Explore the finest art of colors, waves and mosaic arcs designed by the most influential Catalonian architect Antoni Gaudí. Read tips and useful information before visiting Gaudi buildings to enjoy the playful art to the maximum.
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List of top must-see Gaudi buildings in Barcelona – Click to see the spot
- Sagrada Familia
- Casa Batlló
- Casa Milá
- Park Güell
- Colonia Güell
- Palau Güell
- Casa Vicens
- Bodegas Güell
- Misteri de Montserrat
- Finca Miralles gate
The complete gallery of must-see Gaudi buildings
Unique Architecture of a Genuis
Wavy, curly, blobby, colorful and playful. Don´t get confused! Despite all decorativeness and fanciness of Gaudi buildings, they all come with the perfect functionality. Escaping from a square geometrical understanding of architecture where no straight line is really straight. Genius application of entropy and asymmetry which creates regular patterns.
Clearly visible influence and inspiration by animals, nature and its powers. Bubble-like shapes carried away by waves and water streams. Attic arches giving an impression like being inside of the whale´s stomach as well as staircases twisted like the seashell of Nautilus.
Everything, what may look like an absolute excess of an artist has always its explanation and purpose. The dragon´s tail covered with colorful tiles on the rooftop of the building is actually a chimney. Mosaic mushrooms soon appear that is exhalation of ventilation. That´s only a fraction of Gaudi´s extraordinary talent.
Antoni Gaudí and his life
Antoni Gaudí a true genius was born in 1852 in Reus close to Tarragona and was the main exponent of Catalan Modernism. His clients were mostly bourgeoisie of Barcelona and the Catholic church. Big innovator on the field of architecture especially in used materials. Antoni Gaudí also didn´t use any structuralized architectural drawings, but just very fuzzy sketches. Therefore he was very often visiting the construction sites and managing the final look and details by himself. Gaudí is an author of the most viewed monument in Barcelona the Sagrada Familia. Sadly on 7 June 1926 was struck by the passing tram on his way to the church. Two days later the accident resulted in death.
Why so many Gaudi buildings hold the name Güell?
Eusebi Güell was a rich entrepreneur born in Barcelona in 1846. Most of his revenue is coming from the textile industry. Luckily he invests his money to support Gaudí´s creativity. I think he was a big lover of architectonic modernism. Nevertheless, on one occasion Gaudí said to Güell, “Sometimes I think we are the only people who like this architecture.” Güell replied, “I don’t like your architecture, I respect it.”
How to reach Gaudi Buildings
Fortunately, most of the Gaudi buildings are located in Catalonian capital Barcelona. Barcelona is not the town with the best traffic situation in the world. Despite this fact, there are many ways how to reach every single attraction. There are enough buses and subway connections in the town. However, if You don´t care to walk all the attractions are pretty close to each other and accessible by foot.
The best time to visit Gaudi Buildings
All of Gaudi´s buildings are open all Year-round. In summer the temperatures can be sometimes too hot to enjoy traveling in the town. In the wintertime temperatures rarely goes down below 10 degrees celsius and also the sky is often clear.
More important then the season is the day of the week and time fo the day of the visit. Weekends and free days are the worst time to come. Most Gaudi attractions are fully booked or the queue is desperately long.
Therefore I recommend visiting over a working day. Also, the best time for the visit is usually early morning starting with the opening. Also, acceptable times at some locations like Casa Battló or Casa Milá are before closing time.
I recon also to buy a ticket online before the visit to avoid the sold-out issue. There is nothing more irritating than a long queue or irresistible waiting time.
What You pay to visit Gaudi Buildings
This is definitely the downside of all Gaudi buildings. The range of prices is quite wide for each attraction and depends on the services you will use. Simple ticket, with a guide, extra entry to some areas or access to the towers. All those things can make your unforgettable experience rather forgettable from the financial side. But You´re not visiting those gems every day so spend the money, it´s worth it.
You will have to spend around 120-150 EURO to visit all of the top Gaudi houses in Barcelona.
1. Sagrada Familia
Sagrada Familia is not only the most important of all Gaudí’s buildings. It´s also the most emblematic and the most visited sight in Barcelona. The sight constantly occupies the top 10 most visited sights of entire Spain.
The construction works started already in 1882 and still continues till today. Consecration of The Cathedral was in November 2010 by pope Benedikt XVI. even the finalization of the construction is expected in 2026.
A breathtaking octopus-like shape will steal your heart at first sight. It´s actually very hard to say how many towers you can count on the cathedral. The most breathtaking view is definitely from the rear side where you can see the oldest part of the structure. The front side is more modern with the colorful decoration of towers and many sculptures on its walls.
Once You enter the cathedral the gooseflesh will take you over from the first moment. Very high arcs of irregular shapes aspiring with tall pillars to the ceiling. Tinted glass windows with religious thematics are staining the air with vivid colors. This visual concert won´t give you any chance than twisting your neck in all directions.
Visiting of Sagrada Familia´s towers is also enriching the experience and you should consider an extra 8 EURO. You will not only see entire Barcelona from a height over 70 meters but also seashell-shaped twisted stairs. As those stairs are another Gaudi´s masterpiece I recommend to go for it.
The downside of the visit is the price starting on 30 EURO for basic entrance with an audioguide. If You also wish to visit towers prepare to pay 38 Euro per person. Sagrada Familia is one of the most visited attractions in Barcelona. Therefore I recommend visiting the cathedral early in the morning to avoid crowds.
2. Casa Batlló
Casa Battló is the building from the later period of genius work. A clearly visible shift from the geometrical influence of orient to nature-based lines. Also known as the house of bones. The house built between 1904-1906 and it´s the most influential work of the genius.
Connecting apparently irregular shapes into regular patterns with so big accent or perfection will leave you speechless. Every detail is not only eye-catching but also has full functional meaning. As well as nature connects perfect design with purpose and functionality, the same way did Gaudi here.
The masterpiece of art is not only the blob-shaped main window in the living room. Also not only the perfectly designed fireplace. But the central air shaft in the middle of the house. Starting on the top with dark blue tiles and descending down with lighter and lighter blue grade. This trick gave inhabitants an impression that the sir shaft is the same hue of the color along entice height.
The attic supports arcs in shapes of ribs of a whale evoking the feeling like being inside of her belly. Staircase with all irregular shapes in order to save space, but still be very functional. Rooftop´s mushrooms hiding chimneys inside decorated by colorful tiles. Everywhere present colorful shapes of bubbles and waves. Have You ever tried LSD? You will try here, but sober…
The best of the Gaudi deserves the top price and trust me it´s worth to pay! 30 Euro per basic ticket with a well-developed audio/video VR guide included. Go for it, but not during weekends nor weekdays to enjoy the place in a private modus. If You have no other choice, come late at night. The building closes after 23:00 PM when there are the least people otherwise prepare for an unpleasant experience.
3. Casa Mila
Casa Milá also is known as „La Pedrera“ which means the stone quarry was built between 1906 – 1910. This was the last secular work of Gaudí before investing all his strength to Sagrada Familia. The building is holding a namer after the rich aristocrat Pere Milá who has ordered the house from Gaudí,
The house was higher and wider than maximally allowed dimensions. Mr. Milá received many penalizations and the house was close to partial demolition. This fact led to disputes between Milá and Gaudí and the contract was terminated. The house remained unfinished until recent times.
The building is currently owned by Fundació Catalunya-La Pedrera which is a non-profit organization supporting many projects to help people. At least here your money won´t go fully to the tourist industry. The building is also serving as a cultural center.
Where ever was possible Gaudí avoided straight lines. Facade, ceilings, walls everything is bent and the entire building is giving an impression like being a monolith. Literally the limestone monolith eroded by sea waves which provided richness and diversity.
There are also two inner courtyards where You can admire the height of this 6 story building. Te first is the oval shape and the second one is circular.
The rooftop again decorated by unusual chimneys wrapped in colorfully glazed tiles. Of course with an accent for every single detail.
The attic is a masterpiece evoking the skeleton ribs which perfectly makes its job for weight distribution. As you may be already used to the functionality is perfectly bonded with esthetics.
As this site is again a UNESCO heritage it´s fairly popular. Get here early morning or later afternoon to avoid crowds. Get ready to pay close to 30 Euro per person, but If You are Gaudí lover this is a must-see attraction.
4. Park Güell
Parc Guell is an extensive area of nature just above Barcelona at the foot of mountain Turó del Carmel. Initially planned as a garden town, but this intention was never realized. The complex of buildings and decorations was built between 1900 – 1914.
Two main building at the entrance is undisputably carrying Gaudi´s artistic handwriting and are the main attractions of the park. The opposite staircase is covered in a colorful mosaic with plastics of animals.
In the rest of the park, You can admire lava flow like paths leading you underground supported by mysterious shapes and pillars. Look at decorative details distinguishing Gaudi. In this park, he could fully master his detailed work with metallic materials
Once You are here I fully recommend you to walk to the top of the mountain. This place will not only give You an amazing overview of Barcelona but the entire 360 degrees view to all directions.
Generally, the park entrance is free, but once You wish to enter close to the main building you have to pay 10 EURO. Unfortunately, this place is very popular, so the queues are almost unavoidable.
5. Colonia Güell
Colonia Güell is in the west of Barcelona in an industrial area. The reason why Eusebi Güell built this architectonic gem was to improve the worker’s environment in the colony.
The initial intent was to build a church. Unfortunately, Mr. Güell died in 1918 and the construction stopped. Therefore only the crypt of the church is finished.
You can still admire the characteristic handwriting of Gaudí. Parabolic towers. Wavy lines. Also large blobby windows with colorful mosaic windows.
Maybe the cheapest Gaudi´s attraction. To enter this jewel you will pay only 8,5 Euro per person. The place is also very silent and due to its relative remoteness, you will be here alone.
6. Palau Güell
Palace Güell was build between 1886 – 1890 which can we call earlier stage of Gaudi´s production, and like other works also this palace is on the UNESCO list.
A clear influence of straight geometrical patterns mixed with parabolic arcs is giving this place genuine look. Like every palace also this one is a spectacular and robust building. Only the finest materials were used for this building like polished stone, massive wood, and all kinds of noble metals.
The house was also a place for concerts, dances, and events. Therefore on the last floor is an organ built by prestigious Spanish organ builder Aquilino Amezua. Isabel Güell was playing often this instrument.
The main highlight is definitely the main hall. It´s high walls leading your looks to the ceiling which has small holes inside imitating stars.
Last, but not least is the rooftop. As usually decorated chimney statues with colorful mosaic. Gaudi´s standard of uneven roof is visible also in this house.
Despite this is a true gem amongst Gaudi buildings, the price to pay for the entrance is “only” 13 Euro per person. On top of it, the palace is not as popular as other buildings listed above. Therefore you can enjoy a kind of privacy without crowds every time of the day.
7. Casa Vicens
The first building by Antoni Gaudí considered the first of his “big” work. That time Gaudi was only 31 years. Built between 1883-1885 for rich stockbroker Manel Vicens.
Initially, Gaudi has built only half of the house as it´s standing now. In 1925 Joa Baptista a Gaudi´s follower designed a renovation. Gaudi gave a seal of renovation, so the building grew double size.
Amazing colorful facade with a clear influence of Islamic oriental architecture as well as red, blue and yellow glazed tiles won´t let your eyes tear away.
This was the first Gaudi´s house with an accessible rooftop. You will enjoy impressive domes and towers which are clearly revealing the influence of oriental architecture.
Following down to the second floor You will be amazed by colorful ceilings and walls covered with various tiles. Toilet and Bathroom again in very decorative geometrical decoration in colored glazing.
The special chapter is a very special multi-geometrical staircase. In later works, Gaudí was more tending to irregular shapes, but in this house is a clear inspiration by triangular shapes forming the entropy.
The ground floor is definitely the best. Not only for its complex dining hall with a central fireplace and nice wall paintings but also for the smoking room which is considered as a gem of the entire house.
Despite this house is really top of the list the popularity is not so high. Luckily you will not encounter long queues and crowds and also the price is much more friendly. However, you still have to pay 17 Euro for the entrance.
8. Bodegas Güell
Bodegas Güell is a complex located in Garraf near the town Sitges built between 1895 and 1897. The purpose of the construction was a winery and associated buildings, but currently looking like just taken from a fairytale.
Currently, it is privately owned and access is possible only if You want to visit the local restaurant.
9. Misteri de Montserrat
Most of the people don´t have a clue about this work of Gaudi. However, they should do! It´s far away from Barcelona and also far away from the beaten path for Gaudi searching tourists. If You wish to see those sculptures You will have to go drive 50 kilometers north of Barcelona. Your destination will be mysterious Montserrat. How to get t Montserrat and what to see here read our article: The complete guide to visit Montserrat near Barcelona.
Gaudi contributed to the Monumental Rosary of Montserrat. It is a set of religious sculptures along the path leading from the Monastery to the shrine of the Holy Cave.
This place is very private and in some days You will be completely alone here. Also, the place is completely free of charge and open 24/7.
10. Finca Miralles gate
The unusual entrance and wall for an estate owned by Hermenegild Miralles. Definitely the smallest works of Gaudí in Barcelona, but should not be omitted. It´s not only a piece of finest Gaudi´s art but also a place for well made Gaudi´s statue.
You will not find anyone visiting this place, therefore, it´s for free and You can have Gaudi only for Yourself.
The end of the fairytale about Gaudi Buildings
Are you now convinced to visit Barcelona and Gaudi´s work? No matter if You aren´t an architecture lover, the Genuity of Gaudi will draw you instantly and not let you out until you visit all of them. In case you will decide to enjoy this set of gems be patient, don’t rush and allow at least three days to have a fully enjoyable experience.
