Barcelona Through Its Modernist Architecture

Barcelona expresses its art through the Sagrada Familia and places like Park Güell. The Ciudad Condal got its own style from the hand of modernism. Thanks to artists like Antoni Gaudí, Barcelona can boast of having nearly a hundred places of modernist architecture. Why is this style so famous and where to find it? We show you!

Modernism, Barcelona’s personal hallmark

Barcelona is considered the capital of modernism, and it is not surprising. Between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th it was the cradle of the so-called Catalan modernism, an architectural, plastic, design and decoration style.

The first to lay the foundations from the European movement was Antoni Gaudí. He was immediately followed by other architects such as Rogent, Domènech, Puig or Jujol.

The source of inspiration was the idea of ​​nature. All the elements that surround us were to be integrated through forms in the architecture of the buildings. And as a result, those famous buildings with birds, flowers, leaves and lots of color.

The key to the success of modernist architecture in Barcelona was the bourgeois class. With the Industrial Revolution, this new social class had emerged, which sought to express its passion for culture and its power, influence and distinction in the city.

To do this, they commissioned architects of the time to design and reform buildings to adapt them to this new style. Thus began the expansion of modernist architecture in the city. Today 116 style buildings are preserved in Barcelona.

The best examples of modernist architecture in Barcelona

Once we have known the origin of the modernist architecture of Barcelona, ​​it is time to find out which are the most symbolic buildings in the city. Are you ready? Take note!

1. The Holy Family

World famous and incredibly beautiful. This is the main icon of the city and the greatest work of Antoni Gaudí. It is still unfinished and there are still a few years left, it is estimated that until 2030. It will be then when it shows the 18 towers that the Catalan architect designed.

Its peculiar exterior style blends perfectly with the interior, with sculptures and stained glass depicting passages from the Bible. It is no wonder that it is the main monument of modernism, right?

2. Casa Milà

Here begin the examples of modernist architecture that were commissioned by bourgeois families. This house is located on Passeig de Gracia and is one of the most famous in Barcelona.

This is one of the ten most visited buildings in Barcelona, which is said soon, but it does not surprise anyone either. It is another of Gaudí’s works and you can visit it from the inside. What are you waiting for?

3. Casa Batlló

Also located on Passeig de Gràcia, the Batlló house was commissioned by the Batlló family from Gaudí. In this case, the architect was in charge of remodeling the facade of the building to give it his own personal, modernist and distinguished stamp.

If we compare it with the previous one, what stands out the most about this house is the vivacity of its colors in the mosaics, as well as its famous balconies.

4. Park Güell

Impossible not to mention it. Initially it was planned as an urbanization, but in the end it ended up becoming a park. Gaudí’s works were surrounded by nature to result in an absolutely fascinating space.

If you go here, don’t miss the salamander that you have right at the entrance (with a lot of history, by the way). Of course, you must go up to the viewpoint, where you can see its benches with mosaics, another clear hallmark of the artist.

5. Palace of Music

We put Gaudí aside to show you another of the works of modernist architecture. This building is the work of Lluís Domènech.  This architect also has other constructions, such as the Sant Pau Modernist Enclosure or the Casa Fuster.

What is most striking is the level of detail in each corner. From the interior skylight, the tiled vaults and the stained glass windows. Everything turns this building into a festival of lights and colors that perfectly matches the function of the building.

6. Comalat House

Finally, the Comalat house, a project by Salvador Valeri, an author highly influenced by Gaudí, but with a very marked style. The building has two facades of different styles : one in ceramic with more vivid colors and the other more symmetrical, with ornate shapes.

It also has decorative mosaics and a tower shaped like a hat. The greatest beauty is inside, with the walls and columns decorated and ornamented. It is located on Avenida Diagonal.

What do you think of this selection of modernist architecture buildings? It is impossible to mention the hundred examples, but you also have the Amatller house, the Lleó house, the Sayrach house, the Granel house or the Castle of the Three Dragons. What are you waiting for to start your route through Catalan modernism? We hope you enjoy it!