The Front of La Sagrada Familia
Barcelona has some of the best Architecture that you will find anywhere. The rock star of Barcelona architecture is Antoni Gaudi. His buildings are iconic and are must sees for any visitor. I did not know much about Gaudi before visiting Barcelona but he is now one of my favorite architects. Here is my list of the best Gaudi architectural sights in Barcelona.
LA SAGRADA FAMILIA
La Sagrada Familia is Gaudi’s most well known and popular building. It has been under construction since 1882 and is only about half way completed. The estimated completion is supposed to be 2026 but who knows if that will actually happen. I doubt that there is a more attractive half finished building in the world. I have visited twice and each time the experience was completely different. I look forward to visiting again.
Front Door @ La Sagrada Familia
A Colorful Tower on La Sagrada Familia
La Sagrada Familia Statues
CASA BATLLÓ
Casa Batlló was an existing house that was renovated by Gaudi for Josep Batlló y Casanovas. The renovations took place between 1904-1906. This is my favorite Gaudi building. I choose this as my favorite over La Sagrada Familia because it is smaller and much easier to get up close and personal with the details. There are so many amazing details in this building that it is impossible to experience them all in one visit. I like this building so much that I have a large picture of it hanging over my desk that I can look at when I am working. I have visited Casa Batlló on both my trips to Barcelona and will definitely visit it again.
Casa Batlló – Antoni Gaudi
Casa Batlló Window
Casa Batlló Courtyard Window
Casa Batlló Chimneys
Casa Batllo Roof Tiles
LA PEDRERA / CASA MILÀ
Casa Milà or La Pedrera was designed and built by Gaudi and was completed in 1912. It was originally built as a apartment building and is now home to the Fundació CatalunyaCaixa and also serves as a cultural center. There are self guided and guided tours of the roof, the attic and one of the original apartments. The main attraction of this building is the roof where the chimneys have been formed into interesting shapes and sculptures. I like this building but it not my favorite Gaudi building. The admission price is high and the roof is really the only reason to visit it. I would skip this one in favor of Casa Batlló if you do not have time for both. If you are a big Gaudi fan like me than you will probably want to visit. I have visited it twice but that is enough for me.
Casa Milà / La Pedrera
Chimney on Casa Milà
The Roof on Casa Milà
View of La Sagrada Familia from Casa Milà
PARK GUELL
Park Guell was originally built to be part of a planned community that was being developed by Eusebi Guell. The community was not successful but the park remains along with Gaudi’s house. Gaudi designed all the amazing features of the park. I really enjoy exploring the park and looking at all the interesting structures that Gaudi designed. Update: The park is now charging for admission. Learn more about visiting Park Guell here.
Park Guell – Barcelona Spain
Park Guell Sign
Columns of Park Guell
Rock Columns at Park Guell
Park Guell Tile Mosaics
PALAU GUELL
This building is located just off La Rambla. It was under renovations when I was there so I could not see it. It is now open for tours. Visit the website of Palau Guell for more information.
These buildings are my highlights of Gaudi’s architecture in Barcelona. I will definitely return to Barcelona and visit them again. I can not wait to see how much progress has been made on La Sagrada Familia since my last visit.
Have you been to Barcelona and seen the Gaudi buildings?
Terence Chang says
January 7, 2013 at 12:30 PMJeff:
You took great photos! I remember seeing the CASA BATLLÓ photo hanging on your wall. I will visit that place sometime soon.
Terence Chang recently posted..Makena Beach Over Look Molokini Island
Jeff says
January 7, 2013 at 9:27 PMTerence, you should definitely visit Barcelona. It is my favorite city and there are so many interesting things to photograph.
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Mark S says
February 22, 2013 at 3:20 PMFound your site from a comment you made on another site and like it a lot, and interestingly enough the comment was on taking a cruise, what made it interesting was that I found out how great Barcelona was because of a cruise. I enjoyed looking at all the buildings Gaudi designed but they aren’t really my style of buildings. They all seem to look like they are melting which really makes them look so different but as I said not really my style.
Escapig Abroad says
August 30, 2013 at 9:03 AMSpain’s architecture and unique buildings blow me away every time I see them in photos! That’s probably why it’s the European country I most want to visit.
Jeff says
August 30, 2013 at 11:51 AMPut it on the top of the list along with Italy. You will not be disappointed.
noel says
August 30, 2013 at 9:53 AMgreat images, I love the tight edits on his work and the different places you took us to, beautiful
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Jeff says
August 30, 2013 at 11:53 AMI can not get enough of his architecture. There is so much to look at that it never gets boring.
Lindsay says
August 30, 2013 at 9:55 AMI LOVE LOVE LOVE Gaudi’s architecture. It’s what makes Barcelona so special I think! Especially Park Guel!
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Jeff says
August 30, 2013 at 11:53 AMI agree. Barcelona would not be what it is without Gaudi.
lola says
August 30, 2013 at 9:57 AMoooo i love Gaudi. really ahead of his time! great photos.
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Jeff says
August 30, 2013 at 11:54 AMI know. It is amazing what he was building 100 years ago.
Mary Calculated Traveller says
August 30, 2013 at 10:08 AMLove everything Gaudi! I didn’t have the time to visit La Sagrada Familia when I was last in Barcelona and every time I see photos I yearn to go back JUST to see it!
Mary Calculated Traveller recently posted..Inspired by Travel? Make Grilled Cheese! CHEESEWERKS – Toronto
Jeff says
August 30, 2013 at 11:54 AMYou must go back then. The Sagrada is amazing.
elaine schoch says
September 1, 2013 at 10:14 AMLove the photos! The architecture looks amazing.I still haven’t been to Spain, needing to make that happen soon.
elaine schoch recently posted..Taking the wrong taxi in Rio almost cost us more than extra cab fare: Tips on taking a taxi in Rio de Janeiro
Jeff says
September 2, 2013 at 11:17 AMIt is my favorite country. I tell everyone they should go there.
Vanessa says
September 1, 2013 at 4:35 PMGreat piece. Architecture plays such a big role in my love of a community or a city. It’s hard to explain, but if you’re always surrounded by gorgeous buildings and public art, it feels like even the simplest things are luxuries, that even sitting in the park is a splurge, and that even the ‘downtime’ in your vacation is still an incredible travel experience.
Jeff says
September 2, 2013 at 11:17 AMI could spend weeks just walking around Barcelona looking at all the buildings. There are so many interesting things to see.
Hannah says
February 28, 2014 at 4:37 PMawesome! I’m Barcelona bound for the first time in April- will check out all of the above! 🙂
Jeff says
March 1, 2014 at 12:08 PMIt’s my favorite place. If you need any tips let me know.
Charlie says
August 14, 2014 at 3:07 PMSo incredible! Gaudi’s architecture was definitely one of my favourite things about Barcelona 🙂
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Jeff says
August 14, 2014 at 5:50 PMI agree. His architecture is amazing.
Yulia says
April 28, 2015 at 12:52 PMThanks, it was useful, I am here right now! 🙂
Jeff says
April 28, 2015 at 6:40 PMThanks. Have fun in Spain.