Explore Casa Vicens: Gaudi’s First Ever House In Barcelona

Casa Vicens, located in Barcelona’s Gràcia neighborhood, is a stunning creation by architect Antoni Gaudí and is his first major project.

The building was built between 1883 and 1885, showcasing Gaudí’s unique style within the orientalist genre.

It blends Neo-Mudéjar influence with Gaudí’s personal touch, unveiling innovative construction techniques that later became synonymous with the Modernisme movement.

Casa Vicens was initially built as a summer residence for the Vicens family, and over the years, it transitioned from a private residence to a cherished architectural landmark.

This handy guide will tell you everything: architecture, history, how to reach it, the best time to visit, what to see, and ticket details.

Top 3 Casa Vicens Tickets

Where is Casa Vicens

Address: Carrer de les Carolines, 20-26, 08012 Barcelona, Spain. Get direction

Casa Vicens is situated in the neighborhood of Gràcia, Barcelona. It is on the western part of Gràcia, on Carrer de les Carolines, 24.

Park Guell, another architectural project by Antoni Gaudi, is the closest landmark.

Who made Casa Vicens

Casa Vicens was designed by Antoni Gaudí, a Spanish architect widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in modern architecture. 

It was his first significant commission and one of his most important early works.

Gaudí was known for his unique and innovative style, inspired by nature and organic forms.

He decorated Casa Vicens with various colorful tiles and mosaics, and it features several interesting architectural elements, such as its ironwork balconies and ceramic-clad rooftop terrace.

Why was Casa Mila built

Gaudí designed Casa Vicens for Manuel Vicens, a wealthy businessman. 

Vicens wanted a summer house that would be both unique and elegant. Gaudí did not disappoint. 

He created a house that is both visually stunning and architecturally significant.

Casa Vicens is now a museum, and it is open to the public. Visitors can tour the house and learn about Gaudí’s life and work.

About Casa Mila

Architect: Antoni Gaudi
Architectural styles: Neo-Mudejar, Modernisme, Moorish Revival architecture
Year of Opening: 1888
Entrance Ticket Price: €18
Summer Timings  (April to October): 10 am to 8 pm
Winter Timings ( November to March): 10 am to 7 pm
Last Entry: 1.5 hours before closing
Closest Subway Stop: Fontana (5 min walk away)
Best Time to Visit: March to May
Suggested Duration: 1.5-2 hours

Casa Vicens Opening Hours

Casa Vicens invites visitors daily, with extended hours from 10 am to 8 pm between April and October.

From November to March, explore from Tuesday to Sunday, with doors open from 10 am to 7 pm and Mondays from 10 am to 3 pm.

Holidays: 25 December and 6 January

Last Entry: One and a half hours before closing

If you plan to visit on 31 December, the operating hours are from 10 am to 5 pm.

Casa Vicens will be closed for maintenance and restoration from 8 to 17 January 2024. Visit the official site for more information.

Why Casa Vicens is worth visiting

Designed by architect Antoni Gaudí, it was his first major project, showcasing his talents’ full range.

Opened as a house museum in 2017, it offers a comprehensive visit to explore Gaudí’s original rooms and architecture.

You can explore the dining and smoking rooms, featuring plaster palm tree replicas and bedrooms with leafy foliage, bringing nature indoors.

The lush garden surrounding Casa Vicens draws inspiration from the Mediterranean.

It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005 and holds significant cultural and historical value.

Casa Vicens Tickets

Visiting Casa Vicens requires tickets that can be booked online or at the ticket counter.

We recommend purchasing your tickets in advance to save money and time and secure a hassle-free visit without standing in long lines.

Casa Vicens tickets cost €18 for adults (12 to 64 years old), while seniors (65+ years old) and students (with ID) just have to pay €16.

Children up to 11 years old can visit this architectural marvel for free.

Highlights of Casa Vicens tickets

• Skip the lines and head straight into Casa Vicens
• Audio Guide in more than four languages
• Learn about the history with a live guide on every floor
• Cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance
• Reserve your spot now and pay later

If you are on a full-day trip in Barcelona, you can add two more attractions to your itinerary, Casa Mila and Casa Batlo, by booking the Three Houses of Gaudi Tour.

What to see inside Casa Vicens

Here are some of the highlights of what you can see inside Casa Vicens:

• Dining Room: The dining room at Casa Vicens is decorated with Gaudí’s signature wooden furniture designs and 32 paintings by Spanish artist Francesc Torrescassana.
  
  The vibrant ceramic tiles and intricate plant motifs on the walls reflect Gaudí’s profound connection to nature.
  
  
• Francesc Torrescassana’s paintings: The paintings by Francesc Torrescassana in the dining room are a must-see for art lovers.
  
  The original owner of Casa Vicens, Manel Vicens i Montaner, commissioned Torrescasana to make the paintings.
  
  The paintings depict various subjects, including historical scenes, portraits, landscapes, and genre scenes.
  
  
• Smoking Room: The smoking room at Casa Vicens is decorated with a beautiful replica of palm trees, plaster dates, and papier-mache tiles in green, blue, and golden colors.
  
  The room is a great place to relax and enjoy the atmosphere of Casa Vicens.
  
  
• Bedrooms: The bedrooms on the first floor of Casa Vicens are decorated with frescoes inspired by local plants.
  
  The master bedroom features a terrace and a trompe-l’œil dôme painting.
  
  
• Rooftop: The rooftop terrace at Casa Vicens is one of the most popular attractions in the house.
  
  The terrace offers stunning views of Barcelona and is decorated with various colorful ceramic tiles.
  
  
• Ceramic Tiles and Ironwork: The ceramic tiles and ironwork at Casa Vicens are two of the house’s most distinctive features.
  
  The ceramic tiles are vibrant and colorful, showcasing Gaudí’s signature style, infused with Moorish inspiration.
  
  The ironwork is also unique and beautiful, adding a touch of elegance to the house.
  

These are just a few things you can see inside Casa Vicens.

Casa Mila or Casa Vicens? Which one to choose

If you’re planning a trip to Barcelona, you may wonder which of these two buildings to visit. 

Casa Mila and Casa Vicens are popular tourist attractions, offering something unique and special.

Deciding which Gaudí building to visit can be difficult, especially if you are short on time or on a budget.

Factor	Casa Milà	Casa Vicens
Popularity	More popular	Less popular
Size	Larger	Smaller
Architectural style	More iconic and unique	More traditional
Location	Central	Off the beaten path
Price	More expensive	Less expensive

Ultimately, the best way to decide which building is better is to visit both and see for yourself. 

La Pedrera-Casa Mila is better if you want a more iconic and comprehensive Gaudí experience. 

However, Casa Vicens is a good option if you are on a budget or prefer a more intimate experience.

Casa Vicens Architecture

Architectural Style: Neo-Mudejar

Casa Vicens features Neo-Mudéjar architecture, a Moorish revival style expertly incorporated by Gaudi.

The building spans four levels: a basement for storage and a wine cellar, two floors for living spaces, and an attic for staff quarters. 

The house emphasizes a straight-line design, contrary to Gaudí’s later preference for curves, creating dynamism and spatial continuity between interior and exterior.

Its exterior features decorative richness with facades adorned in tiles, showcasing Gaudí’s imaginative use of masonry and ceramic elements.

The interior, distributed for specific purposes on each floor, features rooms adorned with stucco, papier-mâché, and graffiti decorations.

The first floor, dedicated to bedrooms, incorporates frescoes inspired by nearby river plants.

The master bedroom features a beamed ceiling, a terrace, and a dome with a trompe-l’œil painting.

Originally for staff, the second floor now serves as an exhibition space. The basement, once a wine cellar, now houses the museum store.

Activities at Casa Vicens

Casa Vicens offers a variety of activities for both adults and families, including:

• Ceramic workshop: This workshop is led by Manel Diestre, a renowned ceramicist responsible for restoring the ceramic tiles at Casa Vicens.
  
  Participants in the workshop will learn about the history of ceramic tiles in Catalonia and the techniques used to make them.
  
  They will also have the opportunity to create their own ceramic tile, which they can take home after it has been fired.
  
  
• Drawing visit to Casa Vicens: This activity is led by an instructor from Drawing, Barcelona.
  
  Participants can explore Casa Vicens and draw some of its intricate features.
  
  The instructor will provide guidance and advice on how to capture the unique beauty of Gaudí’s architecture.

These activities are a great way to learn more about Casa Vicens and the work of Antoni Gaudí. It is also fun to spend an afternoon with family and friends.

Tips for participating in activities

Here are a few tips for participating in activities at Casa Vicens:

• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
• Bring a water bottle and sunscreen.
• Arrive early so you can check in and settle before the activity begins.
• Be respectful of other visitors and the property.

How to reach Casa Vicens

Getting to Casa Vicens in Barcelona offers various convenient transportation choices:

By Metro: Take the Green Line (L3) or Blue Line (L5) of the Metro and alight at Fontana station, followed by a brief 10-minute walk.

By Bus: Alternatively, several bus routes, including H6, 22, 27, 32, 87, and 114, have stops near Casa Vicens. Check the local bus schedules before visiting.

By Taxi: Taxis are easily available throughout Barcelona. Hail a taxi from any location in the city, and the average fare to Casa Vicens is around €12 to €15.

Opting for public transportation is recommended, as private vehicle travel might face restrictions due to traffic regulations and limited parking spaces.

If you don’t want the hassle of arranging vehicles for your trip to Barcelona, you can purchase a public transport travel card.

It will give you unlimited access to the metro, buses, trams, and suburban trains for two days for just €16.

Best time to visit Casa Vicens

The best time to visit Casa Vicens is as soon as it opens at 10 am. 

The museum is less crowded in the morning and early afternoon, so you can explore it peacefully and take time to appreciate Gaudí’s architecture’s intricate details.

The best month to visit Casa Vicens is in the spring, from March to May. During this season, the structure boasts exceptional beauty.

As an extra delight, the museum provides a spring-exclusive treat in the shape of an apple cinnamon roll accompanied by rose tea.

FAQ’s

Featured Image: Tripadvisor.in