Unlocking the Wonders of Casa Vicens: Gaudí’s First Masterpiece Revealed

Prepare to be mesmerized by the enchanting world of Antoni Gaudí’s first architectural masterpiece, Casa Vicens!

Casa Vicens showcases Gaudí’s innovative approach to architecture, incorporating Neo-Mudéjar elements with Catalan, Islamic, Japanese, and English inspirations and techniques, as well as natural elements. The dazzling use of color, protruding and intruding elements on the facade, decorated ceramics, and the cast iron gate all reflect Moorish and Oriental influences.

The Vision of Manuel Vicens

The original owner of Casa Vicens, Manuel Vicens, was a stock and currency broker who also owned a ceramic factory. His vision for a summer residence led to the creation of this architectural wonder. He eagerly studied prints, photographs, and architectural styles during his time at the Escola Provincial d’Arquitectura de Barcelona, drawing inspiration from Spanish and Moorish elements. Gaudí incorporated Vicens’s vision into his design, resulting in the unique and innovative architecture of Casa Vicens, which is now widely considered his first masterpiece.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

In 2005, Casa Vicens was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its significance as Gaudí’s first masterpiece and its unique Oriental and Moorish architectural style. The UNESCO World Heritage status has had an incredible impact on its preservation and conservation, ensuring the protection and authenticity of this Gaudí masterpiece. Other works by Gaudí, such as Palau Güell, Casa Milà (La Pedrera), and Park Güell, are also declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

A Tour Through Casa Vicens

Upon entering Casa Vicens, you’ll be greeted by three mesmerizing levels: the ground floor, first floor, and second floor, each offering a unique experience. The ground floor features the living room, veranda, and the Turkish-style smoking room, all adorned with intricate ceramic tiles inspired by French marigolds, which grew naturally on the building’s construction site. Gaudí’s creativity is on full display in this exhibition space, with three-dimensional pressed cardboard figures of fruit, birds, flowers, and vines embellishing the living room walls.

The Enchanting Garden

No visit to Casa Vicens is complete without a stroll through its mesmerizing garden, which boasts an amazing fountain, lush greenery, and a stunning variety of plants that inspired Gaudí’s designs. Although the original project had a larger garden area, the current property still showcases Gaudí’s love for Mediterranean flora and fauna.

The garden’s influence extends to the interior of the house through decorative elements such as sgraffito, tiles, and cards, creating a seamless connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces.

Gaudí’s Orientalist Period

Casa Vicens is a prime example of Gaudí’s Orientalist period, which saw him draw inspiration from Egyptian, Indian, Persian and Mudejar styles. Incorporating oriental ornamentation and decorative motifs into his designs. The Turkish-style smoking room, with its unique papier-mâché decoration and meticulously restored multi-color paintings, exemplifies Gaudí’s fascination with oriental design. This period played a significant role in shaping the distinctive architectural style of Casa Vicens, with the building serving as a testament to Gaudí’s innovative approach to architecture.

Art and Furniture in Casa Vicens

The interior of Casa Vicens features:

• Original furniture designed by Gaudí himself, including asymmetric dressing tables, wooden furniture, and seating such as armchairs, stools, and sofas
• A dining room with a fireplace centerpiece
• 32 oil paintings by Francesc Torrescassana i Sallarés, further enhancing the unique style of Casa Vicens

The art and furniture within the house perfectly complement the architectural forms and add to the overall aesthetic appeal, making Casa Vicens a true masterpiece inside and out.

Visiting Information and Tips

Wondering how to plan your visit to Casa Vicens? We provide some useful information to ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable experience while visiting Casa Vicens.

Getting to Casa Vicens

Casa Vicens is conveniently located in the Gràcia District of Barcelona on Carrer de les Carolines. To get there, take the green line L3 metro to Fontana station, which is the closest metro stop. Alternatively, you can reach the house via bus routes 22, 24, 27, 32, 87, 92, 114, and V17. While there’s no dedicated car park for visitors, nearby car parks in the Gràcia District are available for use.

Best Times to Visit

At the café, you can enjoy a variety of delicious food and drinks, including sandwiches and ice cream. The gift shop offers an exciting selection of unique gifts and books inspired by Casa Vicens, as well as pottery items by local ceramicists and packs of seeds. It’s the perfect place to pick up a souvenir to remember your visit to this architectural treasure.

Other Gaudí Masterpieces in Barcelona

If Casa Vicens captures your imagination and you’re keen to see more of Gaudí’s impressive work, be sure to visit other masterpieces in Barcelona such as La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló. Each of these architectural gems showcases Gaudí’s unique design philosophy and his contribution to the Catalan Modernism movement. Roaming the streets of Barcelona, you’ll be entranced by the aesthetic appeal and cleverness of Gaudí’s creations.

Summary

Casa Vicens is truly a testament to the genius of Antoni Gaudí and his innovative approach to architecture. From the vibrant colors and intricate designs of its façade to the enchanting garden and stunning interior, Casa Vicens is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in architecture, art, and the history of Barcelona. So, why wait? Embark on an unforgettable journey to unlock the wonders of Gaudí’s first masterpiece, and let the magic of Casa Vicens captivate your imagination.

Practical info

It’s best to buy tickets to Casa Vicens in advance. You will then avoid standing in a long queue and avoid the risk that all tickets have been sold out, which happens very often in the case of this monument.

• Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 9.30 AM to 6:00 PM.
• Address: Carrer de les Carolines, 20-26, Gràcia, 08012 Barcelona, Spain
• Buy Tickets on GetYourGuide

Casa Vicens on a map

Discover Catalonia

Each region of Spain is divided into provinces. Their names often coincide with the names of their main cities. Catalonia is divided into four provinces, each of which has different tourist attractions and interesting places to offer:

Province	Tourist attractions and interesting places
Barcelona	Gothic Quarter Barri Gòtic, La Rambla, Montjuïc, cable railway Telefèric de Montjuïc, Magic Fountains (Font Màgica), La Boqueria, Laberint d’Horta Park, Poble Espanyol, Camp Nou, Torre Agbar, oceanarium in Barcelona, Barcelona Zoo, Tibidabo Amusement Park, Palace of Catalan Music, National Art Museum of Catalonia, Picasso Museum, Catalan Museum of Archaeology, Miniature Park - Catalunya en Miniatura, MACBA Museum of Contemporary Art of Barcelona, Generalitat Palace, Basilica of Our Lady of Mercy (La Mercé), Cathedral of Barcelona, remains of the temple of Augustus, Els Quatre Gats Cafe, Erotic Museum, Santa María del Mar Church, Port Vell, Plaça de Catalunya, Parc de la Ciutadella, Parc de Collserola, Casa Amatller, Palau Güell, Passeig de Gràcia - luxury street in Barcelona, Montserrat Monastery. Barcelona's neighborhoods and districts (El Raval, El Born, Sant Pere, Les Corts). Gaudi's Monuments: Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Milà, Casa Batlló, Pabellones Güell, Bellesguard, Casa Vicens, Casa Calvet. Popular cities: Barcelona, Torrelles de Llobregat, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Tarrasa, Badalona, Sabadell, Mataró, Santa Coloma de Gramanet, San Cugat del Vallés, Cornellá de Llobregat, San Baudilio de Llobregat, Rubí, Manresa, Villanueva y Geltrú, Viladecans, Casteldefels, El Prat de Llobregat, Granollers, Sardañola del Vallés, Mollet del Vallès, Gavá, Sant Antoni de Vilamajor
Girona	Salvador Dali Museum, Museum of Miniatures and Microminiatures Micro Mundi, Sausage Museum. Popular cities: Girona, Figueres, Besalú, Blanes, Lloret de Mar, Tossa de Mar, Olot, Salt, Palafrugell, San Felíu de Guixols, Rosas, Bañolas, Palamós, Santa Coloma de Farnés, Castellón de Ampurias Torroella de Montgrí, La Bisbal del Ampurdán, Ripoll, Castillo de Aro, Calonge, La Escala, Cassá de la Selva, Castellfollit de la Roca
Lleida	Popular cities: Lleida, Tárrega, Balaguer, Mollerusa, La Seo de Urgel, Cervera, Solsona, Alcarrás, Guisona, Almacellas
Tarragona	Amusement and theme parks: PortAventura. Popular cities: Tarragona, Reus, Vendrell, Tortosa, Cambrils, Salou, Valls, Calafell, Amposta, Vilaseca