In 1885, Eusebi Güell (an industrialist, patron and industrial tycoon) commissioned Antoni Gaudí to build him a residential palace for the Güell-López family home. Built between 1886 and 1890, it was one of Gaudí’s first important commissions and is one of the best examples of Catalan modernist architecture in a domestic context.

The palace can be found right in the centre of Barcelona, on a side street adjoining Las Ramblas. The tour begins in the basement, in the humble setting of the horse stables. Built from bare brown bricks, this space displays Gaudí’s unadulterated architectural genius through his innovative treatment of space and light. However, as we climb the stairs and enter the main building it becomes obvious that no expense was spared on the construction of Güell Palace.

Guests pass through a series of lavishly decorated rooms with ornamental coffered ceilings built from oak, wrought iron and decorated with gold leaf. Dripping with wealth, this palace was designed to impress and to flaunt the prosperity of the Güell-López family. Everything is built from the finest quality traditional materials such as cherry oak, wrought iron, glass, ceramics, and multi-coloured limestone.

The centrepiece of the building is the central hall which is topped with a high parabolic dome, supported by 4 parabolic arches. Small circular holes in the dome allow the daylight to enter and render stars in the night sky. Gaudí re-uses the parabolic arch shape throughout the building (the entrance gates, windows, dome, on the terrace, and in the embellishments), to tie all parts of the building together and create a sense of cohesion.

In 1984 the palace was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in recognition of its universal cultural value.

The permanent exhibition, A Look at Furniture, is situated on the bedroom floor and displays some of the original furniture that decorated the palace.

Palau Güell

Carrer Nou de la Rambla, 3-5, 08001 Barcelona

Opening hours

Summer (1 April-31 October): Tuesday-Sunday, 10.00-20.00

Winter (1 November-31 March): Tuesday-Sunday, 10.00-17.30

Closed: Mondays that aren’t public holidays, 25 and 26 December, 1 and 6 of January, and the third week in January (for maintenance).