Other Gaudí Masterpieces

Casa Milà — La Pedrera

The Casa Milà (1906–1912), called "La Pedrera" (the quarry) by Barcelonans, was Gaudí's last civil work before fully dedicating himself to the Sagrada Família. The wave-like facade of natural stone looks like a cliff eroded by the wind. The rooftop terrace with its surreal chimneys (the "warriors") is a highlight — here you feel like you're standing on another planet. UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admission: from 25€. The night tour with projection and live music on the roof is a special experience (from 35€).

Manzana de la Discordia

The "Block of Discord" on Passeig de Gràcia (No. 35–43) brings together three masterpieces of Catalan Modernisme on one block — as if the architects were competing:

• Casa Lleó Morera (No. 35) — Lluís Domènech i Montaner. Floral, elegant Art Nouveau.
• Casa Amatller (No. 41) — Josep Puig i Cadafalch. Neo-Gothic with a colorful stepped gable.
• Casa Batlló (No. 43) — Antoni Gaudí. The craziest of the three — and the clear winner of the contest.

From the opposite side of the street, you have a view of all three facades — an architectural photo par excellence.

Palau de la Música Catalana

Not by Gaudí, but by Lluís Domènech i Montaner (1905–1908) — but perhaps the most beautiful building in Barcelona. The concert hall of the Palau de la Música is an explosion of stained glass, mosaics, and sculptures. The inverted glass dome in the ceiling is one of the boldest architectural details in Europe. UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guided tour: 20€, concert tickets from 18€ — experiencing a concert here is one of the most unforgettable experiences in Barcelona.

Hospital de Sant Pau

The Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau (1901–1930) by Domènech i Montaner is an entire Art Nouveau hospital — a complex of 27 pavilions, connected by underground passages, with mosaics, towers, and gardens. Today a cultural center and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Only a 10-minute walk from the Sagrada Família — combine the two! Admission: 15€.