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Modernism en route

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You can't understand Catalan culture without the imagination, exuberance, symbolism, playfulness, colours and shapes of Modernism. You only have to take a walk through Barcelona to see that this artistic movement from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries is everywhere. As an easy introduction to the Modernist world, we recommend a visit to the Gaudí Exhibition Centre, a museum that houses a unique collection of pieces, objects and documents belonging to this great universal architect. What's more, in the Eixample district you will find the largest concentration of Modernist buildings, such as La Pedrera and Casa Batlló.

You can also find examples of this architectural style in many other locations throughout Barcelona, such as Casa Amatller, where you can experience the Catalan bourgeoisie of the early twentieth century, as well as the Sagrada Familia, the Palau de la Música Catalana, Park Güell or the Hospital de Sant Pau all cultural symbols that transcend architecture to become universal works of art.

Gaudí, the master of Modernism
Modernism aimed to achieve modernity, on the one hand, and cultural regeneration, on the other. Architecture was the cornerstone of the movement, with the work of the brilliant architect Antoni Gaudí as an icon, along with the work of many of his contemporaries such as Lluís Domènech i Montaner, Josep Puig i Cadafalch, Josep MariaJujol and Isidre Gili Moncunill, who created an enormous legacy of Modernist buildings that adorn many Catalan municipalities.

Gaudí's creations reached far and wide, from Santa Coloma de Cervelló, with the Güell Crypt, to Pobla de Lillet, with the Artigas Gardens. The memory of this unique architect is preserved in Reus, the city where he was born, and one of the cities most marked by Modernism. Nearly 80 listed buildings make up Reus' spectacular showcase of Modernist architecture.

The Modernist influence extended to rural areas under the guise of cooperative warehouses and factories and industrial estates dotted throughout Catalonia. Several routes show you how this artistic wave spread throughout Catalonia, extending beyond the borders of the capital.

Beyond architecture
The Modernist trend was not limited to advancing architecture, the cornerstone of the movement, but also permeated sculpture, painting, graphic arts, literature, theatre and the recovery of ancient artisan trades, which the great architects knew how to use so well.

Each section of any of the Modernist routes will bring you closer to understanding the character of Catalonia and its taste for refinement and aesthetic exquisiteness.
Grand Tour de Catalunya
Grand Tour de Catalunya
Catalonia. Experience and Discover Art and Culture.
Catalonia. Experience and Discover Art and Culture
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Modernism aimed to achieve modernity, on the one hand, and cultural regeneration, on the other.

The most outstanding Modernist routes
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See all resources >>
Street show in the hypostyle hall of Park Güell. (© Imagen M.A.S.)
Gaudí Route around Barcelona
If Barcelona has its own distinctive character, it's down to the style in which architect Antoni Gaudí designed some of his most distinctive buildings. A global icon. Most of his masterpieces are in Barcelona's Eixample district, although you'll also find them in the upper part of the city and in Ciutat Vella.
Interior of dining room of the Pere Mata Institute, by Domènech i Montaner  (© Miguel Raurich)
Ruta del Modernisme. Domènech i Montaner
Lluís Domènech i Montaner fue uno de los arquitectos modernistas más importantes. Fue precursor del racionalismo arquitectónico, con estructuras diáfanas y con un uso moderno de las construcciones de hierro y ladrillo visto. Su obra puede conocerse paseando por las calles de Reus o Barcelona.
Façade of Coll i Regàs house  (© Turismo Verde S.L.)
Ruta del Modernisme. Puig i Cadafalch
A finales del siglo XIX, la escuela catalana de arquitectura rechazó la tradición clásica para reivindicar la modernidad del gótico. Josep Puig i Cadafalch la tomó como modelo para construir residencias, casas de viviendas y edificios industriales. Esta ruta recorre las calles de Mataró, Argentona y Barcelona siguiendo la obra de uno de los arquitectos más representativos del modernismo catalán.
Romanesque church (© José Luis Rodríguez)
A journey through time. From the Romanesque to Modernism
Archaeological sites, great painters, Renaissance and Modernism houses, as well as Industrial Revolution museums. The west of Barcelona is home to some of the region's finest historical and artistic memories.
A family at the Fra Gari viewpoint (Via Crucis road), from which you can see the Monastery and the mountain of Montserrat (© Gemma Miralda Escudé)
Touching the sky. From Montserrat to La Pedrera
Reach the clouds at the ageold monastery on the incredible mountain of Montserrat. Or under the moonlight back in Barcelona, on the roof of La Pedrera. Afterwards, travel through the roots of a village that saw its history change in 1714. Unforgettable. 
Interior of dining room of the Pere Mata Institute, by Domènech i Montaner  (© Miguel Raurich)
Other modernists in Catalonia
Catalonia has a spectacular Modernist mosaic that goes on and on and only ends in Barcelona. The legacy of different architects is present throughout the region.
Where?Ex. Barcelona, Gelida
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A journey through time. From the Romanesque to Modernism A journey through time. From the Romanesque to Modernism
A journey through time. From the Romanesque to Modernism
Capellades, Collbató, Cubelles, Gavà, Monistrol de Montserrat, Olèrdola, Sant Cugat del Vallès, Sitges, Terrassa, Vilanova i la Geltrú, Vendrell, el / Paisatges Barcelona
Archaeological sites, great painters, Renaissance and Modernism houses, as well as Industrial Revolution museums. The west of Barcelona is home to some of the region's finest historical and artistic memories.
Alella. Between sea and mountains Alella. Between sea and mountains
Alella. Between sea and mountains
Alella, Cabrera d'Anoia, Masnou, el, Vilassar de Dalt, Teià, Tiana / Costa Barcelona
The landscape of its vineyards and its proximity to Barcelona allows for a break, unforgettable due to the richness of its wines and the contrast between the mountains and the beaches.  
Amongst the vineyards and olive trees. A journey through local produce and gastronomy Amongst the vineyards and olive trees. A journey through local produce and gastronomy
Amongst the vineyards and olive trees. A journey through local produce and gastronomy
Borges Blanques, les, Cabacés, Calafell, Espluga de Francolí, l', Gratallops, Tarragona, Valls, Vendrell, el, Vilella Baixa, la / Terres de Lleida
We find ourselves in a quintessentially Mediterranean land, where vines and olive trees have been grown for many a century. Be at one with the gastronomy in a deliciously varied journey.      
Antoni Gaudí. The genius in BarcelonaAntoni Gaudí. The genius in Barcelona
Antoni Gaudí. The genius in Barcelona
Barcelona / Barcelona
If Barcelona has a defined character it's thanks to the aesthetics that the architect Gaudí featured in some of his most emblematic buildings. A world renowned landmark. 
Antoni Gaudí. The genius in CataloniaAntoni Gaudí. The genius in Catalonia
Antoni Gaudí. The genius in Catalonia
Pobla de Lillet, la, Santa Coloma de Cervelló, Reus / Pyrenees
People tend to associate the brilliant architect with Barcelona, but his artistic trail covers many other territories in Catalonia.
Barcelona: A modernist jewel. Nature and architecture living in harmony Barcelona: A modernist jewel. Nature and architecture living in harmony
Barcelona: A modernist jewel. Nature and architecture living in harmony
Barcelona / Barcelona
Stay in Barcelona and fall madly in love with Catalan modernism by visiting the structures created by the architect Antoni Gaudí in the early 20th century, structures that initiated Catalonia's cultural revival. Then journey though the city at night to discover it under the moonlight. 
El Camp de Tarragona and El Priorat. Culture, good food and adventure, right by the Costa Daurada El Camp de Tarragona and El Priorat. Culture, good food and adventure, right by the Costa Daurada
El Camp de Tarragona and El Priorat. Culture, good food and adventure, right by the Costa Daurada
Vallbona de les Monges, Vilosell, el, Aiguamúrcia, Albinyana, Bellmunt del Priorat, Calafell, Cambrils, Capafonts, Cornudella de Montsant, Espluga de Francolí, l', Falset, Gratallops, Guiamets, els, Montblanc, Montbrió del Camp, Mont-roig del Camp, Porrera, Reus, Tarragona, Valls, Vendrell, el, Vimbodí i Poblet, Salou / Costa Daurada
Beyond the splendid beaches we can enjoy Roman Tarragona and the incredible Cistercian monasteries. Or the rich gastronomy of a land full of vines and olive trees. And there's no shortage of experiences for sport and adventure enthusiasts. Ready to go? 
From the Mediterranean to Montseny. A world of contrasts From the Mediterranean to Montseny. A world of contrasts
From the Mediterranean to Montseny. A world of contrasts
Arenys de Mar, Argentona, Caldes d'Estrac, Caldes de Montbui, Canet de Mar, Mataró, Montmeló, Moià, Roca del Vallès, la, Sant Esteve de Palautordera, Sant Feliu de Codines, Vilassar de Mar, Sant Pol de Mar, Santa Susanna, Vic, Arbúcies, Breda, Hostalric, Sant Hilari Sacalm, Viladrau / Costa Brava
Get ready for beautiful natural spots exuding the aroma of sea and mountains. Places that inspire the most unique experiences, do it all following in the footsteps of its rich industrial past and modernist treasures.
Gaudí Route around BarcelonaGaudí Route around Barcelona
Gaudí Route around Barcelona
Barcelona / Barcelona
If Barcelona has its own distinctive character, it's down to the style in which architect Antoni Gaudí designed some of his most distinctive buildings. A global icon. Most of his masterpieces are in Barcelona's Eixample district, although you'll also find them in the upper part of the city and in Ciutat Vella.
Gaudí’s inspiration. A paradise amongst vineyards and sea Gaudí’s inspiration. A paradise amongst vineyards and sea
Gaudí’s inspiration. A paradise amongst vineyards and sea
Pacs del Penedès, Santa Coloma de Cervelló, Sitges, Vilafranca del Penedès, Vilanova i la Geltrú / Costa Barcelona
Discover Gaudí's most secret treasure in Santa Coloma de Cervelló, or the scent of rum in Sitges. Become a casteller (human tower) for the day or travel along the Garraf coast on a jet-ski. Enjoy all this along with a spot of Penedès wine and cava. 
Other modernists in BarcelonaOther modernists in Barcelona
Other modernists in Barcelona
Barcelona / Barcelona
Modernism in Barcelona is as prolific as the buildings. Beyond the genius of Gaudí, there are dozens of buildings full of symbolism, colour and fantasy.
Other modernists in CataloniaOther modernists in Catalonia
Other modernists in Catalonia
Ametlla del Vallès, l', Argentona, Cardedeu, Garriga, la, Granollers, Igualada, Manresa, Mataró, Figaró-Montmany, Sitges, Terrassa, Vilafranca del Penedès, Espluga de Francolí, l', Falset, Pinell de Brai, el, Reus / Costa Barcelona
Catalonia has a spectacular Modernist mosaic that goes on and on and only ends in Barcelona. The legacy of different architects is present throughout the region.
Ruta de las colonias textilesRuta de las colonias textiles
Ruta de las colonias textiles
Berga / Pyrenees
SectorColònia Rosals/nBerga08611
Ya sea a pie o en bicicleta, esta ruta te permite conocer el pasado de la industria textil de Cataluña en los siglos XIX y XX.
Ruta del Modernisme. Domènech i MontanerRuta del Modernisme. Domènech i Montaner
Ruta del Modernisme. Domènech i Montaner
Barcelona, Canet de Mar, Reus, Tarragona / Barcelona, Costa Daurada, Costa Barcelona
StreetSaüc2Canet de Mar08360
Lluís Domènech i Montaner fue uno de los arquitectos modernistas más importantes. Fue precursor del racionalismo arquitectónico, con estructuras diáfanas y con un uso moderno de las construcciones de hierro y ladrillo visto. Su obra puede conocerse paseando por las calles de Reus o Barcelona.
Ruta del Modernisme. Puig i CadafalchRuta del Modernisme. Puig i Cadafalch
Ruta del Modernisme. Puig i Cadafalch
Argentona, Barcelona, Mataró / Costa Barcelona
A finales del siglo XIX, la escuela catalana de arquitectura rechazó la tradición clásica para reivindicar la modernidad del gótico. Josep Puig i Cadafalch la tomó como modelo para construir residencias, casas de viviendas y edificios industriales. Esta ruta recorre las calles de Mataró, Argentona y Barcelona siguiendo la obra de uno de los arquitectos más representativos del modernismo catalán.