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Barcelona’s magnificent Gothic cathedral boasts an eye-catching façade and a peaceful cloister. (Barcelona Cathedral).

Inside the Palau de la Generalitat (Capella de Sant Jordi) is this fine 15th-century chapel, dedicated to Catalonia’s patron saint.

Inside the tranquil Monestir de Pedralbes (Capella de Sant Miquel & Església al Monestir de Pedralbes) is a splendid Gothic cloister and the Capella de Sant Miquel, decorated with impressive murals by Catalan artist Ferrer Bassa in 1346. The adjoining graceful Gothic church contains the alabaster tomb of Queen Elisenda, the monastery’s founder.

Within the grand walls of the Palau Reial (Charming Churches & Chapels) is the lovely medieval Capella de Santa Àgata, with its striking stained-glass windows and a superb 15th-century altarpiece.

The top of Casa Amatller’s ochre-white façade bursts into a brilliant display of blue, cream and pink ceramics with burgundy florets. Architect Puig i Cadafalch’s exaggerated decorative use of ceramics is typical of Modernisme . This Mansana de la Discòrdia (Eixample) is a private house, but it is possible to access the ground floor, which houses the Amatller Foundation and a shop.

Illustrating Gaudí’s nationalist sentiments, Casa Batlló, on La Mansana de la Discòrdia (Modernista Buildings), represents an allegory of the legend of Sant Jordi see Charming Churches & Chapels. The roof is the dragon’s back and the balconies, sculpted in the form of carnival masks, are the skulls of the dragon’s victims. The polychrome façade reveals Gaudí’s remarkable use of colour and texture.

Taking Modernisme’s Gothic and medieval obsessions to extremes that others seldom dared, Puig i Cadafalch created this imposing, castle-like structure between 1903 and 1905. Nicknamed the “House of Spines” because of its sharp, needle-like spires rising up from conical turrets, its true name is Casa Terrades. The flamboyant spires contrast with a façade that is, by Modernista standards, sparsely decorated.

Ironwork, ceramics, sculpture and stained glass come together here in a synthesis of the decorative and fine arts. The interior of this house, by Domènech i Montaner, has some superb sculptures by Eusebi Arnau and some of the finest Modernista furniture in existence.

Dating from around 1040, this cathedral is one of the most elegant in Catalonia.