Palau Güell
Between 1886 and 1890, Antoni Gaudí built the Palau Güell for his patron Eusebi Güell. Located on Carrer Nou de la Rambla, in the heart of the Raval, it stands apart from the bourgeois Eixample in a then working-class, densely populated area. In this “orientalist” phase, Gaudí blended medieval, Nasrid, and Byzantine references. The exterior, sober and made of stone, contrasts with interiors rich in marble, fine wood, wrought iron, and mosaics. The narrow plot led to a vertical solution: the grand Central Hall, spanning three levels, is topped by a perforated dome that lets in light like a starry sky. Home to the Güell family and a space of vibrant social life, it was inaugurated during the 1888 Universal Exhibition. Less known than his later works, the Palau Güell is essential for understanding Gaudí: mastery of space, play of light, and exceptional craftsmanship brought together in a unique urban residence.
Building