Casa Vicens - Skip the line!

Constructed between 1883 and 1885 by order of Mr. Manuel Vicens, Casa Vicens is one of the first masterpieces of Modernism, the anticipation of the later work of Gaudí and a vivid example of the airs of aesthetic renewal that were breathed at the end From the 19th century to all of Europe.

Originally, it was projected as a holiday home with a garden, in which geometric shapes and rich ornamentation, inspired by the surrounding vegetation, and this reference to natural elements is not only present on the outside of the house but also, by integrating different decorative arts - ironwork, painting, ceramics, carpentry, mural decoration, etc. - Gaudí succeeds in having nature penetrate the inside of the house, thereby creating continuity between the exterior and interior space.

If you look beyond the decoration you'll see the historicist Mudejar style as well as the forms which are Indian and Japanese in inspiration. Gaudí paid particular attention to the corners of the building, which were ridged in order to avoid the austere appearance of classical architecture. This orientalised exoticism was greeted with enthusiasm by the elite classes at the time in Barcelona. This is why it should come as no surprise that Gaudí's first building gained a much more enthusiastic reception than his later landmarks buildings, such as " La Pedrera".

Casa Vicens opens as a House Museum and proposes a rigorous visit that is also attractive for all audiences, which includes a permanent exhibition and a tour through the original rooms of Gaudí, carefully preserved and restored.

There  is a multilingual guide ( English, Spanish and French)   on each floor of Casa Vicens,  that will give you detailed information on the aspects of the room you are visiting. This is a wonderful experience to understand the work of Gaudi and Gaudi himself.

Carrer de les Carolines, 24, 08012

Barcelona