Even if you’re never been to Barcelona, and you are just about to land at its airport, you will easily recognise the Eixample district by looking at it through an aeroplane window: from the bird’s eye view, it looks like a strict and uniform checkerboard pattern. However, first impressions can be misleading. The Eixample does look like it’s been created using a ruler: most of its blocks have a strict square shape, with the corners of buildings having been rounded to further highlight straight streets and accurate intersections. Nevertheless, the variety and beauty of its architecture can impress and win over even the most seasoned travellers.

The construction of the Eixample began in the 19th century when the Catalan capital started to expand rapidly. The project for the new part of the city was created by the local progressive urban planner Ildefons Cerda, with the famous architect Antoni Gaudi taking an active part in its development. As a result, the Eixample has become a giant open-air museum that displays Modernisme (Art Nouveau) pieces as well as other architectural styles and movements.

The highlight of the district is Block of Discord. Its name refers to the Greek myth about the Golden Apple of Discord with an inscription that said: “For the fairest one”. That apple was claimed by three goddesses: Hera, Athena and Aphrodite. The point is that this block is home to three masterpieces of Catalan Art Nouveau that belong to different architects and to this day people can’t decide which one is the stand-out. Casa Lleo Morera, designed by Lluis Domenech i Montaner in 1905, stands out thanks to sophisticated carvings on its facade and a brightly tiled lobby with prevalent flower motifs. Casa Amatller, created by architect J. Puig i Cadafalch in 1990, mesmerises with its busts and bas-reliefs that depict dragons, knights and other folklore characters. Casa Batllo, also known as the House of Bones, which was renovated in 1904-1906 by Antoni Gaudi, inspires with its fantastical appearance and the game of light.

Another Gaudi 's creation that became one of the last in the architect’s career is also located in the Eixample. It is Casa Milà, built in 1906-1910 and reminiscent of a rock.