The perfect article for art lovers: a real itinerary to discover Catalan modernism in splendid Barcelona!
For all art lovers there could be no better thing than to pass 3-4 days in the Catalan capital of modernism, to discover its artistic and architectural beauties.
Catalan Modernism was a cultural movement that emerged in the West in the late XNUMXth and early XNUMXth centuries. In addition to the artistic side, it has also taken on a political character.
It was an important movement especially for its architecture that it saw in Gaudi its greatest exponent, who left the city of Barcelona a rich artistic heritage with unique works.
Art path in Barcelona
What we propose today is a path that you will have the opportunity to do even in a single day on the trail of famous Catalan artists, completely dedicated to the modernism of the city.
It is called Route of the Modernisme de Barcelona, and will take you to discover the Barcelona of Cadafalch, Montaner, Gaudi and many others.
Where to start
It can be done both on foot and by bike. The best place to start is Catalunya Square, from which you can easily reach the first palace built by Gaudì for a bourgeois family, that is Calvet house. From the square you can also walk along one of the most famous avenues: Passage de Gracia, on which you can find the palace built by Puig and Marés "Union Y El Fenix" and "Palau Palagrida", built by Codina.
On the left you will find the "Manzana de la Discordia" (with a play on words "manzana" in Spanish means both "isolated" and "apple"): it is in fact a part of the avenue that groups three buildings designed by three great figures of Catalan modernism: Casa Lleó Morera by Doménech i Montaner, Casa Amatller of Puig i Cadafalch and obviously Casa Batlló by Gaudí.
Along another important street of the city - the Rambla - it will be possible to see the Palau Güell. Then, there is Casa Mila - La Pedrera - also by Gaudí, a hymn to the curved line, stone and wrought iron, whose roof, full of wavy and plump chimneys, is a splendid terrace overlooking the city.
Not far away, the House of Les Punxes, which Puig i Cadafalch built with six turrets surmounted by conical shapes.
The most particular building is the Palau de la Música Catalana made by Lluís Domènech i Montaner. The facade is an exaggeration of colors, decorations and extravagance.
For breakfast, a snack or simply to have a coffee, visit the Cafè de L'Òpera.
There are still many examples of Modernism in Barcelona, As the Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau and of course the Holy Family and Park Güell.
All this makes the city of Barcelona still today a focal point of modernism in the world. And if you find yourself a few days in the beautiful Catalan city, this is a path that you absolutely cannot miss, especially if you are an art lover.
A tip for sleeping
So if you are thinking of visiting Barcelona I recommend a great hotel right in the city center - 5 minutes from both the Sagrada Familia and Casa Batllò - and with a metro stop right in front: Bcn Hotel Buena Vista.
