Lesser known Gaudi works

Casa Vicens was the first job Gaudi signed after getting his degree in architecture. It was built between 1883 and 1888.

It was an old house in Villa de Gracia, that was once on the outskirts of Barcelona (today part of the city, the Gracia district, absorbed by the growth of Barcelona). It was built for Manuel Vicens,Trade and Exchange Broker. Some sources quote him wrongly as a manufacturer of bricks and tiles. Due to economic difficulties that arose at the owner, completion took longer than it should.

In this early work we find Muslim and Arab reminiscences, in a unique fusion with indigenous elements. The extensive use of tiles, both indoors and outdoors, provides colour and originality. This work could be defined as a beautiful collage of styles and seeds of new ideas. In this work Gaudi is still not using the curved shapes, so characteristic of Gaudí's architecture, as seen in the Sagrada Familia. He still holds the traditional application of the rule and straight lines.

Due to various changes in the urbanization of the area, there’s now missing a gazebo, a fountain and part of the garden of the original work. The architect who later made changes to the building adjusted his work respectfully to what was designed by Gaudi.

Casa Vicens is located in Carrer de les Carolines number 24 (very close from Fontana underground station, L3, green line).

It can be visited between 9am and 6pm (Tel: 671 630 090‎).