On the slopes of the Collserola mountain range, in the prestigious Sant Gervasi district, stands a structure easily mistaken for a medieval fortress. Its sharp spire, crowned with a four-pointed cross, pierces the sky, while its stone walls preserve echoes of centuries past. Yet this is not a castle, but one of Antoni Gaudí’s most unconventional and surprisingly overlooked creations—the Bellesguard Tower. Built between 1900 and 1909, it is a true gem of Catalan Modernism, officially recognized as a national cultural landmark, but still remains in the shadow of the architect’s more famous works.
The history of this site stretches deep into the past. In the early 15th century, it was home to the residence of Martin I the Humane, the last monarch of the Aragon dynasty to rule Catalonia. Centuries later, the ruins of the royal palace passed to the Figueras family. It was they who commissioned the genius Gaudí to build a summer home on the historic foundation, designed to evoke its former grandeur. The architect eagerly took on the project, seeing it as an opportunity to connect past and present. He masterfully combined stone, brick and mosaic, weaving together strict neo-Gothic forms with the flowing lines of Modernisme. Work was interrupted by the sudden death of the client, and the project was completed by the master’s pupil and collaborator Domènec Sugrañes. It was his hand that created details such as the famous mosaic benches at the entrance and the gatehouse, which blended seamlessly into the overall ensemble.
The area surrounding the tower is no less remarkable. The gardens feature exotic plants brought from various continents, and among them, visitors can find fragments of ancient fortress walls. Worth special attention is the viaduct with its ten slanted columns, which almost imperceptibly runs beneath the street. Recently, the Barcelona city council launched a project to improve the zone adjacent to the monument. For this purpose, €29,000 from the tourist tax has been allocated. The plans include resurfacing the pathways, repairing the viaduct floor, and installing new railings to enhance safety and accessibility. The main structure, which was restored in 2006, will not be affected. These efforts aim to ‘enhance’ the complex ahead of 2026, which will mark the centenary of the great architect’s death.
Today, Bellesguard is open to visitors and offers several ways to explore its history and architecture. You can choose a guided tour, use an audio guide, or book a special program for groups. Children under eight enter free of charge. This secluded spot is easily accessible by public transport in just 15 minutes from the city center. Visiting the tower is more than just sightseeing—it’s an immersive journey through history, where Roman artifacts, legends of bandits, and the legacy of the last Aragonese king intertwine. This enigmatic creation by Gaudí, whose name translates as “beautiful view,” still overlooks Barcelona from above, preserving its unique atmosphere of light and stone.
