At the end of the 19th century, from the hand of a flourishing society, broke the Catalan passion for architecture. Symbol of power and social status, every wealthy character of the city wanted to hold a House that removed the breath. Neither short nor lazy, the architects put hands to work creating filled with ornaments plant, graffiti, polychromatic stained glass facades and wrought iron. The result were works that even today continue arousing astonishment and admiration. The footsteps of originality modernism arrived in Barcelona and found an effervescent city willing to grant you a space. Why he sat home quickly becoming one of the most emblematic architectural currents of the city.
An excellent starting point to explore the path of modernism is the Arc de Triomphe. Built by Josep Vilaseca, this colossal reddish brick structure inspired by the neo-Mudejar style reaches 30 meters in height. Few steps opens the emblematic Parque de la Ciudadela. Regarded as the first great expression of the movement modernist, is an exquisite blend of Roman, Arab and medieval influences. The funny thing is that this space was built very quickly so improvisation was usual companion of architects but still the end result does impress us.
In this project architects like Josep Fontsere worked elbow to elbow with young newly emerged from the Academy as Lluis Domenech i Montaner and even stated that the same Gaudi left his mark. Guell Palace: One of the jewels of the catalan modernism the Guell Palace was the first work that Gaudi gave to Barcelona. You will find a quite unusual style where the lights and volumes are confused in an almost psychedelic game that still arouses emotions. The facade of the Palace does not hide his Venetian inspiration while its central hall will make you revive a luxurious Hammam. If you dare to climb up to the roof you will discover other eccentricities. Here 20 fireplaces, are each different from the other, where Gaudi used for the first time his famous coating formed by irregular pieces of ceramic. Of course, these are not but some touches of the most relevant works who conceived of the catalan modernism. There are other sites full of charm as the market of el Born, the Estape House with its unique Dome, the Gran Teatro del Liceo and the Mercado de la Boqueria. However, in order to visit them all you will have to stay several days in one of the hotels in Barcelona, a decision which you won’t regret it. Check out online offerings of cheap hotels in Barcelona and start planning a visit fraught with art and colors.