Palau Guell in Barcelona

Description

The Palau Güell is a mansion designed by the architect Antoni Gaudí for the industrial tycoon Eusebi Güell, and built between 1886 and 1888. It is situated in the Carrer Nou de la Rambla, in the El Raval neighbourhood of the city of Barcelona in Catalonia, Spain. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Works of Antoni Gaudí".

The home is centered on a main room for entertaining high society guests. Guests entered the home in horse-drawn carriages through the front iron gates, which featured a parabolic arch and intricate patterns of forged iron-work resembling seaweed and in some parts a horsewhip. Animals could be taken down a ramp and kept in the livery stable in the basement where the servants resided, while the guests went up the stairs to the receiving room. The ornate walls and ceilings of the receiving room disguised small viewing windows high on the walls where the owners of the home could view their guests from the upper floor and get a 'sneak peek' before greeting them, in case they needed to adjust their attire accordingly.

The main party room has a high ceiling with small holes near the top where lanterns were hung at night from the outside to give the appearance of a starlit sky.

In 2004, visits by the public were completely suspended due to renovations; some of the stone used in the original construction was weak and has cracked over the years causing structural problems within the building. It is currently completely open with all restoration work completed in April 2011.

It was used in Antonioni's film The Passenger as a backdrop for the first meeting between Jack Nicholson and Maria Schneider.

Street view

Reviews

12.10.2021 Alexandre
Very interesting Museum where you can see the first work of gaudí as a Creator dwelling. I highly recommend to all.
12.10.2021 Dominik
We spontaneously decided to visit Palau Güell due to some changes. It was totally worth it! We went in the late afternoon and enjoyed the sunset in the end on the rooftop. There was no queue, so we purchased the tickets, entered immediately and also got an audio guide for free. The prices were very affordable compared to other attractions in BCN, and there is also a discount for students.
There weren't many people in there, so we could enjoy the tour to its fullest. It seems that Palau Güell is a secret sightseeing spot. Totally recommended!
12.10.2021 Paul
Another of the beautiful Gaudi buildings which have become synonymous with Barcelona. This majestic 'palace' built for the Guell family showcases Gaudi's modernist/Art Nouveau stylings in both its structure and decoration. Be sure not to visit on a rainy day as the roof can be closed in inclement weather and the gently undulating roof with its mosaic turrets is indeed a crowning glory. A treat for lovers of Barcelona modernism.
12.10.2021 Rebeca
A modernist icon with all the essence of Barcelona, an amazing and unforgetable place, a must-see if you are visiting the city.

Even if you are not a Gaudi fan or especially into modernist architecture, this place is worth the visit.
12.10.2021 dong
Even passing through it from outside you will surely notice its distinctive Gaudi style and amazing details of the grandeur gates.
12.10.2021 Eileen
Closed on Mondays! Buy your tickets online ahead of time and go close to the opening time to avoid bigger crowds. It was neat to see the innovations used in the construction of this urban residence.
12.10.2021 Vasyl
This Museum is quite educational. Unfortunately, there is no guide in the Russian language, but if you know English, you're in luck.
12.10.2021 Olena
Often,late at night,returning home on Carrer Nou de la Rambla,walked by but never went in!Outside-impressed,as well,all of Gaudi's work!open from 10 to 17.30 except Monday
12.10.2021 Tuur
Fantastic place to visit! The building was designed by Gaudí, but it somehow feels so much different from his other work: it's a lot darker, more serious in a way. But that only makes it more interesting! The woodwork all over the building is fantastic, and the organ in the main hall (yes, they had an organ at home!) is played every half hour: I suggest you just sit there and listen for a while.
12.10.2021 David
Amazing space. The consideration put into every molecule of this home is truly breathtaking. 100% worth the 12 euro. You're missing out if you don't go.
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