Illa de la Discòrdia — Attraction in Barcelona

Located along Passeig de Gràcia, the Illa de la Discòrdia (Block of Discord) is one of the most fascinating architectural showcases in Barcelona. This stretch of buildings is home to some of the most striking examples of Catalan Modernism, where three of the city’s most renowned architects—Antoni Gaudí, Lluís Domènech i Montaner, and Josep Puig i Cadafalch—each left their unique mark.

The most famous building here is Casa Batlló by Gaudí, with its surreal, nature-inspired facade and vibrant mosaics. Right next to it is Casa Amatller by Puig i Cadafalch, which blends Neo-Gothic and Flemish influences, giving it a more angular, structured appearance. Then there’s Casa Lleó Morera by Domènech i Montaner, adorned with intricate floral details, sculpted balconies, and elegant stained glass.

The contrast between these three architectural styles is what gives the block its name—“the Discord”—as each building seems to compete for attention in its own way. The result is a visually striking and historically significant part of Barcelona that highlights the city’s artistic creativity during the early...

The name of the block label dates from the turn of the twentieth century, when much of the local press greatly satirized the new architectural styles of Modernisme. The words "illa" and "mansana" both provide a play on words. "Illa de la discòrdia" is a Catalan expression that corresponds with the English expression "bone of contention," but also literally means "block of discord." Similarly, "mansana de la discòrdia" is a pun that means both "block of discord" and "apple of discord," referring to the golden Apple of Discord in the Judgment of Paris, a Greek myth in which three goddesses participate in a competition to determine which of them is the fairest. Calling the area the "Apple of Discord" thus refers to the presence of the major Modernista architects all competing for the most impressive architecture (and their styles clashing) on the very...

The Block of Discord on Passeig de Gràcia is an incredible mix of creations by Gaudí, Domènech i Montaner, and Puig i Cadafalch. Their buildings, as if competing, reflect different eras and styles, creating a stunning spectacle. It feels like you're witnessing the history of architecture in a...