Gaudi & Modernisme

Antoni Gaudi's unfinished masterpiece, under construction since 1882 and not expected to be complete until the 2030s. Gaudi devoted 43 years of his life to the project, living on-site in his final years. The basilica blends Gothic and Art Nouveau forms inspired by nature — columns branch like trees, and light filters through stained glass casting rainbow patterns across the interior. When completed, the tallest tower will reach 172.5 meters, just one meter shorter than Montjuic hill, because Gaudi believed no human creation should surpass God's.

The Nativity Facade faces a small park across the street — stand there for the best photos. The nearby Avinguda de Gaudi leads straight to Hospital de Sant Pau.

A UNESCO World Heritage hospital complex designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner, built 1901-1930. It consists of 27 ornate Modernista pavilions connected by underground tunnels, set in gardens that were intended to aid healing. The hospital continued treating patients until 2009. Domènech i Montaner believed beauty itself was therapeutic. Each pavilion features unique mosaics, stained glass, and sculptural details. The complex is connected to the Sagrada Familia by the Avinguda de Gaudi, creating a visual axis between two Modernista masterpieces.

Walk the Avinguda de Gaudi from here to the Sagrada Familia — the avenue was designed to frame a view of the basilica at the far end.