Casa Vicens Review: History, Highlights, Tickets & Directions

Casa Vicens Review - Casa Vicens is Antoni Gaudí’s first major architectural work and one of the pioneers of Catalan Modernism. It also marks the beginning of Gaudí’s successful career. If you have time, it’s highly recommended for first-time visitors to Barcelona. This article provides an overview of Casa Vicens’ historical background, must-see highlights, best visiting times, ticket information, and transportation tips to help you plan your trip to Barcelona with ease.

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Contents

  1. Why Should You Visit Casa Vicens? (History and Features)
  2. How to Get to Casa Vicens? (With Maps Link)
  3. Casa Vicens Opening Hours and Tickets
  4. Best Time to Visit Casa Vicens
  5. Highlights of Casa Vicens (Multiple Images)
  6. Frequently Asked Questions about Casa Vicens
  7. Other Attractions Near Casa Vicens

Casa Vicens Review

Why Should You Visit Casa Vicens? (History and Features)

Casa Vicens (1883-1885) is Antoni Gaudí’s first significant architectural work, located in the Gràcia district of Barcelona. The building combines Gaudí’s early design style with elements of Mudejar (a Moorish style), Modernism, Eastern influences, and Naturalism. It is one of the pioneers of Catalan Modernist architecture and marks the beginning of Gaudí’s successful career. In 2005, Casa Vicens was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Rating:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎|Although less famous than Casa Milà and Casa Batlló, Casa Vicens still impresses with its practicality and exquisite design. As it’s included in the Go City Barcelona pass and located near Park Güell, it’s definitely worth a visit.

Casa Vicens Review

The exterior of Casa Vicens, this side is visible before purchasing tickets, showcasing its stunning facade.

Historic Background

Casa Vicens was initially commissioned by the wealthy tile merchant Manuel Vicens as his private summer residence. Gaudí incorporated numerous colourful ceramic tile decorations in the design, inspired by natural forms like palm leaves, paying tribute to local plants while reflecting the client’s professional background.

This building is a representative work from Gaudí’s Orientalist period (1883-1888), during which he was greatly influenced by Indian, Persian, and Japanese art, creating designs with a strong exotic flair. Casa Vicens adopts a Neo-Moorish architectural style, blending vibrant colours, geometric patterns, and exotic decorations that broke away from traditional architectural norms, showcasing Gaudí’s exploration of innovative design.

When completed, the building’s groundbreaking style caused a stir locally and became one of the landmarks of the rise of Catalan Modernism. The original design included a large garden, but over time, surrounding land was sold off for residential development, leaving only the main structure intact.


How to Get to Casa Vicens? (With Maps Link)

The nearest metro station is Fontana (L3 line), just a 7-minute walk away.

Google Maps Link


Casa Vicens Review

With the Go City Barcelona Pass, you can exchange it for a physical ticket.

Casa Vicens Opening Hours and Tickets

Opening Hours

  • April to October:9:30 am – 8:00 pm (Open daily)
  • November to March:9:30 am – 6:00 pm (Open daily)
  • Closed:December 25 and from January 7 to 15, 2025

Tickets / Tours


Casa Vicens Review

The wooden carved door is highly intricate.

Best Time to Visit Casa Vicens

Casa Vicens is located near Park Güell, making it a great option to visit after exploring the park. It’s about a 20-minute walk between the two. As it is a bit farther from other major attractions, it’s recommended to schedule both on the same day.


Highlights of Casa Vicens (Multiple Images)

1. Exterior Design

The facade of Casa Vicens is vibrant, featuring colourful tiles and geometric patterns that create an exotic visual effect, showcasing Gaudí’s early creative style.

Casa Vicens Review

The exterior of Casa Vicens, this side can only be seen after purchasing a ticket, features a vibrant façade.

2. Garden Design

Although the garden space has been significantly reduced today, it is still possible to glimpse Gaudí’s thoughtful integration of natural elements into the design, reflecting his enduring style of harmony with nature.

Garden of Casa Vicens

Casa Vicens Review

Garden of Casa Vicens

3. Terrace Inside

The terrace features a unique design, surrounding a small fountain that creates a serene atmosphere throughout the space. The walls of the terrace are adorned with exquisite geometric patterns made of wood and ceramic materials, showcasing Gaudí’s exploration of natural elements and symmetrical aesthetics. The terrace also has benches, providing a relaxing space where visitors can quietly enjoy the surrounding views. The entire design cleverly blends natural elements with modern architectural styles, creating a harmonious and artistic space.

Casa Vicens Review

The main terrace inside Casa Vicens

There are also several other terraces inside Casa Vicens

4. Interior Decoration

The wooden carvings on the ceiling and the hand-painted murals on the walls are centred around delicate natural themes, perfectly blending art and functionality to create a unique indoor aesthetic. The leaf motifs on the ceiling and the surrounding bird murals reflect Gaudí’s emphasis on the harmonious relationship between nature and architecture.

Interior Decoration of Casa Vicens

Interior Decoration of Casa Vicens

Interior Decoration of Casa Vicens

Interior Decoration of Casa Vicens

Interior Decoration of Casa Vicens

Interior Decoration of Casa Vicens

5. Rooftop

The unique design of the roof is not only a highlight of the building but also an excellent spot for enjoying views of the surrounding area. From the roof, visitors can overlook the street scenery and capture the fine architectural details, making it an ideal location for photography enthusiasts.

Rooftop of Casa Vicens

Rooftop of Casa Vicens


Frequently Asked Questions about Casa Vicens

1. How long should I spend at Casa Vicens?

It usually takes about an hour to visit Casa Vicens.

2. Can I bring a backpack into Casa Vicens?

Casa Vicens allows small backpacks inside, but it is recommended to carry light items for a more comfortable visit.

3. Is Casa Vicens suitable for children, pregnant women, or the elderly?

Casa Vicens is suitable for families, pregnant women, or elderly visitors. However, due to narrow stairs and pathways in the building, it’s advisable to check in advance for any specific needs.


Other Attractions Near Casa Vicens

Park Güell

Not far from Casa Vicens is another famous Gaudí-designed landmark, with spectacular architecture and beautiful natural surroundings. It’s recommended to visit both on the same day.