Gaudi Barcelona

Gaudí and Barcelona, a long-standing story.

Architect and designer, Antoni Gaudí was the leading figure of the Art Nouveau movement in Spain. His work in Barcelona led him to build the city’s most remarkable houses. Gaudí was a pioneer in his field, using colors, textures, and movement in a completely unprecedented way. His masterpiece, though never finished, now stands as a testament to his immense genius.

>Tip of the day: As soon as you know your travel dates, book your hotel in Barcelona online and get ready to discover the genius of Antoni Gaudí.

Discover the architectural wonders of Gaudí with the various options of the Barcelona Pass. All monuments in one combo ticket.

Who is Antoni Gaudí?

Antoni Gaudí is an iconic architect whose work left a profound mark on the city of Barcelona. Born on June 25, 1852, in Reus, Catalonia, Gaudí is best known for his unique and innovative style, which blends Gothic, Oriental, and Baroque influences with organic shapes inspired by nature. Antoni Gaudí studied architecture at the Provincial School of Architecture in Barcelona, where he graduated in 1878. Early on, his exceptional design talent and bold approach drew attention from his peers. Throughout his career, Gaudí developed a distinctive style characterized by the use of curves, bright colors, and materials such as ceramics, glass, and wrought iron: key elements of Catalan Modernism.

Gaudí skillfully combined functionality and aesthetics, creating works that are both useful and visually captivating. His architectural approach has inspired generations of architects and continues to fascinate millions of visitors each year.

The legacy of Gaudí in Barcelona

Antoni Gaudí, a visionary architect, left a deep imprint on Barcelona with his unique creations. His legacy can be seen throughout the city, transforming Barcelona into a showcase of his genius.

Gaudí's works, such as the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Casa Batlló, and Casa Milà, have become iconic landmarks of Barcelona. His organic forms and vibrant colors redefined architecture and continue to influence contemporary architects. Gaudí incorporated natural elements and avant-garde techniques, creating buildings that are both functional and artistic. Gaudí’s impact on Barcelona goes beyond his works. He helped shape the visual identity of the city and attracts millions of tourists each year. The concepts of sustainability and technical innovation he introduced continue to inspire modern architectural projects.

The preservation of Gaudí's works is a top priority for Barcelona. The Sagrada Família, in particular, is undergoing continuous construction and restoration to fulfill Gaudí’s vision.

Gaudí’s major works in Barcelona

Antoni Gaudí, master of modernist architecture, left a monumental legacy in Barcelona. Here is an overview of his most famous works, each reflecting his creative genius and unique vision.

Sagrada Família: This unfinished basilica, begun in 1882, is Gaudí's masterpiece, famous for its towering spires and facades adorned with symbolic details.

Park Güell: This enchanting public park, with its colorful mosaics and undulating forms, is a perfect example of architecture integrated into nature, offering stunning views over Barcelona.

Casa Batlló: Located on Passeig de Gràcia, this house stands out for its wavy facades and mask-shaped windows, reflecting the master’s organic and colorful style.

Casa Milà (La Pedrera): Built between 1906 and 1912, this residential building is renowned for its fantastical rooftop shapes and wrought iron balconies.

Palau Güell: This urban palace, built for patron Eusebi Güell, is an impressive example of innovative use of space and light.

Casa Vicens: The architect’s first major project, this house is a vibrant blend of Oriental and Neo-Mudejar styles, with richly decorated ceramic-tiled facades.

The Sagrada Família: his masterpiece

Gaudí’s most famous work is undoubtedly the Sagrada Família. The basilica is not only the symbol of Barcelona but also the most visited monument in Spain.

We explain the long 43-year history between Gaudí and the construction of the church, whose completion is finally approaching.

Park Güell: a unique park

Park Güell, located on the hills of Barcelona, is an iconic work by Gaudí, originally designed as a garden city. This public park, created between 1900 and 1914, harmoniously blends architecture and nature with its colorful mosaics and flowing forms, reflecting the originality and creative genius of its inventor.

Which Gaudí works should you visit in Barcelona?

Beyond the Sagrada Família, Antoni Gaudí left his mark on the city and his time with such astonishing masterpieces that ideally, one should visit them all. Since that’s not always possible during a short stay, our favorites are one of Gaudí’s houses: Casa Milà (La Pedrera) and the fabulous modernist garden of Barcelona: Park Güell.

Video: some of Gaudí’s constructions in Barcelona

Timeline and life history of Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926)

1852
Antoni Gaudí i Cornet was born on June 25, 1852, in Reus or Riudoms in Catalonia. His birthplace is unconfirmed, but he was a child raised in a family of coppersmiths—his father and grandfather—who taught him essential skills for his future: working with his hands and understanding volumes. A fragile child in poor health, he spent long periods observing nature, “the supreme work of the Creator.”

1870

At the age of 18, he began his architecture studies in Barcelona. Gifted in drawing and exempted from military service due to his health, he collaborated with many architects during this period by producing drawings to pay for his studies. He developed a taste for history, economics, geometry, philosophy, and aesthetics. Although an average student, he left a lasting impression. Upon graduation, his director famously said: “We have given this diploma to a madman or a genius. Time will tell.”
1883

The true beginning of Gaudí’s career came with the construction of the Casa Vicens. Closed to the public for a long time, this house has been open for visits since late 2017.

From this first project, the young architect found his path, moving away from his initial inspirations—Eugène Viollet-le-Duc and the Neo-Gothic style—to join the Art Nouveau movement, which was flourishing across Europe. In Catalonia, this style became known as Modernisme. Casa Vicens showcased his early strokes of genius and the rise of Modernisme: geometric exterior forms, but an interior inspired by nature, the Orient, its colors, and its mosaics.

1884

Gaudí had long been connected with a wealthy industrialist, Eusebi Güell. A true friendship, mutual admiration, and a flourishing economy led to some of the architect’s most beautiful works: the Güell Estate (1884–1887), the Palau Güell (1885–1889), the Colonia Güell Crypt (1898–1915), and finally Park Güell (1900–1914).

1888

Barcelona’s 1888 Universal Exhibition welcomed over 400,000 visitors. Gaudí designed the pavilion for the Transatlantic Company.

1900

At the turn of the century, he was a recognized and renowned architect involved in numerous projects. In 1900, he won the prize for best building of the year for Casa Calvet (1898–1900). A prolific decade that included the construction of Casa Bellesguard, the restoration of the Santa Maria Cathedral of Palma de Mallorca, and two of his most iconic buildings: Casa Batlló (1904–1906) and Casa Milà (1905–1907).

1915

He now devoted himself entirely to the work of his life, the Sagrada Família, also known as the “Cathedral of the Poor” (its popular name), for which he even begged to raise funds to continue construction. The work is scheduled to be completed in 2026, thanks to visitor donations.

1926

On June 7, 1926, while on his way to the Church of Saint Philip Neri, Gaudí was struck by a tram and left unconscious. Mistaken for a beggar—without ID, and dressed in worn, shabby clothes—he was not helped immediately. By the time he was recognized, it was too late to save him. He died on June 10, 1926, at the age of seventy-three. He was buried on June 12 in the Chapel of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in the crypt of the Sagrada Família, in the presence of a massive crowd.

On his tombstone appears the following inscription:

“Antonius Gaudí Cornet. Reusensis. Annos natus LXXIV, vitæ exemplaris vir, mirabilis operis hujus, templi auctor, pie obiit Barcinone dit X Junii MCMXXVI, hinc cineres tantis hominis, resurrectionem mortuorum expectant. R.I.P.”
Which can be translated as: “Antoni Gaudí Cornet. From Reus. Aged 74, a man of exemplary life, exalted artisan, creator of this admirable temple, died piously in Barcelona on June 10, 1926. Here the ashes of such a great man await the resurrection of the dead. R.I.P.”

April 2025

Pope Francis has declared Antoni Gaudí ‘venerable’, recognising his ‘heroic virtues’, the first official step towards his eventual canonisation in the Catholic Church. The creator of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Gaudí is now in the process of being beatified, a process that began in 2003 and which requires the recognition of a miracle in order to move forward.

The major works of Antoni Gaudí

Mataró Workers’ Cooperative 1878–1882
El Capricho 1883–1885 Comillas
First Gaudí House in Barcelona: Casa Vicens 1883–1888
Expiatory Temple of the Sagrada Familia 1883–1926
Güell Pavilions 1884–1887
Palau Güell 1886–1890
School of Saint Teresa 1888–1889
Episcopal Palace of Astorga 1889–1915 Astorga
Casa Botines 1891–1894 León
Güell Cellars 1895–1897 Sitges
Casa Calvet 1898–1900
Bellesguard Tower 1900–1909
Gaudí’s Garden in Barcelona: Park Güell 1900–1914
Miralles Gate 1901
Casa Batlló 1904–1906
Can Artigas Gardens 1905–1906 La Pobla de Lillet
Casa Milà 1906–1910
Colonia Güell Crypt 1908–1915 - Santa Coloma de Cervelló

Gaudí’s Works Listed as UNESCO World Heritage

Seven of Gaudí’s works have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Park Güell (1984), Palau Güell (1984), Casa Milà (1984), Casa Vicens (2005), the Nativity Façade and Crypt of the Sagrada Família (2005), Casa Batlló (2005), and the Colonia Güell Crypt (2005).

Visiting Gaudí’s works in Barcelona

Here are some tips and practical information to make the most of your visit.

Tips and Practical Information

• Buy your tickets in advance:

Gaudí’s works, such as the Sagrada Família and Park Güell, attract many visitors. To avoid long queues, book your tickets online before your visit.

• Opening hours:

- Sagrada Família: Open from 9 AM to 8 PM, with shorter hours in winter.
- Park Güell: Open from 8 AM to 9:30 PM in summer, with shorter hours in winter.
Check specific times before you go, as they may vary by season.

• Guided tours:

For a richer experience, opt for a guided tour. Local guides offer detailed insights into the history and architecture of Gaudí’s works.

• Best times to visit:

Try to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the ideal light for photography.

• Take your time: Gaudí’s works are full of detail. Explore at your own pace to fully appreciate their beauty and complexity.
• Bring a water bottle: Barcelona can be hot, especially in summer. Stay hydrated during your visits.
• Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll be walking a lot, especially in Park Güell.