Casa Vicens Barcelona | Gaudí’s First House & Museum in Gràcia

About Casa Vicens – Gaudí’s First Residential Masterpiece

Casa Vicens (Casa Viçens) is widely recognized as Gaudí’s first residential project and a pioneering example of Art Nouveau architecture in Barcelona. Commissioned in 1883 when Antoni Gaudí was just 30 years old, the house was built as a summer residence for Manel Vicens i Montaner (1836–1895), a wealthy stock and currency broker. Construction lasted until 1885 on a plot of land situated between the Gràcia neighbourhood and the Sant Gervasi neighbourhood.

Casa Vicens marked a radical departure from traditional Catalan architecture. Built with red brick and rough stone, its façade is adorned with vibrant ceramic tiles and nature-inspired motifs—hallmarks of Gaudí’s signature style. The house’s design reflects his fascination with organic forms, making it a standout among early Gaudí houses in Barcelona.

Originally, the property featured a lush garden with a fountain, enclosed by a wrought-iron fence shaped like palm leaves. In 1925, Vicens’ widow sold the house to Dr. Antonio Jover i Puig, who converted it into residential flats. By 1946, the grounds were divided, and the garden’s iconic curtain waterfall arch was dismantled. The house became separated from the chapel and mineral spring dedicated to St. Rita, which had once been part of the estate.

Today, only the house remains of the original summer residence. Interestingly, the ornate iron railing from the garden was repurposed and now surrounds the school inside Parc Güell, another of Gaudí’s masterpieces.

Casa Vicens was declared a Historic-Artistic Monument in 1969, a Cultural Asset of National Interest in 1993, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. In 2014, the Herrero-Jover family sold the property to MoraBanc, which restored and transformed it into a public museum. The Casa Vicens museum experience officially opened in November 2017, offering visitors a chance to explore Gaudí’s early works in an intimate setting.

The remaining garden has been thoughtfully landscaped with palm trees and climbing plants to complement the house’s natural themes. Visitors can relax in the Casa Vicens garden café while admiring the rear façade and a preserved section of the original palm-leaf gate.

The Interior of Casa Vicens – A Guided Journey Through Gaudí’s First House

The interior of Casa Vicens offers a rich and immersive museum experience, showcasing Gaudí’s early works and his evolving architectural style. Visitors can explore the house with a Casa Vicens guided tour or use the Casa Vicens audio guide for a self-paced visit. Each floor reveals a different aspect of the house’s original function and Gaudí’s creative vision.

Ground Floor: Known as La Planta Noble, this was the social heart of the house where guests were entertained. It features the most elaborate decorative elements, including the smoking room, living room, and a veranda with a decorative fountain. Each space is themed with vibrant colours, floral motifs, and intricate tilework—hallmarks of Gaudí’s first modernist masterpiece.

First Floor: This was the private living space of the Vicens family, containing two bedrooms, a bathroom, a small sitting room, and a terrace. The rooms are more subdued but still reflect Gaudí’s attention to detail and harmony with nature.

Second Floor: Originally the servants’ quarters, this attic level now houses a scale model of the house and gardens, a display on the ceramic tiles, and temporary exhibition rooms that rotate seasonally.

Roof Terrace: While smaller than those of other Gaudí houses in Barcelona, the terrace features Casa Vicens rooftop chimneys—playful, polychrome structures that exemplify Gaudí’s use of colour and form. The roof’s pitched design limits space but adds architectural character.

Basement: Once used as a wine cellar and storage area, the basement now contains the Casa Vicens museum shop, offering books, gifts, and souvenirs inspired by Gaudí’s work.

Garden: Though much reduced from its original size, the landscaped garden includes palm trees, climbing plants, and a charming Casa Vicens garden café. A preserved section of the wrought-iron palm-leaf fence remains visible, linking the present-day museum to its historic past.

Image Gallery For Gaudí's Casa Viçens

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Map for Gaidí's Casa Viçens