Barcelona Walking Tours: Exploring Modernisme
Greetings in Barcelona, a city that’s famous for its beautiful storied past, fantastic architecture and luxurious atmosphere. To be an art and architecture aficionado and heck, you shouldn’t miss the Barcelona’s very own Modernisme movement. Walking tours of Barcelona’s most iconic Modernisme buildings are what this blog post is all about and we’d be happy to guide you around the city’s artistic map of Modernisme structures.
What is Modernisme?
Modernisme, or so called in Catalan Modernism, was art and architecture movement that appeared in late 19th century Barcelona. It was a reaction to the quick expanding industrialization and a want to get away from traditional artistic forms. Using Gothic, Art Nouveau and naturalistic elements, Modernisme developed a special architectural language that now equates to Barcelona.
1. The Eixample District
The Eixample is an Aladdin’s cave of Antoni and Lluís Domènech i Montaner designed buildings. Here you’ll find the works of famous architect Antoni Gaudí, such as Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (also called La Pedrera). Walk along effortlessly along Passeig de Gràcia, admiring the tile-drenched, wrought iron and fantastical façades.
Tips:
- Secure your tickets online beforehand to save your time and avoid the queue.
- Think of taking a guided tour to get more into the history and symbolism of these remarkable bodies of work.
- Don’t forget to look up! Many Modernisme will boast fantastic vistas from the roof.
2. Hospital de Sant Pau
The Hospital de Sant Pau, created by Lluís Domènech i Montaner is a Modernisme must that along with the works of Gaudí is being value. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is characterized by an incredible variety of sculptural decorations and colourful mosaics. Walk the pavilions and gardens, see the lovely stained glass windows and more about the hospital’s past.
3. Park Güell
No trip to Barcelona is without a visit to the famous Park Güell – another masterpiece by Gaudí. This park makes for a dramatic scenery offer of city view panoramic one and quirky structures conjures perfectly blend amongst natural landscape. See its colorful mosaic salamander (called “El Drac”) & take an easy amble down its livened colonnaded walkways.
4. Palau de la Música Catalana
The Palau de la Música Catalana, built by Lluís Domènech i Montaner is a masterpiece of Modernisme style. This concert hall is a feast for the senses, with its ornate exterior, beautiful stained glass windows and breathtaking interior with sculptures and mosaics. Join us on a guided tour and see the main hall, the backstage spaces and discover about the cultural importance of Palau.
5. Casa Vicens
Nowadays, it was, once a private family home, House Vicens is Gaudí’s first known creation and a UNESCO World Heritage Site is. This special building reveals the architect’s creative approach with colors, tiles and with embracing nature in the design. Tour the inside spaces, view the colorful facade and discover the story behind the house’s many uses over the years.
Conclusion
You can see how Barcelona is a city where Modernisme is alive. Discovering the city’s architectural treasures, not only will introduce you to this important artistic movement, but will also enable you to admire the intricacy and beauty that are the hall marks of Barcelona. So step outside, lace up your shoes, get yourself a map and submerge yourself in the world of Modernisme.
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