Barcelonas Top Modernista Marvels

Modernisme, not to be confused with Modernism, was the collective name given to an art, architecture and literature movement which emerged around the turn of the 20th century and centered around Catalonia. The movement is equivalent to the Art Nouveau style going on in France and Belgium around the same time. Modernista architecture can be recognized by its use of curves rather than straight lines, ornate decorations, bold use of colors and floral motifs. Famous Modernista architects include Antoni Gaudí, Lluís Domènech i Montaner and Josep Puig i Cadafalch. Here are some of the movement’s most outstanding buildings.

1. Palau de la Música Catalana

Concert Hall

This UNESCO World Heritage concert hall was designed by architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner and is one of the most impressive Modernista buildings in the city, both inside and out. Built between 1905 and 1908, the Palau de la Música comprises a central metal structure covered in glass, so as to let natural light into the venue itself. From the outside, you’ll see the palace’s impressive rose-colored façade, adorned with floral mosaic columns, stone sculptures and the busts of several famous composers such as Bach and Beethoven. Inside, however, is just as impressive, with stained glass windows and ceilings, stone carved staircases and wrought iron lamps, each part created by well-known artists within the Modernista movement. Visit the inside either on a guided tour or by buying tickets to one of the frequent concerts held here.

2. Hospital de la Santa Creu I Sant Pau

Hospital de la Santa Creu I Sant Pau

The largest Modernista complex in the world, this is not your average hospital. Again, designed Lluís Domènech I Montaner, it was built between 1901 and 1930 as a collection of gardens and pavilions in which to heal the sick. Having only reopened to the public in 2014, today visitors can tour the grounds, admiring its unique buildings, filled with patterned tiles, bold mosaics, and colorful stained glass windows.
Hospital de la Santa Creu I Sant Pau, Carrer de Sant Quintí 89, Barcelona, Spain, +34 932 91 90 00

Hospital de la Santa Creu I Sant Pau | ©PaulHermans via Wikimedia Commons

3. Casa Batlló

Building

Interior of the Casa Batllo by Antoni Gaudi, Barcelona, Spain

One of Antoni Guadí’s most iconic and celebrated buildings, Casa Batlló sits along the classy Passeig de Gràcia. Remodeled from a previously existing house between 1904 and 1906, its undulating, iridescent blue and green façade is quite a sight to behold. Covered in mosaic tiles and stained glass windows, the building is topped by a ridge of scales and a single turret with a cross, said to represent the sword of Saint George (patron saint of Catalonia), being plunged into the back of the dragon. Inside, visitors can see the magnificent Noble Floor (where the Batlló family resided), the impressive stairwell and the roof terrace, decorated with four whimsical chimney stacks.

5. Casa Fuster

Boutique Hotel

Now a luxury five-star hotel sitting at the top of Passeig de Gràcia, Casa Fuster was architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner’s last design in Barcelona and was built between 1908 and 1911. Considered to be one of the most expensive edifices in the city, it’s adorned with white marble tiles, many wrought iron balconies, slate and ornate stone carvings. The building was a gift from the Mallorca aristocrat Mariano Fuster to his wife Consol Fabra and still bares her initials on the side.

6. Casa de Les Punxes

Building

Having just opened to the public in 2016 for the first time in 100 years, Casa de les Punxes is an important emblem of the city

Having just opened to the public in 2016 for the first time in 100 years, Casa de les Punxes (‘House of Spikes’) is an important emblem of the city. The building started off as three separate houses, owned by the Terradas sisters, who decided to ask architect Josep Puig I Cadafalch to refurbish the buildings and join them all together. The result was a Modernista twist on a medieval Gothic-style castle, topped with fairytale turrets. Both on the inside and out, the house is filled with artistic elements such as stained glass windows, wrought iron work, and sculptures, designed by famous Catalan artists and craftsmen such as Enric Monserdà and Alfons Juyol.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.