Many of Antoni Gaudi’s amazing works are to be found in Barcelona. But there are also numerous other modernist buildings across the city that should not be missed.  Nevertheless as Gaudi was one of the most important modernist architects worldwide it is appropriate that this article starts with some of his most extraordinary works.

Casa Batlló - Passeig de Gràcia
When Casa Batlló was built many considered it to be revolting but today it is seen as one of Gaudí's greatest treasures.  All the defining elements of modernism are included in this building. The entire facade and roof are covered with colourful, ceramic mosaics. Wrought iron in strange shapes is used on the balconies and the building's interior.  It is almost impossible to find a straight angle in the entire house.  Gaudí’s imagination for this house ran riot with colours, materials and almost impossible forms, which have become one of the city's trademarks.

    

The Casa Mila (La Pedrera) - Passeig de Gràcia
La Pedrera, meaning Stone Quarry in Catalan, was Gaudí’s last civil work.  Completed in 1910, this apartment block, with its wonderful roof terrace topped with amazing chimneys and delicate wrought ironwork, is one of the most emblematic of Gaudí’s works. Apart from the roof, other features that stand out are the curious iron structures that support the circular patio, the wrought iron of the balconies, and the design of doorknobs, handles, pulls, and peepholes.  Even outside on the Passeig de Gràcia Gaudi designed the hexagonal paving stones, the magnificent benches and street lamps.  In 1984, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site and in 1986 Caixa Catalunya acquired it. Restored to its former glory in 1996 after years of decay, La Pedrera now contains a museum dedicated to the architect.  As well as visiting the museum and roof terrace, during the summer the terrace is open in the evenings for jazz and flamenco concerts.



La Sagrada Familia - Plaça de la Sagrada Familia
All the money Gaudi received from the Casa Batlló was invested entirely into his great, unfinished masterpiece the Sagrada Familia.  It is one of Barcelona's most popular tourist attractions.  Under construction since 1882 the church was only partially complete when Gaudí died in 1926.  Even today only eight of the twelve planned spires have been built.  The construction is based entirely on donations and is expected to be completed around 2026.  A must see when visiting Barcelona.



Park Güell, - Carrer d'Olot
Originally planned as a garden city that combined housing and urban park areas.  Gaudí integrated his design with the surroundings so he built viaducts, containment walls, and twisting columns and covered all of these with colourful mosaics. As you enter the gardens the first thing that catches the eye is the iron gate and the enormous staircase that leads into the park. The stairs are decorated with waterfalls and sculptures depicting animals. The most outstanding one is the small, multicoloured dragon, covered entirely with a mosaic, that is probably one of the most photographed pieces in the park.  Inside the park, is the Hall of a Hundred Columns, the columns hold up the enormous square. From here the wave shaped benches are perfect for sitting and relaxing and give you a great place to take pictures or just enjoy some of the most spectacular views of the city.

Colegio Teresiano - Ganduxer
When he built this school, Gaudí was inspired by gothic style and created a masterpiece of simple and clear lines.

Casa Vincens - Carrer de les Carolines
Gaudí's first architectonic work. The building is like the palace of an Arabian prince.

Casa Calvet - Carrer de Casp
Perhaps his most traditional work for which Gaudí received his one and only honourable mention by the city of Barcelona.

Passeig de Gràcia is full of beautiful architecture but modernism is not limited to buildings created by famous artists, several streetlamps and benches can be seen along the avenue.  It is therefore not uncommon for this stretch of the boulevard to be crowded with visitors.

Casa Lleó-Morera
Designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner in 1902. The building's interesting name "Lleons" (lions) and "Moreres" (mulberry trees) comes from the decorative elements in the architects work.  The house experienced a number of attacks during the Civil War. As a result some amazing sculptures were destroyed.  However Salvador Dalí bought those that remained and one of these sculptures can be seen at the Dalí Museum in Figueres.  In1992 the building was restored.



Casa Fuster
Another building designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner. Currently, the Casa Fuster is a five-star hotel.

Casa Amatller
Designed by Josep Puig i Cadafalch, and adjacent to Gaudí's Casa Batlló. The house is privately owned however the bottom floor, is home to one of the most prestigious Catalonian jewellery houses, who have preserved the original windows.

Later examples of modern buildings can be found all over the city.

Torre Agbar - Plaza de las Glories Catalana
Designed by the French architect Jean Nouvel, The tower's shape and its unique colour scheme reflects the sunlight that changes depending on the time of day. Not everyone is a fan of this futurist obelisk, but it has become one of the most talked about structures in Barcelona!.



CaixaForum
Located inside the Casaramona building, one of the jewels of Catalonian modernism designed by Josep Puig Cadafalch, the CaixaForum has become one of the main cultural centres of Barcelona, it also contains a magnificent auditorium, which seats 350 people.

Mies van der Rohe Pavilion
In 1929, in honour of the International Fair held in Barcelona, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe designed the German national pavilion. Since its inception, the pavilion has been a symbol of the modernist movement. It is made out of glass, steel, and different types of marble, but its originality doesn't stem from its materials. Its success lies in the geometry of its construction and the clean lines of its design.

1992 Olympic Games

Calatrava Tower
The communications tower designed by Santiago Calatrava became one of the symbols for the 1992 Olympic Games.



Olympic Stadium
Vicenç Navarro sculpted the front section, and Pau Gargallo crafted the statues that decorate the main entrance.

Vila Olímpica
Originally constructed for the participating athletes in the 1992 Olympics. When the area was being developed numerous sculptures were made from materials recycled from the wasteland.  Once the Olympics were over the apartments were sold to wealthy individuals and this is now a very expensive area in which to live.   The Vila Olímpica wouldn't be the same without the Port Olímpic where yachts dock throughout the year.




Collserola Tower
The tower measures 288 metres in height.  The tenth floor of the tower is designated as a public observation deck, and on very clear days visitors can see Montserrat mountain.

World Trade Centre
The Barcelona World Trade Centre is located in the city’s Port Vell.  The architectural firm responsible for the building also designed the famous “glass pyramid” at the Louvre Museum in Paris.