Located in the Rambla area and near the seafront, you’ll find the opulent Palau Güell. Like Casa Vicens, it’s one of Antoni Gaudí’s earliest commissions and still stands in the city after many years. Surprising from every angle, you must visit it.
History and curious facts
Construction of this imposing building took place between 1886 and 1890. Considering its size, it took very little time, but according to accounts, Gaudí was 34 years old at the time and created more than 15 facade models for the building before arriving at the one we see today.
Commissioned by the businessman Eusebi Güell, the Catalan architect had the collaboration of Francesc Berenguer, who was one of his most loyal assistants. Güell lived there until 1906, when he moved to Casa Larrard in Park Güell, where he remained until his death in 1918.
It was visited by Queen Maria Cristina of Habsburg, King Umberto I of Italy, and US President Grover Cleveland. Moreover, beyond being a unique building in Barcelona, in 1944 it was almost moved to the United States. This was because a millionaire wanted to buy it and take it to his country, stone by stone, but he couldn’t do it despite the different heirs after the businessman’s death in 1918.
Finally, it was acquired by the Barcelona Provincial Council in exchange for a lifelong pension for Mercé Güell (Eusebio’s daughter). She was the one who stipulated that it should never be modified and that the building, as it is today for tourists and residents, should be used for a cultural purpose.