

List of our centre hotels around the Barcelona Art Nouveau route, Catalan Modernism buildings & landmarks:
B-Hotel | Hotel Granvia | Hotel Europark | Hotel Jazz | Hotel 1898 | Hotel Paral.lel | Hotel Barcelona Universal | Hotel Soho | U232 Hotel

Most interesting buildings & landmarks in this area:
Sagrada Família (1882) 24 Architect: Antoni Gaudí, and successors.
c/ Marina, 253.
The first stone of this colossal church was laid in 1882, and its construction is still going on today. Originally commissioned to architect Francesc de Paula Villar, the building’s development was handed over to a young Gaudí just one year later, and became his primary commitment until his death in 1926. Gaudí completed the crypt and side façade, which both enjoy World Heritage Site status by UNESCO. Preserved plans and models have allowed work on this building to continue.
Visitors can climb the church’s towers by foot or elevator, and from there enjoy a magnificent view of Barcelona.
Casa Milà (1910) 18 Architect: Antoni Gaudí.
Passeig de Gràcia, 92.
The Casa Milà goes beyond just architecture: it’s sculpture. Commonly referred to as La Pedrera, in honor of its mountainside-like façade, the building was designed by Gaudí between 1905 and 1912. It was conceived as a unique work of art that would break the boundaries of architecture and involve other artistic disciplines, sculpture among them.
A visit includes a tour through the Espai Gaudí, a permanent installation dedicated to the work of the architect, as well as a view of the rooftop and the architectural-sculptural formations that inhabit it. You can also visit an apartment on the fifth floor, decorated in the style of the early 20th century, and furnished with Modernist fixtures.
Josep Maria Jujol crafted the metal balconies. Currently, the building is the headquarters for the Caixa Catalunya Foundation and it was declared World Heritage Site. [ + info ]
Palau de la Música Catalana (1908) 28 Architect: Lluís Domènech i Montaner.
c/ sant Francesc de Paula, 2.
The Palau is an artistic wonder born in celebration of music. Today it remains a true hallmark of Modernist architecture.
The structural beauty of the building is striking both outside and in. Nestled between traditional homes in Barcelona’s old city, the building’s façade is graced by the busts of famous composers and features magnificent combinations of brick, stone, ceramic, wrought iron, and stained glass. The result is a highly unusual and eye-catching monument.
The vestibule in the building’s interior features two arches and an antique box office decorated in neutral tones and floral motifs. The entranceway features astounding marble staircases, and ceramic ceiling moldings in a star-shaped geometric pattern.
The entire building is flanked with references to music, such as Miquel Blay’s Folk Song sculptures. The structure is currently under renovation under the direction of architect Òscar Tusquets. It is part of a World Heritage Site. [ + info ]
Casa Batlló (1906) 12 Architect: Antoni Gaudí.
Passeig de Gràcia, 43.
This brilliant construction is the fruit of Gaudí’s boundless imagination and the abstract structural contributions of architect Josep Maria Jujol.
Located on the Manzana de la Discordia (The Block of Discord), the Casa Batlló manifests Gaudí’s surprising creative capacities. Its façade, recovered in brightly-colored glass and ceramic fragments, features beautiful undulant balconies made with delicate floral-themed columns. One of the building’s greatest charms is its dragon-shaped roof. It is part of a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Palau Güell (1890) 29 Architect: Antoni Gaudí.
c/ Nou de la Rambla, 3-5.
This Modernist palace, commissioned to Gaudí by his patron Eusebi Güell, lent the former worldwide acclaim. Its spaces are designed around a central area which imbues a great sensation of transparency to the inner enclosure. The structure is notable for the rich decorative properties of its back façade, underground floor and roof terrace, where 20 beautifully adorned chimneys accompany the lantern that lights up the noble main hall.
The austere façade does not betray the boundless creativity and originality with which Gaudí approached this project. Since 1984, it was declared World Heritage Site.
Casa Terrades, o Casa de les Punxes (1905) 20 Architect: Josep Puig i Cadafalch.
Av. Diagonal, 416.
A grandiose structure that evokes the medieval palaces of fairy tales. A most spectacular complex, notable for its grand dimensions and wrap-around façade.
Other interesting buildings & landmarks:
Casa Golferichs (1901) 7 Architect: Joan Rubió.
Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 491.
One of the few single-family homes in the Eixample, with unique brick and stonework.
Casa Sayrach (1918) 8 Architect: Manuel Sayrach.
Av. Diagonal, 423.
Often considered the last Modernist house, and one of the few works by this architect. Exceptional entranceway.
Editorial Montaner i Simón (1880) 9 Architect: Lluís Domènech i Montaner.
c/ Aragó, 255.
Industrial structure considered a pioneer of Modernism; the floor railings are the first indication. Currently houses the Antoni Tàpies Foundation.
Casa Amatller (1900) 11 Architect: Josep Puig i Cadafalch.
Passeig de Gràcia, 41.
The unusual staggered façade of this building, and its fully restored foyer and main floor preserve its original richness and evoke the ambiance of the era. The construction is currently home to the Amatller Institute of Hispanic Art.
Casa Fuster (1911) 13 Architect: Lluís Domènech i Montaner.
Passeig de Gràcia, 132.
The gem that sits atop the Passeig de Gràcia, with interesting and surprising façades.
Casa Lleó Morera (1905) 14 Architect: Lluís Domènech i Montaner.
Passeig de Gràcia, 35.
This spectacular residential building is one of Modernism’s richest and best-preserved exemplars. With exceptional décor in its foyer and main floor, this building now hosts one of Barcelona’s Tourism offices.
Casa Comalat (1911) 15 Architect: Salvador Valeri.
Av. Diagonal, 442.
While the main façade only calls attention to its top, the façade behind Còrsega has a gratifying surprise in store.
Casa vídua Marfà (1905) 16 Architect: Manel Comas.
Passeig de Gràcia, 66.
An elegant and well-balanced structure inspired by Neo-Gothic styles. An inimitable carriage entrance.
Casa Calvet (1899) 17 Architect: Antoni Gaudí.
c/ Casp, 48.
This is the first building Gaudí built in the Eixample. It features an outstanding vestibule and ground floor, and an office designed by Gaudí that today is home to a restaurant.
Casa Llopis Bofill (1902) 19 Architect: Antoni Maria Gallissà.
c/ València, 339.
An unusual work of rare Neo-Arab inspiration. Astounding vestibule and sgraffitos by Jujol.
Casa Macaya (1901) 21 Architect: Josep Puig i Cadafalch.
Passeig de Sant Joan, 108.
A gorgeous manor house of Neo-Gothic inspiration, built by Josep Puig i Cadafalch, one of the masters of Catalonian Modernism. Today it is home to the Caixa de Pensions Cultural Center. Of the original magnificence of this single-family home, only the façade and vestibule remain totally intact.
Casa Thomas (1898) 22 Architect: Lluís Domènech i Montaner.
c/ Mallorca, 291.
Lluís Domènech i Montaner designed the two lowest floors in this building as a magnificent single-family residence and studio. Three more floors were added in 1912 by architect Francesc Guardia.
The ceramic reliefs on the façade, and the sunflowers that ornament its balconies, are both reminiscent of beautiful Venetian palaces.
Palau del Baró de Quadras (1906) 23 Architect: Josep Puig i Cadafalch.
Av. Diagonal, 373.
Neo-Gothic building decorated with flower adornments by the sculptor Arnau, and featuring truly spectacular façades and interiors.
Casa Martí (1896) 26 Architect: Josep Puig i Cadafalch.
c/ Montsió, 3bis.
The first work by this architect was inspired by the Neo-Gothic tradition and is evocative of a medieval castle. The Gothic façade is adorned with ornamental elements characteristic of Catalonian Modernism: dazzling stained glass windows, meticulous wrought iron detailing, and sculptures by Eusebi Arnau including the figure of Sant Jordi.
Pablo Picasso, Ramon Casas, Santiago Rusiñol, Isaac Albéniz, Opisso, Isidre Nonell,... all of them were bohemian artists and intellectuals that were regular at Els Quatre Gats, located on the ground floor.
Castell dels Tres Dracs (1888) 27 Architect: Lluís Domènech i Montaner.
Parc de la Ciutadella.
This building was originally a café and restaurant (during Barcelona World Fair, 1888) and features magnificent brick façade and very interesting interiors.