A city like Barcelona has much to offer the art lover. Surely you have heard of must-see museums, such as the Picasso Museum, or Antoni Gaudí’s best-known buildings, such as the Sagrada Familia and the Casa Batlló. There is, however, one attraction that is slowly becoming known: it is the Casa Vicens, a house that was in effect the first major project for the architect.
How the visit to the Vicens House unfolds
Visiting the Casa Vicens in Barcelona is like opening a book on the early pages of the style that would characterize Antoni Gaudí’s future works. Here the Catalan architect explored the early references to nature that would become a signature of his work, the delicate forms that seem to dance with sunlight, and the innovative use of wrought iron to create unique architectural details, such as that of the entrance gate.
The Casa Vicens is not yet such a beaten stop among tourists’ itineraries, especially if you visit Barcelona in a few days, but I highly recommend it. It is not yet too crowded, both because the entrances are well regulated and because it was opened recently: in fact, it opened to the public relatively recently, in 2017, after being declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005 and undergoing meticulous restoration.
The visit starts from the garden, a peaceful corner that contrasts nicely with Barcelona’s dynamism. The audio guide, included in the standard ticket, will then take you to every corner of the house, from the ground floor, traditionally reserved for guests, to the roof. The guide is available in several languages and is conveniently listened to from your smartphone (remember to bring earphones, not included). In addition to exploring the rooms of the house, the tour also includes an exhibit that features models, written documents, and multimedia material that recount the evolution of the Casa Vicens and significant moments in Gaudí’s life. In addition, the various floors are also accessible to those with mobility difficulties.
How long does it take to visit Casa Vicens?
The rooms are rich in detail, so I recommend that you take at least an hour to visit the Casa Vicens. If you then delve into the readings preserved in the exhibition spaces, you are likely to take even longer. Of course, this applies to the visit with the standard ticket with which you can independently explore the rooms.
Vicens House Tickets
You can buy tickets to Gaudi’s Casa Vicens online so you don’t have to wait in line at the ticket office. Thanks to the convenient audio guide, all you have to do is plug your earbuds into your smartphone and start your visit. If you are intrigued by the idea of delving deeper into the fantastical world of Gaudí and this house, you can consider booking a visit like this one, in which a live guide will accompany you.
You can also to visit other Gaudí works as well, such as Casa Milà and the Sagrada Familia, or venture out for a full day dedicated to the architect, also visiting Parc Güell with this tour.
How to get to Casa Vicens
In my opinion, the best way to get to the Casa Vicens is by taking the subway. There are two stops fairly close by, both on the L3 line (Fontana and Lesseps): this one goes by the central Plaza Catalunya and Passeig de Gràcia, the avenue where the well-known Casa Batlló is also located. This way you can join the two stops conveniently.