Local artists 

Ramon Casas i Carbó (1866–1932) was a Catalan painter and illustrator central to the modernisme movement in late 19th and early 20th-century Barcelona. Known for his elegant portraits and scenes of bourgeois life, he blended naturalism with modernist style. A member of the Joventut Artística group, Casas helped modernize Catalan art through his innovative use of color and composition. His influence extended to illustration and poster design, and his works remain celebrated in Catalonia today.

Para descubrir el mundo de Casas (discover Casas' world): 

• Els Quatre Gats - visit this famous modernist café where artists like Gaudí, Rosiñol and Casas himself used to hold literary debates 

• Watch the documentary - ‘Ramon Casas, la modernitat anhelada’

• Visit Museo de Monserrat - where more than 20 portraits painted by Casas are in display

Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra (1547–1616) was a celebrated Spanish writer and the author of Don Quixote, widely considered the first modern European novel and one of the greatest works in world literature. Born in Alcalá de Henares, he endured a life of hardship, including military service and years in captivity, experiences that shaped his writing. Don Quixote satirizes chivalric ideals and explores themes like reality versus illusion and the clash between tradition and change. Though underappreciated in his lifetime, Cervantes' influence on modern literature has been profound and enduring.

Para descubrir el mundo Cervantes (discover Cervantes' world): 

• Read Don Quixote de la Mancha - there are many great translations of the novel to English

• Watch the movie The Man Who Killed Don Quixote - with Adam Driver as the leading actor

• If you visit Madrid, check out the Museo Casa Natal de Cervantes

Salvador Dalí (1904–1989) was a groundbreaking Catalan surrealist, known for his eccentric personality and dreamlike, symbolic imagery. A key figure in 20th-century art, Dalí explored the unconscious mind through surrealism, often blending fantasy and reality in iconic works like The Persistence of Memory. Influenced by Freudian theory, various art movements, and personal trauma, Dalí’s style was both deeply psychological and visually striking. Beyond painting, he worked in film, sculpture, and fashion. His flamboyant persona and visionary art left a lasting legacy, celebrated today through museums and collections worldwide.

Para descubrir el mundo de Dalí (discover Dalí's world):

• Visit the Teatro-Museo Dalí in Figueres - 

• Visit the Casa-Muso of Dalí in Cadaqués - containing most of the original furniture of the house, you'll get a glimpse into the day-to-day life of Dali and his wife Gala

Rosalía de Castro (1837–1885) was a key Spanish poet and writer, renowned for revitalizing Galician language and literature and contributing to Spanish Romanticism. Writing in both Galician and Spanish, her most famous poetry collections are Cantares gallegos (1863) and Follas novas (1880), known for their emotional depth and focus on love, sorrow, and nationalism. Her prose work includes the novel La hija del mar (1859). Despite personal hardships, her legacy endures as a foundational voice in Spanish and Galician literary history.

Para descubrir el mundo de Rosalia de Castro (discover Rosalia's world): 

• Read En las orillas del Sar (1884): Her final poetic work, reflecting personal and social struggles. Available in various editions and translations in English versions like On the Edge of the River Sar: A Feminist Translation 

• Watch "Rosalía de Castro: Feminista en la Sombra": A documentary highlighting her role as a feminist icon

Antoni Gaudí i Cornet (1852–1926) was a visionary Catalan architect famed for his imaginative, nature-inspired modernist designs. Influenced by Catalonia’s landscape, culture, and religious heritage, Gaudí blended Gothic, Art Nouveau, and Oriental styles to create a distinct architectural language. His most iconic work is the still-unfinished Sagrada Família basilica in Barcelona. Other notable creations include Park Güell, Casa Batlló, and Casa Milà (La Pedrera)—all celebrated for their organic forms, vibrant colors, and deep symbolism. Gaudí’s work remains a defining symbol of Catalan identity and architectural innovation.

Para descubrir el mundo de Gaudí (discover Gaudí's world):

• Visit Gaudí's iconic buildings such as La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Batlló and La Pedrera (Casa Milà). We recommend to get tickets in advance since they sell out quickly

• Check out the Museu del Disseny de Barcelona (Museum of Design) and the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC) - both containing furniture and drawings by Gaudí

• Watch Gaudiana a 6 part documentary about Gaudí´s work and legacy

Carmen Laforet (1921–2004) was a Spanish writer best known for her acclaimed debut novel Nada (1945), a landmark in post-Civil War Spanish literature, portraying a young woman’s search for meaning in a fractured, oppressive society. Born in Barcelona, she was a key voice among the post-war generation, exploring themes of identity, isolation, and emotional struggle. Though her later works received less attention, Laforet’s introspective style and psychological depth secured her lasting influence in Spanish literary history.

Para descubrir el mundo de Carmen Laforet (discover Laforet's world): 

• Read Nada - debut novel and opera prima by Laforet and availabble in many English translations

• Watch: Carmen Laforet: el Miedo y la Gloria: la chica rara - documentary available at the RTVE app for free

• Join the Nada literary route organized by Orbita BCN which covers all the iconic locations of Laforet's novel

Mercè Rodoreda was one of the most important Catalan writers of the 20th century. She was born in Barcelona and is widely recognized for her exceptional contributions to Catalan literature, particularly in the post-Civil War era. Her works are highly praised for their emotional depth, exploration of personal and collective identity, and their depiction of the lives of ordinary people, especially women, in times of hardship. 

Para descubrir el mundo Rodoreda (discover Rodoreda's world):

Read: 

• • "La plaça del Diamant" ("The Time of the Doves"): her most famous novel, it is a poignant portrayal of personal suffering amid political chaos.

  • "Mirall trencat" ("Broken Mirror"): Another key work, which presents the story of a family and the complexities of their relationships over several generations.

Watch:

• • Película Plaça del Diamant https://www.rtve.es/play/videos/la-placa-del-diamant/

  • Mirall trencat https://www.3cat.cat/3cat/mirall-trencat/ 

Visita: 

• Visit la Plaça del Diamant in Gracia Neighbourhood which inspired Mercçe Rodoreda to write her opera prima. 

Diego Velázquez (1599–1660) was a masterful Spanish Baroque painter and court artist to King Philip IV, widely regarded as one of the greatest painters in Western art. Born in Seville, he developed a distinctive style known for its realism, psychological depth, and innovative use of light and texture. His most iconic work, Las Meninas, exemplifies his genius in blending reality and illusion. Velázquez excelled in portraiture, capturing both nobility and commoners with remarkable insight. His influence has endured for centuries, inspiring artists like Manet, Picasso, and Bacon.

Para descubrir el mundo Velázquez (discover Velázquez's world):

• Visit - Museo del Prado en Madrid

• Visit - Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza en Madrid