Antoni Gaudí is one of the world’s most celebrated architects and creator of many of Barcelona’s finest buildings, including, most famously, the unfinished Sagrada Familia. His buildings survive as a testament to the development of Modernism in architecture in late 19th and early 20th century Europe.
No less than seven of his buildings are listed as world heritage sites by UNESCO. His distinctive architectural style incorporates organic shapes, intricate ornamentation and fabulously colourful decoration.
If you are interested in exploring Gaudí work, city breaks with the Co-operative travel offer a fantastic way to experience his artful creations first hand, and there are many Gaudi tours to choose from. His work has greatly influenced the architectural style in Barcelona and his buildings can be found all over the city. Here are some of the highlights of his illustrious career for you to consider visiting.
La Sagrada Familia
This immense neo-Gothic basilica is not just Gaudí’s most famous work, but also the most popular tourist attraction in Barcelona. La Sagrada Familia was his final architectural endeavour, which he oversaw until his death in 1926. The building itself is still under construction – only eight of the intended 12 spires are built as yet – and is expected to be completed by the centenary of his death.
Casa Vicens
One of Gaudí’s first important buildings, built between 1883 and 1888, Casa Vicens is an imaginative residential project. Commissioned by a wealthy family who owned a ceramics factory, its intricate trencadis (mosaic) facade, aptly reflects its original inhabitants.
Parc Güell
This is a garden complex which houses a number of dynamically designed buildings, including Gaudí’s own house. The colonnade hall and terrace feature dramatic serpentine features, and the gardens themselves are a beautiful place to walk quietly and enjoy Gaudí’s masterful architecture.
Palacio Güell
The Güell family, one of the architect’s biggest clients, commissioned this palatial residence in 1885. It features beautifully colorful spires along with an unusual parabolic dome with perforations, which give the interior the feeling of a planetarium.
Casa Batlló
Visit the Casa Batlló for some classic examples of Catalan Art Nouveau, with wonderful stone, ceramic and forged iron constructions. This building famously broke many architectural bylaws before winning an award from the Barcelona City Council as one of the best three buildings constructed in 1877.
Casa Mila
Otherwise known as La Pedrera (or the quarry), the controversial Casa Mila has a front of undulated stone and forged iron balconies. Exhibitions and activities are provided on the building’s innovative roof and striking interior.
These are but a few of the many wonderful creations of Antoni Gaudí, one of the world’s most original and innovative architects. From ornate and colorful facades to pioneering structural techniques, his work is certainly worth exploring.
Photo Credits
Antoni Gaudi – Wikipedia Public Domain
La Sagrada Familia – By Bernard Gagnon Wikipedia Creative Commons
Panoramic View Of Parc Güell by Mstyslav Chernov – Wikipedia Creative Commons
Casa Mila Atrium by Mstyslav Chernov – Wikipedia Creative Commons
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Will Hemner
Will Hemner is a passionate travel, tech and lifestyle writer living in London. With extensive journalistic experience writing for magazines and newspapers, there’s not much Will isn’t comfortable writing about. When not frantically writing, Will can be found playing football or enjoying a pint down at the pub with friends.
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