The name of architect Antoni Gaudí (1852-1926) will always be synonymous with Barcelona, especially so as he created the most symbolic of all buildings in the city, La Sagrada Familia. This is, however, not the only creation of his that entice visitors to the city. Visiting Barcelona also means visiting the visions of Gaudí. This is a guide to where you can find Gaudí’s works in Barcelona. The buildings (and the park) are listed according to which district they can be found. The Old Town Palau Güell. Another important name related to the architecture of Barcelona is Eusebi Güell instrumental in Gaudí’s success and financing many of his creative constructions in Barcelona. The Catalan businessman commissioned the young architect to design his home in the then pretty lurid El Raval area. Güell seems to have enjoyed picking odd locations, maybe he was just too ahead of his time? The recently renovated home of Güell is open for visits and located just of Las Ramblas at Nou de la Rambla. The design is more rigid contrasted to the fluidity of lines that would characterize Gaudí’s later works, but it inhabits a lot of the details that made the architect a legend.Grácia:Parc Güell was a courageously planned housing project (financed by Esuebi Güell) that fell through and became a park. The only individual who ended up living here was the architect himself who spent a few years living in a house (of his own making naturally!) that now is a park museum. The park offers some of the best views of the city and it’s a wonderful place to walk around and explore details in design and craftsmanship.Casa Vicenç – Carolines 24 (not open for general public) This privately owned building was another private commission from a ceramics factory owner. The access to discount ceramics gave Gaudí the license to decorate the facade in colorful tiles. Eixample Casa Milá – La Pedrera (the quarry) C. Provença, 261-265 (with Passeig de Grácia) Open to the public. Nicknamed the quarry for its shape. The surreal chimneys on the rooftop is a must-see. In summer the house is host to the La Pedrera de nit – jazz concerts with a spectacular rooftop setting! Casa Batlló - Passeig de Gracia, 43. With its amazing roof mosaic and highly symbolic ornamentation its facade is another unique Barcelona image that will resonate with many on first view. Casa Calvet - C. De Casp,48 (not open for general public). This is the least typical and most traditional of Gaudí’s construction. Constricted to the limitations of space Gaudí kept his roaming imagination in check to create a rather conventional building with a few outstanding details. La Sagrada Familia – Marina, 276. Sydney has its opera house, New York its statue of liberty and Paris the Eiffel tower, all unique structures with significant symbolic weight. La Sagrada is Barcelona’s great symbolic building. The exceptional story of the temple of Sagrada Familia and the space that its creator occupies in Catalan history makes it stand out as something more than a just a city symbol. The long and intricate story of the temple began in 1883. In fact, much earlier, but the eventful process regarding choice of architect culminated in Gaudí taking the reins and starting what he saw as his life’s project. Unfortunately, in 1926, he was killed by a tram in Barcelona, and since most of his plans had been lost in a fire, no one knew how to continue. Despite it’s arrested development and unfinished status, La Sagrada Familia has come to symbolize Barcelona.The temple symbolizes Catalan culture, independence of thought, limitless creativity, spirituality, resilience and controversy. And, this list could go on endlessly. There has been controversy from Gaudí began interpreting Christian symbols in the design, to financing the project after his untimely death, how to interpret the original plan (with significant documents/drawings missing),the esthetics issues and finally more financing controversy. However, the last decade has seen a surge in construction activity and the plan is for a completion date in 2026, the perfect commemoration of the architect’s death! To this day opinions are passionately divided about Gaudí in general and La Sagrada Familia in particular. Nevertheless, all Gaudi’s creations are worth a visit and following the modernisme route (available in all tourist info spots) you can cover them all including other exceptional buildings by other architects of the era like the amazing Palau de la Música. Make sure you bring your camera to capture some of the most unique examples of 20.century architecture! We recommend Barcelona holiday rentals in central Barcelona and be surrounded by the unique Catalan architectural history.