The Modernism route

Barcelona is famous for many things, but if there is one that shines is the modernist heritage that welcomes: this architectural style of the early twentieth century has made that some of the best monuments are their own buildings, and has become an internationally recognized artistic reference; so much so, that you can now enjoy the modernism route, a tour of these amazing buildings.

You can buy the book of the modernist route in bookstores in the city, including a map showing the location of all these works and discounts up to 50%. To cover the entire route you’ll need between four days and a week.

Still, you will find a route without deviations that can be performed in a single day, if your visit to Barcelona is very brief but you do not want to give up discovering this incredible artistic legacy.

With the route path you can discover the Barcelona of Gaudi, of Puig i Cadafalch and Domènech i Montaner, undisputed geniuses of modern art that placed the city in the spotlight of international art.

To facilitate travel, and for all those who prefer to do it free, all these works are indicated with a red tiled, known as panot, marking the axis of the route. This is a small example of the least known works that you can discover:

• Castell dels tres dragons. This building was built as a café-restaurant for the Universal Exhibition of 1888. You’ll find it in Ciutadella Park at the end of Paseo San Juan, near the Arc de Triomphe.

• Casa Calvet. Designed by Gaudí, was built in the early twentieth. It is one of the most conservative of the architect works.

• Casa Comalat. This work of the architect Salvador Valeri i Pupurull is one of the least known of the modernist route, although it is a singular, unique and undeniably beautiful building. A facade overlooks the Diagonal Avenue and the other to Rosselló street.

• Casa de les Punxes. This famous building is recreated in the forms of medieval castles, from the merger of three buildings made by Puig i Cadalfach. You will find it in Diagonal Avenue.

• Fabra Observatory. This beautiful observatory is located on Tibidabo. It construction began in 1902 according to plans by Josep Domènech i Estapà.

• Torre Bellesguard. Another work of master Gaudí, which is co-located with an old medieval castle. You will find it in the street of the same name.

Photo credit: jaime.silva / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND

This post is also available in: French, Catalan, Spanish