Dear foodies, welcome to a new episode of our unveiling Barcelona series!
If you are visiting the city these days, you might be wondering if the weather is always like this in spring. Well, it’s not! In this period the sun usually shines, flowers bloom, and people head towards Barceloneta and Bogatell beaches. This year, though, the weather is making us wait a little longer for sunny days.
However, Barcelona offers plenty of activities even when it’s raining, from visiting museums like the Moco Museum, Picasso Museum, and Museo Nacional d’Art de Cataluña, to exploring the city’s architectural wonders.
Indeed, Antoni Gaudí, the renowned Catalan architect, shares an intricate and symbiotic relationship with the city of Barcelona, a connection that has profoundly shaped both the man and the metropolis. Gaudí’s visionary designs have left an indelible mark on the landscape of the city making it a global hub for art and architecture enthusiasts.
Born in 1852 in Reus, Catalonia, Gaudí moved to Barcelona to study architecture. His early works, such as Casa Vicens, already exhibited his unique style, blending Gothic and Oriental influences with a deep fascination for nature. However, his later projects truly defined his legacy and cemented his bond with Barcelona.
Iconic Gaudí Landmarks:
- The Sagrada Família: Commissioned in 1883 and still under construction today, this basilica epitomizes Gaudí’s architectural vision, linking past, present, and future generations of Barcelonans.
- Casa Vincens, Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera): These residential buildings are among Gaudí’s most famous works.
- Park Güell: Originally intended as a residential project but later transformed into a public park, Park Güell embodies Gaudí’s philosophy of architecture as an organic part of the environment, harmoniously blending nature and human creativity.
These sites attract millions of visitors each year and you probably already have them all on your Barcelona bucket list. But, as you know, the aim of this blog is to present hidden gems within the city that are off the usual tourist beaten path, that’s why, following Gaudi’s steps, we want to lead you to a less known masterpiece he created right next to Las Ramblas: Palau Güell.
#Tip5: Visit Palau Güell (Every first Sunday of the month the entrance is free, but remember to reserve it online)
Palau Güell was Eusebi Güell’s first commission to Gaudí in 1885. This city mansion in the Raval district is one of the world’s first buildings in the Art Nouveau architectural style and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984.
Despite its modest 589 square meter plot, Gaudí maximized the space, creating a 2,850 square meter mansion over seven floors to accommodate Güell’s large family and their active social life.
As you get to Nou de la Rambla, 3-5 you might be deceived by the exterior of the palace, but trust us because as you enter you’ll be astonished by the luxurious world it unfolds.
Taking the staircase of honor after having visited the coach house, the stables and the ground floor, you will see a stained glass window featuring the stripes of the Catalan flag, symbolizing Gaudì’s strong bond with Catalunya.
From here you will cross many different rooms: bedrooms, dressing rooms, luxurious halls, a painting studio, a terrace and an attic, a dining room, a smoking room, the musician’s area, the roof terrace and even a billiard room.
The central feature of the palace around which the residence and the family life were arranged is the central hall. It was used for concerts, cultural events and religious services. While you are visiting you can still hear music playing today, allowing you to feel the atmosphere of the past.
Gaudí and Barcelona share a profound and dynamic relationship. Gaudí’s visionary works have become integral to Barcelona’s architectural identity, while at the same time, the vibrant city of Barcelona provided Gaudí with the canvas to explore and manifest his extraordinary talents, ensuring that his legacy would endure for generations.
Follow Gaudi’s steps in shaping Barcelona and let your creativity be inspired by his works, we will wait for you at The Paella Club to craft your own piece of art: a perfect Spanish culinary art piece!
