Palau Guell (Guell Palace), Barcelona

Palau Guell (Guell Palace), Barcelona (must see)

Nestled in a discreet corner just off the bustling La Rambla, Antoni Gaudí's inaugural masterpiece in Barcelona swiftly propelled him to international acclaim for his remarkable and innovative architecture. Constructed in 1889 for the magnate Eusebi Güell, who became Gaudí's lifelong patron, the building stands out for its unconventional approach of showcasing iron supports as decorative elements, with intricately shaped and twisted columns, arches, and ceilings that would come to define Gaudí's future creations, culminating in a whimsical array of tiled chimneys on the roof terrace.

With no budget constraints set by Güell, Gaudí spared no expense, utilizing the finest materials and craftsmen. The central room on the main floor stands out as a remarkable feature, soaring three floors high and crowned with a cupola. Hidden within the ornate walls and ceiling are small observation holes, allowing the owner to discreetly observe guests from the upper floor before personally greeting them. The grand oval gates at the entrance, adorned with intricate ironwork resembling seaweed, provided direct access for high-society guests arriving in carriages, leading them to the horse stables located in the basement. From there, they could ascend to the upper floors.

Why You Should Visit:
Being slightly tucked away from the renowned La Rambla, this lesser-known gem attracts fewer tourists, offering a delightful opportunity to admire Gaudí's work in the charming old quarter of the city, while also saving time.

Tip:
The highlight here is the rooftop terrace and its colorful chimneys adorned with mosaic and broken tiles, each one unique. Take note that on rainy days, the rooftop may be closed, so it's advisable to check the weather forecast beforehand to ensure a pleasant visit.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Barcelona. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Palau Guell (Guell Palace) on Map

Sight Name: Palau Guell (Guell Palace)
Sight Location: Barcelona, Spain (See walking tours in Barcelona)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Barcelona, Spain

Create Your Own Walk in Barcelona

Create Your Own Walk in Barcelona

Creating your own self-guided walk in Barcelona is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Gothic Quarter Walking Tour

Gothic Quarter Walking Tour

A walk around the Gothic Quarter is a journey through time to Barcelona’s oldest history, going back to times of Roman rule; in fact, the typically Roman grid plan is still visible today in the quarter's layout. Only a few roads are open for car traffic, so there will be little in the way of enjoying the many narrow, atmospheric streets filled with superb food, high-quality architecture,...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Barcelona Shopping Walk

Barcelona Shopping Walk

A long-time prime cultural destination, Barcelona is also en route to becoming one of Europe's top shopping spots. Each new day, fashionable designer stores, from well-known international brands to local start-ups, are filling the city streets. If you're a fan of shopping, you're in for a treat when visiting this beautiful city. Here are some of the most popular shopping locations...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Picasso's Barcelona Walking Tour

Picasso's Barcelona Walking Tour

Pablo Picasso – the great Spanish painter and sculptor – developed his style in Barcelona where he spent the formative years of his life, from the ages of 14 to 23. It is said that when the master spoke nostalgically of home, he actually meant the Catalonian capital, despite having been born in Malaga.

This self-guided walk will take you to the Picasso Museum, the bar-restaurant and the art...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Barcelona Food Tasting Walking Tour

Barcelona Food Tasting Walking Tour

No one should visit Barcelona without making an attempt to get acquainted with some of Spain’s best food – Catalan food. An abundance of fresh fish and superb meat, a plethora of great vegetables, plus local inventiveness, have produced a very diverse, distinctive and delicious cuisine, including the famous (and trendy) tapas dishes.

Follow this self-guided walk to treat your taste buds in...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Antoni Gaudí's Masterpieces Walking Tour

Antoni Gaudí's Masterpieces Walking Tour

Gaudi is admired around the world as one of the most distinctive architects of the 20th century. The unique technique and use of natural forms make his creations stand out from the pack. La Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, Casa Batllo and other masterpieces will certainly take your breath away with their beauty, forms, colors, and overall design. Just make sure to book tickets in advance, since...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
Barcelona Introduction Walking Tour

Barcelona Introduction Walking Tour

According to legend, Barcelona was founded by mythological Greek hero Hercules on one of his expeditions, when his boats were hit by a storm. The first 8 boats managed to escape without damage, but the 9th one was lost at sea. Hercules found his lost friends some days later on the coast, all safe and sound. The crew was taken by the beauty of the coastal landscape, and so they decided to stay. It...  view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.7 Km or 3.5 Miles

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