Catalan modernism

Casa Batlló, the Sagrada Família, the Pedrera and, beyond Gaudí, the Catalan modernist site of the old Hospital of La Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Casa Amatller and the Palau de la Música Catalana... Catalan modernism will be your faithful companion throughout your trip to Barcelona. But you should bear in mind that it this movement is not confined to the capital city. Do you need proof? Here are three little-known buildings in the province of Barcelona where you can discover other variants of Catalan modernism: a refurbished mediaeval castle, the house of an upper-class family and even an industrial building. As an extra, enjoy a garden designed by Gaudí himself that predates his world-famous Park Güell.

The history books chart the profound transformation that Catalonia – and, in particular, the regions of Barcelona – underwent at the turn of the 20^th century, when all areas of life were turned upside down: art, literature, architecture, public space, the economy... In fact, there’s no better way to gain an understanding of the era than by visiting its architectural gems. Catalan modernism represents a time when a series of families set out to be modern and flaunt it.

In 2005, seven buildings designed by Antoni Gaudí were inscribed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Six of them are extremely well known: the Sagrada Família, La Pedrera, Casa Vicens, Parc Güell, Palau Güell and Casa Batlló. However, the seventh architectural gem in the list, the Crypt of the Colònia Güell, is much less famous. It’s an architectural masterpiece in which the author of impossible works tested his considerable intellect.