SPAIN: Unique Mix of Architecture

I debated if I should write another blog post on the architecture in Barcelona, especially after such a long post on Guadi.

But then I decided I would consider this a quick little BONUS blog post on the architecture of the city, outside of Gaudi.

Parts of the original Roman walls still stand in what is now the Gothic Quarter.

For centuries, Barcelona lived inside those walls. 

The streets were narrow and irregular, built for defense and shade rather than beauty.

The Gothic Quarter is compact with stone passageways, hidden courtyards and openings into small plazas.

These are some interesting little "finds" in the Gothic quarter.

Rising above the Gothic Quarter is the Barcelona Cathedral, a reminder that religion was very powerful and the church, the tallest building, also shaped the skyline.

By the 1800s, however, the city was overcrowded and unhealthy. The old walls were torn down and Barcelona had a chance to reinvent itself. It used a grid pattern, wide streets and octagonal blocks with clipped corners to allow more light and better traffic flow.

What makes Barcelona different is instead of repetitive buildings, wealthy families competed to build striking homes. 

This sparked the rise of Catalan Modernisme — an architectural movement tied to regional pride and artistic experimentation.

Architects treated buildings like sculptures. For instance, Casa Lleó Morera, has sculpted figures on the façade. The figures are allegories of the arts and modern technology. They represent subjects such as electricity, photography, the telephone, the phonograph, music, and decorative arts — themes associated with progress in the early 1900s.

 Interiors were designed to be interesting too.

An interesting complex is the Hospital de Sant Pau. It doesn’t look like a hospital, it looks like a colorful village of brick buildings, tiled domes, and gardens. 

It was designed in the early 1900s by Lluís Domènech i Montaner (remember him from the Palais Musica and Guadi’s teacher?) He was a leading figure of Catalan Modernisme, who believed beauty and light were part of healing.

Instead of one large building, he created separate pavilions connected by underground tunnels. 

Patients had sunlight, fresh air and green space — advanced ideas for hospital design at the time.

Decorative mosaics, stained glass, and sculptures make the complex feel uplifting rather than clinical.

This was a surgery room!

The hospital operated for nearly a century before medical services moved to a new building nearby in 2009. Today, the restored complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and open to visitors.

Oooooops..... This quick little "Bonus Post" has grown bigger than I expected.... So, I will sign off from a cute little restaurant and say:

Many thanks to Mathew and Maggie from the UK for meeting us in Barcelona and exploring together.

Wine (and vermut) is always better shared with friends.