Bellesguard, also called Torre Bellesguard or Casa Figueres, is a Gaudí-designed house in Barcelona’s Sarrià-Sant Gervasi district. Built between 1900 and 1909 on the grounds of a medieval royal residence, it pairs castle-like walls and battlements with modernist details. Look for the mosaic decoration, ironwork and tower crowned by a four-armed cross, then take in the rooftop views across the city. The visit includes the house and its grounds, with guided tours and an audio guide available.
A house shaped by a royal site
Bellesguard stands on land associated with King Martin I, the last ruler of the House of Barcelona. A medieval castle and royal residence once occupied the site. Martin I lived there until his death in 1410, and the castle later fell into ruin. The remains of the medieval palace are still part of the estate grounds.
Gaudí designed the present house for the Figueres family. Work took place from 1900 to 1909, with Joan Rubió assisting the architect. The name Bellesguard means “beautiful view” in Catalan, a reference to the site’s outlook over Barcelona. The house was built as a private residence and opened to the public in 2013.
A castle outline with modernist details
The building’s shape recalls a medieval fortress: stone walls, long narrow windows, small balconies and battlements along the upper level. Gaudí combined these Gothic-inspired forms with modernist touches, including decorative mosaics, ironwork and stained glass. The design is notable for its straight lines, which are less typical of his work.
Look closely at the tower and its four-armed cross. The building’s stone and brick construction, slate details and tiled decoration give the exterior a varied texture. The house also carries references to Catalan history. The tower’s cross incorporates the red and yellow bars associated with the Catalan flag.
Inside the house and on the roof
A visit takes in the interior as well as the grounds. Inside, colored glass, white walls and iron details sit alongside Gaudí’s architectural features. Guided tours explain the house’s history and design, and are available in English, Spanish or Catalan. An audio guide is also available in several languages.
The rooftop terrace gives a different view of the building’s details and the city beyond. From some angles, the roofline can suggest a dragon shape. The elevated position also brings Barcelona’s wider landscape into view, with the sea visible on clear days. Check the ticket information before setting out, as advance booking is recommended.
FAQ
How long do you need at Bellesguard?
Allow about 1 to 1.5 hours to explore the house and grounds. Interior tours run every 30 minutes.
Is Bellesguard open on Mondays?
No. Bellesguard is closed on Mondays and open Tuesday to Sunday.
Can you visit inside Bellesguard?
Yes. Visits include the interior, and guided tours are available in English, Spanish or Catalan. An audio guide is also available in several languages.
How do you get to Bellesguard?
Metro L7 followed by a short walk is one route to the site in Sarrià-Sant Gervasi. Its address is Carrer de Bellesguard, 20.
