Bellesguard

Antoni Gaudí paid homage to Catalan gothic architecture in this building that translates as 'beautiful view'.

Bellesguard features a slender tower to one side, something the architect repeated in a number of his creations. There are five floors to the main part of the building in total and Gaudí was also involved in much of the interior design which aimed at letting in as much light as possible. There were his signature stained glass windows that supported this plan as well as additional colour from some delightful mosaics and tiled patterns. The exterior of the building is beautifully designed but also fairly low-key, in line with traditional gothic design, and it inside that many will find more to catch their eyes. Gaudí himself was an architect that spent considerable time studying all manner of domestic and international styles of art and architecture. His thirst for knowledge was extraordinary, as was his passion for experimentation and development.

It was this obsessive streak that led to him becoming involved in virtually all areas of his buildings, even putting together furniture to fill his various rooms. The main structure was created out of brickwork, with slate then added on top in order to achieve the look desired by Gaudí. He used a variety of colours of slate in different sequences which was an idea he learnt from traditional gothic architecture. Gaudí sourced much of his materials locally, something he typically like to do throughout his career, both for financial and logistical reasons. It also helped to add to the integrity of each building.

Followers of modern art will most likely be aware of the use of animals and birds within the career of Spaniard, Pablo Picasso. He would incorporate roosters, fish and some of his own domesticated animals into his various drawings, sculptures and paintings. Within Bellesguard Gaudí would do similar, adding creatures related to Catalan culture into mosaics and other decorative touches. This added colour, charm and a local connection to the rooms of this building, though he needed to call on several assistants in order to achieve such a high attention to detail. There are also a number of historical themes within this piece, including in the detail of the tower such as a crown and the four armed cross.

Reviews of Bellesguard

This popular venue continues to attract a variety of visitors from locally and internationally. Many are following the trail of this artist’s highlights whilst others have a more general interest in either architecture or the city of Barcelona as a whole. See below for a number of reviews of this destination that were gleaned from Tripadvisor.

Exceptional hidden gem of the modernism in Barcelona. Really worth a visit which is well explained with the audioguide. Incredible architecture by Gaudi and not really touristic place. Exceptional view from the top of it. Really worth a visit.

Bellesguard, also known as Casa Figueres, is a modernist manor house designed by Gaudí, which was constructed between 1900 and 1909. It is located at the Sarrià-Sant Gervasi district of Barcelona. Gaudí's inspired the medieval castle that once stood on the same site. This Gaudi house is much less busy with tourists than any of the others we visited probably due to it's location a bit further away . It is easy to reach here by bus. The only way to visit the castle is to join the guided tour. Tickets were cheap . If you are Gaudi fan you should not miss this one. Any fan of Gaudi will enjoy this place. The view from the roof is one of the best in Barcelona. Definitely recommended.

Visited Torre Bellesguard alongside the nearby Parc del Laberint d’Horta. Really interesting audio guide rich with information and beautiful and unique house with a rich history...very surprised to hear it was once used as a Obstetric and Gynaecology hospital so many residents of Barcelona were born there! Both the exterior and interior of the house were full of Catalan and religious symbolism and quirky archeological features to fit Gaudi’s vision...would highly recommend for any Gaudi enthusiast!