Last updated on November 12, 2018
The Torre Glòries skyscraper is one of Barcelona’s tallest and most iconic buildings – every bit as recognisable as the peaks of Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia.
When I first moved to Barcelona, I lived quite close to this iconic landmark and I remember using it as a homing beacon.
I’d get carried away with mid-week vermouths and gintonics, miss the last metro and end up walking home.
But I always knew I was going in roughly the right direction so long as I could see its luminous indigo glow.
EXPERIENCE
From afar it looks like a sort of psychedelic disco gherkin, especially at night when it’s lit.
Its facade is covered in 4,500 multicoloured LED lights, which can be controlled to move and create different patterns – during the festive season it glows green and crimson like a Christmas tree wrapped in silk ribbons.
It’s always worth a visit and is spectacular from all distances. I’m pretty sure you can enter the lobby area inside, though I’ve never done so myself.
UNDERSTAND
This phallic icon stands as an exclamation, marking Barcelona’s progressive nature and crystallising its position as one of the most exciting design cities in Europe.
It was designed by French architect Jean Nouvel as the gateway to the new technological district of Barcelona and built in 2003.
Apparently, its phallic form was inspired by the peaks of nearby Montserrat mountain. Others say it mimics a waterspout erupting from the ground, which makes sense seeing as it was originally built for the Agbar water company.
After Agbar vacated the building there were talks of it being converted into a hotel, but as far as I am aware it is still vacant.
Up close, it’s a stunning feat of glass and colour, a sort of contemporary ‘yin’ to the more classical ‘yang’ of Barcelona’s more famous modernista architecture.
Make it Happen
Address: Avinguda Diagonal, 211, 08018 Barcelona
Nearest Metro: Glòries (Red line)
Tip: It’s not awfully far away from Gaudi’s famous Sagrada Familia (another must-see), so it’s worth visiting both while you’re in this neck of the woods.
It’s a peculiar building, but I’ve always loved it. What do you think? Please let me know in the comments below. Hasta pronto!
More Essential Architectural Marvels in Barcelona
Discover Casa Vicens (Barcelona) ~ Gaudí’s First Ever House Design
La Sagrada Familia ~ Skip the Line, Do it Right
Casa Batlló – Guide Coming Soon
Rooftop Jazz Nights at Casa Milá (aka La Pedrera)
FLC’s Barcelona Architecture Tour: Exploring Barcelona’s Lesser-known Architectural Marvels
Exploring Barcelona’s La Modelo Prison ~ Political Oppression & 1,000 Executions