Although this early work of Gaudí can only be viewed from the exterior, the exuberance of its facade and form make the trip well worthwhile. The architect accepted the commission for a summer residence from the tile manufacturer Manuel Vicens i Montaner in 1883, making the Casa Vicens one of the first examples of Art Nouveau not only in Barcelona but in the whole of Europe. Since the home was designed to be an exponent of Sr. Vicen's business, the entire facade is covered with florid, vividly colored tiles. At the time, Gaudí was deeply influenced by North African and Middle Eastern architecture, and this can be seen in the home's form. Its overall opulence and exoticism, with minarets and corbels, is reminiscent of the Indian Raj style. Inside, Ottoman, Koranic, and Andalusian influences can also be seen in eccentric touches such as the Turkish-style smoking room. The residence, on a narrow Graciàn street, is owned by descendants of Sr. Vicens and is still a private home (although they seem to have no objections to camera-flashing tourists). The interior, however, has been well photographed, and is always featured in books on Gaudí.

Copyright: Excerpted from Frommer's Barcelona, 2nd Edition, (c) 2008, Wiley Publishing, Inc.

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