Overview
Barcelona has been designated 2026 UNESCO-UIA World Capital of Architecture, acknowledging one of the city’s most famous buildings: the Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família, designed principally by Antoni Gaudí, and under construction since 1882. Designated God’s Architect by many, Gaudí devoted his final years to the basilica, living a life of penurious austerity dedicated to his chef-d'œuvre until his death in a road accident on 10 June 1926, when he remained unidentified for days as he was believed to be a beggar. Though the Glory façade remains incomplete, the armature supporting the central spire - of 18 - was secured on 31 October 2025, rendering the Sagrada Família the world’s tallest church. The tower has now been completed. On 14 April 2025, the late Pope Francis declared Gaudí as Venerable and Pope Leo XIV will visit the city in June this year, marking the centenary of Gaudi’s death. Basilica Trustee, Professor Guillem López Casasnovas, will introduce us to the basilica and some of those working on it. This special visit forms the centrepiece of the Society’s study tour.
Barcelona, in northern Spain, is bounded by mountains, rivers, and the Mediterranean Sea. Its long history and enduring architectural creativity can be presented as a progressive evolution from the Roman port, Bàrcino; through the mediaeval capital of Aragonese territories; the C18th Castilian citadel; the C19th planned L’Eixample; the C20th Modernist Passeige de Gracia; and the 1990s Olympic port at Barceloneta – a rich and internationally inspiring architectural legacy. Barcelona’s people and designers have long been aware of the scenographic and political potential of the architecture they commission, and the distinction between the ‘authentic’ and the ‘simulacrum’ is repeatedly blurred. The tour - informed by British and Iberian scholarship - uncovers something of this complex relationship to architecture. It commences with a drinks reception in the Pavelló Mies Van der Rohe, built as Germany’s contribution to the 1929 Exhibition and often called the ‘Barcelona Pavilion’.
Tour Highlights
Mies Van der Rohe Barcelona Pavillion: Drinks reception and private tour
La Basilica de La Sagrada Familia: Welcome from basilica Trustee, Prof Guillem Lopez Casasnovas; discussion with craftspeople working on the basilica, and visit to new architectural exhibit
Architectural drawings at the Historical Archive of the College of Architects of Catalunya
Walking tour of the Gothic Quarter in the steps of C19 architect G.E. Street including the Catedral de la Santa Creu i Santa Eulàlia, Santa Maria del Mar, and the Aragonese La Llotja del Mar
Visits to key sites related to the 1992 Olympic Games
Private tours of the Parc de Recerca Biomèdica (2006) and Hospital del Mar (2017)
Dinner by the Mediterranean Sea
Provisional Itinerary
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17.30: Congregate and walk from Teatre Lliure to Pavelló Mies Van der Rohe
18:00- 20:00: Welcome from Neil Jackson and Carolina B. Garcia-Estévez; private introduction and view; drinks and tapas.
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Antoni Gaudí - God’s Architect
La Basilica de La Sagrada Familia:
Introduction by trustee Prof Guillem Lopez Casasnovas; English-speaking guide, discussion with craftspeople; view new architectural exhibit.
Lunch at Avenida de Gaudí en route to
Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau
Palau Guell
Dinner
Guests may wish to visit the Palau de la Música Catalana to enjoy a concert/dine at their own expense
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Morning: La Barceloneta and contemporary architecture
Torre Mapfre (1992)
Hotel Arts (1992, 1994)
El Peix d'Or (1992)
Parc de Recerca Biomèdica (2006)
Hospital del Mar Pinearq + Brullet de Luna (2017)
Mercat de la Barceloneta (2007)
Refreshments: Nova Icària Beach promenade
Olympic Marina (1992), renovated (2014)
Olympic Village (1992)
Lunch at Santa Caterina Market (1845, 2005)
Afternoon: Ciutat Vella
Historical Archive and the Gothic Quarter in the steps of G.E. Street
Catedral de la Santa Creu i Santa Eulàlia
Carrer del Bisbe
Santa Maria del Pi
La Llotja Aragonese Exchange
Santa Maria del Mar
Free evening
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Morning: Monjuic
Montjuïc Anella Olímpica (1929)
Estadi Olímpic (1992).
Torre Calatrava (1992)
Piscines Bernat Picornell (1992)
Fundacio Joan Miro (Exterior)
Lunch at local cafe
Afternoon: El Raval
Antic Hospital de la Santa Creu
Monestir de Sant Pau del Camp
Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona (Richard Meier)
Las Arenas de Barcelona
Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona (Richard Meier)
Teatre Lliure
Evening: Tour Dinner
Drinks: Red Fish Bar
Dinner: Agua
Member Rate: £650
Non-member Rate: £800
(Both rates include a city travel card, select refreshments, a special tour dinner, and a fundraising donation. They exclude travel and accommodation.)
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