In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Barcelona not only reinterpreted but also brought the Mudejar style —
a legacy of the Islamic art of Al-Andalus— back into fashion, along with other elements typical of Caliphal, Almohad, and Nasrid architecture.
Even the great Antoni Gaudí was influenced by these styles. Monuments such as the Arc de Triomf, Casa Vicens, Casa Marsans, and both the Monumental and Las Arenas bullfighting rings are excellent examples of the Neo-Mudejar style. Prepare to be surprised.
Info & Location
City/Province: Barcelona
Type of Experience: Islamic heritage
Address: Arc de Triomf. Passeig de Lluís Companys s/n, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
Further info: Arc de Triomf: This arch was built as the main entrance to the Universal Exposition held in Barcelona in 1888. Address: Passeig de Lluís Companys.
Las Arenas: Today it is a shopping, leisure and cultural center opened in 2011 and located in the remodeled building of the old bullring. Address: Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 373, 385.
Monumental Bullring: This was the last bullring built in Barcelona. Since the city banned bullfighting in 2010, it has been dedicated to music and sports events. Address: Gran Vía de les Corts Catalanes, 749.
Casa Vicens: This house was the first masterpiece of Antoni Gaudí, today converted into a modernist museum open to the public. Address: Carrer de les Carolines, 20
Casa Marsans: It was originally the summer house of the Marsans, a rich family of bankers. Today, after different uses, it is a youth hostel and a space for culture. Address: Passatge de Senillosa, 1.