Expert Tips for Photographing Barcelona's Famous Architecture

Barcelona is world-renowned for its diverse and stunning architecture, from medieval Gothic cathedrals to colorful Modernisme buildings designed by famous architect Antoni Gaudí. Capturing Barcelona's architectural variety in compelling photographs requires paying close attention to lighting, composition, angles and perspective.

This comprehensive guide provides pro tips to help photographers master capturing standout pictures of Barcelona's architectural treasures that highlight their unique beauty.

Choose the Right Photography Gear

Having the proper digital SLR or mirrorless camera equipment is essential for quality architectural photography in Barcelona. Use a camera that allows interchangeable lenses and has high 20+ megapixel resolution for large prints of your Barcelona architecture photos.

Bring wide-angle and telephoto zoom lenses like a 16-35mm and 70-200mm to capture both full building facades and fine architectural details. A tilt-shift lens can eliminate distortion when shooting photos of tall iconic structures like cathedral spires or Gaudi's Sagrada Familia.

And don’t forget a sturdy tripod and remote shutter release! Together this photography gear allows flexibility in framing shots from any vantage point.

Scout the Best Locations and Times

Research famous Barcelona buildings and architectural landmarks you want to photograph. Plan when to visit each location by noting the sunrise, sunset, and daylight hours that cast the most appealing shadows or reflections on the architecture.

For night architectural photography, buildings tend to look stunning during the “blue hour” twilight period. Visit locations ahead of your Barcelona architecture photoshoot to scout the best angles and foreground elements like fountains or gardens to incorporate.

Architectural walking tours of the Gothic Quarter and Modernisme Route can help you discover lesser-known photogenic architectural spots beyond the major landmarks. Barcelona’s mixture of old and new structures situated close together provides nearly endless options.

Compose Shots Creatively

When composing your Barcelona architecture photos, look for intriguing symmetry, patterns, textures, and visual balance within the buildings. Frame key architectural details like ironwork, stained glass windows, entryways, columns, and staircases.

Shoot upward for a dramatic perspective of towering cathedral facades in the Gothic Quarter. Or head inside one of Gaudi's buildings to photograph the surreal ornamental design flourishes.

For wide exterior shots, position yourself so other elements like trees or fountains appear in the foreground to add depth. Don’t just take standard full-building shots—capture close-ups, tight spaces, and side-angles for more visual impact.

Focus on Capturing Optimal Lighting

Watch how the direction and quality of lighting transforms building textures, shapes and colors throughout the day. Low morning and evening sunlight produces extended shadows that accentuate architectural contours. Strong midday sun can saturate colorful building facades in vivid hues.

Overcast skies softly diffuse light to reduce shadows and evenly illuminate architectural details. Try using slow shutter speeds to blur the motion of clouds and traffic to highlight stationary buildings.

When shooting interiors of landmarks like the Palau de la Música Catalana, use HDR techniques to balance dim and bright areas. Lighting is absolutely key for conveying a structure's unique atmosphere.

Master Perspective and Distortion Techniques

Shooting straight upward at monumental buildings like the Sagrada Familia can cause distorting effects like converging verticals. To minimize this, photograph from a distance using a slightly elevated viewpoint. Try framing the cathedral through trees or arches to add perspective.

Tilt-shift lenses can also reduce distortion when photographing iconic Barcelona architecture. When shooting interiors, keep your camera angle horizontal to vertical lines to maintain proper perspective. Minding perspective brings out a building’s true proportions.

Include Human Elements

Although Barcelona's architecture takes center stage, people add scale and interest to architectural photography. Capture passersby naturally interacting with buildings to showcase their public functions and history.

For popular tourist sites, arrive early to take crowd-free shots before opening hours. Or use long exposures to make crowds disappear into blurs. When including people, pay close attention to composition so they don’t dominate or detract from the architecture itself.

Edit and Enhance Photos

Post-processing polishes your Barcelona architecture photos into refined final products ready for your photography portfolio website. Carefully adjust tone, temperature, clarity, vibrance and other key settings until the image closely matches the actual building.

Correct minor lens distortion and perspective flaws. Enhance details lost in shadows or highlights using advanced techniques like HDR. Convert colorful shots to classic black-and-white for timeless architectural appeal.

However, avoid overediting that diminishes the architectural authenticity. Subtle enhancements make already great architectural shots shine.

Focus on Barcelona's Famous Architectural Styles

Capturing Barcelona's Romanesque and Gothic Architecture

Barcelona’s medieval Gothic Quarter provides intricate architectural details on 13th to 15th century cathedrals, palaces and mansions. The 14th century Santa Maria del Mar basilica exemplifies Catalan Gothic design with soaring vaults, stained glass windows and gargoyles.

Use wide angle lenses to capture the entirety of massive exterior cathedral facades, along with surrounding plazas and structures. Telephoto lenses isolate sculptural accents like stone carvings and ironwork. Morning and evening offer appealing exterior Gothic Quarter lighting.

Interiors of the Gothic cathedrals are much dimmer, so use tripods and slow shutter speeds to evenly balance interior lighting.

Photographing Gaudí’s Surreal Modernisme Architecture

Modernisme architect Antoni Gaudí’s fantastical Barcelona buildings are artistic centerpieces. For Gaudí’s most famous work, the still-unfinished Sagrada Familia, morning sunlight spotlights the dizzying sculptural detail on the Passion and Nativity facades.

Contrast the daytime busyness against the stillness of night shots sans crowds. Telephoto lenses compress perspectives when photographing the towering 18 spires.

Park Güell’s colorful mosaics shine under direct midday sun. The undulating ceramic-encrusted bench surrounding the Monumental Zone creates a whimsical abstract composition. At the Casa Batlló and La Pedrera, shoot tight abstracts of the surreal chimneys and warped ironwork.

Gaudí's dreamlike organic forms reward photographers who explore every possible angle.

Photogenic Contemporary Architecture

Beyond Barcelona's old landmarks, newer architectural icons include Jean Nouvel’s luminous Torre Agbar, Calatrava’s communications tower on Montjuïc, and Ricardo Bofill’s postmodern Walden 7 apartments.

Capture the Torre Agbar’s color-changing LED lights during the evening for vivid reflections in surrounding glass towers. The soaring steel and glass communications tower looks impressive photographed head-on or from low angles.

Shoot Walden 7’s honeycomb of cubist apartments from a distance to emphasize geometric patterns and repetitions. Barcelona’s contemporary building designs offer bold shapes and eye-catching architectural details to photograph.

Telling Barcelona's History Through Architecture Photography

Photographing Barcelona's architectural changes over centuries of history reveals shifting aesthetics and cultural influences. The orderly gridlike streets of the ancient Roman settlement Barcino establish Barcelona’s original urban plan.

Striking Gothic basilicas represent medieval power and religion. Gaudí's organic Modernisme architecture ties to 19th century Catalan identity and Art Nouveau style.

Photographing Barcelona architecture across eras illustrates how buildings reflect changing societal values over time.

Besides all of the above here are:

10 Tips for Capturing Unique Perspectives of Barcelona's Architecture

Barcelona's architecture offers endless possibilities for unique photographic perspectives. Here are 10 tips to capture the city's buildings from refreshing new angles:

1. Shoot upward from ground level for dramatic angles of tall facades and spires.
2. Get elevation - Photograph from high vantage points like rooftop terraces or Montjuïc for cityscapes.
3. Try a fisheye lens to exaggerate curves and angles.
4. Reflections - Use windows, water and modern facades as reflective surfaces.
5. Details - Abstract architectural elements like textures, patterns, and shadows.
6. Interior architecture - Concert halls, apartments, iconic ceiling details.
7. Creative framing - Use tunnels, arches, trees to frame subjects uniquely.
8. Juxtaposition - Contrast old and new architecture in one frame.
9. Symmetry - Photograph head on for graphic symmetrical compositions.
10. People - Capture authentic interactions and activities around buildings.

Applying even a couple of these tips when photographing Barcelona's landmarks will lend a fresh perspective to your images.

Another aspect to bear in mind is:

Mastering Lighting for Barcelona Architecture Photography

Lighting transforms Barcelona's buildings. Follow these tips to master capturing optimal architectural lighting:

• Golden hour - Sunrise/sunset warm light brings out textures.
• Blue hour - Twilight moments when buildings are colorfully illuminated.
• Overcast/rain - Flat, even lighting great for details.
• Direct sun - Bold shadows and saturated colors.
• HDR - Balances bright and dark areas of high-contrast scenes.
• Long exposures - Blur clouds/people, smooth water surfaces.
• Mixed lighting - Interior and exterior light together create mood.
• Artificial light - Nightscapes, concerts halls lit dramatically.
• Backlighting - Rim/silhouette buildings for bold outlines.
• Reflections - Glass towers, water and more reflect light beautifully.

Photographing in different types of light will reveal Barcelona's architecture in varied and stunning ways.

Composition is another vital part of good architecture photography:

How to Compose Eye-Catching Barcelona Architecture Photos

Strong composition elevates architectural photography. Use these tips when framing Barcelona's buildings:

• Rule of thirds - Place subject off-center for balance.
• Leading lines - Guide the eye through the frame.
• Viewpoint height - Shoot from above, below, or straight on.
• Symmetry - Front and center compositions are visually striking.
• Patterns and shapes - Repetition creates graphical interest.
• Foreground interest - Gardens, sculptures, water features add depth.
• Negative space - Blank areas like walls direct focus onto main subject.
• Framing - Use arches, tunnels, trees, etc to frame creatively.
• Cropping - Get close, crop out context for abstract architectural shots.
• Perspective - Correct or accentuate the angles and distortion.

Applying compositional techniques will take your Barcelona architecture photography to the next level.

If you want examples of the best hallmarks to practice your architecture photography consider the following:

How to Photograph Barcelona's Most Famous Architectural Landmarks

La Sagrada Familia

Gaudi's awe-inspiring basilica comes alive in different lighting. Capture the dizzying details on the Passion Facade in morning sun. At blue hour, the illuminated spires and Nativity Facade create magical images. Shoot upward for grand perspectives of the soaring spires and ceiling. Compose using framing elements like archways or trees outside. Try creative angles from the surrounding parks.

Casa Batlló

The facade's uneven ceramic tiles in earth tones create intriguing abstract patterns. Shoot straight on for colorful symmetrical images. Photograph the smooth rounded balcony railings at night when illuminated. Inside, spiraling staircases make for strong composition. Details like the skeletal attic roof, chimneys and window frames also stand out when photographed closely.

Casa Milà

The undulating stone facade resembles waves - shoot low angles to accentuate the effect. Capture repeating arches and windows straight on for graphical images. The rooftop chimneys are one of Barcelona's most photographed details - shoot at blue hour or use them as frames in daytime shots. The interior lightwell's plant-like pillars and ceiling light effects create dramatic architectural shots.

Park Güell

The colorful mosaics along winding walkways generate beautifully abstract and symmetrical compositions. Capture the famous dragon backed bench with musicians from different angles and in varied lighting. Shoot downward from atop the Monumental Zone framing the city in the distance. Details like tile patterns, columns and fountains are photogenic. Time your shoot for sunset when warm light saturates the architecture.

Palau Güell

Shoot exteriors with the fruited chimneys and wrought iron elements contrasted against blue sky for an impressive image. Inside, the hyperbolic paraboloid archways make strong repetitive patterns. Unique details to capture include the intricate wood ceilings and the underground stables area with mushroom-like brick columns.

Palau de la Música Catalana

The kaleidoscopic stained-glass skylight is a stunning subject when shot upward. Details like the floral capitals, elaborate lamp fixtures and ornate carving offer beautiful closeup compositions. On stage, the sweeping horseshoe-shaped rows of seating lead the eye. Time interior shoots during a daytime concert for atmospheric architectural images bathed in natural light.

Once you have your beautiful images it is time for some edition:

Editing Tips for Enhancing Your Barcelona Architecture Photos

Post-processing can take your architectural images to the next level. Try these edits:

• Adjust white balance for color accuracy.
• Fix lens distortion issues.
• Correct perspective and vertical lines.
• Enhance details in shadows/highlights.
• Saturation - Boost vividness of Gaudí buildings' colors.
• Dodge and burn for balanced exposure throughout.
• Add vignette to focus attention on subject.
• Black and white conversion for timeless images.
• HDR for high contrast scenes.
• Creative cropping for unique compositions.

Subtle editing elevates photos without looking artificial. Handle adjustments with care to represent Barcelona's architecture authentically.

If you want examples of beautiful areas to walk around looking for nice architecture, take a look at:

Top Photography Spots for Barcelona's Best Architecture

The Gothic Quarter

This medieval labyrinth of narrow streets contains the Cathedral, Santa Maria del Mar church, Palau de la Generalitat and other ornate Gothic buildings. Capture maze-like shots of the stone architecture along atmospheric alleys.

Passeig de Gràcia

The most elegant buildings and two of Gaudi's masterpieces - Casa Batlló and Casa Milà - line this beautiful boulevard. Photograph Modernisme and other striking facades from the median or framed by palm trees.

Montjuïc

The hilltop provides elevated cityscape vantage points. Photograph the MNAC museum, Magic Fountain lightshow, Mies van der Rohe Pavilion and more from scenic overlooks.

Eixample

The grid-like streets contain many Modernisme apartment buildings with ornate facades. Unique repetitive patterns and details emerge when photographing rows of the structures.

Parc Güell

Gaudi's mosaic park offers colorful architectural elements to photograph like the main terrace, pavilions, colonnades, sculptural elements, serpentine benches.

In Summary

Photographing Barcelona’s diverse architecture requires understanding how to utilize angles, light and composition for maximum visual impact. Unique photographic details emerge at different times and from unexpected viewpoints. Beyond major monuments, lesser-known architectural gems also color Barcelona's streets.

Looking at buildings through an artistic eye transforms structures into emotionally captivating photographic works of art. Patiently exploring Barcelona’s architectural environment yields images that tell rich visual stories about this historic city. With these pro tips, your Barcelona architecture photos will capture the vibrant architectural spirit of this world-class city.

The 20 Best Places to Take Photos in Barcelona for Instagram

Barcelona overflows with picture-perfect spots for travel photography. From Gaudí's surreal architecture to palm-lined beaches and lively boulevards, Barcelona offers countless visually stunning backdrops. Whether you're a pro toting a DSLR or an amateur snapping smartphone pics, you'll find awesome places in Barcelona to capture postcard-worthy shots. This guide covers the top 20 locations in Barcelona to ignite your social shares. With tips for snagging super shots, you'll be able to fill your Instagram with artistic Barcelona photos that will mesmerize your followers.

1. Sagrada Familia

   No trip to Barcelona is complete without visiting Antoni Gaudí’s magnificent Basilica of the Sagrada Familia, which is a photographer's paradise for Instagram. This awe-inspiring Gothic and Art Nouveau cathedral has soaring spires, intricate details, and colorful stained glass perfect for your Instagram feed. Climb high for a wide cityscape shot or get up close to capture the ornate Passion Façade. The never-ending construction and scaffolds add dynamic angles. Morning light illuminates the textures beautifully for Instagram. Snap photos from unique perspectives to stand out on Instagram. The Sagrada Familia is Barcelona's most iconic landmark and should be at the top of any travel photographer's Instagram bucket list.

   

2. Parc Güell

   Another whimsical Instagrammable masterpiece by Antoni Gaudí, Parc Güell makes for unforgettable photos. Winding pathways, colorful mosaics, and fairytale-like structures create a dreamy Instagram backdrop. Shoot the main terrace overlooking the city or wander the park to discover more photogenic gems like the Gaudí House Museum for your Instagram grid. Frame a selfie on the serpentine bench or against the Hansel and Gretel-style gingerbread gatehouses. Early morning or late afternoon golden hour is best for glowing light. Parc Güell captures Barcelona's magical architecture and is perfect for your Instagram feed.

   

3. Casa Milà (La Pedrera)

   This futuristic-looking apartment building designed by Gaudí is both bizarre and beautiful, making for excellent Instagram photos. The rippling stone facade and skeletal rooftop make dramatic subjects. Pose on the front steps or on the roof among the eerie chimneys resembling medieval warriors for Instagram. At night, Casa Milà is illuminated for a striking, science-fiction feel perfect for Instagram. Shoot upward for patterns against the sky or capture the surreal sculptural details up close. As one of Barcelona's most imaginative buildings, La Pedrera will add artistic flair to your Instagram gallery.

   

4. Casa Batlló

   Gaudí's Casa Batlló dazzles with a facade covered in colorful mosaic tiles and wave-like window frames, creating eye-catching Instagram photos. The roofline resembles a dragon's back, complete with ridge spikes for scales. Capture the fluid forms and marine motifs from street level or get a rooftop view from the rear of the block for Instagram. Inside, snap the skeletal interior columns or light shaft. Photos of Casa Batlló's colorful artistry make great Instagram posts showing Barcelona's modernisme style.

   

5. Montjuïc and Magic Fountains

   Rising above the city, Montjuïc provides stunning elevated views of Barcelona's skyline perfect for Instagram. The hilltop Castillo de Montjuïc fortress has panoramic vistas and old cannon batteries to explore. Come at dusk for a majestic Instagram shot of the port and city below with a pink sky. At the Magic Fountain, capture the colorful lights artistically blurred with slow shutter speed for Instagram. Photos from Montjuïc showcase Barcelona's beauty from above.

   

6. Barri Gòtic

   Barcelona's atmospheric Gothic Quarter is another favorite spot for Instagrammable photography. Wander the medieval labyrinth of narrow cobblestone alleys lined with classic architecture. Photograph soaring 14th century cathedrals, hidden plazas and iron lanterns. For moody Instagram shots, capture the stone arches and shadows. The mix of old and new makes the Barri Gòtic endlessly inspiring. Share your gothic Barcelona photos and transport Instagram followers to the historic heart of the city.

   

7. La Rambla

   Always buzzing with activity, Barcelona's famous La Rambla boulevard offers dramatic Instagrammable street photography. Catch a flamenco dancer in action or snap the living statues posing elegantly. Look for candy vendors in colorful costumes or street performers in inventive costumes. Shoot upward for architectural details on the elaborate buildings along the pedestrian street. Capture the energy and eclectic sights of La Rambla then share your images on Instagram.

   

8. Plaça de Catalunya

   The expansive Plaça de Catalunya square provides a lively Instagrammable urban backdrop. People watch and capture daily local life: street musicians, pigeon feeders, children playing. Photograph friends sitting on the central fountain or statue base. The square links old and new Barcelona; shoot both the modern El Corte Inglés department store and older buildings like the Hotel Colón. The hustle and bustle of Plaça de Catalunya encapsulates the city's lively spirit for Instagram.

   

9. Arc de Triomf

   Barcelona's iconic Arc de Triomf brickwork archway makes a dramatic framing element for Instagram photos. Built for the 1888 World's Fair, this bold neo-Mudejar arch adds a pop of red against the cityscape. Photograph models or friends strolling through the arch or posing in front. For scale, include the whole arch in your Instagram shot. At night, the illuminated Arc de Triomf is perfect for a neon-lit urban snap. Share these monumental Barcelona photos with Instagram fans.

   

10. Parc de la Ciutadella

    This idyllic green space offers a serene natural contrast to the city for Instagram. Capture the towering palm trees, sparkling central fountain, and picturesque gazebos. Row across the lake for romantic Instagram photos on the water. Shoot friends relaxing on the grass or people commuting by bike through the park. Look for birds and other wildlife as photogenic subjects. Share your park snapshots to show the greener side of Barcelona on Instagram.

    

11. Parc del Laberint d'Horta

    Outside Barcelona, this magical 18th-century hedge maze park creates whimsical Instagrammable photos. Shoot the maze from above or send someone inside for adventure shots winding through the labyrinth. Other photogenic elements include the central pond, neoclassical statues, and stone temple ruins. The harmonious landscape allows striking nature photography for Instagram. For magical garden photos to enchant your feed, visit Parc del Laberint d’Horta.

    

12. Tibidabo

    Soaring above the city, Tibidabo Amusement Park provides beautiful panoramic views for Instagram photos. Shoot the ride-filled skyline or pose in front of the vintage Ferris wheel and quirky attractions. Watch the cable car ascend for dramatic overhead shots. At sunset, Tibidabo lights up for golden hour magic. Show off the whole of Barcelona from this elevated vantage point in your Instagram posts.

    

13. La Boqueria Market

    Barcelona’s vibrant La Boqueria food market explodes with colorful Instagrammable photo opportunities. Capture the overflowing fruit and vegetable displays, shimmering seafood catches, and hanging hams. Photograph the busy market activity and characters like fruit vendors in the early morning. Close-ups of ingredients pop against the market backdrop. Foodies and travel photographers alike will delight in La Boqueria’s lively visual feast for Instagram.

    

14. Port and Passeig de Colom

    Along the pedestrian Passeig de Colom, snap Instagram photos of the sailboats and yachts moored in the marina. Look for reflections in the water. Shoot the famous Columbus Monument statue pointing out across the sea. Capture the star-shaped Barcelona Royal Shipyard buildings across the port. At sunrise or sunset, incorporate colorful skies for dramatic seaside Instagram photographs.

    

15. Palau de la Música Catalana

    This concert hall designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner is an ornate vision perfect for Instagram, with mosaic-tiled columns, stained glass skylights, and a gold sculpture-adorned facade. Photograph the exterior details then tour inside for brilliant Instagram photos of the grand auditorium capped by a stained-glass inverted dome. The kaleidoscopic colors and textures make Palau de la Música Catalana a unique Barcelona subject for your artsy Instagram shots.

    

16. Monastery of Pedralbes

    This medieval Gothic convent surrounded by tranquil gardens creates ethereal Instagram photos away from the city hustle. Shoot the three-story cloister gallery and central fountain from different perspectives. Capture the arched walkways framed by vines and flowers. At night, photograph the dramatically lit architectural details. Share this serene spot with your Instagram feed for a moment of Barcelona calm.

    

17. Hospital de Sant Pau

    Architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner designed this early 20th-century hospital complex filled with decorative buildings and gardens perfect for Instagram. Capture the colorful tiled pavilions, stained glass windows, and unique circular windows. Wander for unexpected angles like doorways and passageways. Photos from these whimsical grounds capture innovative modernisme style for Instagram.

    

18. Rambla de Catalunya

    Lined with elegant architecture and chic shops, this upscale thoroughfare attracts Barcelona’s fashionable crowd for Instagrammable shots. Capture mod looks against the Art Nouveau and Art Deco building facades. Look up for intricate ironwork balconies and window frames to photograph. Tree-filled Canaletes square links to Rambla de Catalunya for added scenery. For stylish Instagram street photography, add this posh promenade to your feed.

    

19. Plaça del Sol in Gràcia

    In the charming Gràcia district, this quaint plaza delivers Instagrammable snapshots of daily life. Young families gather at the playground, cyclists traverse the plaza, street musicians strum guitars. Capture the facades surrounding the plaza in geometric patterns interspersed with arches and ornate details. Shoot upward for architectural patterns framed by blue sky. Photos from this lively square spotlight authentic local Barcelona culture for Instagram.

    

20. Old Harbor and Barceloneta

    Along the harbor at the foot of La Rambla, snap Instagram photos of the sail-shaped Columbus Monument against the deep blue Mediterranean Sea. Capture the iconic red and yellow sightseeing boat Golondrinas docked near the waterfront promenade. Shoot the Barceloneta neighborhood’s narrow 18th-century lanes lined with history homes and shops. Photos from the old harbor and seaside deliver classic nautical Barcelona vibes for Instagram.

    

With stunning architecture, lively neighborhoods, markets, and coastal scenery, Barcelona offers endless inspiration for travel photography. Use this guide to capture artistic and distinctive photos at the top Instagrammable spots in Barcelona. For more tips, check out these top Barcelona Instagrammers:

• @xopet1969
• @thebarcelonist
• @barcelonacitizen

Whether you use your smartphone or DSLR camera, Barcelona provides picture-perfect settings for unique images to share on Instagram and remember your travels.

Bubble Dreams Under an Arch of Triumph

Dreaming is one of those things that you can grow for free in your particular world of Oz beyond that yellow brick road. You could add a beautiful arch of triumph at the end and why not, some mesmerizing bubbles through which you can look at the future with joy. Perhaps it is all as simple as that. The end of the year is coming and it is time to detach from all the noise, look at what is right in front of you in awe and let yourself go, the child way.

 

10 of the Best Modernist Architectural Buildings in Barcelona That Will Conquer Your Heart

By the end of XIX and beginnings of XX century, a new artistic movement spread throughout Europe that broke with the past and gave priority to craftsmanship and nature motifs over the rigid hierarchical structure of academic art.

Such movement was called different names: Art nouveau, Jugendstil, modern style, stile Liberty and Sezessionstil. In Barcelona, it is known as Modernism.

Barcelona's modernisme, as such is its name in Catalan, drank from the industrial revolution, from the well being of a powerful bourgeoisie, of the new great men, that set eyes in progress, and new ways of expression, of renovation.

Modernism was about to be seen everywhere, from a pharmacy to a street lamp, but it really started in the houses of the rich, those that made their fortunes in the flourishing textile industry or in Cuba, just to mention some examples, those that move from inside the city walls to live in the Eixample, that set of perfect squares or islands, part of the housing project by Ildefons Cerda. 

Many artists participated in this ordeal of creativity, but a group of gifted architects took the leading part in giving birth to such magnificent cultural and historical legacy. 

Today I would like to give you a succinct list of their major works of art. By choosing just some of them, I will certainly be unfair with the rest. 

Here are 10 of the best modernist buildings that you must see in Barcelona:

1 - Park Güell by Antoni Gaudi: The Futuristic Garden

Park Guell

A new century was about to start, the influence of 1888 Universal Exhibition was still present and the city was expanding fast in the wake of Ildefons Cerda's ambitious plan.

Right before 1900, Eusebi Güell, Catalan industrial and politician, who made his fortune in the textile sector, entrusted his friend Gaudi with the design of a housing project that would accommodate well known families in a estate up in the neighboring hills around Barcelona. 

From each of the projected 60 plots, happy owners were going to enjoy a privileged view of the sea and the city in a complex full of religious symbols and in harmony with Catalan traditions.

The ambitious dream never really fructified. In 1914 Count Güell abandoned his project. In 1922, four years after his death, the city town hall buys the property to his heirs and by 1926 it is inaugurated as a beautiful park and garden.

             Lesseps
 

  24, 92  Parc Güell,  116 Olot / Marianao,
  24, 32, H6 CAP Larrard

Read more about Park Güell
 

2 - Palau de la Musica Catalana by Domenech i Montaner,  the Modernista Concert Hall

 

Palau de la Musica

Being second does not mean Palau de la Musica is my second best! In my opinion this is one the most beautiful. In fact, this is only a recommendation of my best ten modernista buildings.

When you approach the Palau (palace), the first thing you notice is that this is too much of an architectural marvel for the streets that surround it and that it is difficult to frame a decent picture due to short distance you have to shoot.

But why did Lluis Domenech i Montaner designed and built this? What was the purpose of a concert hall here?

Well, we have to thank, the board of directors of the Orfeó Català choral society, presided by Joaquim Cabot, a renown jeweler. They bought a small plot of irregular shape at Sant Pere quarter and assigned Montaner with the project. Orfeó Català, founded by Lluís Millet and Amadeu Vives and inspired by the choral works of Catalan composer Josep Anselm Clavé, definitely needed a building after a series of concerts in the 1888 Barcelona Universal Exposition and the growing success of their choir and institution.

The construction lasted only three years!

From 1905 to 1908, and not without difficulties, Montaner, managed to give fantastic solutions to the space and illumination problems inherent to the place.

Did you know that Palau de la Musica's first stone was laid on Sant Jordi's day or that in 1920s, some architects thought of demolishing the building for being too extravagant?

Maybe it was, but if the quest of a new identity by the local bourgeoisie and its explosion of creativity, brought a concert hall like this, then we are very lucky to inherit it and we embrace it in awe.

Visualize a stained glass skylight that weighs a metric ton where you can see angels singing around the sun in the shape of an inverted bell hanging over your head, while you watch your favorite concert performed in a stage full of muses and Wagnerian valkyries.

Look, I would be here depicting for hours what your imagination cannot recreate without watching this beauty yourselves.

Maybe this incredible Palau de la Musica Catalana VR gives you an idea.

Or even better, come to Barcelona and plan your Palau de la Musica visit online or directly at the box office.


               Urquinaona

   V15, V17, 45    Via Laeitana
   39, 42, 55, H16 Plaça Urquinaona.

Read more about Palau de la Musica

3 - Casa Mila or La Pedrera by Antoni Gaudi

 

Casa Mila

The last civil work of Gaudi before completely getting absorbed by his famous cathedral was La Pedrera or Casa Mila, a modernist building that raised a lot of controversy in local newspapers by the time it was finished in 1910.

Pere Mila, who by the way owned La Monumental bull ring, was one of those prosperous businessmen craving for a splendorous house in Passeig de Gracia that represented his social status within the wealthy families of the buoyant Catalan bourgeoisie. He commissioned Antoni Gaudi with the project. By that time, the architect was busy with the restoring works in Casa Batllo. Mila's father and the promoter at the Batllo house, were partners.

Gaudi took too many liberties that displeased Mila and his promoters and although this was meant to be the culmination of his work besides Sagrada Familia, he had to deal with complaints about his expenditures and his way too daring architectural eccentricities.

La Pedrera, catalan word for quarry. was the final popular nickname given to the house inspired in the many blocks of cut stone visible on the façade. A façade whose undulated horizontal lines create the illusion of an animated living organism.



                  Diagonal

  Lines: 7, 22, 24, 39, V15


Read more about Casa Milà

 4 - Casa Batlló

 

Casa Batllo

Josep Batlló, yet another wealthy entrepreneur that wanted to live in the most renown street in L'Eixample de Barcelona and in Ildefons Cerda's plan, bought in 1903 a building that dated from 1877 by architect Emily Sala Cortès, one of Gaudi's teachers at the school of architecture.

By the times Batlló acquired the house, Casa Amatller was way to sumptuous to compete and it happened to be next door, so he put his faith in a very popular artist at that moment, Antoni Gaudi.

Instead of demolishing the rather sober building as suggested by the owner, the architect carried out an extraordinary restoration that was audacious and functional at the same time. The result was brutally attractive and efficient, for generations to admire.


              Passeig de Gracia

  Lines: H10, V15, 7, 22 y 24.

 

         

 Renfe: Passeig de Gracia

 FGC:  Provença 


Read more about Casa Batlló

5 - Casa Amatller

 

Stain Glass Casa Amatller

It is not strange that the house of a chocolatier  like Antoni Amatller i Costa, looks like a chocolate tablet.

This third generation businessman carried on with the traditional manufacturing of the Amatller family founded in 1797, by opening in 1878, a modern brand new chocolate factory with the latest production techniques acquired during his travels in Europe.

The capital amassed  from then on, allowed Mr. Amatller to become an art collector, a prestigious photographer and painter. He was  a visionary that invested in publicity for his products using art nouveau illustrations by the best artists of his times. So well he did that he entered the Passeig de Gracia elite of  proud owners of ostentatious modernista houses.

The house that  we see nowadays is in fact the exquisite refurbishing that Josep Puig i Cadafalch made over an 1875 original building which was rather austere. The famous architect, who inspired most of his followers with this masterpiece, added gothic details to a ridged façade, to this crow-stepped gable with clear Flemish or Nordic architecture influence. 

Casa Amatller inaugurated in 1900 broke with the predominant architectural concepts of Passeig de Gracia and paved the way for new modernist ideas in the years to come. 

The first famous construction of the block was about to start a rivalry of patrons over who was to build the most magnificent house. This fight for commissioning the most opulent casa modernista in one specific block of Passeig de Gracia eventually created L'Illa de la Discòrdia or The Block of Discord.

                Passeig de Gracia

  Lines: H10, V15, 7, 22 y 24.

 

         

 Renfe: Passeig de Gracia

 FGC:  Provença 


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6 - Casa Lleo i Morera

 

Casa Lleo i Morera

Declared by the Town Hall, best artistic building of the year in 1905,  Casa Lleo i Morera constitutes an efficient solution by Lluis Domenech i Montaner on the limitations of an irregular estate and an asymmetric façade.

On the corner of Passeig de Gracia and Consell de Cent, you come across one of the most beautiful modernista houses that are part of the Illa de la Discordia or Block of the Discord.

This was also a restoration and a very good one, of course. Domenech i Montaner was one the most popular architects of the moment. Remember that he also built Hospital de Sant Pau, Palau de la Musica Catalana and Casa Fuster among other outstanding works.

In this case, the original building came to the hands of their owners by inheritance. Francesca Morera i Ortiz got it from an uncle that had become rich in America. The presence of nearby Casa Amatller pushed Mrs. Morera to decide that she was not second to none, so in the wake of many other rich members of Catalan bourgeoisie, she summoned Montaner and put him in charge of the renovation.

It happened that the illustrious lady did not survive the house inauguration by one year.

Do not miss this virtual tour of Casa Lleo i Morera!

Only the first floor is open to the public by guided tour only.



                 Passeig de Gracia

  Lines: H10, V15, 7, 22 y 24.

 

         

 Renfe: Passeig de Gracia
 FGC:  Provença 


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7 - Palau del Baro de Quadras

 

Palau Baro de Quadras

The Palau (palace) del Baro de Quadras is yet another good sample of those grandiloquent dreams of the bourgeoisie and the nobility at the beginnings of the XX century.

The aftermath of the industrial revolution, the 1888 Universal Exhibition in Barcelona, the accruing of wealth coming from the textile industry or the fortunes made in Cuba by the indianos, (Spanish emigrants in America) created a breeding ground for this eagerness to excel by spending every dime in artistic expression and where better than your own house to start with. In 1906, Manuel Quadras i Prim, fulfilled such a dream.

The Baron, son of a rich textile businessman, commissioned Josep Puig i Cadafalch to restore a house in Diagonal avenue, one of the main streets conceived by the urban planner Ildefons Cerdà. The estate had been inherited from his father and needed to be refurbished in accordance with the new noble status of his owner.

Cadafalch, who had worked for Quadras in the past, knew well what he had to do to express the desires of his patron. As it happened that there were two façades, one facing Diagonal and the other carrer Roselló, and bearing in mind that the three upper levels were meant to be apartments for rent, the architect designed an opulent entrance of neo-plateresque style for the proprietor in the avenue and a back sober entrance on the other side for the tenants.

The balcony, featuring busts of medieval and Renaissance figures, floral adornments and heraldic symbols and the neo gothic staircase shown in the picture above are a must see.

More information here: Palau Baro de Quadras

                  Diagonal

  Lines: 6, 33, 34, 39, H8, V17


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8 - Casa Comalat 

 

Casa Comalat

Unfortunately this precious gem of modernisme is not open to the public but that does not mean it is not worth noting down in your list of must see places for your art nouveau route in Barcelona.

Featuring also two completely different façades, Casa Comalat is beautiful enough to satisfy your curiosity and admiration for architecture.

Although the main side is on 442 Diagonal, it is the 316 Còrsega street façade, shown here in the picture that draws more attention. 

Built between 1906 and 1911 the house is named after his owner Mr. Comalat, a money lender that assigned the project to architect Salvador Valeri i Pupurull. Resources were not a problem so only the best were hired to participate in the construction. Lluis Bru i Salelles was the artisan in charge of the interior decoration and the polychrome ceramic work on the undulated balconies and the roof parapet. The stain glass windows came from the hands of renowned Rigalt i Granell company.


The projecting bay is made of several party walls created with a system of narrow roller-shuttered windows. This is one of the differentiating traits of Casa Comalat with the rest of casas modernistas, the shutters. Also the excess of ornaments makes it unique, as the building is part of late modernisme in Barcelona.

It is a pity that the interior of Casa Comalat is not open to the public.



                  Diagonal

  Lines: 6, 33, 34, H8, V17


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9 - Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau

 

Hospital de Sant Pau

The biggest modernist complex on earth, declared world heritage by UNESCO in 1997, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau was not always where it is now.

It all started with an obsolete gothic building in XV and a generous 'handout' from a Catalan living in Paris, an prosperous banker with investments in key industrial sectors. This generous savior was called, Pau Gil i Serra. 

Mr. Gil died in 1892, but his will had been written some years before. It stated that a hospital honoring Sant Pau (St. Paul) should be built in Barcelona using part of his capital but not in any odd place. There was only one condition, it had to be constructed in a place with maximum health conditions. Obviously the gothic building in old Raval quarter did not meet this requirement, so the Hospital accepted to leave the unhealthy premises, took the money from the inheritance and donated land of their own for the occasion.

The project was assigned to the acclaimed architect Lluis Domenech i Montaner who set to design 48 pavilions of which only 27 were finally built, all connected by underground corridors. Seen from above, the modernista compound resembles a giant cross, inclined 45 degrees with respect to the rest of buildings in the Eixample district. 

Please check the top list of things to learn about modernisme in Hospital de Sant Pau

By the way, the recinte modernista of Sant Pau  is very near Sagrada Familia, so in my modest opinion, it would be better to combine them both instead of visiting Sagrada Familia and Park Güell the same day, as it seems to be the general trend with tourists lately. 

                Sant Pau

 Lines:  Carrer Sant Quintí: 192
             Carrer Sant Antoni Maria Claret: H8, 19, 20, 45, 47, 50, 51, 117, N1, N4
             Carrer Cartagena: 192, N0

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10 - La Sagrada Familia Cathedral by Antoni Gaudi

 

Sagrada Familia

And last but in no way least, the cherry on top, the cream of the crop, the opus magnum of Modernism by the master of masters, architect Antoni Gaudi.

This everlasting but never ending project  that Gaudi could not finish as he died accidentally at the age of 73, three days after being hit by a tram, occupied 43 years of his lifetime. Time enough to leave behind a well defined plan to continue in his footsteps and to find the eternal light at the end of his long visionary tunnel. In fact, the basilica is in the final stages of construction and it is estimated to be ready by year 2030.

It all started back in 1872, when Josep Maria Bocabella, a very religious man and librarian, had returned from his trip in Italy and decided that the city needed to devote a temple to La Sagrada Familia. After buying some property in L'Eixample of Cerda, he commissioned architect Francisco de Paula del Villar to work on his idea. There were discrepancies between Villar and Martorell, who was Bocabella's advisor. The result: a young Gaudi is given the new assignment which he turned into the temple of perfection.

The result of his genius, the legacy of a one and only man was about to become a daunting jewel of architecture that should undoubtedly be considered part of the new wonders of the modern world. 

                Sagrada Familia

  Lines:  Mallorca / Marina: 19, 33, 34, 50, 51, H10


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The purpose of this post is to open your eyes and your heart to the beauty of an art movement called modernisme that took  many liberties  to run away from a rigid past and taught us that there are no limits to human imagination. It would be great if you took a minute to share it. Thanks!