Beyond Gaudí: Discover Barcelona’s Other Modernist Masters

When visitors think of modernist architecture in Barcelona, Antoni Gaudí usually comes to mind first — and for good reason. His imaginative creations like the Sagrada Família and Park Güell dot the city’s skyline and draw millions of visitors each year. Spain Inspired

But Gaudí was just one voice in a vibrant architectural chorus. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Catalan Modernisme flourished across Barcelona — a movement that blended artistic innovation, national identity, and architectural daring. And while Gaudí might be the most famous, several of his contemporaries helped shape the city into the visual feast it is today. tresgatos.es

Lluís Domènech i Montaner — The Scholar of Modernisme

One of the intellectual pillars of the Modernisme movement, Lluís Domènech i Montaner was both an architect and a professor whose designs blended ornate decoration with monumental scale. barcelona.de

Highlights to See:

• Palau de la Música Catalana — A breathtaking concert hall filled with stained glass, mosaics, and flowing sculptural forms.

• Hospital de Sant Pau — A sprawling complex of pavilions, gardens, and richly decorated façades — a masterpiece of urban planning and design.

Domènech i Montaner’s work is distinct for its rich ornamentation and use of light and space, making his buildings both welcoming and awe-inspiring.

Josep Puig i Cadafalch — A Gothic-Infused Innovator

Another towering figure of Catalan Modernisme, Josep Puig i Cadafalch combined medieval influences with the bold new language of his time. Spain Inspired

Must-Visit Works:

• Casa Amatller — Part of the Illa de la Discòrdia (Block of Discord), this house stands next to Gaudí’s Casa Batlló but showcases Puig i Cadafalch’s own artistic vision. Wikipedia

• Casa de les Punxes — A dramatic building resembling a fairytale castle with pointed towers and intricate façades.

Puig i Cadafalch’s work often marries gothic sensibilities with modernist creativity, creating buildings that feel both historical and forward-thinking.

Enric Sagnier — The Unsung Versatile Artist

While less famous today, Enric Sagnier was one of Barcelona’s most prolific architects at the turn of the century. Wikipedia

What to Look For:

Sagnier’s portfolio includes everything from neo-Gothic churches to grand civic buildings. Some notable examples in the city are the Caixa de Pensions building on Via Laietana and the Tibidabo church — places where traditional forms meet modernist flourish.

Other Gems Worth Discovering

Barcelona’s Modernisme wasn’t limited to these big names. Architects like Lluís Muncunill i Parellada left their mark on the region with beautiful works such as the Masia Freixa complex — a building that feels like a dream woven from brick and light. Wikipedia

A City That Breathes Art and Architecture

Walking through Barcelona means being surrounded by an open-air gallery of architectural innovation. From the boundary-pushing curves of Gaudí to the ornate beauty of Domènech i Montaner and the historical echoes in Puig i Cadafalch’s designs, every street tells a story. Spain Inspired

Whether you’re an architecture lover or just curious to explore beyond the well-known landmarks, these modernist masters offer a richer, more nuanced understanding of Barcelona’s soul — where tradition meets creativity and every façade has a tale to tell.