Casa Calvet

Here we are at Casa Calvet, one of Gaudí’s earliest works, completed in 1899. It’s often considered his most conservative design — but even here, you’ll spot plenty of unmistakable Modernist touches. You’re in the Eixample district, established in the late 19th century when Barcelona expanded beyond its old city walls. It quickly became home to the city’s wealthy industrial elite, and it’s here that many of Barcelona’s greatest Modernist buildings began to appear. Casa Calvet was commissioned by a bourgeois family who wanted a ground floor for their business, with a private residence above. The façade may seem relatively restrained at first glance, but it’s actually packed with little personal touches. Look closely and you’ll see mushrooms carved into the stone on the first floor — a nod to Calvet’s passion for mycology. Above the entrance, there’s a big “C” for the family’s name, and further up, three sculpted saintly heads, one of which is Saint Peter the Martyr, the family’s patron saint. The building isn’t open to the public, but the good news is: the ground floor now houses a restaurant. So if you’re curious to see the inside, why not do it over a good meal? Sounds like a pretty tasty way to enjoy a bit of Gaudí.