Modernism is a cultural movement that occurred in Europe in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Despite the fact that this cultural movement affects all manifestations of art and thought, it is in architecture and the plastic arts where it is shown with full meaning
In Catalonia it developed throughout the 1930s, between 1885 and 1920, and it has dimensions and a special personality that means that we can find manifestations throughout the Catalan geography and in very diverse buildings: factories, agricultural cooperatives, athenaeums, markets and homes.
The Catalan bourgeoisie is a fundamental sector of society to understand the development of this trend. She feels Catalan and is cultured and sensitive to art, that is why cases of patronage by the Catalan high bourgeoisie arise, an example is that of Count Güell with Antoni Gaudí. This bourgeoisie sees in this new architecture the way to satisfy their desire for modernization, to express their Catalan identity, and to demonstrate their wealth and distinction.
Among the more than a hundred architects who built Catalan modernist buildings, three stand out above all: Antoni Gaudí, Lluís Domènech i Montaner and Josep Puig i Cadafalch. Many of his works have been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Related routes
Summer Modernism in the Ametlla del Vallès
L'Ametlla del VallèsGaudí and the Berguedà
Castellar de n'Hug, Guardiola de Berguedà, La Pobla de LilletGetting into the Terra Alta
Arnes, El Pinell de Brai, Gandesa ...Gaudí route in Reus
ReusThe cities of the dead, the most unique cemeteries in Catalonia
Arenys de Mar, Barcelona, Bausen ...Modernism route: a look at the heritage of Gironella
GironellaModernism in Vilafranca del Penedès
Gelida, Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, Vilafranca del PenedèsRoute of Modernism in Barcelona
BarcelonaThe modernist triangle in the Maresme
Canet de Mar, MataróItinerary Jujol in Sant Joan Despí
Sant Joan DespíGaudí's Modernism Route
BarcelonaThe Baix Llobregat, a trip through history
El Papiol, Gavà, Sant Boi de Llobregat ...Chasing modernist treasures in Alt Penedès, Garraf and Baix Llobregat by electric car
Castelldefels, Sitges, Vilafranca del Penedès ...The charm of the facades of Barcelona
BarcelonaModernism Route of summer break in Vallès Oriental
Cardedeu, GranollersRoute of Modernism in Reus
ReusBarcelona, from tile to tile
BarcelonaWalk through the Noucentista chalets of Salou
SalouFollowing the work of Puig i Cadafalch along the coast
Argentona, Barcelona, Canet de Mar ...Experiences
Cultural routes in Baix Llobregat
Turisme Baix LlobregatThe heritage of the Baix Llobregat region is accessible on routes such as the modernist route of Sant Feliu de Llobregat, the Points of Local Interest route of Sant Vicenç dels Horts, the historic De la Mano route of Esplugues, the Modernist…
The TRAM Route in Baix Llobregat
Turisme Baix LlobregatThe TRAM Route returns this year with renewed proposals to discover the Baix Llobregat, combining heritage, culture, gastronomy and nature accessible by public transport. Route 2026 Updates This year, the main new feature of the TRAM Route…
Modernist Igualada
IgualadaAt the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries, Igualada experienced a period of progress and transformation, marked by the rise of the bourgeoisie. Modernism took root as a symbol of a new era: refined, ambitious, and full of detail.…
Visit the Essential Quarry for only 12.50€!
La PedreraEnjoy La Pedrera with a special rate for residents of Catalonia! To mark the centenary of Gaudí's death, explore one of his most iconic creations. It's the perfect opportunity to rediscover modernist heritage from a local perspective.…
La Pedrera Sunset every day, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm!
La PedreraEnjoy the most magical time of day at one of Gaudí's most iconic works. With La Pedrera Sunset, you'll discover how the sunset light transforms the building's architecture and experience a more tranquil and intimate visit, accompanied…
Discover the O'Connor House in Alcanar!
AlcanarDiscover the O'Connor House in Alcanar, a place where history, heritage, and culture come together. Step inside this iconic modernist house and journey back to the origins of the region through the Iberian Culture Interpretation Centre. A unique…
Walking tour of Barcelona City Centre - Forever Barcelona
Forever BarcelonaAn essential walking tour to discover the essence, evolution, and great monuments of Barcelona in a single day. From the Roman and medieval roots of the old town to the modernist grandeur of Passeig de Gràcia and the majestic Sagrada…
Visit Barcelona in a luxury vehicle - Forever Barcelona
Forever BarcelonaDiscover the best of Barcelona in ultimate comfort, convenience, and exclusivity. A private tour in a luxury vehicle with a private chauffeur and exclusive official guide, designed to take you to the city's main attractions without the hassle…
Private tour of Casa Batlló - Forever Barcelona
Forever BarcelonaImmerse yourself in a world of fantasy, light, and color with a private guided tour of Casa Batlló, one of Antoni Gaudí's most fascinating and iconic masterpieces on Passeig de Gràcia. Discover every detail of its organic…
La Pedrera Art Season - Visit La Pedrera and the Anselm Kiefer exhibition
La PedreraImmerse yourself in Gaudí's creative universe and enrich your visit with a top-tier temporary exhibition. Two unique artistic visions converge in a single space brimming with history, beauty, and emotion. This visit is perfect for art…
Events
Modernist Day in the Ametlla del Vallès
From 17 to 18 May 2020Go back in time and discover modernism in the Modernist Day of Ametlla del Vallès. You can visit the main modernist buildings of the city such as the house of the tip or the building of the residence Millet and dramatizations of the…
Mapping Hidden Order at Casa Batlló by United Visual Artists
From 31 January to 1 FebruaryThe façade of Casa Batlló is once again transformed into a grand open-air stage with Hidden Order, a striking audiovisual work by artist Matt Clark, founder of the United Visual Artists collective. This is the fifth edition of…
Visit "Modernism and Stained Glass" in Canet de Mar
15 February …An experience to enjoy the colors and light of Modernism through the stained glass windows in Canet de Mar! During the tour we will visit the Estralls - Les Quatre Gates stained glass workshop, where a teacher will explain how stained glass…
Modernist Fair of Penedès in l'Arboç
From 18 to 19 AprilThe Modernist Fair of Penedès in L'Arboç is a celebration that, every last weekend of April, transforms the town into an authentic period setting. During these days, the streets are filled with Modernist decorations, characters,…
Major Festival of the May Roser in Cerdanyola del Vallès
From 1 to 4 MayWhen the Rosario de Mayo Festival arrives, the center of Cerdanyola del Vallès recovers one of its hallmarks and for a few days this town smells of modernism. The municipality is home to the Cerdanyola Art Museum, a modernist building…
Terrassa Modernist Fair 2026
From 8 to 10 MayWe have here one more year the Terrassa Modernist Fair! The Terrassa Modernist Fair is the great festival of Catalan Modernism. A surprising journey into the past to reproduce the modernist splendor of Terrassa at the end of the 19th century…
Barcelona Modernist Fair 2026
From 29 to 31 MayOrganized by the Barcelona City Council and Cor Eixample, the Fira aims to promote modernist heritage going back in time, until the end of the s. XIX and beginning of the s. XX, offering for four days a lot of recreational and cultural activities…
Modernism Days in Gelida
31 May …Gelida celebrates the Modernism Days, a cultural event that invites visitors to discover the town's modernist heritage through activities for all ages. This year's edition, dedicated to the Gaudí Year, combines history, architecture,…
June, a month full of industrial tourism and modernism - XATIC!
10 JuneJune arrives packed with special offers from the members of the Xarxa de Turisme Industrial de Catalunya (Catalan Industrial Tourism Network ). Here's a sample: 20 years of the Can Font Water Centre The Parc de la Séquia in Manresa is…
Guided tour "The Modernism of the bourgeoisie" in La Garriga
1 August …Don't miss the guided tour "The Modernism of the Bourgeoisie" in La Garriga! Itinerary that covers the most significant spaces of modernist Garriga and reveals the new extension of Garriga created between the end of the 19th century and the…
Modernist Market Fair in Canet de Mar
From 25 to 27 SeptemberA new edition of the Modernist Market Fair is coming to Canet de Mar! For an entire weekend, streets and squares will be filled with decorations, costumes, historical reenactments, and activities designed to transport the public back in time.…
Modernist Meeting in Cardedeu
From 2 to 4 OctoberOnce again, on the first weekend of October, Cardedeu dresses up to say goodbye to summer with a series of theatrical activities throughout the weekend that will transport you to the splendor of Cardedeu in 1900 with summer visitors who are…
'A Cel Obert' Festival in Tortosa
From 2 to 4 OctoberOnce again this year, the city of Tortosa will host the 'A Cel Obert' Festival! 'A Cel Obert' is an excellent opportunity to rediscover the historical and artistic significance of Tortosa's old town. Within a small radius, you can find Modernist,…
Colonia Güell Modernism Festival in Santa Coloma de Cervelló
From 2 to 4 OctoberColonia Güell inSanta Coloma de Cervelló celebrates the Modernisme Festival! During the festival, the streets of the Colonia come alive with characters, trades, and scenes from the modernist era. Weavers leaving the factory, working…
October 5th, World Architecture Day
5 OctoberToday is World Architecture Day! The International Union of Architects (UIA) has declared the first Monday of October as World Architecture Day. This date is an opportunity to reflect on the state of human settlements and the fundamental right…
Modernist Conferences in la Garriga
From 16 to 18 OctoberOne more year, La Garriga once again puts on its best clothes from the beginning of the 20th century to enter the Modernist Days! The Modernist Days celebrate a new edition with a varied program that includes guided tours, music, workshops,…
November 16, World Heritage Day
16 NovemberEvery year, November 16th is World Day for Cultural and Natural Heritage, a day that serves to recognize the importance of protecting and preserving the different elements that make up a territory's heritage, both human-made and natural. Cultural…