Modern architecture in the province of Barcelona

Casa Gomis (1953–1962)

Antonio Bonet
El Prat de Llobregat

In the middle of the Llobregat delta, among pine trees and just a stone's throw from the sea, Casa Gomis is one of the finest works of modern architecture in Catalonia. Designed by Antonio Bonet, in close collaboration with the Gomis-Bertrand family, and completed in 1963, the house encapsulates geometric rigour and Mediterranean sensibility in a natural environment of great ecological value.

What defines the architectural uniqueness of Casa Gomis?

Architecture that adapts to the landscape: far from imposing itself, the house extends horizontally over the land, integrated into a coastal pine forest by the sea. The low, continuous layout establishes a constant dialogue with the environment, blurring the boundaries between nature and architecture.

A precise, elegant modular system: The design follows a regular grid pattern of about 9 x 9 meters, defined by slender metal pillars and covered with ceramic vaults. This structure enables the construction to be light and the spaces to be organised in a highly flexible way.

Continuity between interior and exterior: Transparent or translucent enclosures, together with carefully designed furniture, reinforce the feeling of spatial fluidity. The wavy roof, one of the most characteristic features, visually integrates with the tops of the pine trees, intensifying the relationship with the landscape.

• How to get to Casa Gomis from Barcelona: You can reach El Prat de Llobregat by Rodalies suburban train (R2) or metro (L9 Sud), and continue by bus or taxi to the natural setting of La Ricarda where the house is located.
• Visiting Casa Gomis: Following the acquisition of the property by the Ministry of Culture in 2025, Casa Gomis has become public property and is planned to be gradually opened as a cultural centre. At the moment, it may be visited through programmes and tours organised on specific dates. It is recommended to check the information published by official sources beforehand.

Walden 7 (1970–1975)

Richard Bofill
Sant Just Desvern

Get ready to discover Walden 7, the vertical utopia that broke all the molds. Standing proudly atop an old cement factory on the outskirts of Barcelona, this terracotta-colored labyrinth is much more than a building: it's an expression of boldness and creativity that seems like it came from a futuristic dream.

Why is Walden 7 a must-see?

A magical labyrinth: Forget boring hallways. Here, you can lose yourself in seven internal courtyards bathed in turquoise blue and a network of bridges and stairs that wind towards the sky, creating a play of light and shadow worthy of a science fiction film.

Made-to-measure living: This iconic building by the mastermind Ricardo Bofill was designed as a 30 m² modular puzzle. From bohemian studios to spacious duplexes, each home is a unique piece of this architectural puzzle that challenged the norms of the time.

High-rise oasis: The dream doesn't end in the apartments. Life pulsates in the public squares, shops and play areas, but the big secret awaits you at the top: two panoramic rooftop pools where you can swim while nearly touching the sky and taking in the best views of the outskirts of Barcelona.

Walden 7 is the perfect destination for those looking for the boldest, most colourful and avant-garde side of Catalan architecture. A perfectly photogenic monument to the imagination!

• How to get to Walden 7: Take the tram (Trambaix T3) from Francesc Macià or stations with a metro connection (e.g., Maria Cristina L3) and get off at the Walden stop.
• Visiting Walden 7: Since it's a private residential complex, you cannot freely enter the courtyards. However, there are special guided tours organised by architects that cover the interior of the building and teach about its history.

New Cemetery of Igualada (1985–1991)

Enric Miralles + Carme Pinós
Igualada

On the outskirts of Igualada, where industry merges with nature, stands one of the most moving experiences in world design: the New Cemetery of Igualada. Forget any preconceived notions about cemeteries; this masterpiece by Enric Miralles and Carme Pinós is, in fact, a poetic park, a 'river of life' dug into the earth to invite peace and reflection.

What makes the New Cemetery of Igualada a unique experience?

Architecture that 'emerges' from the earth: Instead of high walls, this cemetery sinks into the ground. As you descend along a winding zigzag path, flanked by terraces of niches that seem to merge with the mountain, the stone and the sky seem to embrace one another.

A journey full of symbolism: From the three giant crosses that welcome you to the rusty train sleepers embedded in the ground, every step is a metaphor for the journey of life. It's a place designed for walking, where light and shadows play between the bare concrete and stone walls.

Raw and authentic beauty: The mix of wood, iron and wild vegetation gives the place a brutalist but strangely warm aesthetic. It's no wonder that this is a place of pilgrimage for architects from all over the world; even Miralles himself rests here, in the mausoleum that he designed himself.

A living landscape: Here, death is not the end, but part of the environment. The landscaped roofs and framed views of the Òdena stream turn this space into a transcendental viewpoint where silence becomes music.

If you're looking for a destination that will give you goosebumps and make you see architecture from an emotional and artistic perspective, this 'Zementiri' is a must-see on your journey through the heart of Catalonia.

• How to get to the New Cemetery of Igualada: The most direct way is the bus from the Hispano Igualadina company (Monbus) that leaves from Barcelona (Maria Cristina or Sants Station). You can also take a Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat (FGC) train (line R6) to Igualada station, although you will then need a taxi or to walk about 20–30 minutes to the industrial estate where it is located.
• Visiting the New Cemetery of Igualada: The cemetery is a public space. It is usually open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed on Mondays, except holidays). It is free to visit, and visitors are asked to be respectful of the space.

El Palauet (1990–1996)

Arata Isozaki
Palafolls

If the Palau Sant Jordi took your breath away, get ready to discover its 'little brother' in the Maresme region: El Palauet in Palafolls. Designed by the legendary Arata Isozaki, this sports centre is a gem of contemporary architecture that looks like a UFO gently landed among fields and houses.

Why is El Palauet worth a visit on your coastal route?

A perfect circle: Imagine a completely circular building almost 70 metres in diameter. Isozaki created a wall that embraces the space, but with a masterful twist: half is covered by a futuristic dome, while the other half is open to the sky, creating a one-of-a-kind semi-covered courtyard.

A design that 'floats': The zinc and steel roof seems to levitate above the track. Thanks to its lightweight mesh structure, the interior is flooded with soft natural light, creating a diaphanous and magical atmosphere for practising everything from skating to basketball.

Functionality with Japanese style: It's not just a pavilion; it's a multifunctional stage. Isozaki managed to make a sports space feel like a work of art, integrating brick, concrete and metal with an elegance that only a Pritzker Architecture Prize winner could imagine.

A local icon: El Palauet is the pride of Palafolls and a perfect example of how great architecture can transform a quiet town into a point of reference on the world map of design.

It is the ideal place for avant-garde architecture lovers searching for treasures outside the conventional tourist circuits. An unmissable stop for understanding Isozaki's legacy in Catalonia.

• How to get to El Palauet from Barcelona: It is the farthest away. Take the Rodalies R1 train to Malgrat de Mar, and from there, take a local bus or taxi to Palafolls (about 10 minutes).
• Visiting El Palauet: Since it's a municipal sports centre, you may enter freely to see its structure during the hours of sports activities or municipal events. It's the best way to see Isozaki's dome in action!

Porta Fira Towers (2006–2010)

Toyō Ito
L'Hospitalet de Llobregat

Dominating the horizon between Barcelona and the airport, the Porta Fira Towers are the dynamic duo that welcomes you to the city in pure futuristic style. Designed by the great Toyō Itō, these 110-metre towers are not just buildings: they are the new urban 'beacons' that have revolutionised the Barcelona skyline.

What makes the Porta Fira Towers the stars of Plaça Europa?

The dancing 'Flower Tower': The hotel is a visual marvel. Its structure rotates on itself like an opening flower, dressed in a skin of vibrant red tubes that change shape depending on where you look at them. It's any Instagram photographer's dream!

Contrast and elegance: While the hotel is pure curve and movement, its office companion is an elegant prism that hides an organic red 'heart' inside. Together, they create a perfect architectural dialogue between the bold and the functional.

A connected oasis: At the bottom a transparent lobby surrounded by gardens and shops connects both giants, creating a living space where cutting-edge design meets urban comfort.

Award-winning architecture: But you don't have to take our word for it: this complex won the prestigious Emporis Skyscraper Award, recognizing the towers as the best skyscrapers in the world in 2010.

Whether you're coming to the Fira for business or simply exploring the most innovative architecture, the Toyō Itō's towers are a must-see to feel the beat of 21st-century Barcelona.

• How to get to the Porta Fira Towers from Barcelona: They're the easiest to visit. You can take the L9 Sud metro line to the Europa | Fira station or an FGC train from Plaça Espanya (lines S3, S4, S8, L8).
• Visiting the Porta Fira Towers: Since the towers are a hotel and offices, you may freely access the common areas (lobby, restaurant and bars of the Hotel Porta Fira). To enjoy the best views, have a drink at the hotel restaurant or book a room.