Gaudí’s Barcelona: Exploring the Architect’s Monuments

Antoni Gaudí is perhaps the most globally famous Catalan and architect. His work is known internationally, popular amongst people who have little architectural knowledge. So internationally in fact, that seven of his works are considered to be a UNESCO World Heritage site under the title ¨Works of Antoni Gaudí.” His style is easily recognized by millions around the globe for his modernisme style. His most famous monument, La Sagrada Familia, is set to be finished in 2026, exactly 100 years after his death.

Gaudí’s influence can be seen throughout the streets of Barcelona and is often high on tourists’ lists to see when they visit the city. But due to the popularity, many of these sites can be difficult to get into and require planning before you visit. I will share my experience touring the city and much of Gaudí’s work.

Casa Milà, Casa Batlló, and Palau Güell

Three of Gaudí’s works exist nonchalantly along the streets of Barcelona. I stumbled across two of them without a plan. Casa Milà and Casa Batlló sit along Passeig de Gràcia, a rather main street that leads to the Plaça de Catalunya. These buildings both require tickets for entry. Casa Milà has a regular entry fee of 28 euros, and a reduced fee of 19 euros for students, seniors, and disabled individuals. Residents of Catalunya can also receive a discount. Each discounted rate requires documentation to verify the claim. Tickets are more expensive in-person, so buying them online is recommended.

I did not tour Casa Milà. The unfortunate part about budget travelling is the need to pick and choose. I would certainly visit the site on my next trip to Barcelona, but thus far I have been content to take images of the exterior.

Casa Batlló, which can be found about three blocks away, is a beautifully organic building that gives underwater vibes. The entry fee ranges from 30-50 euros depending on the time slot booked. Discounts are also available, including a student discount that saves 6 euros a person. Customers of Barcelona Walking tours can also save money.

On my second trip to Barcelona, I visited Palau Güell, a Art Nouveau style home on Calle Nou de la Rambla. This building is only one street away from where I stayed (more in the previous blog).

Palau Güell was built between 1886 and 1888, featuring intricate ironwork. The home is very dark inside, but has strange and colourful mosaics on the roof that reminded me of Christmas trees. The entry fee for Palau Güell is far less expensive than the other Gaudí sites, making it a great choice for students. It costs 12 euros for regular admission and 9 euros for students and other eligible groups. I visited on a Sunday in October without booking ahead and there was no line. I’d recommend it for anyone looking for a taste of Gaudí without the high price tag.

La Sagrada Familia

La Sagrada Familia, named the Sacred Family for the Holy Christian trio of Mary, Joseph and Jesus, is an incredible work of art that is as controversial as it is breathtaking. The structure stands at 172.5 metres at its highest point (the central spire of Jesus Christ). Construction began in 1882 and Gaudí was officially appointed Architect Director in 1884. The church is set to be finished in 2026, on the 100 year anniversary of Gaudí’s death.

The interior chapel of La Sagrada Familia actually took my breath away. The stained glass is organized in a rainbow order, with warm colours lining one side of the chapel and the other with cool tones. The structure evokes an organic, forest-like structure. The columns reach towards the ceiling like tree branches. Circular stars line the ceiling itself and create a unique, incredible view.

The outsides of La Sagrada Familia are no less impressive. Each inch of the facade are filled with statues of different scenes from Christian scripture. Even the statues are unlike any I’d ever seen before (or since). Etsuro Sotoo, a Japanese sculptor, is responsible for much of the work on the Nativity facade.

La Sagrada Familia took over 140 years to complete, 137 of which were constructed illegally, with the city of Barcelona only issuing an official building permit in 2019. The money from ticket sales and private donations currently cover construction costs (and the cost of the 36 million euro building permit).

I visited La Sagrada Familia in a tour, which is a great way to skip the line, and also learn interesting fun facts about the structure. I’d definitely recommend it, as the tour is only 4 euros more than regular admission (at 30 euros per person). Students and young adults under 30 can receive a 2 euro discount on tickets. More information can be found here: https://sagradafamilia.org/en/tickets

Park Güell

The final location of Gaudí’s work in this post is Park Güell. I wanted to visit this site on my trip to Barcelona, but found that during the summer months especially, tickets must be booked in advance. Much of Park Güell can be experienced without tickets and is free to the public. However, the section including constructions by Gaudí require tickets. Tickets are 10 euros for regular admission. There is no student price, but there are senior and children’s discounts. I would recommend booking in advance to make sure you are not turned away. During high season, the tickets can be booked up weeks in advance, meaning my family could not purchase tickets for any of the days we were in town.

The park itself is still beautiful, however, and offers a great view of the city at its highest point. This you can reach for free. There are lovely trees and stone structures throughout the park that offer shade and points of interest outside Gaudí’s exhibit as well, so I would recommend leaving time to explore this section of the park as well.