Barcelona's year of Gaudi: Exploring the architect's work.(Knight Ridder Newspapers)

If you expect to find a Gaudi-designed building on every corner, you'll be disappointed. While the Eixample area is home to many Modernist buildings, there are many more in other styles. And Gaudi wasn't the most prolific of the period's architects.

Still, there's plenty to see, along with this year's special Year of Gaudi exhibitions. Some private homes, normally closed, may be open; check www.gaudi2002.bcn.es for updates or call (011-34-93) 301-7775.

Here's a rundown of some of the options:

BUILDINGS

Sagrada Familia (1883-): In Gaudi's day, the cathedral's site was a field of goats; now it's right in the city, with a metro stop nearby. Walking through the construction site itself doesn't take long, but you'll want plenty of time to take the elevator to the towers for the bird's-eye view and to wander the basement in the museum. Check out the cathedral's west side, which tells the crucifixion story with sculptures by Josep M. Subirachs, controversial for their modern style. Also note the wavy-roofed building next door; it is a parish school, also designed by Gaudi and much admired by the French architect Le Corbusier.

Casa Vicens (1878-1885): You can only stand outside this house on Carrer de les Carolines, but oh, what a view! Gaudi created this house early in his career, when he was heavily into the use of color. The neo-Gothic facade is adorned with tiles and painted bright red.

Palau Guell (1886-1888): The palace that Gaudi built for his patron just off the Ramblas (on Carrer Nou de la Rambla) is a study in innovation, with an interior "courtyard" and spaces that allow plenty of light. Guided tours are offered throughout opening hours in Spanish and French; you aren't allowed to visit on your own.