In the bustling city of Barcelona, amidst the grandeur of the Eixample district, stands an architectural masterpiece - Casa Lleó Morera. This building is a shining example of how architecture can be both functional and a work of art. Designed by the renowned Catalan architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, it captures the essence of Catalan Modernisme, a style that flourished in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Casa Lleó Morera is located on the famous Paseo de Gracia, a street known for its elegance and architectural wonders. This street is home to many of Barcelona's most iconic buildings, each telling its own story through intricate designs and unique facades. Walking down this avenue feels like stepping into an open-air museum, where history and art blend seamlessly with the modern cityscape.
The facade of Casa Lleó Morera is adorned with exquisite decorations, from floral motifs to intricate sculptures. The attention to detail is breathtaking, with every element contributing to the harmonious design. The building's interior is equally impressive, featuring stained glass windows, detailed mosaics, and finely crafted woodwork that reflect the artistry of the era.
This architectural gem is a testament to the skill of the artisans who brought Domènech i Montaner's vision to life. The craftsmanship displayed in Casa Lleó Morera highlights the collaboration between architects and craftsmen during the Modernisme movement, emphasizing the importance of artistry in everyday structures.
Casa Lleó Morera is more than just a building; it is a symbol of a cultural and artistic revolution. It stands as a lasting legacy of the Modernisme movement, showcasing how architecture can transcend functionality to become a form of artistic expression. This building continues to inspire awe and admiration, drawing visitors from around the world to witness its beauty.
Source - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casa_Lle%C3%B3_Morera
One of the most romantic squares in Barcelona, it hides a dark history in that it was built over the city's old cemetery. Barcelona's most famous architect, Antonio Gaudi, was on his way to visit the church there when he was run over and killed in 1928. There is a baroque church (Sant Felip Neri), a 14th-century palace and a fountain in the middle. To arrive, take the narrow street next to the cathedral cloister. The palace was moved from its original location in the street Via Laietana during the 1920s. If you look the front of the church, you can see some holes made by a civil war bomb. If you go out the square through the other street, you'll arrive to the street Baixada de Santa Eulàlia, where is said that the Barcelona's protector was tormented.
Connecting many of the major streets in the city, the Plaça is a central location and a hub of activity. It is a favourite meeting spot for locals and a transit hub for the tourist buses. There are many fountains, statues and gardens around the plaza, and a number of benches to just sit and take it all in.
The museum has limited opening hours but the park it is situated in is also interesting. Check website before going to the museum as it will eventually relocate to The Can Bagaria building.
The main Gothic church in Barcelona. The cloister is maybe the most interesting part.
Formerly known as Torre Agbar. Distinctively-shaped office tower which stands out in the Barcelona skyline. It stands out even more Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights when it is lighted in several colours. The viewing platform on the 30th floor has views in all directions. Tickets start at €15 and come with a complimentary glass of cava and access to Hyperview Barcelona, an exhibit of the city’s real-time environmental data as an audiovisual installation, which is hosted in the tower’s lowest floor.
This market was the central market for Barcelona until 1973 and its closing marked the beginning of the neighborhood's decline before its current resurgence. While undergoing renovations, whole streets and homes that had been demolished by Phillipe V's orders were discovered and archaeologists who worked to transform the market in to a cultural centre and history museum. Entrance and street level is free, but to visit the ruins requires paying for a ticket.
A complex of two pavilions by Antonio Gaudi. 2024 closed for renovation.
Palace designed by Gaudí for the industrial tycoon Eusebi Güell. There is a basement and three levels of the palace to explore, the highest featuring a small exhibition. It is in a different style to Gaudi's apartment blocks La Pedrera and Casa Batlló, as well as being cheaper and less crowded than those sites. The rooftop of Palau Güell features the more standard Gaudi style chimneys, and views across El Raval.
Much to the dismay of Mickey Mouse aficionados, Disseny is Catalan for "design", not "Disney". The "Disseny Hub" houses the amalgamated museums focusing on applied arts and design, including Museu de les Arts Decoratives, Museu de Ceràmica, Museu Tèxtil i d'Indumentària and Gabinet de les Arts Gràfiques. The new building has an intricate, multi-level structure, with the protruding tower overhanging the Praca de les Glories roundabout.
Another Gaudi masterpiece along the same avenue as La Pedrera. Open to the public. No straight line or right angles appear anywhere in the house. Often overlooked for La Pedrera, (also by Gaudi), La Casa Batlló is equally as stunning with its unique architecture and infamous two ornamental pillars in the entrance to the terrace. Open for visitors from ground floor to the roof, and down by an old-time elevator.
A fake village built in 1929, with replicas of characteristic buildings in Spain (like the Avila walls, the Vall-de-roures town hall, etc.). The village hosts the Fondation Fran Daurel, where you can enjoy an interesting Modern Art collection boasting Miró, Picasso, Tapiès and other, mostly Spanish and Catalan, contemporary artists. The audio tour is very worthwhile there. Also worth seeing - the flamenco show at Tablo de Carmen. You can also step into several of the workshops to see craftsmen at work such as glassblowers and leather workers.
Has a lot of art from his first period, before the cubism, but almost none of his most famous works. Pictures are described only in Spanish, but overview texts for each period are available in English. Luggage over 30x30cm needs to be left at the checkroom and there's no liability for lost valuables.
A beautiful Gothic monastery near the university, there are a museum which depicts the monastery life, a church, and a marvelous chapel covered with medieval frescoes.
Has the single best collection of Romanesque art in the world, and a fine Gothic collection as well. Includes the Pantocrator from the Taüll Romanesque church. The building itself is also very beautiful.