A Modernista gate

Also known as the Portal Miralles, the big entrance gate to the Finca Miralles is one of the least-known of Gaudí’s works in the city. It stands on Passeig de Manuel Girona, in Sarrià, and can be visited in peace, without the crowds usually attracted by the legacy of this brilliant architect. Inspired by the stylized forms found in nature, the gate was commissioned in 1901 by the industrialist Hermenegild Miralles to provide access to his estate, which no longer exists. Today it leads into a quiet street as one more feature of the neighbourhood, adding a touch of elegance and inspiration to the everyday life of its inhabitants.

Genuine Gaudí

The gate is an opening in the wall that surrounded the estate, only a part of which, made from stone and finished in white trencadís, remains, with a metal grille that looks like a reptile’s skin. With a large trefoil arch and overhanging canopy, the gate is crowned by a characteristic three dimensional cross made from wrought iron. At the side there is a smaller gate that still has the original grille.

The gate was restored in 2000 and a statue of Gaudí was unveiled there. It was made by the sculptor Joaquim Camps as a tribute to this brilliant architect.