Gothic Quarter, Barcelona
Visitors can admire the three monumental façades symbolising the birth, passion and death of Christ, as well as the grandiose façade of Glory, which celebrates religious faith. Each has four towers symbolising the twelve apostles and, together with the crypt, has been declared a World Heritage Site.
Visitors can explore the interior of the temple, which has beautiful stained glass windows, detailed sculptures and a spiritual atmosphere. It is also possible to climb some of the towers for panoramic views of Barcelona.
La Pedrera, also known as Casa Milà, is an architectural jewel designed by the architect Antoni Gaudí. This modernist building, with its distinctive stone façade, reflects Gaudí’s genius with curved forms that evoke the waves of the sea. As you enter, you will be enchanted by the interior courtyards, which provide light and ventilation, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
Be sure to visit the attic and roof terrace, where chimneys stand like sentinels, some even decorated with white tiles and mosaics of broken bottle caps. The views of Barcelona from here are simply breathtaking.
In 1984 La Pedrera was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
During your visit, we encourage you to discover these and other monuments that make Barcelona an unforgettable city.
Its façade evokes the legend of Sant Jordi (Saint George) and the dragon, thanks to the tower topped by a four-armed cross and the large spherical elements on the roof that change colour.
Not far away are Casa Amatller and Casa Lleó Morera, buildings that, together with Casa Batlló, form what is known as the ‘Illa de la Discordia’ (Island of Discord), due to the disparity of their architectural elements.
Casa Amatller is a living symbol of the city’s rich history. Originally built in 1875 by Antoni Robert, this masterpiece was majestically restored in 1898 by the architect Puig i Cadafalch at the request of the Amatller family. Puig i Cadafalch combined the majestic neo-Gothic style with a stepped finial, evoking the elegance of Dutch houses.
Since 2014, the doors of the Casa Museo Amatller have been open to visitors, dazzling them with some of the finest stained glass windows of modernism.
Not far away are Casa Amatller and Casa Lleó Morera, buildings that, together with Casa Batlló, form what is known as the ‘Illa de la Discordia’ (Island of Discord), due to the disparity of their architectural elements.
Casa Lleó Morera, built in 1864, was completely refurbished in 1905 by the renowned architect Domènech i Montaner on commission from the Lleó Morera family. It is not surprising that a year later this majestic house won the annual competition for artistic buildings organised by the city council.
Although the building is for private use and not open to the public, visitors can admire its original period furnishings at the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC). After a careful restoration in 1992, the distinctive architectural elements of the façade have been restored.
Since 2007, Casa Lleó Morera has been part of the European Route of Modernism.
Those interested in the history of monuments may be interested to know why this block of the Eixample is called ‘Illa de la Discordia’ (Island of Discord). This is due to the confluence of different architectural elements, all of them remodellings of existing buildings, that create a truly unique scenario.
Located in the heart of Barcelona, the emblematic Palau de la Música Catalana is a living testimony to Catalan Modernism. Designed by the architect Domènech i Montaner between 1905 and 1908, this red brick building has established itself as one of the most unique concert halls in the world.
It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
When visiting, don’t miss the central chandelier, a masterpiece by Rigalt i Granell, and the impressive sculptures by Pau Gargallo, Didac Massana and Miquel Blay, which perfectly capture the essence of popular music on the façade of the Palau.
If your visit doesn’t coincide with one of the concerts, don’t worry, the Palau offers interesting guided tours that immerse you in its history and architecture.
Park Güell was commissioned by Eusebi Güell from the architect Antoni Gaudí to recreate a British residential park consisting of 60 detached houses. Gaudí worked on Park Güell between 1900 and 1914, creating paths, verandas and viaducts that blend in with the natural surroundings.
In 1926 it opened as a public park.
As you enter, you’ll be greeted by the impressive entrance pavilions, which now house the Park Güell Interpretation Centre. Climb the stairs and you’ll come face to face with the emblematic coloured dragon. The Hypostyle Hall, with its 86 columns, will take your breath away, as will the undulating bench with panoramic views of the city.
In 1984 Park Güell was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Designed by the architect Domènech i Montaner between 1901 and 1930, it was originally the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, which moved from its previous location in the Raval neighbourhood due to the need for expansion.
The new design stands out for its modernist city structure, which takes into account the quality of life of the patients by surrounding the pavilions with green areas where they can stroll.
The hospital covers an area of 9 blocks in the Eixample. Among its many buildings, the church, the external façade and the central pavilion capture the essence of modernist design.
In 1997 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In 2009, the healthcare activities were relocated to a modern building on the north side of the complex, marking a new phase for the Art Nouveau site.
Casa de les Punxes is also known as Casa Terrades. Designed by the architect Puig i Cadafalch in 1905, this architectural jewel was commissioned by the Terrades sisters.
Although at first glance its design resembles that of a castle, it stands out for its six towers with impressive conical spires, hence its popular name ‘Casa de les punxes’ (House of the Spires).
In 1975 it was declared a National Historic Monument.
While the building is not currently open to visitors, it is certainly a landmark that every visitor should see.
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