At this point in the 21st century, one might think that Antoni Gaudí’s body of work is more than complete. Amid the hordes of tourists flanking the Sagrada Família and the endless lines on Passeig de Gràcia, it seemed impossible that Barcelona’s most iconic architect could still have an ace up his sleeve—especially one situated at an altitude of over 1,300 meters and surrounded by pine forests.
However, art history has those plot twists we love so much. In a remote corner of the Sierra del Catllaràs, in the municipality of La Pobla de Lillet, stands a structure with sinuous forms and impossible staircases that for decades was an “open secret” without official recognition. Now, the pieces have finally fallen into place.
Eusebi Güell’s Mining Commission
To understand why Gaudí was designing a refuge in the middle of nowhere, one must look, as is almost always the case, to the figure of his great patron, Eusebi Güell. In the early 20th century, the Berguedà region was a hive of industrial activity thanks to the coal mines that supplied the Asland cement factory. Güell needed a place to house the engineers working in the area and, true to form, he didn’t call on just any builder, but rather his trusted architect.
Originally built in 1905, the building features the organic geometry so characteristic of the master, with a floor plan shaped like a pointed arch that allowed snow to slide off easily, preventing it from accumulating on the roof. Despite its industrial functionality, the villa’s aesthetic exudes the same spirit as Casa Milà, albeit in a much more austere version adapted to the harsh Pyrenean climate.
The confirmation of a forgotten legacy
The path to official attribution has not been easy. For over a century, the Xalet del Catllaràs suffered from neglect, ill-advised renovations that distorted its original silhouette, and even institutional oblivion. It was not until recent research and restoration work led by the Barcelona Provincial Council that the plans and construction techniques could be compared with other contemporary projects by the architect.
The confirmation comes at a symbolic moment, looking toward the horizon of 2026, reaffirming that Gaudí’s legacy extends far beyond the borders of Barcelona. The building, which has restored its iconic exterior staircase and original cladding, establishes itself as a must-see for those who wish to discover the more earthy side of Gaudí—the one who did not design for urban display, but to blend with the very nature of the mountain.
