Gaudí’s Barcelona
No architect has made such a strong impression on a city than has Antoni Gaudí on the city of Barcelona. This Spanish Catalan architect who lived from 1852 to 1926 has left his mark all over the city with some of the most memorable, most imaginative, most haunting pieces of work you’ll find anywhere. Though his buildings fall under the category of Catalan Modernism, their uniqueness is one major reason that so many people visit Barcelona, and you could spend days in the city just sampling his work. Here are some Gaudí works you won’t want to miss.
Palau Güell (1885-1889)
Decades before Gaudí’s relationship with his benefactor, Count Eusebi Güell produced the famous Parc Güell, this Catalan industrialist was commissioning Gaudí’s work. In fact, the two men met at the beginning of Gaudí’s career, and there are many Güell-financed Gaudí buildings to show for it. The Palau Güell, Güell’s family residence is the earliest example. Gaudí designed everything from the windows to the bathroom taps and though fairly sombre from the outside, the inside is vibrant and stunning. Look for Gaudí’s signature mosaics on the roof and the chimneys and consider them a prevue of coming attractions. Set close to La Rambla, there are many excellent accommodation choices nearby, but if you want to spread out and enjoy your own apartment practically next to the Palau Güell, you can check out the Las Ramblas Bacardi Apartments.
Parc Güell (1900-1914)
Arguably Gaudí’s greatest Güell-financed project, Parc Güell was originally planned as a housing development for the well-to-do. Inspired by English-style garden cities like Bourneville, the idea was to lay out the park while Güell sold plots of land inside for his fellow wealthy industrialists. The residential part of the plan didn’t do so well, but as you’ll see, the park, which was opened to the public in 1923, is an unparalleled work of art. Blending nature and his unique design, Gaudí has created a scene right out of a fairy tale. From the sweeping staircase flowing upwards around a water cascade and defended by a mosaic-covered dragon, to the breathtaking Hall of Columns, to the terraced walls and viaducts held in place with sculpted palm and pine trees, you will not soon forget a visit to Parc Güell. If you’re looking for nearby accommodation, the three-star Hotel Ronda Lesseps is a half-mile from the park.
Casa Batlló (1904-1906)
Casa Batlló is unique in that it was not originally built by Gaudí. Gaudí redesigned an 1877 house and made it his own masterpiece. No matter what angles of the house you’ve seen in photos, your jaw is guaranteed to drop the first time you see it in person. With the near total lack of straight lines, the house seems almost organic. In fact, the locals refer to it as the Casa del Ossos, which translates to the House of Bones, and after seeing its slightly-macabre appearance, you’ll understand why. If you’re lucky enough to see the house on a sunny day, you’ll be struck by the roof, whose shiny tiles shimmer in the sun like dragon scales. Though the Casa Batlló charges a fee to get inside (well worth it) there are two other Modernist buildings on the block, the Casa Lleó Morera, by Lluís Domènech i Montaner and the Casa Amatller by Josep Puig i Cadafalch, both of which are worth seeing, and both of which are open to the public, free of charge. If you want to experience five-star luxury in a classic Barcelona hotel, then the Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona is just a block away.
Casa Milà (1905-1910)
Almost opposite Casa Batlló on the Passeig de Grácia is Casa Milà, which is also known as La Pedrera, which means, the Quarry. Looking at Casas Batlló and Milà together shows what a wide range Gaudí had, as the two buildings look like they come from different planets. Where the pulsing, dragon-like Batlló looks like a living thing, Casa Milà looks like it was lovingly carved out of a giant stone. The structure is amazingly supported entirely by pillars rather than walls, and the various heights of each floor and ceiling means that each apartment has a totally unique layout. Be sure to head up to the roof to see the surrealist chimneys up close and personal. The strange warrior characters and swirling figures have become emblems of Barcelona. And if you feel like you just haven’t gotten enough, then a stay in the neighboring Suites Avenue Hotel will allow you to spend the entire night gazing at the building from your guest room window.
Sagrada Familia (1883-present)
Speaking of emblems of Barcelona, if you’re reading this article you know about the Sagrada Familia Cathedral. Known formally as the Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s masterpiece has been under construction for 128 years now. This follows the tradition of many Medieval Cathedrals, which often took centuries to build. Starting in 1914, Gaudí dedicated his life to the project, sleeping in his workshop and taking on the appearance of a madman. In fact, when he was hit by a train in 1926, he wasn’t even recognized, and it took several days until he was found in a pauper’s hospital. After his death, other architects continued the project, following his plans. Incredibly, the unfinished church was almost torn down due to the anti-clerical sentiment during the Spanish Civil War. Presently plans are to finish it by 2026, which will be the 100th anniversary of Gaudí’s death. The three-star MH Apartments Sagrada Familia is about as close as you’ll get to sleeping in the Cathedral like Gaudí did.
