Don’t think of Gaudi only in terms of Barcelona

Spanish towns hosting architectural jewels by the Modernist Catalan architect are seeking collective UNESCO recognition

Barcelona owes a large part of its appeal thanks to its architecture and more specifically to local buildings designed by one Antoni Gaudi, celebrated as the icon of Catalan Modernism. Now, however, six entities that were also the creation of the famous architect are jointly applying for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list with a horizon to achieve this in 2026. And some of them are located way out of the Catalan capital.

The six buildings in question are the Catedral-Basílica of Santa Maria of Mallorca (restoration project by Gaudi), the Torres Bellesguard Gaudí and the Col·legi Teresià in Barcelona, the Caprici de Gaudí de Comillas in Cantabria, the Museo Casa Botines Gaudí in León, and the Palau Episcopal de Gaudí in Astorga. These entities have signed an agreement with the Gaudí chair of the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC) to work together in the mission to achieve inclusion on the prestigious cultural list.

If successful, they would join seven other objects in Barcelona that are already listed as heritage sites of global significance. These are the Sagrada Familia Basilica (which is still in the process of ongoing construction), Park Güell, a garden located in the hills hanging over the city of Barcelona, Palau Güell, a mansion located in the centre of the Catalan capital, Casa Batlló, Casa Milà, Casa Vicens, and Colònia Güell and Gaudí's Crypt, just a short train journey outside Barcelona.

2026: Year of Gaudi

The aim of the new entities is to spread general awareness among the public about the works of the architect and to stimulate their discovery among the intrepid enthusiasts who like to venture off the beaten track. Another benefit is that this could stimulate and diversify tourism flows to other parts of Spain. We bet you don’t even know where Astorga is but now you’re intrigued that it hosts a Gaudi building, aren’t you?

According to the protocol presented by the entities, the work in research, restoration, and general improvement of the buildings that has been ongoing since 2005 determines that these landmarks have acquired the necessary assessment to be added to UNESCO's World Heritage Site list.  

What’s more, next year the Catalan government will declare Any Gaudi 2026 (Gaudi Year 2026) replete with activities related to the art, culture, and education to draw attention to the architect’s legacy.