When visiting Barcelona, you can see many beautiful and impressive buildings with styles ranging from early gothic to some rather contemporary styles. If you want to get really connected with this city’s architecture, you might consider visiting buildings in the order they were built, chronologically. Here is the list of buildings in order of their historical appearance. This can help you organize your sightseeing tour through this magnificent city.
Middle Age Architecture
Ever since the Romans built their settlement called Barcino in the 3rd century A.D., this city never stopped developing and evolving in the architectural sense. This ancient settlement occupied the piece of land where today’s old Gothic neighborhood is, in the very center of modern Barcelona.
Palau de la Generalitat
This is one of the few medieval buildings that still functions as the seat of government. It has Gothic elements and there is a central courtyard and a grand staircase with galleries surrounding it. The façade of this building is also built in the flamboyant Gothic style.
Palau Reial Major
These buildings are located in the heart of Barri Gòtic. This collection of buildings was the residence of the Kings of Aragon and the Counts of Barcelona. Two of those buildings are part of the Barcelona History Museum and you have to buy a ticket to visit them.
If you decide to buy tickets for this museum, you will be able to see Roman excavations, and the ground floor of Palau Comtal, which dates back to the 10th century. This is evidence that there has been a palace since the Visigoth King Ataulf brought his court to Barcelona. This all happened in the 5th century A.D.
Santa Maria del Mar
This basilica, also known as the cathedral of La Ribera, is a perfect example of Gothic architecture. It has perfect proportions and many stained-glass windows that form a perfect impression. This basilica was the place of worship for merchants of Gothic Barcelona, and its history starts back in 1329. It was designed by Berenguer de Montagut and the construction process took only 55 years, which is extremely short for that period of time. This is why Santa Maria del Mar is the only church made in the pure Catalan Gothic style.
Renaissance Architecture
The age of renaissance begun at the turn of the sixteenth century. This period left a beautiful trail on the existing buildings all over the city. The leading architect of the time was Pere Blai. He designed the saloon of the Palau de la Generalitat, thus finishing the process of assimilation of the Roman design.
Sant Miquel del Port
A beautiful hybrid between Gothic and renaissance styles can be seen in this magnificent church.
A touch of renaissance can also be seen in the civil architecture of this city: Cassa Gralla, Tarongers at the Palau de la Generalitat and Casa de la Ciutat.
Modernism Architecture
The start of modernism in Barcelona is tightly connected with the publishing house of Montaner and Simon, the factory of Josep Vilaseca and Casa Vicens by Gaudi.
Casa Batllo and Milà are the places that reflect Barcelona’s new art movement the best. Followed by:
- Sagrada Familia – This huge basilica is considered Gaudi’s masterpiece. It is by far the most popular attraction for tourists.
- Palau de la Musica Catalana – An ornate and tasteful building with an amazing ceiling. Perfectly adapted lightning makes this building even more beautiful.
- Hospital de Sant Pau – This is the biggest modernist structure in Barcelona. The older part of this building, Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau, is open for the public and has recently been restored. The combination of gardens, underground tunnels, facades, stained glass windows and sculptures provide an incredible feeling for its visitors.
- Torre Bellesguard – This magnificent building was commissioned by the wife of Jaume Figueras, Maria Sagués. Gaudi was the lead architect, but he left this project so he could focus on Sagrada Familia. The building was finished by Domènec Sugrañes and Gras. They were the ones who added colourful mosaics to this building. There are also many gardens that surround this impressive estate.
As you can see, this whole city is like one big piece of art. Walking though it could easily make you feel like you are lost in this wonderful artistic maze created to indulge all of your senses. Whether you rent a guide, join an organized tour or draw your own plan, you will have a magnificent time in this city.