Antoni Gaudi is an architectural G-E-N-I-U-S, although some of his designs are hard to describe — or maybe it’s just me. His works best fall under the category Catalan Modernism, although I can say that he has a very unique style all to his own. For some, his designs could be very weird (like my mom would always say) and I get why they think that, but for me they’re all worth seeing because they're really out of the ordinary. Gaudi graduated with a degree in architecture and most of his clients were amongst the Barcelonan bourgeoisie and of course, being very religious himself, the Church.

In this entry, I will try my best to give a brief description of Gaudi’s works (although I must warn you that I’m no art connoisseur) and maybe even give a little background as to why it was built and for what purpose. I just feel like I would have had a better appreciation of these wonderful structures if I had read more about them in advance before visiting them. Anyway, I hope this section helps you in your future visit to artsy Barcelona!

1. La Sagrada Familia

If there’s one touristy place you must visit in Barcelona, it should be "THE" La Sagrada Familia. The construction of this church started way back in 1882 and did you know that Gaudi was not the original architect? The project was passed on to him in 1883 and he worked on it for the next 43 years of his life. When Gaudi passed away (he died as a result of an accident when he was hit by a tram in 1926), only less than a quarter of the church was completed and to this day it is still under construction. Last time I checked, I think they are pushing to finish for 2026. We’ll see!

It’s probably the grandest church I’ve seen so far, quite overwhelming to say the least. The walls are filled with colorful displays of stained glass windows providing natural light to come in. The columns have vibrant pendants showing unique religious symbols. The ceiling is a kaleidoscope of sunburst design. It’s a play in geometry and shapes found in nature (trees, branches, etc.), with a focus on light and color as the central theme throughout. Also, don't miss those huge carved doors engraved with words from the bible at the Passion facade.

If you can, I "REALLY" recommend taking the lift to go up to any of its towers, where you’ll see the impressive construction happening outside the church. You’ll also enjoy a view of the urban park just across plus the beautiful skyline of Barcelona. Going down is a bit of a challenge though because of the seemingly endless and very narrow spiral staircase you’d have to take. Also, book in advance online to avoid the long queues. You’ll thank yourself for it!

address: Carrer de Mallorca, 401, 08013 Barcelona, Spain
website: http://www.sagradafamilia.org/en/

2. Casa Batllo

If not for La Sagrada, this apartment block building, former home of the Batllo family, is the most eclectic of Gaudi’s works. It’s very dreamy—think Alice in Wonderland but in Barcelona. Seeing the façade of the building feels like I stepped into fantasy with windows resembling waves with blue, green, and turquoise colors and the terraces resembling huge masks. I really regret not being able to see it inside though; I heard that it’s even more whimsical and impressive.

Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 43, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
Website: https://www.casabatllo.es/

3. Park Güell

Gaudi was commissioned by Eusebi Güell, a rich Catalan businessman, to build this park atop a hill in Barcelona. Originally for the elite, they planned to build luxury houses around the park. Sadly, the original plan did not take off as nobody bought the first two houses. Eventually, Gaudi decided to buy one and lived there for the last 20 years of his life with his family.

Our visit to this park was so much fun, though I remember vividly that we had to actually hike a steep hill—a little exhausting—in order for us to reach the main entrance. I assume the taxi driver dropped us off at the back of the park, which we didn’t know at that time. So if you decide to visit, make sure that you get dropped off at the main entrance.

From the top of the hill, we saw a sweeping view of Barcelona’s skyline and it’s orange rooftops. It was worth the hike for sure! My favorite part of the park was the huge open terrace with benches decorated with mosaic tiles, the viaducts which are made of slanting columns made of stone, the two fairytale-looking gingerbread houses in the front entrance, and of course the famous dragon-lizard made of mosaic tiles by the grand staircase in the front entrance.

Address: Carrer d'Olot, s/n, 08024 Barcelona, Spain
Website: http://www.parkguell.cat/en/

4. Casa Mila/La Pedrera

The wealthy family of Pere Milà and his wife Roser Segimon commissioned Gaudi to build an apartment block with the main floor to serve as their main residence and the rest to lease as residential dwellings. The outside façade of the building is unique. No straight lines, but rather soft waves with wrought–iron balconies.

The 4th floor of the building houses a museum showcasing a typical apartment of a bourgeois family. But what I was most impressed about is its grand roof terrace, which by the way is my most favorite part as well. Up there, we found sculptures and structures consisting of stairwells, chimneys, and ventilation towers. They are beautifully designed with a purpose. Several of them looked like giant knightsat night seemingly guarding the rooftop, others designed with broken ceramic tiles and cava bottles.