Casa Vicens, Gaudí House Museum, Barcelona: All year

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Gaudi’s first house, it is said that this building is the embryo of Modernism.

Fruit of the artistic talent and experimental mind of a young Antoni Gaudí, this building is a hodgepodge of styles and influences that marked the beginning of a long series of innovate and avant-garde architecture. Built between 1883-1885, Gaudi was only 31 years old when he designed this summer home for the stockbroker Manuel Vicens in Gràcia. After 130 years and various alterations and renovations, this unique world heritage site opens its doors to the public.

What characterises Gaudí’s architecture is that he was not afraid to experiment, and Casa Vicens is living proof of this in which Gaudí playfully combines Catalan, Islamic, Japanese and English influences. The facade is a sensational example of Neo-Mudéjar architecture, a play on protruding and intruding elements, light and shadow, which also expresses strong Oriental influences. The impact of the facade is enhanced by the use of vibrant complementary colours: warm red-orange bricks come alive against the cool green and white ceramic tiles which adorn the structure with busy patterns.

Inside the house there is a strong presence of nature: Gaudí always tried to allow nature to be the architect of his creations and he designed the inside of the house as if it were an extension of the garden, incorporating Mediterranean flora and fauna in all of the interior decoration. Every nook and cranny is a feast for the eyes, and once you’ve seen it you will undoubtedly be eager to find out more about this one-of-a-kind house. It is therefore very convenient that in the attic there is an informative permanent exhibition about the history of Casa Vicens: the sociocultural context and influences that inspired it and the extensions and renovations that it has undergone over the years.

Casa Vicens

Calle de les Carolines, 20-26, 08012 Barcelona