Following in Gaudi’s Footsteps in Barcelona

I love Barcelona!

So when Vueling, one of the fastest growing airlines in Europe invited me to be their guest in Barcelona I happily accepted their invitation.  It was  my fourth time this year in Barcelona this year, but it’s only a 1:45 flight from Munich – perfect for a weekend city break!

One of the things I love about Barcelona is the creative architecture, especially the works of Antoni Gaudi –  the figure-head of Catalan Modernism.  His style is distinctive to say the least! And expressive.  Gaudi’s works reflect his passions:  architecture, nature and religion. Fortunately many of his works are in Barcelona. I visited five of them:

Casa Vincens

This was my first time visiting Casa Vincens which has an obvious Moorish influence.  Unfortunately for visitors the house is a private residence so it’s not open to the public.  I snapped quite a few photos of it, intrigued with all the detail – like the white and green tile below the patios.  Gaudi had thought of every aesthetic from every possible angle.

Tourist Tip for Visiting Casa Vincens:

Casa Vincens is open to “neighbours and citizens” on St. Rita’s Day every year on May 22nd.  Mmmm, I think that alone would be worth returning to Barcelona.

Casa Batlló

Casa Batlló is my favorite Gaudi house. Visitors will be hard pressed to find a straight line in the house, but it’s fun to try. Its mosaics resemble sea shells and with a liberal use of the color blue it definitely has an underwater influence that I love.  Read more at: Casa Batlló:  My Favorite Gaudi House.

Tourist Tip for Visiting Casa Batlló:

There was only a short line to get in when I visited this time on a Saturday in November, but at other times of the year it can be very busy, so buy your tickets online to skip the lines.

Park Güell

Park Güell is a whimsy of oversized mosaics like the serpent bench or famous dragon (pictured above).  Even though it was my second visit to Park Güell I stayed for over an hour.  See why I think that Park Güell just may be the most creative park in the world!

Tourist Tips for Visiting Park Güell:

Entrance to Park Güell is free.  Go on a clear day and you will have incredible views of Barcelona stretching all the way to the sea.  If you’re going in the summer, go early as it gets busy.

Casa Mila

Casa Mila, also called La Pedrera, is considered to be the epitome of Modernist design, although the self-supported stone facade and iron-wrought balconies was considered controversial at the time it was built.   Casa Mila is an apartment building with elevators stopping only on every second floor.  Gaudi believed that neighbours should know each other and converse with one another and this was his way of imposing this.  Sadly, I haven’t been inside yet – another reason to return to Barcelona!

Tourist Tips for Visiting Casa Mila:

Both day and night tours are offered.  I haven’t done either, but the night tour sounds especially intriguing promising a highly sensory route and intimate look at Casa Mila.  Book in advance.  There are also special exhibits offered at Casa Mila so check to see what’s currently on.

Sagrada Familia

Sagrada Familia is a large Catholic church.  Despite being started in 1882 it has still yet to be completed.  But it is considered to be the most extraordinary personal interpretation of Gothic architecture since the Middle Ages.  It is hoped that it will be completed by 2026, the Centennial of Gaudi’s death, but alas the brochure indicates a completion date of 2028. The completion date is a topic of much speculation among locals. What’s your guess?

Tourist Tips for Visiting Sagrada Familia:

I enjoyed visiting inside Sagrada Familia and thought the extra couple of € was worth it to climb the towers for the views over Barcelona.  If possible, plan to visit Sagrada Familia during La Mercè, an annual festival held on September 24th, but the festivities start a few days earlier.  During this time visitors can see the Sagrada Light Show.  I missed this by one day on one of my earlier visits to Barcelona, but it looks very impressive!  There are also Christmas concerts held there in December.  Book your tickets early and online.  Sagrada Familia is a popular spot and entrance lines can be over an hour during peak times.

After visiting the above five of Gaudi’s most celebrated works, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, I decided it was time for something a little lighter:

The Gaudí Experiència a 4D movie.

The 10 minute movie is over priced at €9 but it was entertaining and the first time I’ve ever had to wear a seat belt in a movie theatre:
 I also enjoyed checking out some of the displays and pretending I was Gaudi as I painted the famous dragon on an over-sized iPhone:

What do you think of my “artwork”?

Perhaps most importantly, Gaudi and I also got a chance to catch up:

Even if he was a bit on the quiet side.

Tourist Tip for Visiting Gaudí Experiència:

Buy your ticket online and save 10%.  If you’re short on cash, save your money and visit one of the interiors of Gaudi’s other buildings instead which provide more value for money.

After following in Gaudi’s footsteps in Barcelona for the better part of a Saturday.  I relaxed in my modern room at NH Calderón, exceptionally well located on Rambla Catalunya in the heart of the city:
 It was a good thing I had fuelled up with their delicious and innovative antiox breakfast -

following in Gaudi’s huge footsteps is no easy feat!

Follow in Gaudi’s Footsteps in Barcelona with help from Barcelona tourism’s helpful resources.

Thank you to Vueling and NH Calderón for hosting me in Barcelona.  Vueling is one of Europe’s fastest growing airlines in Europe and offers frequent flights between Munich and Barcelona.  Vueling describes itself as nonconformist – I think Gaudi would approve! As always all opinions expressed are my own.  The only question is when will I go back to Barcelona for the fifth time?