As if a temperate climate, a seaside location, culture, medieval architecture and tapas bars were not enough, there is now another reason to visit Barcelona. Just on 16th November the city celebrated the opening of Gaudi’s Casa Vicens, the opulently tiled building which was his first residence and a wonderful example of his Orientalist period. Dating back to 1883, it was originally built as a summer residence for wealthy industrialist, Manel Vicens.In 1925, the Jover family, who bought the house in 1899, commissioned a friend of Gaudí’s, to expand the property into three separate homes, one on each floor, and almost doubled the square-footage. Further changes were made between 1935 and 1964. In 2005, UNESCO declared Casa Vicens a World Heritage Site, bringing the count of Gaudí buildings bearing that designation to six. The Sagrada Família, which is expected to be completed in 2026 to coincide with the centenary of the architect’s death, is among the other designated sites. The house was a family home until 2014, when it was bought by the Andorran financial institution MoraBanc, which decided to open it to the public.Carrer de les Carolines 18-24, Open daily 10am-8pm, €16, concessions €14, under-7s free
A fun way to see Gaudi’s buildings, rather than a conventional tour, is by Go Car, basically a GPS guided tour in a small 3-wheeled open-top yellow car. Once you get over the initial nervousness of negotiating the Barcelona traffic, including buses, it is actually great fun. The custom GPS system shows you the route and the GoCar will talk, telling you about the sights around you. There are three main tours, but we took the Gaudi one, which takes you past the Sagrada Familia and Parc Guell. Then on to the Torre Bellesguard and the Guell Pavilions including the exceptional ironwork of the Dragon’s Gate. Then back to the city centre for La Pedrera, Casa Battlo and the Palau Guell – and hopefully Casa Vicens will now be added to the route too!
Apartments to rent near Gaudi buildings:
This luxurious four bedroom apartment has a unique location in the famous Passeig de Gracia, with a direct view of Gaudi’s Casa Battló. This apartment is historically important because the architect was Buenaventura Conill Montobbio, a Catalan architect who was a good friend of Antoni Gaudi. Buenaventura Conill Montobbio also collaborated with Puig i Cadafalch (the elaborate building right next to the Casa Battló is one of his works) and was a part of the modernist movement during his time. Until now, the apartment has been owned by the Conill Montobbio family but is now available to rent.
This spacious and modern three bedroom apartment is on the third floor of a 19th century building in Carrer d’Aragô, ideally located for exploring the elegant shops in Passeig de Gracia, just a minute’s walk away. Famous Gaudi landmarks, such as the La Pedrera, Sagrada Familia and the Casa Batiló are within a 15 minute walk.
Contemporary three bedroom apartment in the residential area of the Eixample district in Barcelona, just a stone´s throw from Passieg de Gracia, the most emblematic street of Barcelona. The apartment benefits from white walls. Wooden floors and large windows, filling the rooms with natural light and giving the apartment a feeling of space. The large open living room has bay windows at one end, with access to a delightful private terrace.
This beautiful very contemporary apartment is on Carrer de Valencia, just off Paseo de Gràcia just across the street from Gaudi’s La Casa Batlló. With four bedrooms and three bathrooms, the spacious and sunny living room with balcony, has views to the Casa Batlló.