Spain is culture

Would you like to discover the town in which Antoni Gaudí was born, and trace his first footsteps? Come to Catalonia, and specifically to Reus (Tarragona), where you'll be able to walk down the same streets the artist knew for 16 years before he moved to Barcelona. You'll find emblematic sites such as the house where he was born, the church where he was baptised and the school he went to. Because the best way to understand the work of a genius is to discover his origins. Don't miss the sculpture of the young Gaudí, which the town erected in homage to the famous architect in 2002.

Now that you know about the origins of Gaudí, how about exploring his magical world? For this, we recommend a visit to the Gaudí Centre, also in Reus. A 1,200 m2 space holds an exhibition on the architect's work. This centre has the latest audiovisual technology so you can see, touch and feel Gaudí's creations.

Open your senses to this interactive experience which enables you to touch models of works by the artist such as the towers of the Sagrada Familia Cathedral and the chimneys of the Pedrera house. You'll also be able to see a reconstruction of Gaudí's workshop and the only handwritten notebook that is still conserved. A perfect plan to understand why Gaudí designed staircases as snails or fountains as reptiles. Would you like to get to know even more about this genius?

Modernist spirit

After enjoying the Gaudí Centre, make the most of your visit to get to know the town of Reus. You'll find it well worthwhile. Why? Because it's part of the Réseau Art Nouveau Network, a network that includes towns with the most important Modernist heritage in Europe. That's why you shouldn't miss the Reus Modernism Route: a pleasant walk round the historic centre to see such gems of Modernist architecture as the Institut Pere Mata, Casa Navàs and Casa Rull. This route also includes free admission to several museums. You'll feel like you're travelling back in time when you see exquisitely decorated 19th-century buildings, in which the original furniture is still conserved. There are guided tours for this route in Spanish, English and French. So if you feel like doing one, we recommend booking in advance at the Reus tourist office.

Any time of the year is good to discover Reus. Not only for its rich artistic heritage, but because in this town you'll find a wide cultural agenda thanks to its many festivals, museums, or theatres such as the Fortuny. And after the cultural visits, don't forget to set aside a few hours for shopping, because Reus is renowned in Catalonia for its wide range of shops, where you'll find internationally prestigious fashion brands.

Barcelona: the pinnacle of Gaudí's career

When you finish visiting Reus, Gaudí's hometown, it will be the perfect time to travel to Barcelona, just 100 kilometres away. This city is where the Catalan artist created a whole world of fascinating shapes, in which everything seems to be inspired by nature. Immerse yourself in the curves and colours of the Casa Milà house, Güell Park, Güell Palace, Casa Batlló house, Sagrada Familia Cathedral, Colònia Güell Crypt and Casa Vicens house. They are all part of the 20th-century's most important architectural genre, and have been awarded the World Heritage designation by the UNESCO.

As well as Barcelona, in the area around Reus you'll be able to find ideal destinations to visit, such as the endless beaches of the Costa Daurada, Salou, Tarragona or the exciting Port Aventura theme park. But above all, come to Reus, a real Mediterranean town where you'll discover Gaudí's origins, a man who was ahead of his time and who turned his dreams into architecture.