of apartments which would be rented out.

The process of designing and building of La Pedrera-Casa Milà was steeped in controversy, building code infractions, fines, and so much more. In the end, Gaudí’s unique style shines through and thankfully we are able to visit and appreciate its unique features today. One of these marvels is the building’s self-supporting stone facade (and the absence of free of load-bearing walls). Another is the unique curved iron beams which connect to the internal structure of each floor. And of course, the curved rooftop with chimneys is one of the most unusual/standout features. From here, visitors can enjoy the 360º views of Barcelona.

Planning Your Visit to La Pedrera-Casa Milà

It has been many years since I have personally visited La Pedrera-Casa Milà, so I cannot speak to the current visitor’s experience. That said, I can say that it is a beautiful building and there is so much to learn and appreciate concerning Gaudí and the families who lived here. My personal favorite part of the tour was spending time on the building’s unconventional roof.

For more information about opening hours, ticket prices, and more, please visit the official Casa Milà website.

How to Get to La Pedrera-Casa Milà by Public Transportation

If you are planning to take the Metro, the nearest stop is “Diagonal”. It is accessible via L3 and L5.

If you are planning to take the bus, the V15, V17, H10, H8, 7, 22, 24, 6, 33, 34 all make stops close to La Pedrera-Casa Milà.

Other Gaudí Architecture in Barcelona, Spain

Casa Calvet
The Church of Colònia Güell
Casa Vicens
Palau Güell
College of Saint Teresa-Ganduxer

Looking for a Fun Way to Explore Gaudí Architecture in Barcelona?

A walking tour can be a quick and efficient way to see a number of Gaudí buildings in Barcelona. This is especially useful if you don’t have time or desire to visit the interiors of each structure. We did not personally go on a walking tour, but below I have included some options that you can consider.

Here is an example of a free, self-guided walking tour from Free Tours By Foot. It gives directions about where to start and how to get to each of the buildings. Please note that it includes two metro rides to help speed up the tour.

Here is an example of a paid tour which is offered through Get Your Guide. Similar tours are often offered through websites such as Viator, AirBnB Experiences, and Trip Advisor.

Hop-On Hop-Off Buses are also an option that can be considered by those looking for a way to see not only Gaudí architecture, but also other highlights of Barcelona.

In Conclusion

I hope that you are feeling thoroughly inspired for your upcoming visit to Spain. Additionally, I hope that you thoroughly enjoy your time exploring the best of Gaudí architecture in Barcelona. I would love to hear from you in the comments below!

Happy Travels,
<3 Christine