Visit Casa Vicens in Barcelona: tips, what to see, and info
If you're considering a visit to the Casa Vicens in Barcelona, get ready for an extraordinary experience. This stunning masterpiece, the first major work of the renowned architect Antoni Gaudí, is not just a house; it’s a portal into the creative genius that would shape modern architecture. In this article, we’ll delve into everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to this architectural gem.
Casa Vicens: everything you need to know
Known as the "masterpiece of 'Gaudí before Gaudí'", Casa Vicens represents the initial foray of the Catalan artist into the world of architecture. Constructed between 1883 and 1885, it was not opened to the public until its extensive renovation in 2017. Today, it stands proudly as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inviting visitors from around the globe to appreciate its unique charm and historical significance.
1. A brief history of Casa Vicens
Imagine stepping back to the year 1878, when the Vila de Gracia was still an independent village nestled to the north of Barcelona. This area was undergoing a transformation with the Cerdà Plan and the construction of the Eixample district, making it a coveted spot for the bourgeoisie to escape the city.
Manuel Vicens i Montaner, a stockbroker and friend of Gaudí, commissioned the young architect to design a summer home for his family. The outcome exceeded all expectations, resulting in a wonderful work that continues to enchant visitors. In this project, Gaudí introduced a hallmark of his future creations: incorporating natural decorative elements infused with innovation and creativity.
2. What to see in Casa Vicens
The magic of Casa Vicens begins even before you step inside. Its exotic, colorful façade is heavily inspired by oriental architecture, and this vibrant aesthetic continues to resonate within. Inside, Gaudí’s architectural wizardry unfolds, revealing a plethora of enchanting details throughout the property.
The building is structured across five levels: the basement (which hosts a souvenir shop), the ground floor, the first and second floors, and the rooftop. Each level offers unique elements and rooms worth exploring. Ready for a virtual tour of Casa Vicens?
› Facade
Gaudí’s initial inspiration for the design struck him when he encountered a patch of bright yellow flowers known as clavel de moro on the site. This moment sparked a brilliant idea: he decided to adorn the façade with tiles depicting these flowers, ensuring they would always be part of the home’s identity.
The façade is an intricate tapestry of floral tiles, alternating with white and green checkerboard patterns, framed by red bricks. The result is a fascinating chiaroscuro effect accented with wooden lattices, towers, and charming balconies. It's a photographer's dream location!
› Dining Room
Your journey into the house begins in the dining room, where family life was shared. This colorful room is adorned with a stunning vegetal sgraffito of ivy and features a large, welcoming fireplace that invokes a sense of coziness. Imagine enjoying a warm cup of coffee and some traditional pa amb tomàquet right here!
› Gazebo
From the dining room, you transition into the gazebo, a serene nook perfect for relaxation and conversation. The room is richly decorated with natural motifs, including flowers and palm plants, with a tranquil water fountain at its center—an ultimate zen moment!
› Smoking Room
Among all the rooms, the smoking room stands out as the most original and intriguing. This is where Manuel Vicens would escape to smoke, discuss business, or simply unwind. The ceiling, adorned with a polychrome plaster structure of muqarnas in soothing blue tones, is embellished with intricate designs of dates and palm trees. It’s a feast for the eyes!
› Bedrooms and Terrace
Climbing the stairs leads you to the bedrooms, which, like the rest of the house, are decorated with elaborate designs featuring ferns, reeds, and bulrushes. One of the rooms boasts a lovely terrace, a highly coveted feature even today, given Barcelona's booming real estate market!
› Bathroom
An interesting feature of Casa Vicens is its bathrooms, which utilized flowing underground water—a rarity for that era. The main bathroom is characterized by a large bathtub and simple decor comprising white and blue tiles. The washbasin resembles something directly from the Alhambra, showcasing a notable Mozarabic style.
Interestingly, staff had to place a sign reminding visitors not to use the toilet—can you believe it? Don't worry, there are more conventional bathrooms if needed!
› Dome Room
Another noteworthy space is the "dome room," a small chamber topped with a dome decorated with a mural of birds, vines, and the signature tiles of Casa Vicens. This room, situated just above the smoking room, was likely a cozy retreat for the women of the house to read, sew, or socialize.
› Permanent Exhibition
The second floor hosts a permanent exhibition that chronicles the history of Casa Vicens and the broader context of the city. A particularly engaging aspect is an 8-minute documentary that highlights the historical backdrop during which the house was constructed, coinciding with the Catalan Renaixença movement. Here, you can also find historical documents, sketches, and models of various modernist houses—plenty to discover!
› Rooftop
To conclude your visit, make your way up to the rooftop, a charming area inspired by oriental architecture, featuring towers capped with whimsical domes. This space is perfect for capturing memorable selfies!
3. The cost of visiting Casa Vicens: tickets and discounts
Here are the details regarding the ticket prices for Casa Vicens, along with some discounts that may interest you:
- General Admission: €18. You can purchase tickets here.
- Reduced Admission: €16. Available for students aged 12 to 25, seniors over 65, holders of library cards in Barcelona, individuals with disabilities, and members of large or single-parent families.
- Free Entry: applies to children up to 11 years old and journalists requesting accreditation here.
4. Opening hours
Depending on the season and day of the week, Casa Vicens has varying hours:
- April to October: Daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
- November to March: Mondays from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM; Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
- Closure Dates: December 25 and January 6.
5. Is it worth visiting Casa Vicens?
Absolutely! Casa Vicens is a true marvel—a piece of history from Barcelona's Modernist period and an insight into one of the most significant Catalan artists. We were fortunate to visit thanks to Visit Barcelona, and we would return in a heartbeat! If you have the chance to go, don’t hesitate.
Furthermore, unlike some of Gaudí's other famous works, Casa Vicens is not overwhelmingly touristy: there were moments when we had entire rooms to ourselves—pure magic!
Finally, here are some last-minute tips to ensure your visit to Casa Vicens is as enjoyable as possible:
- You can book tickets online from this website.
- Download the official app (don’t forget your headphones!) to serve as an audio guide, providing insights into each room of the house.
- Guided tours are available for an additional fee.
- A café is located in the garden of Casa Vicens, making it a perfect spot for refreshments or a sweet treat.
- Check the official website for all the activities offered, ranging from pottery workshops to guided tours.
- We visited Casa Vicens on a weekday around 5:30 PM and encountered very few people, allowing us to enjoy the rooms almost in solitude—a true luxury!
Have you already visited Casa Vicens in Barcelona? What were your impressions?
Explore the wonders of Casa Vicens and let its beauty inspire you. Each corner holds a story, and every detail reflects the artistic vision of Gaudí. Your visit will not only enrich your understanding of modernist architecture but also transport you to a time when creativity knew no bounds.
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