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Casa Vicens History | Go Back In Time to the Birthplace Of Gaudí's Genius

Casa Vicens is an iconic architectural gem in Barcelona, Spain that holds great historical significance as the first house designed by renowned architect Antoni Gaudí, marking the beginning of his extraordinary career and leaving an indelible mark on the city's architectural landscape.

Casa Vicens Timeline

  • 1878: Casa Vicens was commissioned by Manuel Vicens i Montaner, a wealthy businessman, as a summer house in the Gracia district of Barcelona.
  • 1888: Construction of the house is completed.
  • 1925: Casa Vicens is sold to the Jover family, who add a second floor to the building and make other modifications to the original design.
  • 1946: The estate undergoes a division into two halves. 
  • 1969: Casa Vicens is declared a National Historic-Artistic Monument.
  • 2005: Received UNESCO World Heritage Site status. 
  • 2014: MoraBanc acquires Casa Vicens and begins a comprehensive restoration project to restore the house to its original design and open it to the public as a museum.
  • 2017: Casa Vicens is opened to the public as a museum.

History of Casa Vicens Explained | From Concept to Completion

A Dream Come True

In the mid-nineteenth century, Manuel Vicens i Montaner decided to build a summer residence in the then-suburban neighborhood of Gràcia. He commissioned the then-unknown young architect, Antoni Gaudí, to design his dream home.

Gaudí's First Major Commission

Gaudí's debut commission, Casa Vicens, served as a canvas for his artistic ingenuity and creativity. He incorporated an array of imaginative features such as intricate mosaics, nature-inspired patterns, and unconventional design elements that were unprecedented and innovative for the time.

Changes in Ownership

In 1925, the property was sold, and subsequent owners made several changes to the original design. For example, the rooftop was converted into a terrace and the interior was reconfigured to accommodate the changing needs of the occupants.

Recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

In 2005, Casa Vicens was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, marking it as a cultural treasure for its unique artistic and historic value.

Restoration and Public Opening

From 2014-2017, Casa Vicens underwent careful restoration to revive its former glory. Since its opening in 2017, it has welcomed visitors to experience its unique charm and rich history.

Construction of Casa Vicens

Casa Vicens was built using traditional construction techniques that were innovative for their time. The building features a unique blend of styles, including Neo-Mudéjar, Moorish Revival, and Art Nouveau, and is adorned with intricate tilework and ornamental details. Architect Antoni Gaudí - along with a team of skilled craftsmen - designed and executed the project with a careful eye for detail, creating one of the most iconic buildings in Barcelona.

Casa Vicens Today

Today, Casa Vicens continues to attract tourists from all over the world, contributing to the richness and vibrancy of the city's cultural heritage. The restored building provides an excellent showcase for Gaudí's innovative artistry and design, and its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site ensures its preservation for future generations to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Casa Vicens

Casa Vicens is a historical building located in the Gracia neighborhood of Barcelona, Spain. It was the first major work of the famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí and is considered a masterpiece of early modernist architecture.