Torre Bellesguard is another fine example of the legendary architect Antoni Gaudí’s remarkable creativity. Built during the first decade of the twentieth century, Torre Bellesguard is less flashy than some of Gaudí’s better-known designs; still, this contemporary, castle-like home rewards visitors with plenty of subtle design details and stylish Catalan Gothic flourishes. Visitors can choose to go on a self-guided tour with an audio guide, or join an hour-long guided tour with a group. In addition to its architectural importance, Torre Bellesguard has scenic grounds and spectacular views of Barcelona.
History of Torre Bellesguard
The site where Torre Bellesguard stands today has a long, rich history, as it was once the location of a medieval castle. The final ruler of the House of Barcelona—Martin I, King of Aragón—lived here in the early years of the fifteenth century. After his death, the royal estate would fall into ruins—the castle itself largely crumbled to the ground—but the regal legacy of the property would linger for centuries to come.
It was this legacy that Antoni Gaudí (who worked on the home between the years 1900 and 1909) sought to tap into when he was hired by the Figueras to construct them a second home on the site of the long-lost castle: his design for Torre Bellesguard subjugates some of his signature modernist stylings in the interest of creating an almost neogothic-like building, one that clearly evokes the property’s medieval past. Approximately 80 years ago, the Guilera family purchased the home, and they’ve lived there ever since. For the past few decades, the family has let guests stroll the lovely grounds of the estate; finally, about ten years ago, they opened the house itself to the public.
Torre Bellesguard Highlights
While many visitors remark on how Torre Bellesguard doesn’t look how they expect a typical Gaudí building to look, there’s still much to appreciate here. Highlights of the historic home include a series of lovely stained-glass windows, numerous walls adorned by colorful tiles, and the elegant brick construction of the lower attic. Last but not least, the panoramic views on display from the Torre Bellesguard rooftop are to be savored.
There are two distinctive ways in which you can tour Torre Bellesguard. The first option involves a self-guided tour with an audio guide. When you visit Torre Bellesguard with an audio guide (which is available in six languages), you can move through the historic site at your own pace. However, you do need to make advance reservations, as space is limited during the attraction’s restricted hours of operation; typically, the day’s final visitors are permitted to enter the house at 2:30pm.
The other way to experience Torre Bellesguard is by going on a guided tour. These one-hour excursions are led by an expert member of the attraction’s staff, and they’re available in English, Spanish, and Catalan. Guided tours of Torre Bellesguard are usually offered only on weekends, but you’ll want to check the attraction’s official website in advance of your visit for the most current information.
More to See and Do at Torre Bellesguard
Continue reading below for more information on how to make your upcoming visit to Torre Bellesguard a rousing success.
*If you choose to visit Torre Bellesguard via the audio-guide option, it’s a good idea to bring your own comfortable wired earbuds.
*Likewise, if you’ve got some flexibility in your itinerary, consider arriving early to Torre Bellesguard. You’ll be permitted to peruse the site’s scenic grounds at your leisure before being called into the house to enjoy your tour. During this time you could snap some terrific photographs of the house while basking in the glorious views of Barcelona.
*Torre Bellesguard is located in an affluent residential neighborhood outside the sightseeing core of Barcelona. As a result, the logistics of getting to and from the site are not as straightforward as they are for other Barcelona attractions. The majority of visitors use a combination of local buses to come and go from Torre Bellesguard; for suggested bus routes and other transportation tips visit the “Practical Information” webpage on the attraction’s official website.
*Another Torre Bellesguard transportation option consists of using your Barcelona Bus Turístic hop-on hop-off privileges. The Blue Route service makes a stop near the Mirador Sarrià observation deck; from there to Torre Bellesguard is an approximately 35-minute walk.
*Given its location, there are not too many other popular tourist attractions situated in the immediate vicinity of Torre Bellesguard. However, for those visitors seeking to pair their time at Torre Bellesguard with another nearby outing, the best choices are CosmoCaixa, the interactive science museum; Tibidabo, the majestic hill topped by an amusement park; and the historic Tibidabo Funicular, which provides breathtaking city views.
Why Torre Bellesguard Should Be on Your Must-See List
Though Torre Bellesguard is overshadowed by Gaudí creations with higher profiles—think Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, and La Pedrera—it’s still a fascinating place to visit. If you’re a Gaudí completist—someone firmly committed to touring all the Gaudí-designed buildings that are open to the public—then Torre Bellesguard should absolutely be on your must-see list. Torre Bellesguard is also a great sightseeing option for those Barcelona visitors who have been to the city multiple times already, and are in the market for new, off-the-beaten-path destinations worth exploring.