Barcelona is the birthplace of Catalan Modernisme, an architectural style characterized by curved lines and fluid shapes, ornamentation inspired by nature, and by the expression of national symbols, such as Catalonia’s patron Saint George. “Catalan Modernisme developed right after the 1888 Universal Exposition,” says Dr. Mireia Freixa, emeritus professor of art history at the University of Barcelona. “It developed as an original neo-medieval style, drawing inspiration from Catalonia’s golden age of medieval art, a modern style rooted in tradition.” Antoni Gaudí is its most famous proponent, but Modernisme architects like Lluís Domènech i Montaner’s and Josep Puig i Cadafalch’s designs are prevalent throughout Barcelona.

Though Modernisme dominates, it isn’t the only style in Bar

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