Convinced that being modern did not mean giving up on tradition, the “Modernists” of Catalonia sought a new synthesis between the past and the most radical modernity. For instance, they recovered old solutions, such as the Catalan vault and stained glass windows, and incorporated innovations, such as exposed brick, wrought iron, glazed ceramics, sgraffito and one of Antoni Gaudí's great contributions: trencadís mosaic.

Thus, innovations in furniture, textiles, sculpture and the applied arts filled summer residences, churches, hospitals and gardens, factories and wineries. Do not be put off by the distance: a wide Modernisme heritage is waiting for you in the regions of Barcelona. The portrait of a lady in a crinoline, a room with round shapes or a small school for the children of workers in a textile colony can be more evocative than the best history lesson. Some recommendations:

Domènech i Montaner House Museum (Canet de Mar)

The Domènech i Montaner House Museum is the last work by the Catalan architect. This is the Domènech family's mansion, a modernist gem where many elements from the applied arts, such as ceramics, carpentry and stained glass, are harmoniously integrated. All the rooms are open to the public.

Cau Ferrat Museum (Sitges) 

It was founded by the artist Santiago Rusiñol as a house-workshop in 1893. It includes collections of painting, ironwork, ceramics, glass, archaeology, sculpture and furniture from that period. The activities organised by Rusiñol, with the participation of artists, musicians and writers, turned Cau Ferrat into the so-called Temple of Modernisme.

Torre de la Creu (Sant Joan Despí) 

Josep Maria Jujol was one of the great architects of Catalan Modernisme, although, he has always been overshadowed unfortunately. He designed this building while working as a municipal architect in Sant Joan Despí, and it is one of his most notable works. It can be visited on a joint tour to get to know the architect's other houses, by appointment only.

La Rajoleta Ceramics Museum (Esplugues de Llobregat) 

La Rajoleta was one of the companies specialising in industrial ceramics production that experienced its heyday during the Modernisme period. Architects such as Gaudí, Gallissà, Puig i Cadafalch and Domènech i Montaner used ceramic elements made in the Esplugues factory in their architectural works. The factory has now become the La Rajoleta Ceramics Museum and is open to visitors from Tuesday to Sunday.

Did you know?

It is said that “Modernists” are romantics gazing at nature. Far from the rationality of straight lines – symmetry was forbidden –, the artists of that time sought organic forms and a wealth of details. Curved lines shook up the buildings and facades were filled with ornamental motifs. Several highly sensual female images and natural forms decorated thousands of pieces of furniture, posters, jewellery and all kinds of everyday objects during those years.