Palace of Gaudi (Palacio de Gaudí)
Formally known as Astorga Episcopal Palace of Astorga, the Palace of Gaudi (Palacio de Gaudí) is a modernist Gothic fusion of a cathedral and castle. While other architects helped finish the project over the decades, it’s one of the iconic Catalan architect’s few buildings outside of Barcelona. It boasts turrets, spires, and gargoyles.
The Basics
Explore the palace for a look at its striking architecture, which includes a chapel, as well as to stop at Museo de los Caminos, or Museum of the Roads. The name refers to the pilgrimages, including the Camino de Santiago, which pass through Astorga in Leon. Learn both Astorga history and the story of the building on a guided or self-guided tour. Prebook your tickets to avoid lines.
Things to Know Before You Go
The Palace of Gaudi is a must for anyone with an interest in art, architecture, or photography.
Arrive at the palace about 10 minutes before your prebooked time slot to minimize waiting time.
Children under 10, those over 65, and visitors with disabilities enjoy free entry and can prebook.
For a small extra fee, you can rent a tablet with a guiding app or book a guided tour.
The palace offers an adapted tour for travelers with mobility issues. There is no elevator, so travelers who rely on wheelchairs can only access the ground floor.
How to Get There
The Palace of Gaudi lies in the heart of the small town of Astorga, about a 0.5-mile (800-meter) walk from the bus and train stations. There are regular trains and buses from León, a 33-mile (53-kilometer) drive to the east. Expect the journey to take less than an hour, whichever method you choose.
When to Get There
The Gaudi Palace follows Spanish hours, opening in midmorning, closing for an early afternoon siesta, and then reopening into midevening. During the winter season (November through April), it opens a little later and closes much earlier. The palace shuts on Christmas, New Year’s Day, and Epiphany (Jan. 6), and is at its busiest in July and August.
Who Was Antoni Gaudí?
Catalonia’s—and Spain’s—most famous architect, Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926) is best known for his Barcelona masterpieces. These include the unfinished La Sagrada Familia cathedral, the vibrant and colorful Park Güell, and the curved apartment block of La Pedrera, also known as Casa Milà. No fewer than seven of Gaudí’s works hold UNESCO World Heritage status.
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