Colònia Güell is an industrial village or a worker’s colony that was commissioned by Count Eusebi de Güell in 1898 for his textile mill. Situated in Santa Coloma de Cervelló, 23-km from Barcelona, Colònia Güell was a response to the industrialization boom in Catalonia and an escape from the chaos, soot, and bustle of the main town. Count Güell envisioned a replica-state with a church, shops, theatre, schools, and gardens, among others.
Pioneer modern architects and artists were invited to contribute to its construction and the most celebrated was renowned architect Antoni Gaudí. Gaudí himself was responsible for the Church of Colònia Güell, 1908-1917, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Why Visit Colònia Güell in Barcelona
- The Church of Colònia Güell, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was Antoni Gaudí’s prized creation and records show that, if completed, it would be a model for La Sagrada Familia.
- The crypt, or the Church, is where Gaudí had complete creative autonomy to innovate architectural techniques that later reflected in other buildings like Casa Batlló.
- Colònia Güell is an excellent way to ease into what Catalonia stood for in the 19th and early-20th centuries with its modern architectural styles, tranquil streets, and old-world charm.
- Some of the most iconic places at Colònia Güell are La Casa del Secretario, El Atenue Unió, La Fonda, and others.
- In the year 2000, construction began to refurbish some of the remaining parts of Colònia Güell to make it more accessible to tourists.