Bellesguard, Modernist manor house in Sant Gervasi-la Bonanova, Spain.
Bellesguard is a five-story building with a slender tower, stained glass windows, and exterior walls of slate and brick arranged in Gothic style. The structure blends medieval forms with modern materials while maintaining strong visual connections to historical architectural traditions.
King Martin I, the final ruler of the House of Barcelona, occupied the original palace from 1408 until his death in 1410. The site was later redesigned with a new structure that weaves together medieval heritage and modern architectural approaches.
Animal motifs in mosaics and ornamental details throughout the building reflect Catalan artistic traditions and the region's connection to nature. These decorative elements reveal how local craftspeople expressed their cultural identity through their work.
The site is open to visitors on most days and offers audio guides for a self-guided experience throughout the building. Plan enough time to explore all levels and examine the architectural details at a comfortable pace.
Remnants of the original medieval palace walls remain visible beneath and around the newer structure for visitors to observe. This layering of architectural periods creates an unusual experience where two eras coexist in the same physical space.
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