Barcelona Sights: Gaudi architecture and Modernist Barcelona

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Gaudi architecture includes the Parc Güell, the still unfinished Sagrada Família and the houses; La Pedrera/Casa Milà and La Casa Batlló.

The Ruta del Modernisme www.rutadelmodernisme.com run by Modernisme Centre (Pl. de Catalunya, 17, subterráneo; phone +34 933 177 652): guidebook and discount voucher book for €12. Takes you round all the best Modernisme (art nouveau) buildings in Barcelona. The main part of the route can be walked in a couple of hours, providing you don't stray too far from the main routes. The Tourist Offices offer a pack that includes discounted tickets to many attractions such as La Pedrera and La Casa Batlló. All can be seen from the outside for free.

• Casa Vicens, Gracia, C/de les Carolines 24 (buses 22, 24, 31, 32), www.casavicens.es. The first building Gaudi has built himself in Barcelona. Can be seen only outside, as it is a property of a private owner. The only exception is May 22 every year, when it is open to "neighbours and citizens". In Unesco World Heritage Sites list since 2005

• La Pedrera (Casa Mila), (Diagonal metro station), www.lapedreraeducacio.org. Hosts a large exposition of Gaudi works, covering Sagrada Familia and Casa Batlio, not only La Pedrera itself. The exposition is a good place to start your exploration of Gaudi; it reveals many hidden details for the art novice. Entrance: approximately €10.

• Güell Park (Parc Güell), parkguell.net84.net/eng. This is on a hill overlooking Barcelona, so expect a relatively steep walk to the top (Gracia, Lesseps metro station, then follow arrows that are every 300 m); you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of the whole city. For more off the beaten track, the park can be also reached from metro Vallcarca. The park has two distinct parts, a relatively undeveloped (and uncrowded) natural area near the top of the hill, and the more famous sculpture park below (really crowded most of the time). The sculpture portion is full of walkways and other structures exhibiting the distinct and colorful style of Gaudi, including the famous terrace. The undeveloped part is isolated(?) from the sculpture park with a fence. If you take the bus 24, it is full of pickpockets--be careful) Free entrance..

Sagrada Família Crucifix

• Sagrada Família. Getting up to the tower by elevator costs €2.5, and believe the signs that tell you that the wait could be 120 minutes to ascend. Previously, it was possible to go up the spiral stairs, but now, they allow you only to get back down. The most impressive thing is to see Sagrada Família at night with lights on, this is the time when you understand why people say that it is built of bones. Entrance costs €11. Get the audio commentary for €4 as it is well worth it. You will gain a much better appreciation of the Sagrada Família. Sagrada Família metro station. At busy times, you would be well-advised to take snacks, refreshments and maybe even a personal music player to pass the time in the queue.

• La Casa Batlló, www.casabatllo.es. 9AM-8PM. Often overlooked for La Pedrera, (also by Gaudi), La Casa Batllo is equally as stunning with its unique architecture and infamous two ornamental pillars in the entrance to the terrace. Open for visitors from ground floor to a roof, and down by an old-time elevator. Entrance: adults €16.5.

Non-Gaudi modernisme:

• Casa Amatller, www.amatller.org by Puig i Cadafalch, is a fine work of Modernisme. Open for visitors (free entrance), only ground floor. Check detailed photos and explanation of facade sculptures. It also has a shop that sells fine chocolate (the Amatller family made its money out of cocoa).

• www.rutadelmodernisme.com
• www.casavicens.es
• www.lapedreraeducacio.org
• parkguell.net84.net/eng
• www.casabatllo.es
• www.amatller.org