Discover Gaudí's influence on Barcelona by visiting Casa Batlló, Casa Milà, the Block of Discord, and La Sagrada Família.
Overview
Join a local, private guide on a walk through the neighborhoods influenced by Antoni Gaudí's impressive works. You'll start by visiting the exterior of Casa Batlló, where you can learn how Gaudí mixed colors and shapes to craft his unique masterpieces. Stroll down the famous Passeig de Grácia, home to the "Block of Discord," stopping to view the exterior and interior of Casa Milà (La Pedrera). Finish at the famous architect's most renowned project, La Sagrada Família, where your guide will lead you through this impressive (and still unfinished) structure.
What you'll do
As the saying goes, Antoni Gaudí's and his notable architectural works aren't just a part of Barcelona—they are Barcelona. Join an expert guide to discover the truth behind this adage, as Gaudí's influence is everywhere, from the city's streetlights and fountains to its parks, museums, and monuments. A private walk is an excellent way to learn more about this renowned architect and how his style impacted the city.
You'll start on the famous Passeig de Grácia boulevard, home to early 20th-century mansions built by the city's bourgeoisie. Your guide will stop to admire the Block of Discord, a set of three modernist buildings sharing the same facade and a perfect example of the city's different architectural styles. The first building is Casa Lleò Morera, designed by Domènech i Montaner; next is Casa Amatller, designed by Puig i Cadafalch; and finally, Casa Batlló, by Antoni Gaudí.
Since this is a Gaudí walk, your attention is on Casa Batlló and its unique facade. The building is a modernist masterpiece of a residential building, often referred to by locals as Casa dels Ossos, "House of Bones." As your guide will explain, this is because of the building's skeletal design, with skulls for balconies and bones for pillars. Though you won't go inside the building, you'll learn all about its exteriors.
Next, walk about six minutes down the boulevard to Casa Milà. Along the way, your guide will share details of other lesser-known works by Gaudí, including his influences on everyday details, like Barcelona's streetlights and fountains. As Casa Milà's nickname La Pedrera suggests, it resembles a "stone quarry." And much like most of Gaudí's works, it blends constructional and functional innovations with decorative design, resulting in a work of art. After admiring the facade, you'll head inside, where each room works as an exhibition of how the interiors looked under the Milà family. But the highlight is the rooftop, with its chimneys and ventilation towers turned into unique sculptures.
Of course, no Gaudí-themed walk is complete without visiting the architect's most famous masterpiece, the Roman-Catholic church, La Sagrada Família. Since this is a private tour, you can pay for a taxi or ride the metro, both about a 10-minute journey. Then, join your guide as you observe the exteriors and interiors of this unique structure, which is still under construction, in hopes of completing Gaudí's original vision. The church has three outer facades: Nativity represents the birth of Christ and symbolizes the three stages of life; Passion signifies the stages of Jesus, including passion, death, and resurrection; and Glory is all about Christ's eternal life in heaven.
Then, follow your guide into the church's interiors to observe Gaudí's signature design using geometric shapes, a love of colors, and natural elements. Notice the tall vaulted ceilings, hues streaming in through stained glass windows, and the apse (the half-domed roof) in the shape of trees. Other highlights your guide will show you include places like the altar, organ pipes, chapels, and the Crypt Of The Expiatory Temple, the oldest part of the church with a beautiful Neo-Renaissance design, and where you'll find Gaudí's burial site.
After visiting La Sagrada Família, you'll say farewell to your guide and have free time to continue exploring the church or enjoy its two parks. You'll find ideal spots for photos in Plaça de Gaudí, with its small pond reflecting the architect's masterpiece.
