Enric Sagnier and the Bourgeois Barcelona Dream: The 1904 Residential Building at Gran Via 654

Barcelona, a city synonymous with breathtaking architecture and vibrant urban life, underwent a profound transformation in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This period, often called the Renaixença, marked a "golden age" of artistic and political fervor deeply intertwined with Catalan identity, culminating in the unique architectural style known as Modernisme. At the heart of this metamorphosis was the Eixample district, a visionary urban expansion that became a blank canvas for the city's burgeoning industrial bourgeoisie and a crucible for architectural innovation.

The Dawn of a New Barcelona: From Walled City to Metropolis

For centuries, Barcelona was confined within its medieval walls, leading to notoriously crowded and unhygienic conditions exacerbated by rapid industrialization and population growth. The demolition of these oppressive walls in the mid-19th century was a pivotal moment, paving the way for Ildefons Cerdà's ambitious plan for the Eixample (meaning "Enlargement"). Cerdà's vision, though initially met with resistance and later compromised by land speculation, laid out a grid-like layout with wide boulevards and octagonal superblocks designed for better visibility. This expansion was essential for the city's industrial development, creating space for both factories and housing.

The Eixample quickly became the most coveted real estate in Barcelona, attracting an "insatiable demand for housing". While Cerdà envisioned plenty of green spaces, these were largely sacrificed to rampant land speculation. However, the new district spurred a fervent architectural movement. "Some of the upper-class citizens of Barcelona were excited by the new plan and began a race to build 'the biggest, tallest, most attractive house' in the district". This interest, combined with their wealth, fueled the rich diversity of architecture that defines the Eixample today.

The Bourgeoisie as Patrons of Modernisme

Barcelona's economic boom in the late 19th century meant that its wealthy industrial and commercial class had ample resources to commission lavish, ostentatious buildings. This bourgeoisie, eager to express their prosperity and civic pride, moved from the old city to the new Eixample, transforming it into a showcase of avant-garde architecture. Architects like Antoni Gaudí, Lluís Domènech i Montaner, and Josep Puig i Cadafalch became prominent figures, creating a unique Catalan style that deviated from the more conservative trends elsewhere in Spain.

Modernisme, while comparable to European Art Nouveau, developed a distinct identity deeply rooted in Catalan culture. It drew inspiration from Gothic, Islamic, and Renaissance styles, incorporating fluid, organic forms found in nature, along with intricate details in stained glass, wrought iron, and ceramics. These elements showcased the exceptional skill of local artisans, who integrated seamlessly into the architectural vision, turning buildings into comprehensive works of art.

Enric Sagnier i Villavecchia: A Prolific Modernista Architect

Among the talented architects shaping this new Barcelona was Enric Sagnier i Villavecchia. Sagnier was one of the most prolific Catalan architects of the Modernista era, contributing significantly to the city's urban landscape. His work, though sometimes described as eclectic, adapted well to the formal language of Modernisme while frequently incorporating elements of Baroque ornamentation.

A prime example of Sagnier's work from this period is the residential building at Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 654, completed in 1904. This building is classified as a "Bé Cultural d'Interès Local (B)" (Local Cultural Heritage Asset), indicating its significant historical and artistic value.

The Gran Via 654 building, standing between party walls, comprises a ground floor and four upper floors. Its architectural style is described as Eclectic with Modernista influence. Sagnier skillfully integrated undulating forms and Baroque ornamentation into the design. The main floor is particularly notable for a large tribune with intricate glass decoration supported by stone elements, emphasizing these fluid, undulating shapes. The rest of the facade, structured around four compositional axes, is entirely made of stone, displaying a variety of textures – a characteristic feature of Sagnier's work. Prominent undulating balconies, both in their slabs and wrought-iron railings, further enhance the facade's dynamic appearance. The top floor features a continuous balcony situated above a large, decorated horizontal band, crowned by a series of arcades and a cornice supported by wooden corbels. At the ground level, five distinctive lobed arch portals command attention. Sculptor Alfons Juyol collaborated with the famous architect in this work.

This house is known as Casa Camil Mulleras Garros as that was the name of the petitioner of the Gran Via 654 building, something that fits the pattern of the era where the burgeoning bourgeoisie, often industrialists or merchants, sought to establish their presence in the Eixample with grand, distinctive residences. For instance, Sagnier designed the Casa Antoni Roger Vidal in 1888 for a cotton industrialist and politician, described as a "mesocratic castle" with battlements, reflecting the aspirations of this class. Notice that there is another Casa Mulleras at Passeig de Gracia, 37 that was previously known as Casa Ramon Comas (a remodeling also by Sagnier for the same Mulleras that was a well known philantropist).

Other Notable Works by Enric Sagnier

• Casa Sagnier (1900): His own summer residence in Sant Gervasi - Galvany, a cubic block with a sober Gothic-inspired decoration, which now serves as a civic center.
• Palau de Justícia (begun 1887): A significant public building co-designed with Josep Domènech i Estapà.
• Casa Juncadella (1892–1907): Located in the "Illa d'or" (Golden Block) of the Eixample, known for its facade decorations by Pere Carbonell, elegant carriage entrance, inner courtyard, and golden railings.
• Casa Evarist Arnús - El Pinar (1903): A Neo-Gothic palace.
• Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor (1902–1911): A prominent religious commission dominating Tibidabo hill.
• Edifici Patronat Ribas (1930): Originally an orphanage, designed in a Baroque-inspired populist style.
• Funerary architecture in Poblenou Cemetery: Sagnier also designed tombs for prominent bourgeois families, alongside other leading architects like Elies Rogent.

Protecting Barcelona's Architectural Legacy

Barcelona's architectural heritage, particularly from the Modernisme movement, is meticulously preserved through official cataloging and protection mechanisms. Buildings are classified based on their cultural interest, such as "Béns Culturals d'Interès Local (B)" for local cultural heritage assets. This framework ensures that structures like Sagnier's building at Gran Via 654, along with countless other masterpieces by Gaudí, Domènech i Montaner, Puig i Cadafalch, and their contemporaries, are safeguarded for future generations.

These protected buildings serve not only as historical artifacts but also as vibrant symbols of Barcelona's enduring spirit of innovation and its rich cultural identity. The city council's Architectural Heritage Search portal allows the public to consult approved records, providing descriptions and outlining intervention frameworks for these protected elements.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries were a crucial period for Barcelona, marked by industrial expansion, the creation of the Eixample, and the flourishing of Modernisme. This era saw a dynamic interplay between the aspirations of the wealthy bourgeoisie and the creative genius of architects like Enric Sagnier i Villavecchia. Their commissioned works, characterized by innovative designs and rich ornamentation, not only defined the urban fabric of the new city but also became enduring testaments to a unique moment in Barcelona's history, now protected and celebrated as vital components of its cultural heritage.

Gallery on Building by Enric Sagnier, Gran Via 654, Barcelona

Eclectic building influenced by Catalan Art Nouveau but rich in baroque ornaments built by Enric Sagnier i Villavecchia back in 1904. Notice the beautiful undulated shapes of the stone gallery and the impressive ironwork of the balconies. You can find this building at Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 654 exactly between Carrer Roger de Lluria and Carrer de Pau Claris.

The Nova Duana or New Customs House in Barcelona Harbor, Spain

Customs house in Barcelona harbor

Here is another photo of the Barcelona Customs House building (in Spanish, Aduana). There were other posts featuring this beautiful façade: Barcelona Harbor_Las Golondrinas Sightseeing Boat and Barcelona Harbour Cruise: A City Teaser.

The Nova Duana (New Customs house), was built by Enric Sagnier (Barcelona, 1858-1931) together with Pere Garcia i Faria. Sagnier was a prolific architect. Other works of his were the Palace of Justice and the Tibidabo Temple. In all, he built about 30 interesting buildings only in Barcelona.

To finish I would like to mention the house El Pinar also known as Casa Arnús, a family house in the middle of a pine woods in Collserola mountain. You can see the lights of this house from Avinguda Tibidabo three times a week (Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays) so I recommend you try to spot it if you are in the area.

Expiatory Temple of the Sacred Heart at Tibidabo, Barcelona

The Expiatory Temple of the Sacred Heart at Tibidabo mountain, was designed by architect Enrique Sagnier. First of all, back in 1886, the property of the land was donated by twelve distinguished gentlemen to San Juan Bosco who decided to build a hermitage, gothic in style and 8 meters high. 

The main crypt was not started until 1903 by the same Sagnier and finished partially many years later by his son. On the central tower there is a bronze statue built by José Miret in 1961, it is 7 meters and a half tall and weighs 4.800 kilos. The statue of Christ and the Sacred Heart spreading his open arms has become one of the main symbols of Barcelona. Here you can see a detail from the frieze at the portico.

Francesc Cambó Monument in Via Layetana, Barcelona

Today I show you the statue of Francesc Cambó by Victor Ochoa (1997). Cambó was the founder of La Caixa, one of the most powerful banks in Spain. The monument is just in front of the savings bank headquarters in Via Layetana, a 1917 building by Enric Sagnier. I have found this page called Barcelona Virtual with a pano of the little square and some other interesting 3D tours. It is just another sculpture but I liked the way the omnipresent pigeon added proportions to the statue in absence of other references in the image.

Avenida Palace Hotel, Gran Via, Barcelona

Avenida Palace should be among the first options on your list if you are looking for a strategically located downtown hotel in Barcelona.

Just a few steps away from Passeig de Gracia, one of the most famous streets of Barcelona and Spain, Hotel Avenida Palace is an accommodation as convenient as those located near to New York's Fifth Avenue for example although Passeig de Gracia is not only the street of expensive shops but also of the most remarkable modernist houses that renown Catalan architects ever built, like Casa Mila aka La Pedrera, Casa Batllo both by Gaudi or Casa Lleo i Morera, Casa Amatller and Casa Rocamora.

But not only shops and architecture festoon the surroundings of the prestigious Avenida Palace Hotel, there is also the very center of the downtown area, Plaça Catalunya or Catalonia Square, at a 100 meters walking down in Las Ramblas direction. That's the ridiculous distance that separates you from the old part of town or casc antic. Casc Antic was that part of the city that used to be within the walls.

151 refurbished rooms, including the Sagrada Familia suite with a spectacular 10 meter square terrace or the Beatles suite where the Liverpool band stayed in 1965 make part of the perfect accommodation this great art deco style hotel has to give you.

Rooms with carpeted and parquet floors are comfortable, spacious and well distributed. There is air conditioning, Satellite TV, safe, mini-bar, soundproofed walls, en-suite bathrooms and wifi.

One of the best spots in the hotel is the rooftop bar with pool that overlooks Gran Via Street and from where you can see the unique Sagrada Familia cathedral by Gaudi.

Restaurant Beluga also in the venue might be a good option for a decent brunch although there are much better places in the vicinity. Maybe this would be one of the few things to be improved in the excellent services of Hotel Avenida Palace in my opinion.

By the way, a little bit of history for Avenida Palace's visitors-to-be:

Back in 1952, one of those great events that have skyrocketed hotel reservations in Barcelona, in this case the 35th International Eucharistic Congress, accelerated the inauguration of Avenida Palace hotel, once the legendary chocolate shop, tea salon and restaurant Casa Llibre, owned by Guillermo Llibre and designed by prestigious modernist architect Enric Sagnier in 1924. Only twelve days before the congress the hotel was opened in a rush to welcome important personalities of the ecclesiastic world. All in all, there were 300.000 visits to Barcelona city in less than a week. Another interesting fact is that hotel founder, Joan Gaspart Bonet was the grandfather of Catalan entrepreneur Joan Gaspart Solves. Joan Gaspart the grandson, is not only known for being the general manager of HUSA hotel group but for his successful 22 years as vice president of FC Barcelona and his not so good 3 years of presidency.

Here is an old image for you to compare the old building with nowadays' 4 Star Hotel Avenida Palace located at 605 - 607 Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, Barcelona.

Savings Allegory Sculpture, Caixa de Pensions Building, Via Laietana, Barcelona

On April 1st of the year 1917 Caixa de Pensions i d’Estalvis de Barcelona building at Via Laietana, 56-58 was completed by famous Catalan architect and artist Enric Sagnier. Nowadays it is one of the venues of the Supreme Court of Catalonia. On one of the corners you will appreciate this sculptoric group which is an allegory to savings. Remember La Caixa is an important savings bank in Spain. The sculpture was made by Manuel Fuxà. Perhaps you want to see the whole facade of this neomedieval building in Via Laietana or want to investigate further on La Caixa and its founder.