What is the Manzana de la Discòrdia?

It is a famous block on Passeig de Gràcia where three different Modernista architects built contrasting houses. The 'discord' refers to the clashing architectural styles of Casa Lleó Morera, Casa Amatller, and Casa Batlló.

Is it worth walking the Eixample neighborhood?

Yes, it is highly recommended for anyone interested in art or history. The Eixample contains the highest concentration of Modernista architecture in the world, much of which can be seen for free from the sidewalk.

Do I need tickets for this self-guided walk?

No tickets are required to view the stunning facades from the street. However, if you want to enter landmarks like Casa Batlló or La Pedrera, you should purchase those separately from their official websites.

What is the best time to see the Gaudí houses?

Early morning (9:00 AM) or late afternoon offer the best light for photography. Late afternoon also sees the glass on Casa Batlló shimmer beautifully as the sun sets.

Is the route accessible for wheelchairs?

Yes, the Eixample is one of the most accessible parts of Barcelona. The sidewalks are very wide, paved, and feature ramps at every intersection.

Can I see the Sagrada Família on this walk?

While the Sagrada Família is not a direct stop on this specific trail, it is about a 15-20 minute walk from the final stop at Casa de les Punxes.

What is 'trencadís' in Barcelona architecture?

Trencadís is a style of mosaic used extensively by Gaudí and his contemporaries. It involves using broken shards of ceramic tiles, glass, or marble to cover curved surfaces, seen most famously on the roof of Casa Batlló.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step into the heart of Barcelona's Eixample district, a sprawling grid of 19th-century elegance that serves as an open-air museum for the Catalan Modernisme movement. This self-guided walk invites you to explore the architectural revolution that transformed the city's identity, led by visionaries like Antoni Gaudí, Lluís Domènech i Montaner, and Josep Puig i Cadafalch. As you wander up the prestigious Passeig de Gràcia, you will encounter the 'Manzana de la Discòrdia' or Block of Discord, where three rival masterpieces stand side-by-side, each competing for visual supremacy with their kaleidoscopic tiles, undulating stone, and ornate ironwork. This walking route Barcelona is famous for captures the spirit of a burgeoning middle class that used architecture to express its cultural and political aspirations. Beyond the iconic facades of Casa Batlló and La Pedrera, the route delves into the industrial-meets-artistic heritage of the city, highlighting how even a former publishing house could be transformed into a landmark of modern art. Discover the symbolic language of these buildings, from the dragon-back roofs representing the legend of Saint George to the medieval-inspired spires of the 'House of Spikes.' Exploring independently allows you to linger at each detail—the floral carvings, the mosaic 'trencadís,' and the organic forms that seem to breathe life into the stone. This neighborhood stroll is more than just a history lesson; it is an immersion into the creative soul of Catalonia. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast or a first-time visitor, this audio walk provides the context needed to appreciate why these structures earned UNESCO World Heritage status. By choosing a self-guided experience, you can start exploring with Zigway at your own pace, skipping the crowds of a traditional walking tour Barcelona and focusing on the intricate beauty of the Eixample's golden age.

Highlights

The 'Manzana de la Discòrdia'—three rival masterpieces on one block

Antoni Gaudí's legendary Casa Batlló and its dragon-inspired roof

The undulating stone facade of La Pedrera (Casa Milà)

Casa Amatller's unique blend of Dutch and Gothic architecture

The medieval-style towers of the Casa de les Punxes

The industrial Modernisme of the Fundació Antoni Tàpies

Tour Stops (6)

Casa Lleó Morera

Begin your self-guided adventure at the bottom of the 'Block of Discord.' Designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner, Casa Lleó Morera is a floral explosion in stone. Unlike its neighbors, this building represents the more delicate, nature-inspired side of Modernisme. Look closely at the facade to see the intricate carvings of mulberry trees and lions—a visual pun on the owner's name, Morera and Lleó. Though the ground floor was sadly altered in the 20th century to accommodate luxury shops, the upper balconies still showcase the exquisite craftsmanship of the era's best artisans. This house was part of a 1905 renovation contest, signaling the fierce competition between the city's elite to have the most beautiful home in Barcelona.

Casa Amatller

Just steps away stands Casa Amatller, the work of Josep Puig i Cadafalch. This building feels strikingly different, drawing inspiration from Dutch and Flemish townhouses with its distinctive stepped gable. It was commissioned by Antoni Amatller, a wealthy chocolate magnate. The facade is a rich tapestry of sculpture, ceramics, and wrought iron, featuring Saint George slaying the dragon—a recurring theme in Catalan art. Look for the whimsical carvings near the entrance that depict animals making chocolate or blowing glass, reflecting the owner's interests. The building successfully blends Gothic tradition with the colorful, innovative spirit of the early 1900s, providing a perfect contrast to the Gaudí masterpiece next door.

Casa Batlló

Next, you encounter one of the most famous buildings in the world: Gaudí’s Casa Batlló. Often called the 'House of Bones' due to its skeletal balconies, this structure is a masterclass in organic architecture. Notice how there are almost no straight lines; the facade ripples like a calm sea. The roof is the most iconic feature, covered in iridescent scales that resemble the back of a dragon. Many believe the turret topped with a four-armed cross represents the sword of Saint George plunged into the beast. The shimmering mosaic of broken ceramic tiles, known as trencadís, creates a play of light that changes throughout the day. It is a testament to Gaudí's belief that architecture should reflect the forms found in nature.

Museu Tàpies

Turn off the main thoroughfare to find the Fundació Antoni Tàpies. This building was originally the Editorial Montaner i Simon, a publishing house designed by Domènech i Montaner. It is a landmark of industrial Modernisme, utilizing exposed brick and iron long before they were fashionable. The most striking element today is the massive wire sculpture on the roof, titled 'Núvol i Cadira' (Cloud and Chair), added later by the artist Antoni Tàpies. This site represents the transition of the Eixample from a residential project to a cultural hub. The blend of 19th-century industrialism with 20th-century avant-garde art perfectly encapsulates Barcelona’s constant evolution and its deep respect for creative expression.

La Pedrera - Casa Milà

Walk back toward Passeig de Gràcia to reach La Pedrera, or 'The Quarry.' This was Gaudí’s last civil work before he dedicated himself entirely to the Sagrada Família. When it was completed in 1912, locals mocked its rough, undulating stone exterior, giving it its famous nickname. The building is revolutionary for its self-supporting stone facade and open-plan floors, which were far ahead of their time. Look up at the roof to see the 'garden of warriors'—fantastical chimneys that look like helmeted knights standing guard. The wrought-iron balconies resemble tangled seaweed, further emphasizing the marine and geological themes that Gaudí loved. It remains one of the most provocative and celebrated examples of modern architecture.

Casa de les Punxes

Concluding this walking route is the Casa de les Punxes, or House of Spikes. Designed by Puig i Cadafalch, this massive apartment block occupies an entire triangular city block. Its six pointed towers give it the appearance of a medieval castle dropped into the heart of a modern city. The building was commissioned by the Terradas sisters, who wanted to link three separate properties into one cohesive structure. The brickwork and ceramic panels are filled with patriotic Catalan symbols, including another prominent depiction of Saint George. As you stand before its 'spikes,' you can appreciate how Modernisme looked both to the future and to Catalonia's legendary past to create a unique architectural language.

Frequently Asked Questions

The walk typically takes 120 to 180 minutes depending on how long you spend photographing the facades. The total distance is approximately 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) through the Eixample district.