Why go
Gaudí and Lluís Domènech i Montaner give Barcelona an architectural identity that differs from Madrid's museum-led appeal. The city's Roman origins and medieval role in the Crown of Aragon add depth beyond its modern landmarks. Its coastal location changes the feel of a city visit.
What to look for
- Casa Batlló's rippling facade and tiled light well show Gaudí at building scale.
- The Sagrada Família pairs sculpted facades with branching interior columns.
- The city sits between the Mediterranean and the Collserola hills.
Useful to know
- Plan architectural visits as a focused sequence; the city has more than one major modernist site.
- Leave time to compare the historic city with its coastal setting.