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Most tourists visiting Barcelona will be well versed on the subject of Antoni Gaudí and his vibrant Modernist architecture, but few will have heard about Josep Puig i Cadafalch, a contemporary of Gaudí’s whose stunning architecture is well worth seeking out. Who Was Puig i Cadafalch? Born in 1867, Puig i Cadafalch was more than just an architect - he was an urban planner, political thinker, archaeologist and even an art historian. But his first love was architecture, which he studied under Modernist giant Domènech i Montaner in Barcelona. A contemporary of Gaudí, there was no great rivalry between the two and they even worked together on the creation of Café Torino - although sadly, the building no longer exists. Puig i Cadafalch was a prolific architect, designing buildings from 1895 through until 1929. Politically minded and a vehement Catalan nationalist, Puig i Cadafalch became President of the regional government of Catalonia from 1917 to 1924. His interest in Catalan politics can be seen in his architecture, with many of his buildings including Catalan nationalist symbols. His political stance lead to difficulties with the dictator Primo de Rivera, and eventually Puig i Cadafalch left Spain for France. When he returned in 1942 he was prohibited from working as an architect by Fascist dictator Francisco Franco. Puig i Cadafalch’s Barcelona Inspired by traditional Catalan mansions but influenced by an eclectic mix of other styles, including Gothic and northern European medieval, Puig i Cadafalch’s work went through various stages from Modernist right through to the anti-Modernist noucentista. • Casa Amatller – Casa Amatller is a ‘Modernista’ triumph combining neo-Gothic style with influences from Germany and The Netherlands. It is located in the ‘mansana de la discòrdia’, a block which also contains buildings by Gaudí and Domènech i Montaner. • Casa Martí – Home to the Els Quatre Gats café and restaurant, this Gothic-inspired building became a popular hangout for artists, philosophers and intellectuals at the end of the 19th Century. • Casa Terrades – Also known at the Casa de les Punxes or ‘house of spikes’, this Gothic Modernist castle in the heart of Barcelona contains ceramic panels depicting patriotic Catalonian symbols. • Palau Baró de Quadras – An intriguing dual-façade makes this Modernist building a must see. On one side Puig i Cadafalch created a neo-Gothic palazzo, while on the other, the building appears as a Modernista apartment block. Inside are a variety of beautiful architectural features. How to Get to Barcelona Whether you arrive by plane, train, bus or boat, you’ll find Barcelona a very accessible city and ripe for exploration. • By plane - One of the easiest ways to arrive is to fly into Barcelona Airport which is served by a wide range of airlines. Take a Barcelona airport transfer straight from the airport to your hotel and you’ll be settled in no time. • By train - It is easy to get to Barcelona by train from most European cities with many direct routes into Barcelona Sants Station. • By bus - Arrive by bus from anywhere around Europe and you’ll probably find yourself at Barcelona Nord Bus Station or Barcelona Sants. • By boat - There are regular ferries from and to destinations around the Mediterranean. Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct, the number one provider of shared and private airport transfers all over Europe and northern Africa. If you’re looking for an affordable Barcelona Airport transfer, Lukas and his colleagues can make sure that you and your luggage get to and from the airport swiftly and safely.
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