Barcelona and Gaudí are closely intertwined, so much so that when we think of the former we associate in our minds the latter, and vice versa. Here we will do a quick roundup and virtual tour so that this blog post will also serve as a mini-guide for your own interesting visits.
To start with, Antoni Gaudí was a renowned Spanish architect, known for his unique and innovative style that has influenced the world of architecture in numerous ways. Born in 1852, Gaudí is most famous for his work in Barcelona, where he created a series of breathtaking buildings that showcase his incredible creativity and talent.
Park Güell
Park Güell is one of Gaudí’s most famous works and is located in the Gràcia district of Barcelona. The park was designed in 1900 and opened to the public in 1926. Park Güell is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its vibrant colors, intricate mosaics, and fascinating sculptures. A fun fact about Park Güell is that it was originally intended to be a private residential development with 60 houses, but only two were ever built, and the project was ultimately abandoned. Additionally, the park’s iconic dragon statue, which is covered in colorful mosaics, is said to have been inspired by a popular Catalan mythological creature called the “drac” that is believed to bring good luck.
Casa Batlló
Casa Batlló is another one of Gaudí’s most famous works in Barcelona. The building was constructed in 1904 and is located in the center of Barcelona. The building is known for its stunning façade, which is covered in colorful tiles and glass. The façade is designed to look like a dragon, with the roof representing the dragon’s scales and the balconies resembling the dragon’s eyes. Apparently, the building’s unique design is thought to have been inspired by the legend of Saint George, the patron saint of Catalonia, who defeated a dragon, indeed the tower represents his lance. Casa Batlló is also often referred to as the “House of Bones” due to its skeletal-like appearance. The balconies resemble skulls, and the pillars look like bones.
La Pedrera
La Pedrera, also known as Casa Milà, was constructed between 1906 and 1910 and is located on Passeig de Gracia, one of the city’s main shopping streets. La Pedrera is known for its unusual, undulating façade and its spectacular rooftop terrace, which offers incredible views of the city. The building is now a cultural center and is open to the public for tours. When it was first built, some people thought it was an eyesore and criticized Gaudí for his unconventional design. Others, however, appreciated its unique beauty and thought it was a masterpiece. In fact, the building was so controversial that the city of Barcelona almost didn’t grant Gaudí a permit to build it. Ironically enough, today La Pedrera is considered one of Gaudí’s most important works and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sagrada Família
No tour of Gaudí’s Barcelona would be complete without a visit to the Sagrada Família. This incredible basilica has been under construction for over 135 years and is still not yet complete. Gaudí worked on the project for over 40 years, but when he died in 1926, it was only one-quarter complete. Despite the fact that construction has been ongoing for well over a century, the basilica is not expected to be completed until at least 2026, which will mark the 100th anniversary of Gaudí’s death. In the meantime, the construction process has been funded entirely by private donations and entrance fees from visitors. This spectacular building is known for its towering spires and incredible façade, depicting scenes from the Bible. The basilica is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Barcelona.
Casa Vicens
Casa Vicens is a lesser-known work of Gaudí’s in Barcelona but is definitely worth a visit. The building was constructed between 1883 and 1885 and is located in the Gràcia district of Barcelona. The building is known for its ornate façade, which is covered in colorful tiles and intricate details. The building was originally a private residence but has recently been restored and is now open to the public for tours.
In conclusion, Antoni Gaudí is one of the most famous architects in history, and his works in Barcelona are a testament to his incredible talent and creativity. From the colorful mosaics of Park Güell to the towering spires of the Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s works in Barcelona are a must-see for anyone interested in architecture and design.
