Art historians have confirmed that a mysterious mountain chalet in Berguedà is the work of Antoni Gaudí, adding a new jewel to his crown just as the world marks his centenary.

The Xalet del Catllaràs, a modernist structure hidden in the Pyrenees north of Barcelona, has long puzzled experts. Originally built in 1905 to house engineers for a coal mine owned by Gaudí’s patron Eusebi Güell, its authorship was never definitively proven—until now. rigorous analysis by the Catalan heritage department has authenticated the building, revealing it as a crucial "missing link" in the architect’s evolution.

A Blueprint for Genius

The chalet bears the unmistakable fingerprints of the master. Its parabolic arches and organic integration with the landscape foreshadow the techniques Gaudí would later perfect in the Sagrada Família. "It is like finding a sketch for a masterpiece," said Sònia Hernández Almodóvar, the Catalan culture minister. "The Xalet shows Gaudí experimenting with the naturalistic forms that would define his legacy."

The confirmation comes after years of forensic architectural study led by Galdric Santana Roma. While Gaudí designed the structure, the study notes that he did not supervise its construction, leading to some deviations from his original vision. Nevertheless, the DNA of the building is pure Gaudí—whimsical, functional, and deeply spiritual.

• The Centenary: The discovery is the highlight of the "Gaudí Year 2026," which commemorates 100 years since the architect’s death. Barcelona is currently the UNESCO World Capital of Architecture, making the timing impeccable.
• The Structure: Initially used as a residence, the chalet had fallen into disrepair before being partially restored. It features a dual-slope roof and a staircase that mimics the spine of a dragon, a recurring motif in Gaudí’s work.
• The Tourism Impact: The confirmation is expected to turn the remote site into a pilgrimage destination for architecture enthusiasts, boosting the local economy of Berguedà.

Completing the Puzzle

2026 was already set to be a momentous year for Gaudí scholars, with the completion of the Jesus Christ tower at the Sagrada Família finally fulfilling his century-old dream. The addition of the Xalet del Catllaràs to his canon provides a fuller picture of his relationship with Güell, the industrialist who funded his wildest flights of fancy.

As Barcelona lights up with centenary celebrations, the Xalet stands as a quiet reminder of Gaudí’s versatility. He was not just the architect of cathedrals and palaces, but a designer who could bring beauty to the humblest of functions. From a coal mine in the mountains to the skyline of the city, his vision remains the soul of Catalonia.