Always wanted to know what it would feel like to fall down the rabbit hole into Wonderland? Well that’s exactly what you’ll be doing when you step inside one of architect Antoni Gaudí’s many creations (including one which isn’t even finished!). Be sure to pick up a guide book somewhere along the way to give yourself a full background on the buildings, and also the man who dreamt them up.
Casa Vicens
Built between 1883 and 1888, Casa Vicens was Gaudí’s first important building. While it looks like it has popped out a children’s fairytale, the house was initially designed as a residential abode for one of Barcelona’s richest families. Although you can’t enter the house, the view from the street is enough to tickle the senses.
Casa Milà ‘La Pedrera’
Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, this giant sandcastle looks more like a hotel, as opposed to the home it once was. Build between 1906 and 1912, Casa Milà is now open to the public for self-guided tours. Be sure to check out the rooftop, with its alien like structures, as it’s truly the highlight of the mammoth abode.
Parc Güell
Another UNESCO World Heritage site, the park was built between 1900 and 1914. The ‘trencadis’ (irregular, ceramic mosaic) surfaces on many of the walls and buildings colour the park, and work in balance with the lush greenery surrounding it. Keep an eye out (although they’re hard to miss!) for the two buildings near the main park entrance, which appear as if they’re been take straight out of Hansel and Gretel. General entry to the park grounds is free, however the main park requires a ticket which can be purchased at any of the entrences.
Casa Batlló
From the moment you lay eyes on the façade of this restored house (originally built in 1877, and restored by Gaudí in 1904 for the Batlló family) you’ll be drawn into the opulent fantasy scheme of colours, masquerade masques (or skulls) and the shining rainbow serpant rooftop. Take one of the self-guided tours inside, and each room will fill you with new wonder.
La Sagrada Familia
How could I leave this off the list? Under construction since 1892, this marvel of a church is still being built. Before entering, make sure to spend some time taking in the immense detail which adorns the façade. Once inside you’ll enter a forest-like structure, bathed in multi-coloured light by the many stained glass windows. Take a climb up one of the towers for a spectacular view of the city.
Casa Vicens
Built between 1883 and 1888, Casa Vicens was Gaudí’s first important building. While it looks like it has popped out a children’s fairytale, the house was initially designed as a residential abode for one of Barcelona’s richest families. Although you can’t enter the house, the view from the street is enough to tickle the senses.
Casa Milà ‘La Pedrera’
Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, this giant sandcastle looks more like a hotel, as opposed to the home it once was. Build between 1906 and 1912, Casa Milà is now open to the public for self-guided tours. Be sure to check out the rooftop, with its alien like structures, as it’s truly the highlight of the mammoth abode.
Parc Güell
Another UNESCO World Heritage site, the park was built between 1900 and 1914. The ‘trencadis’ (irregular, ceramic mosaic) surfaces on many of the walls and buildings colour the park, and work in balance with the lush greenery surrounding it. Keep an eye out (although they’re hard to miss!) for the two buildings near the main park entrance, which appear as if they’re been take straight out of Hansel and Gretel. General entry to the park grounds is free, however the main park requires a ticket which can be purchased at any of the entrences.
Casa Batlló
From the moment you lay eyes on the façade of this restored house (originally built in 1877, and restored by Gaudí in 1904 for the Batlló family) you’ll be drawn into the opulent fantasy scheme of colours, masquerade masques (or skulls) and the shining rainbow serpant rooftop. Take one of the self-guided tours inside, and each room will fill you with new wonder.
La Sagrada Familia
How could I leave this off the list? Under construction since 1892, this marvel of a church is still being built. Before entering, make sure to spend some time taking in the immense detail which adorns the façade. Once inside you’ll enter a forest-like structure, bathed in multi-coloured light by the many stained glass windows. Take a climb up one of the towers for a spectacular view of the city.