World famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí was born in 1852 in Reus, province of Tarragona, the son of a coppersmith who from early childhood was attracted to colours, forms and geometry.  Gaudi suffered several times from rheumatic fever in his youth and spent a lot of time in isolation.  

During this time it was said that he spent a great deal of time alone with nature which is thought to have inspired him to use natural shapes and themes in his work.

In 1868 he enrolled at the “Escola Superior d’Arquitectura” in Barcelona.  His first works were done in the style of gothic architecture but he soon developed his own distinct style.  Some have said that his style almost frees architecture from the laws of physics and that it even seems to defy gravity itself. Others say his style is a blend of neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau, with elements of cubism and surrealism.  He is a true visionary figure of this period and most of his famous works are in Barcelona; seven of them are listed as World Heritage by the UNESCO. 

We recommend three different tours in Barcelona that can really give you a feel for this emblematic Catalan architect during your Spain holiday.  The first tour last three hours and you’ll visit “Passeig de Grâcia”, an broad and elegant avenue built by wealthy  Barcelonans where you’ll find modernist lampposts, Gaudi’s tiles for pavement and two of the houses Gaudi designed. From there you’ll travel on to “Park Güell”, a residential suburb planned by Gaudí with intertwining roads, a market place and square, fountains, gardens and lodges. Lastly, you’ll visit the “Sagrada Familia”, the cathedral that is considered to be the crown jewel of Gaudi’s works, a synthesis of his overall conception of architecture. The Gaudi Tour departs daily at 9:00 am and 3:15 pm from Plaza Catalunya and is conducted by an English-speaking local expert on Gaudi’s architecture on a comfortable air-condition bus.  For more detailed information on this tour and for bookings, click here:

The next tour is one for Gaudi enthusiasts.  This tour lasts approximately 4 hours.  You will first visit Casa Batlló, considered to be one of Gaudi’s masterpieces. In every corner of this building you’ll find something extraordinary and full of imagination. Next you’ll move on to Güell Pavilions, where Gaudí designed the gate and gatekeeper’s lodge, stables and coach house.  And finally you’ll visit the Colonia Güell Crypt.  Eusebi Güell was a leading industrialist and patron of the arts commissioned Gaudí to design a church. Although unfinished, the lower nave called a crypt is an outstanding achievement full of architectural innovations. After visiting the crypt you’ll see the modernist industrial estate, and before heading back to Barcelona you’ll have some free time to wonder around and see the marvels of Colonia Güell.  For more detailed information on this Gaudi Plus Tour and for bookings, click here:

The final tour we recommend is for the true Gaudi fanatic.  This tour will give you the most in-depth exposure to the masterpieces of Gaudí in Barcelona.  It is a combination of the two tours above.  The Gaudi Combo Tour lasts approximately 7 hours and like the first two tours it is guided by an English-speaking local expert on a comfortable air-conditioned bus.  For more detailed information on this tour and for bookings, please click this link: