Barcelona and architecture go hand in hand. When strolling through the spectacular city, it’s almost impossible for the characterizing architecture to be left unnoticed. The one who had the biggest part in all of that? Antoni Gaudí of course! Our guess is that you’ve heard of him before… His iconic buildings – with the typical and recognizable style – can be found throughout the city. With this article we dive deeper into the several Gaudi houses in Barcelona. In the city itself you will find no less than 6 houses of which 4 are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. If that’s not worth it!

Casa Batlló

The first house we’ll start with, is probably the most famous one on this list. This skeletal masterpiece, located in the centre of Barcelona, is inspired by nature. The facade full of organic forms gives that away. Since the balconies kind of look like skulls and bones, Casa Batlló is also known as “Casa dels Ossos” which means “House of Bones”. Did you know that the roof resembles the back of a dragon? This design refers to the legend of St. George – the patron saint of Catalonia – defeating a dragon to save the princess. For this reason, the rooftop terrace is a favourite.

Aren’t you going to enter the house? That’s okay. Gaudí’s use of colourful ceramic tiles make a stunning mosaic on the facade that is tremendously pleasing for the eye. Here’s a sneak peek:

This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

Location: Passeig de Gràcia, 43, 08007 Barcelona

Casa Milà (La Pedrera)

Casa Milà is Casa Batlló’s smaller sister. They are only a short walk away from each other. Just like Casa Batlló, this building was criticised after it was built but became a World Heritage site later. This house has 2 names. Even though “Casa Milà” is the original name, the local nickname “La Pedrera” is used more often. That’s because this masterpiece’s stonelike appearance reminded locals of a quarry, which translated to Catalan means “La Pedrera”. The irregular facade with twisted iron balconies, is one of the most remarkable works of Catalan modernist architecture. Once again, the roof terrace is the most iconic space in this building.

This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

Location: Passeig de Gràcia, 92, 08008 Barcelona

Casa Vicens

For Gaudí, Casa Vicens was one of his first important works. After he graduated from Provincial School of Architecture of Barcelona, he designed and built this family home for a business owner named Manuel Vicens. You might notice the design differs from his later works. Yet, the Arabic and Eastern influences are clearly already present. Apart from the fascinating facade, the interior is worth it too. With the ornaments and colourful tiles, Gaudí created his own distinctive look in terms of architecture and dared breaking away from tradition. So Casa Vicens wasn’t only a new chapter in Gaudí’s career but also in the history of Catalan architecture. It was the foundation for the successful works he would go on to create in the future.

This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

Location: Carrer de les Carolines, 20-26, 08012 Barcelona

Palau Güell

This building is the odd duck on this list. Why, you wonder? Just take a look at this palace, you’ll quickly see the exterior doesn’t have that distinctive Gaudí look. However, the sober facade does give away some of his style. Just like Casa Vicens, he created Palau Güell at the very beginning of his career. That’s why this residence for the Güell family has those same Oriental influences. Gaudí established this building with the help of his faithful assistant Francesc Berenguer. Are you missing that typical Gaudí style in the exterior? Tour the home to discover the interior that has that look, peculiar to Gaudí.

This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

Location: Carrer Nou de la Rambla, 3-5, 08001 Barcelona

Casa Calvet

In contrast to the previous Gaudi houses we have seen, this house is not (yet) open to visitors. It also is part of his earlier architecture and therefore inspiring to go and have a look at its magnificent facade. If you do, you’ll notice that Casa Calvet also misses that typical Gaudí touch. According to a lot of people it’s the most conventional work he ever did. And there’s a good reason for that. When, around 1900, the Calvets commissioned Gaudí to build a five-story house, the house had to be squeezed between the buildings that were already there. Since the house was going to be built in one of the most elegant sections of Barcelona, it had to blend in nicely with the rest. If you visit, you can have dinner at China Crown if you wish. A Chinese cuisine restaurant that allows you to experience one of  the Gaudi houses differently.

Location: Carrer Sant Marc, 57, 08253 El Calvet, Barcelona

Casa Figueres (Bellesguard)

So far, all gaudí houses were within a reasonable walking distance of each other. But for this one, you’ll have to go a little further. That’s not to say it’s not worthwhile. On the contrary. It’s one of the most underrated Gaudi houses in Barcelona. It’s important to know Gaudí himself did not build Casa Figueres. The site in fact has historical significance since the king of Aragon had his palace there, all the way back in the 1400’s. Ever since, the building had been deteriorating up until 1900 – when Jaume Figueres bought it and Gaudí started working on it. The impressive rooftop provides a beautiful view of Barcelona. That’s where its nickname “Bellesguard” comes from.

Location: Carrer de Bellesguard, 20, 08022 Barcelona

These 6 Gaudí houses in Barcelona offer you a fascinating insight into Gaudí’s incredible creations and life. It’s the best way to worship his work and amazing talent without the lengthy queues. Enjoy!

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