Casa Vicens in Barcelona (Casa Vicens)
Discover Gaudi at the beginning of his career
Barcelona, the Catalan capital, beckons its visitors with the promise of sun-kissed beaches, a delightful tapas scene and the rhythm of flamenco that takes the city by storm. Alongside these temptations there is a subtle but deep temptation, one that truly defines the essence of the city - the architectural scene. And when talking about architecture in Barcelona, it is impossible not to mention the most legendary - Antoni Gaudi. While many flock to Sagrada Familia or Park Güell, Gaudi's masterpieces worth exploring, there is another creation that will take you on an equally delightful journey - Casa Vicens.
The story of the Casa Vicens
The Casa Vicenza is considered one of Gaudí's early masterpieces and offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of the renowned architectural genius. The spectacular building was commissioned in 1877 by Manuel Vicens y Montaner, a rich broker who wanted to build himself a summer residence in what was at that time an independent town called Garcia.
The Casa Vicenza was Gaudí's first significant project, but don't worry, it is just as spectacularly beautiful as his last ones. The magnificent house was built by Gaudi between 1883 and 1885, drawing inspiration from Gothic styles and the Mudéjar style, a style unique to the Iberian Peninsula that is deeply influenced by Moorish architecture. Gaudí wants to build a magnificent and vibrant facade for the house that will be decorated with colorful tiles that reflect the combination of Mediterranean and Eastern influences.
For many years the magnificent building was used as a private residence, and only in 2014 was the house sold with the intention of opening it to the public. In 2017, after extensive restoration, the house was opened as a museum.
Apart from its architectural value, the Casa Vicenza is probably the building that symbolized the start of the new Gaudí prodigy, as a visit to the place takes you to observe the seeds of what would become Gaudí's signature style, one that would later be expressed in iconic buildings such as the Sagarda Familia and the Casa Batllo.
Since 2005, the place has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and today it attracts crowds of visitors who come to explore the mind of the architect at the beginning of his career.
What awaits you when you visit Casa Vicens
The Casa Vicens is Gaudi's first canvas where he began experimenting with what became his unique style - a fusion of organic motifs, spectacular colors and above all a distance from the conventional world of architecture. The Casa Vicens is an amazing example of the Modernism movement, a Catalan version of the Art Nouveau style, which was characterized by its dedication to natural forms, flamboyant details and a rich color palette.
This house is not only an architectural wonder, but a statement, one that is contrary to all the traditional houses around it. The historic house is a testament to Gaudí's vision, a vision that combines Moorish, Gothic and Catalan influences to create something unlike anything else.
A visit to the historic building will take you to discover countless rooms and mesmerizing colorful spaces, but there are some spaces that you simply must not miss:
The front of the building: Before you go inside, take a moment to soak up the mesmerizing beauty of the building's exterior, a bold splash of color and creativity. The exterior of the building is decorated with a mixture of green, white and yellow tiles, and it incorporates motifs inspired by nature, while capturing Gaudi's penchant for blending architecture with natural elements. The decorated tiles will make you feel for a moment in the colorful worlds of the Mediterranean, and above all will make you feel inside a work of art and look forward to what is to come.
Living spaces: On the ground floor of the building you will find the sitting rooms and the dining room, which embody Gaudi's initial experiment in the use of colorful architectural elements and techniques. The play between light and shadow, the complex texture, the elaborate ceilings and the mesmerizing fireplaces, all echo designs inspired by plants and wildlife, which perfectly demonstrate how Gaudí saw living spaces as an opportunity to express the beauty of nature.
The roof of the building: Do not miss going up to the roof of the building, which many claim is the highlight of the visit to the complex. Here, you will not only get picturesque views of the amazing city of Barcelona, but you will get to immerse yourself in an outdoor gallery of Gaudi's avant-garde chimneys. These structures, which are more like modern art sculptures, are decorated in red, green and white colors, with their intricate designs making them the dream of every photographer and architecture lover.
Mediterranean Garden (Spring Vicens): Next to the magnificent building you will find the house's garden, which covers an area of 300 square meters, and reflects Gaudi's philosophy that advocated combining architecture and nature. The garden, with its calm water features and abundant vegetation, invites you to take a moment and relax in a colorful and pastoral world. The garden of the Casa Reminds us of the building's original purpose - a summer house where the Vicens family could escape the noise of the city.
The dome room: Don't miss the dome room on the first floor, which is decorated with a spectacular dome and has nautical motifs, it offers insights into the luxurious lifestyle of the Vicens family who lived in the complex. The room is full of play of light and shadow, bright colors and architectural elements.
Ceramic decorations: Along the entire length of the building you can find colorful ceramic tiles, which Gaudi used to use in his various works, these present diverse patterns and motifs that made the works of the famous architect well-known and loved.
important information
Where is it located and how to get there: The Casa Vicens is located in the Gràcia district of Barcelona, an elegant district full of boutique shops, art galleries, restaurants and cafes.
Complex address: Carrer de les Carolines, 20-26, 08012 Barcelona.
The easiest way to get to the complex is by metro, by going to the Fontana station, which is about a 3-minute walk from the entrance to the Casa. Also, several bus lines reach the area from around the city, including lines number 22, 27, 32, 87, 92, 114 and V17.
And of course, if you are staying in the Gracia district or its surroundings, you can reach the complex on foot, by walking through the lively streets, squares and atmosphere of the delightful district.
שעות פתיחה: From April to October - every day between 10:00 and 20:00.
November to March - Mondays between 10:00 and 15:00, Tuesdays and Sundays between 10:00 and 17:00.
Tickets: An entrance ticket for an adult over the age of 12 will cost 18 euros, and a ticket for an adult over 65 and a student holding a student card will cost 16 euros. Entry for children under 11 is free.
It is recommended to order tickets in advance!
Guided tours: Also, there are guided tours of the place lasting an hour and a half, which will take you on a journey through the life of Gaudi and his works, with an emphasis, of course, on the beautiful Casa Vicenza. The price of the tour is 21 euros for an adult, children under the age of 11 do not pay here either.
Instead you can get a training booklet in Hebrew!
As befits Gaudi's works, which adorn the streets of Barcelona, the Casa Vicens is far from just a building. The historic and colorful building invites you to a sensory experience in a place where Gaudí's genius began to take shape, a place where every brick tells a story, a place where art meets architecture in the most delightful way. The Casa Vicens perhaps summarizes the city of Barcelona in the best way - colorful, loud, cheerful and delightful.
