Antoni Gaudí didn’t just build stuff – he mixed nature, fantasy, and a bit of surrealism into stone and concrete. He looked at things like trees, rivers, bones and somehow turned all that into magical shapes. He was crazy… Crazy about details, geometry, and color, and totally threw out the rulebook of architecture. The result? Buildings that feel alive, like you’re wandering through a fantasy world.

When people think of Gaudí and Barcelona, they usually picture that big church with the fruits on top. And yes, the Sagrada Família is jaw-dropping, but Gaudí’s influence goes way beyond this, or just a quick visit to Park Güell…. His magic spills out all over Barcelona, into the countryside, and other corners of Spain, too.

Alright then, so…
… get ready to check out the wild, wonderful world of Gaudí’s architecture, and let me take you on a little virtual sightseeing through the coolest spots in Barcelona – …and a few surprises outside the city too.

¡Vamos!

Oh, wait – one more thing!!! If you CLICK on the NAMES, you will GET the exact LOCATION on Google Maps – …I know, you’re welcome!

Early Works: Where Gaudí’s Magic Began

Cascada Monumental

As a student, he worked under the lead architect Josep Fontserè, helping out with some parts of the fountains’ design. It’s like a sneak peek at his early style and the start of his journey.

Plaça Reial lamps

These iron lamps with snakes and wings are one of his earliest public works, right in the Gothic Quarter.

Palau Güell

Near La Rambla, this mansion shows Gaudí starting to get crazy with his style. The rooftop chimneys look like something out of a medieval fantasy.

Col·legi de les Teresianes

It looks pretty simple compared to some of his other works, but those arches are classic Gaudí. It’s a school, so probably you can’t go inside, but it’s still worth a quick stop.

From Dragons to Castles: Gaudí’s Most Famous Houses

Casa Batlló

One of Gaudí’s most iconic works with a dragon rooftop, colorful mosaics, and wavy, ocean-inspired interiors.

Casa Milà

Wavy stone exterior, surreal rooftop chimneys – …this place feels more like a sculpture than a building.

Casa Vicens

Gaudí’s very first major project, hidden in the Gràcia neighborhood. It’s very colorful and packed with Moorish and oriental vibes.

Casa Figueres – Torre Bellesguard

It’s one of Gaudí’s most underrated works.

Casa Calvet

A bit more traditional, blending perfectly with the Eixample neighborhood. Nowadays, it’s a restaurant.

Casa Planells

A small residential building in Barcelona with some unique curves and details.

The Big Ones: Gaudí’s Masterpieces

Sagrada Família

Gaudí’s lifelong passion project. He spent over 40 years working on it – and it is still a work in progress. The outside is full of wild details, but the real magic is inside: massive columns that feel like a forest, and stained glass windows that fill the space with glowing color as the sun turns around the building.
It’s Gaudí’s most epic design, his biggest, boldest vision – and honestly, it’s unreal.

Park Güell

Originally meant to be a fancy housing development, Park Güell became one of Barcelona’s most magical public parks instead – and Gaudí didn’t hold back. It’s full of colorful mosaics, curving pathways, gingerbread-style houses, that famous bench, and the lizard overlooking the city.

… the view is not bad either from up top

Hidden Gems: Gaudí’s Lesser-Known Spots

Colònia Güell

Just outside Barcelona, about a 25-minute train ride from Plaça Espanya, this hidden gem is an experimental church with unusual design ideas that he later took to the next level in the Sagrada Família.

Güell Pavilions

Gaudí’s signature curves and colorful tiles turned these simple gatehouses into works of art.

Portal Miralles

This gate is one of the few bits left from the old Miralles Estate. The estate was demolished or repurposed over the years due to urban development. Here you’ll find a life-size bronze statue of Antoni Gaudí

The Lookalikes: Gaudí’s Influence

Gaudí is one of a kind, but he definitely left his mark on the city. All over Barcelona, you’ll see buildings that give off very suspicious Gaudí vibes – …even if he didn’t design them himself.

Palau de la Música Catalana

A masterpiece of Catalan modernism with colorful mosaics, stained glass, and crazy details. An absolute must-see for architecture lovers.

Hospital de Sant Pau

Once a functioning hospital, this complex is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and a true gem of Catalan modernism.

La Antigua Casa Figueras

Home to the iconic Escribà pastry shop on La Rambla in Barcelona is another example of Catalan Modernisme.

Torre de les Aigües del Besòs

This water tower definitely gives off Gaudí’s vibe with its curved shapes and details.

Torre de les Aigües de la Catalana de Gas

With its unique design, this tower feels like it could’ve popped right out of Gaudí’s imagination.

Beyond Barcelona: Gaudí Buildings Worth the Trip

El Capricho – Comillas

This villa is full of bright tiles, sunflower patterns, and Moorish twists.

Palacio Episcopal – Astorga

This palace looks like something straight out of a fairytale.

Casa Botines – León

It’s one of the rare Gaudí buildings with straight lines instead of curves.

Extras for the extra Gaudí Fans

Gaudí Exhibition Center
Next to the Cathedral, this museum is packed with cool models, blueprints, and interactive exhibits

Workshop at Sagrada Família
A mini-museum under the Basilica, where you can see plaster models, sketches, and experiments Gaudí used while designing the building. It’s a fascinating peek behind the scenes at his creative process.

Gaudí’s House at Park Güell
Gaudí’s residence for nearly two decades. You get a personal peek at his furniture, belongings, and everyday life.

Gaudí’s Grave
Visiting his final resting place in Sagrada Familia feels like a personal moment – a chance to connect with the architect who gave Barcelona so much magic.

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Gaudí’s work isn’t just architecture, it’s like stepping into a whole different world. Every building tells a story and shows off his crazy creative genius.
If you ever get the chance to see it in person, don’t miss it – … there’s something magical in every curve and color

Aaaanyways,

See you at the next one,

Noémi

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