Barcelona is one of the world’s most beautiful cities, and its streets are filled with the works of famous architect Antoni Gaudi. Gaudi’s buildings are defined by spectacular shapes, intricate designs, and bright colors. If you’re planning to visit the city, here are five things to see.
Built in Barcelona in 1884, Casa Batlló is the most famous of the Gaudi’s Barcelona projects, and for good reason. The house is remarkable in its originality, not just for its striking façade, which pays homage to the Gothic style, but also for the huge fireplaces, ornate balconies, balconet windows, and nautical motifs that echo the ocean in the oceanic city.
Gaudi designs are popular with tourists and architecture buffs alike. But with only a handful of sites devoted to architectural achievements of Gaudi, as well as very few paved roads in and out of Barcelona, it may be surprising that the Catalan architect is as well known as he is. However, as you can see from this home, his work has been realized in a number of places, not all of which are located within the city walls.
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The tour of Casa Vicens in Barcelona is a great way to learn about Antoni Gaudi’s first house, which is also one of the finest examples of Catalan Modernism.
It was his first project, and he would later describe it as “the only one I’ve ever done with all my heart.”
In Barcelona, we visited Casa Vicens.: Gaudi’s First Residence
Casa Vicens is a building in Barcelona’s old Gràcia district that was commissioned by Josep Vicens I Montaner, an entrepreneur who earned his wealth in coal mines.
He commissioned Gaudi to create his vacation home, and the result is a structure that blends Gaudi’s modernist aesthetic with whimsical touches.
The self-guided tour of Casa Vicens takes visitors around three levels of the home and gives them an insight into how wealthy families lived at the turn of the century.
Enclosed porch & fountain
Casa Vicens’ Ground Floor
Gaudi built Casa Vicens in the neo-Mudejar style, also known as Moorish Revival, which was popular during Spain’s Muslim rule. Throughout the property, you’ll see a mix of brick, tiles, and horseshoe curves.
A central dining room is flanked by an enclosed porch, a smoking room, and a foyer on the ground level, where it would have been cooler during the day.
The original wooden furniture, paintings by Francesc Torrescassana, and plant patterns on the walls, ceiling, and fireplace were all created by Gaud himself.
The Turkish smoking area, which also has beautiful stained glass windows, has a Middle Eastern flavor.
On the first floor
The private areas of the family are located on the first level. There are two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a sitting area.
Terrace on the Roof
Gaud built a rooftop refuge at Casa Vicens, which would eventually become a signature of his work.
Take a stroll around the building to view the magnificent tiled tower on the western corner, as well as the three tiled brick chimney tops.
The Garden is a beautiful place.
A modest sitting area and lots of room to explore and view the exterior features up close can be found behind the home.
This location is a real oasis in the city, with Mediterranean flora abounding.
Make careful to look both down and up while exploring the garden! Around every turn, there are hidden features.
Casa Vicens even had its own power generation system, the first of its type in Barcelona.
Casa Vicens is a wonderful example of Gaud’s architectural brilliance, and it’s clear to understand why it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005.
If you wish to explore more Gaudi architecture, there are a number of additional Gaudi-designed monuments in Barcelona.
Touring Casa Vicens in Barcelona
Tours of Casa Vicens are available every day (except Mondays).
The tour begins at 1 p.m. Monday through Friday, but not until 3:30 p.m. on Saturdays.
You may also book reservations ahead of time online. If you want the greatest time window, we suggest making a reservation well in advance!
Have you visited Barcelona’s Casa Vicens? What was your favorite part of the experience?
It’s hard to believe but over a century ago, Gaudi designed the first house designed by him in Barcelona. Today it is a popular tourist attraction and a must see for anyone interested in architecture and design. The house is a series of 60 rooms, many of which have been left unfinished. It is a 15 minute walk from the Las Ramblas Plaza.. Read more about casa vicens history and let us know what you think.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Gaudi house built?
The Gaudi house was built in 1852.
When was Casa Vicens built?
Casa Vicens was built in the late 1800s.
Why was Casa Vicens built?
Casa Vicens was built in the late 1800s by a wealthy family who wanted to live among nature.
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