Be prepared to visit the first house designed by the Catalan creative genius

The Casa Vicens of Barcelona, stands in the quiet district of Gràcia, with and exquisite perception of an oriental and mudéjar essence. This building was designed by Antonio Gaudi, one of the most representative architects of Catalan modernism. This is the eighth structure in Barcelona listed as UNESCO World Heritage in 2005, and will be opening its doors to the public for the first time this fall!!

The house was the first important project of this renowned architect after his degree as an architect in 1878. It was built between 1883 and 1888 when Gracia was still an independent urban nucleus of Barcelona and possessing his own Town Hall, with the category of a village, although at the moment it is a district of the city.

A Unique Style

The style of Casa Vicens is a reflection of Neo-Mudéjar architecture, one of the popular styles that can be seen throughout Gaudí’s architecture, including oriental and neoclassical as well. However, the remarkable thing about Gaudí on this construction was that he mixed different styles together and incorporated a variety of different materials, such as iron, glass, ceramic tiles and concrete, many of which can be seen in this building. Gaudí broke away from tradition and created his new language of architecture. Casa Vicens represents a new chapter in the history of Catalan architecture as well as the beginning of a successful career for the famous architect.

This architectural work was commissioned in 1877 by Manuel Vicens i Montaner, an owner of a brick and tile factory, who was living in Barcelona at the time and wanted a second summer residence for his family. In 1899 Dolors Giralt, widow of Vicens, sold the house to Antoni Jover i Puig. In 1925 a reform of the house was carried out, in charge of Joan Baptista Serra Martínez, who designed the right half of the facade following the style of Gaudí; he also built a temple in the garden, with a fountain called Santa Rita, in The corner with the Avenue Prince of Asturias; Demolished in 1962, at present the old gardens are occupied by residential buildings.

In 2014 the Herrero Jover family sold the Vicens House to the Andorran bank MoraBanc, whit the visions plan to remodel and convert the property into a museum house to open it to the public.

Gaudí Legacy

You can’t mention Barcelona without mention Gaudí, all his legacy envelops the city, His unique works, and his creative structures are visited by thousands of tourists every year, la Sagrada Familia, Casa Batló, La Pedrera, Parc Güell, the Bellesguard Tower and Palau Güell, therefore it is exciting to know that soon we will be able to visit the first house designed by this creative genius.

Meanwhile, we invite you to visit this fantastic city and enjoy all his activities; his rich nightlife, great beaches, perfect weather and a delicious gastronomy, and all of this you can have it in one place Barcelona-Home. Click HERE and plan your best trip ever!

 

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Source:
lavanguardia.com
barcelonaturisme.com 

Photo credits:
labarcelonadeantes.com
elperiodico.com