After being closed down for 7 years due to renovations, the Palau Güell in Barcelona re-opened its doors again. This building is considered one of the structures that gave the green light for the modernistic building style and the renewal of the European architecture. The building style is among others being characterized by parabolic forms and a creative use of columns.

The Palau Güell is situated in the narrow street Carrer Nou de la Rambla, near the Rambla and the harbour. A visit starts at the entrance that was intended for the horse carts and the underground stable, and leads further to the big salon and the private rooms. On the roof terrace you can admire 22 chimneys that are intensively coloured.

It was the Barcelonese industrial and politician Eusebi Güell that assigned Antoni Gaudí to built a new residence in 1885. The built would last until 1890, although the façade says 1888. The count Güell would almost live there for 20 years with his wife and eight children, until he moved to his new residence in Parc Güell in 1910. In 1895 they were already busy with renovations, among others on the roof terrace (where a few new mantelpieces were installed) and on the floor where the bedrooms were situated.

The Palau Güell stands out cause of the innovative use of light and space. The architect created a unique own style thanks to his extraordinary imagination and the use of stone, marble, wood, wrought iron and glass.

Mercè Güell, daughter of the industrial, donated the Palau to the Deputation of the Province Barcelona in 1945. The Deputation is still owner today. In 1982 an important renovation was realized, principally at the façade. In 1984 the UNESCO proclaimed the Palau Güell as World Heritage Site.

When in 2004 a part of the salon’s ceiling came down, they decided to close it down. Since then they worked on a complete renovation for what the preparing study was realized by two Catalan universities. The Deputation of the Province of Barcelona has invested 9 million Euros in the project.

An entrance ticket for Palau de Güell costs €10,- and must be bought in advance. Because the building doesn’t have a fire escape, is, cause of safety matters, the amount of visitors limited to 1000 a day. Visiting is possible from Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00 till 20.00. For more information and for ticket reservation go to the official website of Palau Güell.

Planning to visit Palau Güell? Take a look at Barcelona Rentals.