Every year, World Modernism Day invites reflection and pay tribute to one of the most influential and emblematic artistic movements in recent history. This international commemoration highlights the architectural, artistic, and cultural legacy of Modernism in all its forms, from painting and sculpture to design, craftsmanship, and, above all, architecture.
Catalonia —especially Barcelona, Reus, Tarragona, and Girona— is one of the world’s epicentres of this style. Figures such as Antoni Gaudí, Lluís Domènech i Montaner and Josep Puig i Cadafalch have left an indelible mark on the urban and cultural landscape of the region, turning their works into true international icons.
Whether through guided tours, exhibitions, workshops or simply walking with a fresh perspective, World Modernism Day is an open invitation to appreciate the art that lives in our streets. With Shuttle2Sun‘s shared transfer services and private transfer services, you can reach Barcelona, Reus, Tarragona and Girona, from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Girona airport, Reus airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
Modernism: art, thought and transformation
Modernism was much more than an artistic movement; it was a true cultural revolution that transformed cities, mindsets and ways of life at the turn of the 20th century.
Born from a desire to break away from academic and traditional styles, this movement was embraced beauty, craftsmanship, technical innovation and the integration of all the arts into everyday life. Architecture, painting, sculpture, graphic design and furniture were all brought together in harmony under the same aesthetic vision.
In Catalonia, Modernism took on a distinctive identity, closely tied to the economic prosperity of the time and the cultural renaissance driven by the Renaixença.
Modernist works not only embellished urban spaces, but also became a symbol of progress, civic pride and cultural affirmation.
Today, Modernism remains a living legacy that invites us to look upon the past with admiration and to rediscover our cities from a renewed perspective.
From undulating façades to colourful stained-glass windows, from floral motifs to ornate ironwork, every Modernist detail offers a glimpse into an era of artistic and cultural splendour.
A tour of Modernist Barcelona
Taking a stroll through Barcelona is to immerse oneself in one of the most captivating Modernist cityscapes in Europe. Barcelona boasts an extensive and extraordinary architectural heritage, the fruit of an era of artistic splendour, and its streets is like walking through an open-air museum where every detail tells a story.
The unmissable starting point is Passeig de Gràcia, a veritable showcase of Catalan Modernism. Here you will find some of the most emblematic jewels of the movement: Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera), two of Antoni Gaudí‘s masterpieces, renowned for their organic forms, colour and symbolism. Nearby, Casa Amatller by Josep Puig i Cadafalch and Casa Lleó Morera by Lluís Domènech i Montaner complete the so-called ‘Block of Discord’, a unique example of artistic rivalry along a single city block.
The route continues with the Hospital de Sant Pau, Casa de les Punxes, Casa Thomas, Palau Macaya and Park Güell. Naturally, no tour would be complete without a visit to the Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece, whose architecture and symbolism make it one of the most singular temples in the world. Barcelona thus offers an exceptional experience for lovers of art and history, with Modernism serving as the guiding thread of an unforgettable journey.
We recommend Shuttle2Sun‘s shared transfer services and private transfer services to get to Barcelona from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Girona airport, Reus airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
Reus: the birthplace of Antoni Gaudí
Beyond Barcelona, Reus stands out as a key centre for Modernism in Catalonia.
This city in Tarragona, known for being the birthplace of Antoni Gaudí, offers a Modernist route that is as rich as it is accessible, allowing visitors to discover some 80 listed buildings by some of the most outstanding architects of the movement.
The itinerary starts in the historic centre, where buildings such as the Casa Navàs, by the architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, stand prominently.
Considered one of the best-preserved Modernist jewels, its ornate façade, original stained-glass windows and interior mosaics surprise everyone who visits it.
Adjacent to it, buildings such as Casa Rull and Casa Gasull complete an architectural ensemble that reflects the splendour of a refined local bourgeoisie dedicated to the arts and culture.
In addition to its material heritage, the city offers visitors the Gaudí Centre, an interactive museum space dedicated to the life and work of the architect, which enables visitors to contextualise his work and better understand the origins of Modernism.
Tarragona and its Modernism on the Mediterranean coast
Although world-famous for its Roman past, Tarragona is also home to an interesting Modernist heritage worthy of exploration. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the city experienced a remarkable urban expansion that left its mark on its architecture thanks to the influence of Catalan Modernism.
Among the most representative buildings are the Casa Ximenis, Casa Bofarull and Casa Salas Ricomà, works that combine elegance and symbolism in their designs. The Central Market, refurbished during the Modernist boom, is also a point of interest that combines functionality and aesthetics.
Girona, Modernist elegance within the city walls
Girona, with its charming historic quarter and medieval heritage, also presents visitors a significant Modernist route that enhances its diverse cultural landscape. The Modernist itinerary in Girona features key landmarks including Casa Masó, Casa Rigau, Casa Teixidor and Farinera Teixidor, with its characteristic dome.
World Modernism Day is the perfect opportunity to rediscover Catalan cities through their Modernist architectural treasures. Remember that with Shuttle2Sun‘s shared transfer services and private transfer services, you can get to Barcelona, Reus, Tarragona and Girona, from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Girona airport, Reus airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
