Last week, our school’s PTA (Parent & Teacher Association) had the pleasure of organizing an exciting tour of Modernist Barcelona. During this fascinating excursion, we explored some of the most emblematic sites of our beloved city. It was an enriching experience that allowed us to immerse ourselves in the rich history and impressive art of Catalan Modernism.
Here we’ll share some of the highlights of our tour and the impressions these iconic places left us with. Join us on this journey through Modernist Barcelona!
5 Modernist places we visited
1. Palau de la Música
Starting with the Palau de la Música, we were struck by its grandeur and cultural significance. Designed by the renowned Catalan architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, this modernist building is an architectural gem that combines Gothic, Mudejar and Renaissance elements with impressive ornamental details.
Its façade is adorned with sculptures, mosaics and colourful stained-glass windows that reflect Catalonia’s rich artistic tradition. The Palau has witnessed legendary performances throughout its more than 100 years of history, making it a cultural reference point not only for Barcelona but for the whole world.
As we walked past the Palau de la Música in Barcelona, we were intoxicated by the majesty and grace of its architecture and the cultural richness of this emblematic building.
After being mesmerized by the beauty of Palau de la Música, our journey through Modernist Barcelona continued to the hidden spot of Passatge Sert.
2. Passatge Sert
Barcelona’s Passatge Sert is a hidden oasis in the bustling city, a gem that many overlook. This charming pedestrian passageway is a quiet haven away from the hustle and bustle of the nearby streets. The unique architectural design and exclusive boutiques give the passage a special and elegant atmosphere.
It welcomed us with its charm and mystery as we wandered through its narrow corridors and admired the façades decorated with modernist details.
Walking along the Passatge Sert, one is immersed in a world of urban art and local culture. Walls adorned with colourful graffiti provide a picturesque backdrop for outdoor cafés and boutique shops. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing afternoon exploring unique shops and discovering new works of street art.
This picturesque passageway transported us back in time, giving us a unique insight into the architecture and atmosphere of 19th-century Barcelona.
It was an enriching experience to discover the secrets that this historic place held within its hidden corners and intricate details. As we bid farewell to the serene ambiance of Passatge Sert, our exploration led us to our next stop, the former modernist pharmacy.
3. Laboratory Botanic Marea Verde (former pharmacy)
Walking through the streets of Barcelona and coming across this building now converted into a flower shop is a unique experience that awakens the senses.
The premises were opened in 1905 as an elegant, modern pharmacy by Professor Francesc Xavier Palomas i Bons, who was a specialist in vegetable pharmacy. That is why the most varied flora dominates the visual spectacle.
After a few years, it passed into the hands of Joan Viladot, who was responsible for the current façade, with its spectacular garlands and the well-known commercial phrase: “Farmacia Laboratorio”.
The former modernist pharmacy now houses the Marea Verde Botanical Laboratory, an exquisite floral paradise amidst the urban bustle. In the Marea Verde Botanical Laboratory, we observed the fusion between the historical architecture and the functional purpose of the building.
The contrast between the classical architecture and the lush floral arrangements is striking; a magical fusion that evokes both tradition and innovation. In making this transformation, the building’s history was preserved while bringing it to life with a new function, transforming it into a vibrant and energetic space.
As we marvelled at the remarkable transformation of the former pharmacy into the vibrant Marea Verde Botanical Laboratory, our journey through Modernist Barcelona continued to the awe-inspiring Manzana de la Discordia.
Transitioning from the intriguing history of the Marea Verde Botanical Laboratory, we ventured further into Modernist Barcelona to explore the captivating architecture of Manzana de la Discordia.
4. Manzana de la Discordia
When you stop off at Barcelona’s Manzana de la Discordia, it’s impossible not to be impressed by the stunning modernista architecture to be found there.
The Manzana de la Discordia captivated us with its impressive collection of modernista buildings, each designed by a different architect. From the majesty of Casa Batlló to the elegance of Casa Lleó Morera, this block showed us the diversity and creativity of the modernista movement in Barcelona.
It was fascinating to discover how these buildings coexist in harmony despite their unique styles and approaches. Each of these buildings displays an impressive variety of decorative elements and innovative construction techniques.
To finish our journey through Modernist Barcelona, we left the Manzana de la Discordia behind and ventured towards the renowned architectural wonder of La Pedrera.
5. La Pedrera
Arriving at La Pedrera in Barcelona, one breathes an atmosphere of awe and wonder. The modernist building, designed by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudí, defies convention with its undulating façade and balconies. The ornate details and combination of organic forms create a unique visual experience that captivates you right away.
To visit La Pedrera is to immerse yourself in a world of architectural imagination where every element takes on a life of its own. Visiting this magnificent modernist building is much more than a simple visit; it is to contemplate the fusion of art and functionality that continues to impress visitors from all over the world.
In La Pedrera, Antoni Gaudí’s architectural genius was evident in every detail. From the innovative reinforced concrete structure to the organic forms of the façade, the building showed us Gaudí’s unique vision and his contribution to Barcelona’s architectural landscape.
To summarise our excursion, the Modernist Barcelona tour was a journey filled with wonder and discovery. From the majestic Palau de la Música to the charming Passatge Sert, each stop offered a unique perspective on the city’s rich architectural heritage.
The transformation of the former pharmacy into the Marea Verde Botanical Laboratory exemplified the seamless blend of tradition and innovation that defines Catalan Modernism. The Manzana de la Discordia showcased the diversity and creativity of the modernist movement, while La Pedrera left us in awe of Antoni Gaudí’s visionary genius.
As we reflect on our experiences, we are reminded of the enduring legacy of Modernist Barcelona and the importance of preserving its cultural treasures for future generations to enjoy.
