The works of Antoni Gaudí i Cornet (1856-1926) are known around the world for their highly personal style. A large number of them can be found in Barcelona. Gaudí was born near the city of Tarragona, (whether in the town of Reus or Riudoms is unclear), into the bosom of a modest family. His childhood was marked by bad health. He moved to Barcelona at the age of 17 and became a professional architect at 26. Always prolific, Gaudí created a style of architecture based on geometrical forms that are simultaneously new and ancient: being those of nature itself.
RECOMMENDATIONS:The best way to get around the area covered by this route is by metro. You'll have to walk a little to get to Parc Güell, and tackle some steepish slopes, but a visit here more than makes up for the effort.
The original architect of the Sagrada Familia was Francisco de Paula Villar, who was relieved when the crypt was half-built. Gaudí’s more ambitious project includes 18 towers (of which only 8 are currently built), dedicated to the 12 apostles, the 4 evangelists, the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ. The building should also have three façades: one depicting the holy birth (Gaudí’s original work), a second depicting the Passion (carried out after his death by sculptor Josep Maria Subirachs) and a third dedicated to the Resurrection, which remains unbuilt. The building’s completion date is set for some 30 years time. Currently, visitors can climb two of the towers. There is also a museum portraying the architectural project, located in the building. C/ Mallorca 401.
This work dates from Gaudí’s youth - the only one he completed and that has not experienced essential modifications. It was built in 1888 by commission from the rich and industrial Guell family. Since 1945, it belongs to the Diputació de Barcelona local government and was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1984. Located in the Raval neighbourhood, it reveals the first signs of Gaudí’s interest in Art Noveau. Its sombre façade is made of limestone from the Garraf region and is crowned by four chimneys. The building has been undergoing repair work for some years and is partially open to the public, who can visit the basement - with its old stables - and the ground floor. from Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 2.30pm. C/ Nou de la Rambla 3-5.
Commonly known as the “House of the Dragon”, this is one of Gaudí’s most fantastic, colourful and eccentric works, as well as being one of the most admired. Our attention is drawn to the balconies on this sinuous block of apartments, made to represent masks and jaws, among other things, and to the roof, which depicts the legend of Saint George and the dragon. The magnificent interior, a frequent scenario for high level public events, can be visited every day from 9am to 8pm for 16.50 Euros. Highlights include the staircase, the stained-glass windows and the furniture. Passeig de Gràcia, 43.
This building has been declared a world heritage site by UNESCO. It was built on commission of the Milà family, completed in 1910 and became the butt of numerous jokes at that time. The building reminded its critics of an abandoned stone quarry (a “pedrera”) and that is the name it acquired. Although the family that owned it never felt entirely comfortable in the apartment set aside for them (on the first floor), the building is actually a triumph of functional design: each floor is different, in order to ensure that they all dispose of light and ventilation. The building features numerous novel architectural solutions – with its unique façade, parabolic arches beneath its rooftop, and its forest of chimneys up on the roof... One of the spaces open to visitors, for people do actually live in the apartments, is the “Espai Gaudí”, allowing a closer vision of the mysteries of Gaudí and his many works. Interesting temporary exhibitions by a wide variety of artists are also held here. Passeig de Gràcia 92.
This is Gaudí’s first work upon obtaining the title of architect. It was commissioned by the stockbroker Manuel Vicens. The building is a private property and is not open to visitors. Despite this, viewing the house from outside allows you to appreciate its Arabian influences, its abundant ceramic decoration and the youthfulness of its creator: at that time Gaudí was still working with straight lines and the inspiration he drew from natural geometries is not yet evident. C/ Carolines, 24.
The history of this park is actually that of a great failure. Gaudí’s main patron, Eusebi Güell, conceived of the construction of an exclusive garden-city housing project, far from the noise of the city. Only two lots were sold and, over time, the site became a public park. The spectacle begins right at the entrance gate: two pavilions, for the use of the gatekeeper, which are said to be inspired by the tale of Hansel and Gretel. One of them contains the Parc Güell visitors’ centre. Once past these two buildings, we can find the famous dragon fountain and beyond it, the monumental Hypostyle Hall. Above it is a large square ideal for sitting in the sun on the magnificent benches decorated in the “trencadis” shattered ceramic style and with broken bottles and plates.
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